Should I reverse the rumor about discontinuation! Kia K9 full change projection..Design Innovation Announcements
Feb 10, 2025
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Attention is focusing on whether the K9 full change can overcome its limitations as an existing flagship and succeed in the market.
K9 was a vehicle that did not lag behind Genesis G80, a comparable competitor, in many ways such as performance, interior design, and convenience specifications. However, the Kia brand and design of public cars were the problem. In the end, it is known that the company is taking steps to discontinue its production due to low sales.
The first generation K9 is a BMW-like front design that is engulfed in the controversy of 'copycat', leaving a strong impression on consumers. Although it built its own design through the second-generation full change, it was evaluated that the harmony between the grill and the headlamp was awkward. On top of that, the design emphasizing seriousness was not enough to target young consumers.
Since then, the facelift model has appeared in 2021, and the front design has been drastically modified. However, it was not in harmony with Kia's new design philosophy, 'Opogit United'. In particular, the tail lamp design was criticized for being "like a fish bone" and did not meet consumers' expectations.
Despite the improvement of the design, sales did not recover and eventually discontinued.However, recently released full-change projections show the possibility of solving these problems.
The new K9 with the latest Kia design language boasts a more intense and sophisticated appearance.New York Mammoth, a YouTube channel, revealed the forecast of Kia K9's full change.
Current K9
According to the forecast, the full-change K9 has transformed into a completely new look reflecting Kia's latest design trend. The front part is applied with a sleek 'Starmap Signature DRL' to give a strong impression. The large Tiger Face Grill emphasizes luxury by adding sophisticated details while maintaining Kia's identity.
The bottom of the bumper creates a sportier sense by utilizing the beauty of the formality. In particular, the DRL design, which features vertical and horizontal combinations, is expected to be competitive in the global market as it also has elements reminiscent of Cadillac.
The side part is applied with more elaborate details. The LED line, which runs through the wheelhouse to the C pillar, acts as a daytime running light and a side repeater, and acts as a factor to boost the overall sense of luxury.
It also emphasizes the sporty sensibility that the existing K9 did not have by forming a fastback-style loop line as the window belt line rose sharply. Voluminous shoulder lines and multi-spoke wheels also add a dynamic impression. If the existing K9 emphasized a heavy image, this full change projection shows a sophisticated design change aimed at a younger generation.
Kia K9 Full Change Projection (Source = New York Mammoth)
There is a high possibility that the existing 3.3L V6 turbo engine will be maintained at the K9 full change. However, the possibility of adding an electric model is also raised. When a model with a 3.0L gasoline turbo engine and hybrid system is released, it can be an option to satisfy both fuel economy and performance.
In addition, more sophisticated driving performance is expected to be applied along with the AWD system. With this, Kia is likely planning to redefine the K9 as a premium sedan with more dynamic driving performance as well as a comfortable ride.
Kia K9 Full Change Projection (Source = New York Mammoth)
If K9 is revived through full change, it will have to go head-to-head with Genesis G80 in the premium sedan market. In the meantime, K9 has suffered from losing brand recognition compared to G80, but if a competitive model comes out with new designs and electrification options, the market reaction may also change.
Of course, it is still unknown whether the full-change model will actually be released. However, consumers' expectations are increasing in that they can get a glimpse of the possibility of K9 through the disclosed forecast. Attention is focusing on whether Kia will be able to revive K9 and compete with Genesis G80 once again.
Editor Kim Tae-won tw.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
