Just unveiled in its domestic market of South Korea, the all-new Kia Cadenza is set to be introduced throughout several markets in the months to come, including in the U.S. where it will replace the Amanti.

Contrary to speculation the car does not ride on the Genesis sedan’s rear-drive architecture (sigh…) but rather on an all-new front-drive platform, which Kia says it will use in additional models in the future. The new platform, along with lighter suspension components, will help the car to weight roughly 287 lbs less than the old Amanti. The new vehicle is slightly shorter than the outgoing one, but Kia says the wheelbase has increased to 112-inches, which should afford some extra interior room.

Several engines will be offered, but we expect that once the car debuts in North America it will come with the top-level 3.5-liter V6 with 286-hp and 249 ft-lbs of torque. Kia claims a 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds and an average fuel economy rating of 25 mpg.

“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 Kia Motors President Hyoung-Keun Lee.

The automaker’s top designer Peter Schreyer had this to say, “Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious. 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.”

The Cadenza is set to launch in North America, however, Kia’s North American operations have not given a timeline for the car’s debut.

GALLERY: Kia Cadenza

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

All-new sporty and dynamic Kia Cadenza makes its debut

‘Big step into the future’ for Kia’s masculine and luxurious sedan
290 ps V6 gasoline engine, plus 6-speed automatic
High-tech features such as ‘Welcome’ system, cabin mood lighting, keyless entry, engine ‘start’ button and RPAS reversing sensors

(Seoul) November 24, 2009 – The all-new Kia Cadenza luxury sporty sedan revealed in Korea today (where it is called the K7), will be a ‘big step into the future’ for Kia when it goes on worldwide sale next year. New 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.

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 (‘Amanti’ in some markets) 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 Mr 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 just how revolutionary Kia’s new large sedan was going to be.

“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 in this month for the domestic market and in 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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS [ EXPORT MARKETS ] – NOVEMBER 2009

New Kia Cadenza

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 & Tyres
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

Kia ha just released several renderings of a new full-sized sedan, with the code name VG. Shown as a concept at the Seoul Auto Show earlier this year, these renders are intended to give a better idea of what the new car will look like.

Kia has also confirmed that the new model will replace the Opirus (known as the Amanti in North America).

“VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ‘sophistication by simplicity’,” said Kia’s Senior VP Hyoung Keun Lee. “The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance.”

We can certainly say this new model is a huge step forward from the less-than-attractive Amanti.

There are no specifics for a launch date but the VG is expected to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next year.

GALLERY: Kia VG

Official release:

KIA MOTORS RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW MODEL

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

“VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ‘sophistication by simplicity’. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance,” commented Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

There are no current plans to bring this model to the UK market.

Kia has chosen the Seoul Auto Show to officially take the covers off the new 2010 Sorento CUV and we’ll have to admit to being impressed. The new SUV is better in pretty much every way.

The new Sorento is built on an all-new platform that is longer, with a dash that has been moved further forwards and a tailgate that has been moved further rearward. The new SUV now has more legroom, headroom and shoulder room than the previous model, with 2.5-inches more headroom and 4-inches more legroom for third-row passengers. Trunk space behind the rear seat has also been increased by 15 percent.

The Sorento’s driving dynamics have been improved thanks to a body that sits lower by 10mm and a center of gravity that is 54mm (2.1-inches) lower. There is even a better feel from behind the wheel as the Sorento gets a six percent more direct steering rack.

Inside the crossover is impressively luxurious and features plenty of technological gadgets and gizmos, including a push-button ignition, navigation with a 6.5-inch LCD screen and the choice of a 6, 8 or 10 speaker sound system with a MP3 and iPod connectivity.

There’s even a panoramic glass roof.

Safety features like HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) and DBC (Down-hill Brake Control) are also a part of the package, as is a back-up camera with images being transmitted to a screen on the car’s rear view mirror.

As for engine options, the Sorento will be offered with four different engines including a 2.7-liter V6 LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) powerplant available in Korea, a 2.2-liter diesel engine (with 194hp and 321 ft-lbs of torque) destined for international markets and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 173hp and 166 ft-lbs of torque.

Fuel economy should improve significantly thanks to a new six-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed automatic will also be available, and it’s not clear if it will be offered in North America (but likely will on lower trim levels). There is even a six-speed manual available, but that will most certainly not make it to the U.S.

And as expected, the Sorento will be available in 2WD and 4WD.

“With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer appeal,” said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division at Kia. “Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that New Sorento will significantly increase Kia’s share of the utility vehicle market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010.”

GALLERY: 2010 Kia Sorento

Official release after the jump:

All-new Kia Sorento CUV makes world debut

Futuristic styling and new technologies make a ‘stand-out’ CUV

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world. Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’

Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money. Over the next seven years, it attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia, and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units. It also paved the way for the successful introduction of the smaller Kia Sportage.

At its launch, the original Kia Sorento injected fresh visual excitement into the CUV segment with its ‘stand-out’ looks. Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger CUV from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA.

During development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the old body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants. Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.

“With the new Sorento, we have created an all-new, seven-seater CUV that will soon be recognized as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a much broader customer appeal,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. “Despite the current economic uncertainties, we are confident that New Sorento will significantly increase Kia’s share of the utility vehicle market, achieving annual global sales of 140,000 units from 2010.”

The new, longer bodyshell created for new Sorento, with its repositioned A-pillars and dashboard (moved forwards) and extended tailgate (moved rearwards), ensures that the cabin is much more spacious than the current model. The real and perceived quality of the cabin is greatly enhanced and available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof.

As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest CUV, the new Sorento will eventually be manufactured with a total of five engines – different engines being available in different regions around the world to best suit local requirements – with CO2 emissions from just 173 g/km.

