World Auto News & Reviews

Kia has officially revealed the first images and details about the Cadenza (the K7 in Korea) luxury sedan.

Described as “sporty and sleek”, the Cadenza features styling inspired by the KND-5 Concept. Details include LED-headlight surrounds, a bold grille, and an upscale design.

While no pictures were released, Kia says the interior boasts a ‘floating’ dashboard, mood lighting, and a “raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features.” Options include a heated steering wheel, power extendable seat cushions, ventilated front seats, and automatic defogging of the windshield.

According to Kia’s Director of the Overseas Marketing, Soon-Nam Lee, “(The) New Cadenza will showcase the continuing evolution in Kia’s striking design language through the harmonious blend of light and lines. It will also present a new concept in luxury sedans in terms of performance and technology.”

Engine options are expected to include a 175 hp 2.4-liter Theta four-cylinder and a 273 hp 3.5-liter Lambda V6. While front-wheel drive is standard, an all-wheel drive system will likely be available.

Look for the Kia Cadenza to be unveiled at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, later this year.

Press Release:

Kia reveals name of all-new luxury sedan

(Seoul) October 18, 2009 – Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled the first official picture and export market name of the production version of its KND-5 concept car – an all-new sedan designed to satisfy drivers’ desire for refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction by creating ‘ideal’ driving conditions.

The stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called ‘Cadenza’ in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year.

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.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish taillights emphasize the car’s high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia’s dramatic design DNA.

On the inside, there is a futuristic ‘floating’ dashboard that highlights Kia’s uniquely innovative design approach. The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to ‘greet’ the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

Kia Cadenza’s dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment.

Available new technologies will include a heated steering wheel (for winter driving in cold markets), powered extendable seat cushions (for extra thigh support), automatic defogging of the windshield and ventilated front seats (for cool comfort in hot markets).

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors Corporation, said, “New Cadenza will showcase the continuing evolution in Kia’s striking design language through the harmonious blend of light and lines. It will also present a new concept in luxury sedans in terms of performance and technology.”