Motor Trend (via Left Lane News) dropped this tidbit over the weekend – “Kia’s next-generation Amanti sedan will switch from its current front-wheel drive platform to the same rear-wheel drive architecture that underpins the Hyundai Genesis Sedan and Coupe. Although a welcome change, the shift comes as quite a shock as most major automakers – such as General Motors and Ford – have abandoned rear-wheel drive plans in lieu of forthcoming CAFE regulations.”

Now the only question remaining is will the public take kindly to a non-FWD vehicle? It’s a different type of driving, which younger car buyers (the 20-somethings brands like Kia shoot for) may not get used to. Expect to see a 2.0L four-cylinder and a 3.8L V6 engine under the Amani’s hood – with a price tage ranging around $26-27,000. Some rumors claim this will actually be a 2011 model for Kia, I guess they need to hit the books and refresh all the mechanic’s memories on how to build a rear wheel drive sedan.