Next Kia Amanti to use Hyundai Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive platform

2009 Kia Amanti

According to a report by Motor Trend, Kia’s next-generation Amanti sedan will switch over from its front-wheel-drive platform to parent company Hyundai’s Genesis rear-wheel-drive platform. Besides embarrassing Ford, GM and Chrysler who have canceled their rear-wheel-drive sedan dreams in recent years, the Amanti rear-wheel-drive will come to the market as an affordable sedan with a little bit of enthusiast driving touch.

The car is expected to make its debut some time after the front-wheel-drive Optima comes to the market next summer. It will join Kia’s new aggressive lineup makeover, which currently includes the Forte sedan and Forte Koup along with the compact Kia Soul.

Sources say that power for the rear-wheel-drive Amanti may come from the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and the 3.8L V6 from the 2010 Genesis Coupe. However, there doesn’t seem to be a future for the Tau V8 in the Amanti lineup.

Look out for the new Amanti by the end of 2011.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Motor Trend