Carscoop Reader Spots New Kia Cadenza Filling up in California

It's been a little over a year since Kia lifted the wraps off its stylish replacement for the Amanti, called the K7 in South Korea and Cadenza in other countries, but we're still waiting for the firm's flagship sedan to show up in the USA. However if these (fuzzy) photos are anything to go by, Kia may be getting ready to launch the Cadenza onto the U.S. market.

The silver-colored mid-size sedan was scooped by Carscoop reader Nick K., who you might remember from the first ever Prius MPV spy shots we posted last September, while filling up at a gas station in California.

"The other day I was sitting at a restaurant in Corona Del Mar, California and spotted a Kia Cadenza (K7). Here are the VERY zoomed in pictures I took with my phone," Nick told Carscoop.

The Cadenza, which sits above the Optima in Kia's range, is available in its home country with a choice of three gasoline engines ranging in output from 165HP for the four-cylinder model to 295HP for the 3.5 liter V6. All variants feature front-wheel drive and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Kudos to Nick K. for the Kia spotting!

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2011/01/carscoop-reader-spots-new-kia-cadenza.html?m=0

KIA Contemplating Switch to Alphanumeric Names in the U.S. [with Poll]

Kia may soon follow the increasingly popular automotive trend that is alphanumeric naming and abandon product names in its U.S. lineup, according to a recent statement by Hyundai Motor Co. Vice Chairman, Chung Eui-sun.

The automaker is already using a mix of alphanumeric and product names in South Korea and some other markets. For example, the recently revealed 2011 Optima and Cadenza sedans are known as the K5 and K7 respectively in the company's home market, while the Forte is said to become the K3.

In an interview, Chung said that while he admits American buyers may prefer cars with names as it makes a comprehensive vehicle lineup less confusing, he also believes that alphanumerics can also increase the strength of a brand. Autonews reported that the South Korean automaker has not made a final decision yet on the name switch for the American market.

Source: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

Which Naming Strategy Should KIA Follow in the U.S.?

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/06/kia-contemplating-switch-to.html?m=0

Kia Developing High-End K9 Sports Saloon to sit Above the Cadneza / K7?

If we are to believe the reports coming in from Korea, Kia may be testing the grounds for a new flagship sedan positioned above the Amanti's replacement, the 2011 Cadenza saloon that is known as the K7 in the Korean firm's home market.

The news comes from a Korean site claiming that at a design conference in Seoul, Korea, Kia's design boss, Peter Schreyer showed the teaser sketch pictured above while he was talking about expanding the brand's portfolio into new territories.

Many sites claim that the photo depicts a sports saloon proposal, possibly named K9.

We have no way of confirming the reports or rumors -take your pick- nor if the photos shows a high-end saloon or some other vehicle (to be honest, it could be a sketch for the next Forte for all we know...), but it would come to no surprise if Kia does present a flagship model, maybe even based on the Hyundai Genesis' RWD platform, in the very near future.

Source: Aboutcar , Via: Worldcarfans

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2009/12/kia-developing-high-end-k9-sports.html?m=0

VIDEOS: 2011 Kia Cadenza Looks Even Better on the Road

Who could have imagined a few years back that Kia would eventually build cars looking as decent / good (depending on your aesthetic criteria) as the 2011 Cadenza? Sure many will note that the Cadenza borrows many styling cues from the German competition, but that's something that should be expected from Kia since its new design boss is none other than former VW / Audi designer Peter Schreyer.

In any case, Kia has created a mid-size sedan that seems capable of capturing the attention of your average mainstream buyer with its styling - and not deterring them like the outgoing Amanti which it will replace in the States.

If it will do well or not in the market, however, is another story which depends on a variety of factors including how well the car is built, how it drives and of course, what it will cost.

But for now, take a look at the two new promotional videos plus an action-packed South Korean commercial of the Cadenza and share your thoughts in the comment section after the break.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2009/11/videos-2011-kia-cadenza-looks-even.html?m=0

2011 Kia Cadenza: New High-Res Photo Gallery and Details, International Sales Start in January 2010

The all-new Kia Cadenza sedan was officially launched in Korea today where it will go on sale under the name K7. The 4,965 mm (195.5'') long Cadenza will take over the role of Kia's flagship sedan from the 10-year old Opirus, also called Amanti in some markets. Designed under the guidance of former Audi design chief Peter Schreyer, the Cadenza is the production version of the KND-5 concept model shown in Seoul earlier this year. And yes, we couldn't help but compare the Korean sedan's styling to the new BMW 5-Series that was introduced on Monday.

We've yet to see either car in the flesh, but judging from the photos, our first thought is that Schreyer and Kia have really pushed the envelope in the styling department. That, and BMW is playing it a bit too safe with its latest designs...

"Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious," said Peter Schreyer. "Today, people recognize a Kia at first sight: well balanced proportions, flowing greenhouse and dynamic window graphic plus the big wheels, give this car its confident stance, dignity and elegant personality. The distinctive 'tiger nose' front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia's new self-confidence. Kia Cadenza is a big step into the future - another quantum leap for Kia," Schreyer concluded.

