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Adrian PatonThe All-New Kia Cadenza To Make Worldwide Debut In December
November 30th 2009 18:00
The all-new Kia Cadenza luxury sports sedan - aka the K7 in Korea - has been confirmed to 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. Hailed by the Korean car maker as a 'big step into the future' for Kia, the Cadenza will go on sale worldwide in 2010.
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 4965 mm long Cadenza will take over the role of large luxury sedan for the Kia marque from the 10-year old Opirus (called 'Amanti' in some markets, but not sold in Australia) and is destined to totally transform Kia's sales performance in the D2 segment.
"With the Cadenza, we have created an all-new, large sedan that will revitalize Kia's fortunes thanks to its exciting appearance, strong performance and luxurious cabin which will guarantee a much broader consumer appeal, attracting thousands of new customers to our brand," commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.
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.
A 'big step into the future' for Kia's sophisticated design
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 that Kia's new large sedan was going to be revolutionary.
"Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious," comments 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," concludes Schreyer.
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.
Contemporary looks, premium quality and a unique ambience
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 ambience 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 (up by 45 mm to 2845 mm), additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension, come together to ensure that the interior offers occupants more space than the old model.
Less weight, more performance and better fuel-economy for new sedan
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. The lighter (and stronger) bodyshell, together with all-new suspension systems, helped Cadenza to achieve a weight loss of up to 130 kg, compared with the previous Opirus - even though the new model has numerous additional features.
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 165 ps to 290 ps and all models will feature front-wheel drive and Kia's all-new six-speed automatic transmission.
Driving up sales and market share with an all-new product
"Despite the current global economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Kia Cadenza will substantially increase Kia's share of this segment in Korea and around the world," concluded President Lee.
Manufacturing of the new Cadenza sedan will start at Kia's Hwasung facility this month for the domestic market and January 2010 for export markets. Export sales in the General Markets (excluding North America and Europe), will begin during March 2010 and in China in June 2010.
General Markets for Kia include the regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding China), the Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
[Source: Kia]
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