Kia Cadenza Official Details and Photos

South Korean manufacturer revealed today details and photos of their new Cadenza model, a "big step into the future for the masculine and luxurious sedan." Called the K7 in Korea, the Cadenza will go on sale next year, with its first public appearance outside Korea on December 12, at the Riyadh Motor Show.

"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," Hyoung-Keun Lee, Kia president, said in a release.

The sedan is powered by 3.5l Lambda II Quad-OHC V6 engine, developing 290 hp at 6,600 rpm and 338 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The unit is paired with a 6 speed fully auto and sequential manual transmission. Together, they help the Cadenza reach a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) and accelerate from naught to sixty in 7.2 seconds.

On the interior, the Cadenza features a welcoming system, which turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights when the owner approaches (we had to mention this), dual-zone climate control air-conditioning (standard), keyless entry, engine 'start' button, RPAS reversing sensors, reversing safety camera with interior mirror display screen and a powered extension for the driver's seat cushion.

"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," Lee concluded.

The car will enter production at Kia's Hwasung facility this month, with the export versions scheduled to come off assembly lines in January 2010. Deliveries outside Korea will begin in March 2010. Prices have not yet been announced.