Inside, Kia's new sedan features an equally contemporary and clean design. Among the many features is a 'mood lighting strip' that runs across the two-tier dashboard and all around the door trims, keyless entry and an engine 'start' button, reversing sensors, a reversing safety camera with interior mirror display screen and a powered extension for the driver's seat cushion.

Even though the Cadenza is shorter than the Opirus, the extended wheelbase (up by 45 mm to 2,845 mm or 112''), additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension, are claimed to ensure more space for the passengers than the old model.

The Cadenza makes use of Korean firm's new front-wheel drive 'Type-N' platform that will be used in other future Kia models. The company claims that, despite the added features, the lighter yet stronger bodyshell, along with all-new suspension systems, helped the Cadenza to achieve a weight loss of up to 130 kg or 287 pounds, compared with the Opirus.

Kia said that the new Cadenza will be offered with a total of three gasoline engines ranging from 165HP to 295HP for the 3.5 liter V6, with all models featuring front-wheel drive and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The Hyundai - Kia Group's new 201HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection gasoline should be among the choices.

The 2011 Cadenza will make its overseas world premiere at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on 12 December, followed immediately by an appearance at the Dubai Motor Show on 15 December.

According to the Korean automaker, the Cadenza is scheduled to go on sale in international markets -excluding North America and Europe- in the beginning of 2010. The regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa will get the new Kia in March 2010, while sales in China will begin in June 2010.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS [ EXPORT MARKETS ] - NOVEMBER 2009

Body & Chassis

Four-door, five-seater sedan, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Powered by transversely-mounted V6 gasoline engine driving the front wheels.

Engine

3.5-litre / 290 ps : [ Middle East & General Markets ]

Type : 'Lambda II' Quad-OHC, six-cylinder in V, with dual CVVT

Max power : 290 ps (213 kW) @ 6600 rpm

Max torque : 338 Nm (34.5 kg.m) @ 5000 rpm

Transmission

Automatic : 6-sp with fully auto & sequential manual modes

Suspension & Damping

Front : Fully independent by MacPherson Struts.

Rear : Fully independent by Multi-Link rear axle.

Steering

Type : Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion

Gearing : 2.94 turns lock-to-lock with 11.08 metres turning circle

Brakes

Front / Rear : 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs / 284 x 10 mm solid discs

Wheels & Tires

Standard LX : Alloy 16 in x 6.5J 215/65 R16 tires

Standard EX* : Alloy 17 in x 7.0J 225/55 R17 tires

*Optional on LX

DIMENSIONS

Exterior (mm)

Overall length : 4965

Overall width* : 1850

Overall height : 1475

Wheelbase : 2845

Capacities

Fuel tank : 70 litres

Luggage (SAE) : 451 litres

Weights (kg)

Curb weight (min.) : 1575

Gross weight : 2065

Performance

Top speed / kph : 230

0-to-100 kph (sec) : 7.2

Fuel Economy

Combined cycle : 9.36 (litres / 100 km)*

CO2 : 223 g/km*

*Manufacturer's estimated figure

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2009/11/2011-kia-cadenza-new-high-res-photo.html?m=0

2011 Kia Cadenza Sedan: Amanti / Opirus Replacement Officially Revealed

After an online breach on Friday gave us our first taste of the production version of Kia's 2009 Seoul Motor Show KND-5 concept car, the South Korean automaker today came out with official photos of its new range-topping sedan that has been named K7 for the domestic market and Cadenza for the rest of the world. The mid-size sedan that will replace the Opirus / Amanti (depending on the market) will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors, 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."

The latest work of Kia's chief designer Peter Schreyer and his team remains close to the original concept and incorporates all the fancy-pansy styling cues we see on the automaker's newest models such as the Sorento, Forte / Coupe and Venga.

Still, to be completely frank, the Cadenza is a disappointment when compared to the KND-5 concept model as the vehicle's proportions have been altered -look at the front overhang for example- while many of the styling details have been watered down.

Sure it looks a million times better than the Amanti, but a game changer (in terms of styling) it is not. Or at least that's what we think.

There are no photos of the Cadenza's cabin but Kia says that highlights include the "futuristic 'floating' dashboard" and an "interior mood lighting strip that runs along the dashboard to the door trim" - whatever that means.

According to Kia, 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).

The new Cadenza is expected to go on sale in South Korea before the end of the year and the rest of the world during the first half of 2010. Kia's new mid-size sedan will most probably be offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with direct-injection churning out about 200 HP and the Kia/Hyundai Lambda V6 petrol. A diesel option should also be in the mix for certain markets.

2011 Kia Cadenza Sedan

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Kia KND-5 Concept Car

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2009/10/2011-kia-cadenza-sedan-amanti-opirus.html?m=0