Autoblog

2014 Cadenza is Kia's take on the Hyundai Azera

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Kia, Luxury

No, this is not the oh-so pleasantly named Quoris rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan - this is Kia's new front-drive entry into the North American market, the Cadenza. (If that sounds familiar, it's because Kia has long used the Cadenza name in other markets.) And while it's a sharp-looking thing, it's not exactly an original masterpiece. Peel away that slick exterior and you'll find a trusty Hyundai Azera doing the grunt work.

That's no bad thing, though; the Azera's a smooth-sailing sedan. Under the hood is a 3.3-liter direct-injection V6 putting out 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with, oh yes, Sportmatic manual mode. That power hits the ground via a sport-tuned suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear configuration, matched with either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there's a whole host of nice leather surrounded by wood and chrome accents, with a driver-focused cockpit (sort of like the Optima) with a seven-inch TFT color touchscreen display. Premium options include things like Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, Kia's UVO infotainment system, HID headlamps with active lighting, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Sounds comfy.

Kia will officially launch the Cadenza in the second quarter of 2013, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2014 Cadenza is Kia's take on the Hyundai Azera

2014 Cadenza is Kia's take on the Hyundai Azera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia planning onslaught of new product

Zach Bowman — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Kia, South Korea

Kia is hard at work cranking out a rash of new models, according to Automotive News. The South Korean automaker has plans to launch a new 40-mile-per-gallon version of the Forte Koup in January 2013, and the two-door will likely be trailed by a new five-door hatchback and yet another larger coupe. The latter two will likely see dealers by next summer, though Kia says those of us waiting to get our hands on the new Quoris flagship will have to twiddle our thumbs until 2015 at the earliest. As you may recall, the Quoris is a rear-wheel-drive sedan otherwise known as the K9.

In addition, Kia is expected to unveil the Cadenza front-wheel-drive sedan next summer as a 2014 model. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the four-door will be positioned above the smaller Optima and will likely carry an MSRP in the high $30,000 range. Meanwhile, forces inside Kia are still pushing to see the GT Concept translated into a legitimate production vehicle. The company is having trouble building a proper business case for the 395-horsepower sedan, however.

Kia planning onslaught of new product originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

2011 Kia Cadenza - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has taken the wraps off the 2010 Cadenza in its home market before its official debut at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, and if you're wondering what the South Korean automaker had planned for the next generation Amanti, this is it.

Based on an all-new front-drive platform (Type-N) spanning 195.5 inches, the Cadenza is slightly shorter than the Amanti it's due to replace, but its wheelbase has grown to 112 inches and Kia managed to reduce the weight by over 280 pounds while keeping torsional rigidity and overall strength up. MacPherson struts are employed up front with a multi-link suspension in the rear, while 11.8-inch discs (front) and 11.2-inch rotors (rear) are hidden behind standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheels.

Three engines, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be available when the Cadenza launches outside of North America in January. Outputs will range from 162 (four-cylinder) to 286 hp (V6), with the latter like to come to the US. Kia hasn't released when the new Amanti will make it Stateside, but the smart money says sometime late in 2010. Make the jump for the full release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Cadenza/Amanti

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S.

2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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