Behold the 2011 Kia Cadenza, the Korean carmaker's newest and biggest sedan. It will replace the Amanti which bowed out of the lineup for 2010.
"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," said Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.
Built on an all-new front-wheel drive platform, the Cadenza will use three different gas engines in its various world markets. The most powerful of those will be a 286-horsepower V6, the most likely engine for the U.S. market. All three powerplants will use a six-speed automatic transmission.
Although slightly shorter in overall length compared to the Amanti, the Cadenza has a longer wheelbase and a revised rear suspension design for increased passenger room.
Production of the new sedan begins in January, but U.S. sales aren't expected to begin until either late 2010 or early 2011.
alman08 says:
09:57 AM, 11/24/09
I like this much better than the Sonota, and I like how Kia is using a unique grill for all their cars unlike Hyundai. If there is such thing as a "4dr coupe", then this is as nice as the CLS and CC (in my opinion only). And the front isn't as angry looking as the Sonota.
First the Forte, then the Koup, then the Sorento, and now this... way to go, Kia.
carguy622 says:
10:13 AM, 11/24/09
Nice interior, but that name, all I can think of is a piece of furniture.
greenpony says:
10:57 AM, 11/24/09
Kia's making some styling progress. As for the name, I believe it's Italian for cadence. It would seem like they're moving to music-related names: Forte, and now Cadenza. Let's hope they don't use some of the less attractive ones, like Larghetto or Pianissimo.
greenpony says:
11:00 AM, 11/24/09
Actually, Rondo is another one that comes to mind. And cousin Hyundai has the Accent and Sonata.
jeepsrt says:
11:01 AM, 11/24/09
That's a nice looking car.
mrryte says:
11:28 AM, 11/24/09
The car looks nice; but the rims it has looks kinda small in proportion to the rest of the car IMHO.
rallyandbosox says:
11:32 AM, 11/24/09
Isn't the Optima the Sonata's sister car? The Amanti and now Cadenza is larger, approximately the size of the Azera. I think it looks fantastic and a great departure from the likes of the old Kia designs like the Amanti. Kia is really improving.
compliance says:
11:38 AM, 11/24/09
Looks sharp. Agree with Alman that this is much better than the Sonata. Also agree with those saying that the name is not good.
notabigdeal says:
11:59 AM, 11/24/09
THis should land in the Azera range. Cadenza is weird. Interior kinda looks cheap. But I think you'll get exactly what you pay for.
arumage says:
12:29 PM, 11/24/09
I think the interior looks pretty good, not over the top but not cheap. It's just plain or non-descript. I think they were trying to fit into the musical theme with the name. It means "an ornamental passage played or sung by a soloist."
billt9 says:
02:31 PM, 11/24/09
OMG an upscale Ford Focus!
What a crap interior.
Like OMG for the Ford Focus inspiration.
breif says:
09:11 PM, 11/24/09
That's one good looking Kia.
arumage says:
05:04 AM, 11/25/09
billt9,
I guess to each his own. I like the interior. I sure beats the button hell in some cars in it's class. What exactly are you talking about with the Focus comments. It doesn't really look like a Focus in any way.
dg0472 says:
05:21 AM, 11/25/09
I wonder if the new 3.5L QOHC V-6 will replace the 3.8L DOHC one in the Genesis eventually. It's already making nearly as many HP with .3L less. Once it gets GDI, I'd think its output would be north of 300.
alman08 says:
08:51 AM, 11/25/09
@arumage
OMG, you don't see it? both the Focus and Cadenza have 4 wheels, 4 doors, a steering wheel inside and such... OMG... OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!
does anyone still remember that anti-drug commercial back in the late 80s which someone dropped 2 eggs on a frying pan? I'm sure that's what billt9's brain is like right now... ok kids, let's have it again, please stop doing drugs...
bimmerjay says:
09:37 AM, 11/25/09
It looks nice and a great improvement from the sucktastic Amanti. Lousy name though - it's going to constantly be associated with 'credenza'.
bodyblue says:
10:15 AM, 11/25/09
It looks far better than most cars of its size including anything from Toyota, Nissan and yes BMW 3 series. Of course there is no such thing as a BMW that makes your heart pound. (with looks that is)
billt9 says:
12:03 PM, 11/25/09
omg omg here's da focus:
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/EI/2010/Ford/2010.ford.focus.20308546-E.jpg
n' der's da upscale focus at da top of dis thread!
arumage says:
12:56 PM, 11/25/09
Wow, the CD-player is silver and integrated into the dash panel. They're so similiar!
/sarcasm
Thanks! I needed that little bit of comedy to start my Thanksgiving weekend!
billt9 says:
10:06 AM, 11/26/09
zomg man dere identical twins!