Kia K7 Named Cadenza in US/EU - First Official Images

Kia Motors has released the first official images of the all-new K7 premium executive sedan today, ahead of its domestic sales launch on November 24th.

The automaker has also announced that the K7 will be called "Cadenza" in markets outside of Korea including North America, Europe (sans Britain), and the Middle East. Previewed earlier this year at the Seoul International Motor Show with the KND-5 Concept, the Schreyer-designed sedan will slot between the Lotze (Optima/Magentis) and Opirus (Amanti) in Korea. The Cadenza will make its overseas debut in Saudi Arabia/UAE/Kuwait later this year.

According to Kia, the K7 nomenclature is an amalgamation of "Kia" (or "Korea", the Greek word "Kratos", or "Kinetic") and the "lucky number" seven. The front-wheel drive K7 is the first vehicle in the domestic Kia line-up to adapt the brand's new alphanumeric naming system proposed by Kia Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. The export-market model's Cadenza name derives from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria.

The forthcoming K7/Cadenza features a sporty, sleek appearance emphasized by a bold headlamp design with swooping LED surrounds (recalling the late Audi's) and a dynamic side character line. The prominent, gloss-black front grille embodies Kia's trademark tiger-tooth design, while elegant LED taillamps evoke a high-tech feel never ostensible in past Kia models. Stylish fifteen-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels compliment the athletic presence of the car.

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading for the full article and new HI-RES images.

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.”

The interior of the K7/Cadenza is highlighted by a futuristic H-shaped "floating" dashboard. A welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights when the driver approaches the car, while LED interior mood lighting runs along the dashboard to the door trim to create a welcoming atmosphere within the car. Premium amenities include an available heated steering wheel, power extendable seat cushions, automatic windshield defogger, and ventilated front seats. Other conveniences include parking guide system, rear heated seats, panoramic sunroof, and lane-departure warning system.

Official details on the available engines of the K7/Cadenza haven't been announced yet. A 2.4L Theta II GDI (gasoline direct-injection) 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower, is a very likely candidate. A more powerful 279 horsepower 3.5L Lambda II V6, also found in the US-spec 2011 Sorento, has been confirmed by the automaker, and will be available in the Korean market as well as in export markets. European models will likely receive the 200 horsepower 2.2L R turbodiesel found in the new Sorento.