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2019 Kia K900 flagship sedan debuts: Reserved luxury reimagined

After those teasers and brochure shots, the 2019 Kia K900 flagship sedan is here in the metal, presented at the New York Auto Show. Kia reminds us that the only thing carried over from the old car is the name, but the car's design is still reserved rather than ostentatious. The information withheld in Kia's K900 news to date was the available powertrain, but it's now announced to have the same 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 as the Stinger. It produces 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, and it's paired to an eight-speed, homegrown automatic transmission like in the Stinger. The V6 is the sole engine choice, and likewise the K900 has torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive as standard. The previous generation car was rear-drive, and the Stinger has rear-drive variants, but for the new K900 it's AWD all the way. The system can distribute up to 50 percent of power to the front and as much as 80 percent to the rear. Kia performance chief Albert Biermann says the new K900 is 33 percent stiffer than the outgoing car, for improved ride and handling. In its home market, the K900 will reportedly be available with a five-liter V8, but that's not part of the U.S. portfolio. Inside, the K900's cocoon-like leather and wood interior ambience can be enhanced with its Pantone-assisted mood lighting system. There are seven color settings, which are meant to convey the feel of oceans, forests, skies — and presets can even imitate the aurora borealis. Another feature of the interior lighting is that proximity sensors can brighten the dashboard controls by 20 percent when the driver reaches for the switches. The 12.3-inch HMI touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the car's settings can be toggled using a bespoke UVO telematics system. Four cameras provide the driver with a stitched-together 360-degree view of the car's surroundings, and HUD is an option. Driver assists include smart cruise control with lane functions and a driver fatigue monitoring system. In addition to the K900, Kia is also introducing the refreshed-for-2019 Optima and Sedona. The facelifted Optima now comes with optional two-tone sport leather seats, and it shares some of the K900's driver assist systems as standard: collision avoidance and warning, lane keeping assist and driver fatigue monitoring.

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid definitely not faster than a speeding bullet

The Justice League of America's garage is filling up quickly, with Kia and DC Entertainment unveiling its sixth of eight super hero-inspired vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show today. The vehicles are being used to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign.
The latest Kia to get the super hero treatment is the Optima Hybrid, which draws on the almighty Superman for inspiration. We're not sure what to make of this thing, honestly, as neither Clark Kent nor Kal-El would be caught dead in it (unless it's got the optional Kryptonite seatbelts, of course). Rather, this looks like what we imagine a Superman fanboy would construct if given carte blanche to ruin an Optima Hybrid. The actual design and construction were handled jointly by Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine.
We'll let the pictures do the talking in terms of what modifications were made since they're all cosmetic. That is, no mechanical mods were done to make the Kia Optima either faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive (shame).

Kia recalls 260k Souls for possible steering failure

Kia will recall 256,459 examples of the 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV for a steering failure problem. The affected models have production dates between Jan. 18, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2015. According to a chronology (as a PDF) posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are five warranty claims from this issue as of Oct. 29 but no reports of accidents or injuries. On these hatchbacks, the adhesive that secures the steering pinion gear and the steering gear assembly can potentially separate, and if this happens drivers lose control. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the pinion plug if necessary. They'll also install a set bolt to further reinforce things. The campaign will begin Dec. 22. RECALL Subject : Steering Gear may Separate Report Receipt Date: NOV 06, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V736000 Component(s): STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected: 256,459 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) KIA SOUL 2014-2016 Details Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles manufactured January 18, 2014, to September 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may have insufficient strength, and as a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly. CONSEQUENCE: If the pinion gear separates, there would be a loss of steering which could increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear. Dealers will also install a set bolt for additional reinforcement. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 22, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC125. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Related Video: