2011 Kia Cadenza debuts in Korea
The all-new Kia Cadenza luxury sporty sedan was recently revealed in Korea, where it is called the K7. Unfortunately, after much speculation that the Cadenza is a large rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the Hyundai Genesis, it turns out that the Cadenza is really a front-wheel-drive sedan, likely derived from the Hyundai Sonata platform.
The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolizes the dynamic sedan’s striking design philosophy and upscale image. The Cadenza will take over the role of large luxury sedan for the Kia marque from the 10-year old Amanti.
Under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the large sedan design team in Korea was determined to transform every aspect of the brand’s range-topping model, to deliver sporty and sleek styling, agile and dynamic performance, exceptional comfort and refinement and competitive high-tech features.
The design team targeted ‘stand-out’ looks with modernity, while incorporating Kia’s evolving design DNA to ensure the new large sedan boasts an appearance that will humble potential rivals. Last April, the team’s KND-5 concept car at the Seoul Motor Show revealed just how revolutionary Kia’s new large sedan was going to be.
The traditional three-box sedan shape was retained, but was morphed into a more flowing design with an aerodynamic Cd of just 0.29. The innovative treatment of light is a constant design theme. At the front, second-generation LED position lights are used to define the width of the car and the shape of the headlamps. At the rear, the combination lamp clusters also feature LED position lights which, together with the dual mufflers integrated into the bumper, enhance the new Cadenza’s sporty appearance. As an option, a full-length three-part glass Panoramic Roof will be available.
Inside, the new Cadenza is every bit as stylish and sophisticated as the exterior promises. The interior is dominated by the treatment of the futuristic ‘floating’ dashboard that highlights Kia’s innovative design approach.
A ‘welcome’ system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to ‘greet’ the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs across the two-tier dashboard and all around the door trims, creates a warm ambiance within the vehicle. An additional large mood lamp, which runs down the center of the cabin ceiling, is available.
Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning is standard, and other high-tech ‘comfort & convenience’ features include keyless entry and an engine ‘start’ button, RPAS reversing sensors, a reversing safety camera with interior mirror display screen and a powered extension for the driver’s seat cushion.
Although New Cadenza is shorter than the Opirus, the extended wheelbase, additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension, come together to ensure that the interior offers occupants more space than the old model.
Kia’s new front-wheel drive ‘Type-N’ platform makes its first appearance in Cadenza and will be utilized in other Kia models in the future.
As part of Kia’s drive to increase sales in the large sedan segment, the new Cadenza will be manufactured with a total of three gasoline engines – with different engines being available around the world to best suit local legal requirements. Power outputs will range from 163 hp to 286 hp and all models will feature front-wheel drive and Kia’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission. Apparently the top-end V6 will be the only engine for the U.S. market.
Manufacturing of the new Cadenza sedan will start at Kia’s Hwasung facility in this month for the domestic market and in January 2010 for export markets. Export sales in North America will begin by June 2010.