Kia Officials Hint at New Premium RWD K9 Sedan Based on the Genesis

South Korea’s largest automaker, Hyundai Motor Co. is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for world domination. Having already pushed its Hyundai brand into new territories with the Genesis and Equus premium sedans as well as the sporty, rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe, the Koreans now appear to be focusing on the company’s second brand, Kia.

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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Kia Unveils Naimo EV Concept at Seoul Motor Show

Making its world premiere today at the at the Seoul Motor Show, is Kia’s Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV), a B-segment sized concept car that will serve as a test-bed for the company's EV technology. Penned by Kia's international design team in Seoul, the car takes its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, which is pronounced ‘Neh-mo’ and means ‘square shape.

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New Kia KV7 Crossover Concept Heading to Detroit Motor Show

Kia is giving us our first glimpse of its all-new KV7 concept model, which will have its world premiere at next month's 2011 Detroit Motor Show. Aside from the teaser rendering you see pictured above, the Korean firm didn't really reveal any details on the funky crossover model that features a set of Gullwing-style rear doors, but if you insist, we've added the press release after the jump.

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SEMA: Kia Tunes into Green with Forte Hybrid Concept

We've already told you about the other Kia show cars at SEMA -namely, the Koup Type R, Soul specials and Sportages, but the South Korean firm also brought to Las Vegas a concept version of its Forte Hybrid. According to Kia's own words, the SEMA Show study "demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride."

It is based on the South Korean market Forte LPI Hybrid, which utilizes a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine coupled to an electric motor with 15kW and 105Nm and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The SEMA Show tune comes courtesy of Kinetic Motorsports and it includes a subtle aero kit, new alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered suspension.

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Kia Takes New Soul White Tiger and Hamstar Concepts to SEMA Show

Kia is represented by a variety of customized models at this week's 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, including this pair of concept versions of the Soul crossover called the "White Tiger" and "Hamstar".

The first concept study, the Soul White Tiger, is actually a teaser to one of two all-new special edition models that the company is planning to launch before the end of the year. Following in the footsteps of the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the White Tiger model features some unique styling cues and added content.

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SEMA Show: Kia Forte Koup Type R Concept

Making its debut at this week's SEMA aftermarket show is Kia's Forte Koup Type R Concept model, which is said to be inspired by its racing siblings that take part in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The concept was developed by Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns the Forte Koup race cars. Performance upgrades are limited to a set of BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, race-inspired tires and suspension components, a short throw gaearshift and dampened composite fiber disc clutch.

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New Photos of Kia's Paris Show Mini Car Concept Pop Up

Kia has let loose new photos of its POP electric mini car concept a week ahead of its scheduled world premiere at the 2010 Mondial de l'automobile in Paris. The overly futuristic looking study for a small electric vehicle was penned by Kia's European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer, and Gregory Guillaume, the firm's Chief Designer in Europe.

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Kia to Show Pop Electric Mini Concept in Paris

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September, Kia is presenting a new all-electric mini car concept called the 'POP'. The Korean automaker says the zero-emissions concept model measures three meters in length, or 305mm longer than a Smart Fortwo and 15mm longer than Toyota's iQ, and comes with a three seat layout. From the pictures provided by Kia, it appears the Pop will be able to seat two passengers in the front and one at the back.

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