Kia plans to release K9, Hyundai 2012 Santa Fe while GM’s Corvette may hit the road


The auto industry is set to roll out a series of new cars next year in all styles from sedans to SUVs to sports cars. The new cars in store include the premium sedan K9 from Kia Motors Corp., the 2012 Santa Fe from Hyundai Motor Co., Corvette, the sports car from GM, and the new BMW 3 series 320d and 320ed.

BMW Korea confirmed that it will bring in 320d and 320 Efficient Dynamics, the sixth generation of its 3-series next February. The 320Ed is considered the most efficient BMW ever with fuel use of 4.1 liter per 100 kilometers, running on smaller wheels that are aerodynamically optimized so that its fuel savings do not compromise on performance. The diesel powered 320d also has a hybrid-rivaling fuel consumption of 4.5 liter per 100 km. 

“The new 3-series 320d to debut in February is our global bestseller that comes with amazing 50-50 weight distribution, making the car better handling than front-drive rivals. It has wider and sharper look and much powerful engines,” an official at BMW Korea said. Its four-cylinder engine generates 174 horsepower. The price is yet to be announced.

Kia is widely expected to launch K9 in January. Perhaps the most awaited premium sedan, K9 will be the successor to the Opirus and complete its K5-K7 line up. Spy shots for K9 have been circulated among auto enthusiasts, with the car having the sportier German look favored by Kia’s chief designer Peter Schreyer.

Hyundai is launching the 2012 Santa Fe facelift with upgrades including minor exterior cosmetic revisions. The new SUV comes in three trim levels, the SLX, Elite, and Highlander and four new exterior color options will be available ― Blue Spirit, Carbon Grey, Superior Red and Titanium Silver. Pricing starts 27.05 million won, up about 300,000 won from the 2010 model.

“It will still have the family look to it but the design changes would make it look sportier. The 2012 Santa Fe will give Hyundai complete grip of the local SUV market on top of our Tucson ix and Vera Cruz,” an official at Hyundai said.

GM Korea has been delaying introducing the Corvette for years, but its flagship sports car is widely speculated to hit the Korean roads next year. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by a 6.2 liter LS3 V-8 engine that generates 430 horsepower. Currently in its sixth generation, the Corvette competes with Porsche Boxter, 911 and the Nissan 370Z and GT-R. The 2011 Corvette is a two-door coupe or convertible in a range of performance trims including Grande sport, Z06 and ZR1.

By Cynthia J. Kim (cynthiak@heraldcorp.com)