Kia Previews its SEMA-Bound High-Performance K900

Kia High-Performance K900 (Credit: © Kia)

Kia has had a strong presence at the SEMA auto show for many years now, but it typically showed off a lot of show and little go. This year, however, Kia has a new toy to play with in the V-8-powered K900, and it appears set to let its 5.0-liter, Tau V-8 do the talking.

Meet the High-Performance K900. The details are still a little scarce as of now, but there is some information I can highlight. Kia started off by installing a one-off body kit that gives the K900 a new, more aggressive look, then highlighted that with carbon-fiber inserts, blacked-out chrome trim and a 21-inch set of rollers in gloss black. Coating the body is a custom-blended gray paint that combines well with the blacked-out accents.

Where the High-Performance K900 will obviously shine is under the skin. The video below gives us an earful of that Tau V-8 doing its thing, and the ominous sound of forced induction is present. Also adding to my belief this beast is force-fed is the massive intercooler just below the front grille. I expect this K900 to have well over 500 horses under its hood, which would be a bump of at least 80 horsepower over the standard K900.

Additionally, expect Kia to retune the suspension, which is a sore spot on the K900. It’s luxury is pretty much on par with anything Germany has to offer, but it has been given low marks for its overly soft ride and body roll in the corners. I anticipate a revised damper rate and an advanced air suspension to be a part of this package that will roll into SEMA on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.