(February 13, 2012) Korean car maker Kia has revealed sketches of its upcoming large flagship sedan. The company said it will launch the rear-wheel-drive luxury car in the Korean market in the first half of this year and plans to sell it around the world. No release dates outside of Korea including the the U.S. have been announced.



Known for now as the KH, the new model is Kia’s first-ever sedan with rear drive and its front grille shape and other design features link it clearly with current mass-market models like the Optima and Rio. The KH reflects a desire at Kia to move into upscale markets as other car makers including Volkswagen and Toyota.

A starting price below the $58,750 sticker of the Hyundai Equus in the U.S. would also be likely.

“Although launch timings for overseas markets are yet to be confirmed, this all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our lineup around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia,” said Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s overseas marketing chief.

Kia said its designers paid special attention to the car’s side view, which shows a “simple side character line to give a feeling of spaciousness while emphasizing the new model’s bold and dynamic image.”

“Our all-new flagship sedan integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model,” Soon-Nam Lee said.

Beneath the sheet metal will be the rear-wheel drive platform from the Hyundai Equus luxury sedan, not the smaller Genesis as previously predicted. This means the KH is likely to come with a V-8 engine matched to an eight-speed, or possibly even a 10-speed, automatic transmission.