Now That Hyundai Has Succeeded, Is Kia Attempting To Siphon Off Even More Lexus Customers?

We first heard rumors about a range topping Kia sedan referred to by most as the K9 in late 2009, but now, the word is coming from two company officials.

"We have an interest in all new models under development. A rear-wheel-drive premium sedan could be seen as a logical step from the Optima to the next level of Kia development," Kia Motors Australia COO Tony Barlow told Drive, an Australian car site. "It is far too early at this stage to be any more precise about the car but we will definitely maintain a watching brief,” he added.



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Hoorayforpeepee - 5/5/2011 10:06:59 AM

+5 Boost

Hyundai has succeeded in taking BMW customers ? AROO ????

Hoorayforpeepee - 5/5/2011 10:08:01 AM

+4 Boost

Replace BMW with Lexus ...

Of course I mean this, the same way everyone did

LexSucks - 5/5/2011 10:22:48 AM

+1 Boost

People do not cross shop between KIA and Lexus. They cross shop between BMW/MB and Lexus. And the smart buyers pick the Lexus.

JUGNU - 5/5/2011 3:37:23 PM

+1 Boost

K9 like most other Kia models most likely will be a reskinned version of existing Hyundai model. Maybe reskinned version of Equus or Genesis. Kia version should focus more on performance and handling department.

Also i don't think both Hyundai and Kia are targeting Lexus buyers. That would be foolish. Hyundai being more luxurious is targeted towards Lexus and Kia towards BMW/Audi.

g2ok - 5/5/2011 6:19:53 PM

+5 Boost

Must be the new 5-Series replacement.

david999 - 5/6/2011 10:09:59 AM

0 Boost

More like replacing Audi/VW since the head of Kia design worked for the VW group for over 25 years.

knowitall1985 - 5/6/2011 10:54:08 AM

+3 Boost

Would never buy one.....

Epik - 5/6/2011 12:54:18 PM

+3 Boost

Hyundai and Kia trounce the luxury marques in value but the design of the cars still have a generation to go.