Introducing a bold sense of power and dynamism

Longer and lower, the new Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban CUV. With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new CUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty. The 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication.

“The dynamic design of new Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance. Both sporty and striking, new Sorento represents a new breed of CUV,” comments Peter Schreyer, CDO of Kia Motors Corporation.

Bold frontal styling incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ that blends seamlessly into the new Sorento’s four-light, black bezel wrap-around headlamps. The profile’s rising upper belt-line and the dynamic bevel treatment beneath the greenhouse (echoing the new Cerato/Forte), plus the unique trapezoid C-Pillar adds tension and endows new Sorento with a unique appearance. Extending the rear window to the outer edges of the simply styled tailgate hints at the spacious cabin and the large tail lamps enhance the sporty appearance.

High-quality trim and high-tech features enhance interior

The new Sorento’s interior styling echoes the sense of power and dynamism created by the exterior appearance. Kia is confident that existing Sorento owners and new customers will be equally impressed by the cabin’s generous proportions, sweeping dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet trim accents and the availability of numerous high-tech features.

The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is becoming a Kia trademark feature and through it the driver can view another element of Kia’s developing design DNA – the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster. Similar to the cluster fitted to the 2009 Kia Magentis (Optima), new Kia Soul and new Kia Cerato (Forte), the new Sorento’s cluster has clear and precise graphics.

Depending on model, new Sorento will be equipped with a six, eight or 10-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, plus built-in or external amplifier and a new sat-nav system with a 6.5-inch screen. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

Versatile seating for seven and more cabin space for all

The longer bodyshell created for new Sorento ensures that the stretched cabin is much more spacious than the current model, with seating for up to seven people. Occupants in all three seat rows benefit from greater legroom, headroom and shoulder room. There is much more space for occupants seated in the third row – headroom is increased by 64 mm (to 906 mm) and legroom by 102 mm (to 795 mm). Luggage space in new Sorento is among the best-in-class as cargo capacity is increased by 15%, thanks to moving the tailgate back by almost 70 mm.

Skilful structural engineering minimizes NVH

During the design and engineering process to create New Sorento, Kia’s research and development team prioritized achieving a major improvement in the vehicle’s refinement and minimizing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). An excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities is a stiff bodyshell structure and the New Sorento features a much higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel compared to the previous model (40.0%).

New LPG engine for Korea and a new diesel for the world

Kia’s all-new Sorento will be manufactured with up to four different engines to meet the needs of motorists in every region of the globe. For the Korean market, Kia is offering the new Sorento with three engines, including a version of its 2.7-litre V6 engine running on low-cost LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) called the ‘Mu LPI’. This unit delivers 165 ps and 157 Nm – the reduced outputs a consequence of using LPG which contains 25% less ‘stored energy’. New Sorento will also be available in the Korean market with the four-cylinder 2.4-litre Theta II gasoline engine that delivers 175 ps and 225 Nm, as well as the new four-cylinder R2.2 diesel engine.

New diesels demonstrate world-class Kia engineering skills

The all-new ‘R’ family of turbo-diesel engines proves that Kia’s engineering capabilities are indeed world-class. The R2.2-liter unit comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 units from rival brands, while complying with Euro5 emissions standards thanks to its third-generation common-rail fuel system. The R2.2 generates a maximum of 197 ps and 435 Nm.

New six-speed gearboxes, plus choice of 2WD or 4WD systems

New Sorento buyers will be offered a wide choice of transmissions and drivetrains – depending on model. Five-speed and six-speed (manual and automatic) transmissions will be offered. Both the six-speed transmissions are new or upgraded.

Kia’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a regular ‘torque converter’ automatic, but it incorporates a unique ‘flat’ torque converter (which allows the unit to be 54 mm shorter), has 62 fewer parts (than a five-speed unit), weighs 12 kilos less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12%.

New Sorento buyers can select from two advanced drivetrains to ‘best-match’ the on-road and off-road abilities of their new Kia vehicle to their lifestyle. The 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight and enhanced fuel economy, while the 4WD drivetrain will be ideal for buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, tow trailers (weighing up to 2,500 kilos, depending on model) or go off-road.

Traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) which prevents slipping backwards, and DBC (Down-hill Brake Control) which limits vehicle speed to just 8 km/h (5 mph) on steep declines.

Improved on-road performance, retained off-road capabilities

For new Sorento the suspension engineer’s brief was to shift the handling bias a little to improve the on-road driving experience, in terms of ride quality and steering ‘feel’ – while retaining the vast majority of the previous model’s off-road abilities. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm and thanks to the new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell construction the centre of gravity has been lowered by 54 mm.

The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is ‘carried over’ from the previous model, but with significant improvements. The steering is now more direct (6% faster), requiring fewer turns of the wheel lock-to-lock.

For maximum stopping power, all new Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system. Either as standard or an option, ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems are available.

Advanced ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety systems

New Sorento presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard or as options – depending on market. Active safety technologies that buyers can specify include ESC, HAC, DBC, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions.

Reversing is made even safer by a new Kia Reversing Safety Camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130 degree wide-angle lens and transmits images to a 3.5-inch LCD display panel set within the cabin’s rear view mirror whenever reverse gear is selected.

Maximising protection with ‘passive’ safety technology

New Sorento’s robust all-new bodyshell structure delivers increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage (70.4%) of high-tensile strength steel the new vehicle achieves excellent rigidity and strength. Particular attention was paid to the B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars and much stronger (60 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills.

The new Sorento bodyshell is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in Europe’s EuroNCAP and the USA’s current official NHTSA crash tests, plus a ‘Good’ rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for both frontal and side impacts.