Kia may premier flagship K9 before December 2011

For over two years, Kia has been developing its range-topping K9 sedan but reports suggest the rear-wheel-drive sedan may premier before year's end.

Australian reports indicate the large executive sedan may bow at this Autumn's Frankfurt motor show. When speaking to chief designer, Peter Schreyer he remained tight-lipped on when the car may debut.

“I cannot talk about things that are probably in development,” Schreyer said. The K9 will underpin Hyundai's Equus sedan and will employ a series of V6 and V8 petrol engines. The external design will be a mix-bag; the car is likely to take design hints off the BMW 7-Series and Maserati Quattroporte.