2011 Kia Cadenza - based on KND-5 concept - replaces the 2009 Kia Amanti; first photo released

October 17, 11:29 PMAuto Review ExaminerJohn Matras

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Kia's top-of-the-line sedan has been the awkwardly and overtly imitatively styled Amanti, but it's gone for the 2010 model year. In its place--but not for the 2010 model year--will be an all new model with a new name. Based as expected on Kia's KND-5 concept car, the new Kia model will be known as the Cadenza.

In addition to releasing the name of the new model (which had also been referred to as the Kia VG), Kia has also provided a first look at the production version of the KND-5/Cadenza. According to the photograph, the Cadenza implements Kia's new grille design. The headlamp clusters have what Kia calls "attention-grabbing LED surrounds." The sweeping side character line duplicates that on the KND-5 concept.

No interior views have been provided but Kia reports that the Cadenza will have a "futuristic 'floating' dashboard." A welcome-lighting system will turn on exterior puddle lamps and interior lights. Inside the Kia Cadenza will be up-to-date with a "mood lighting strip" running along the dashboard.

Additional features for the Kia Cadenza will include a heated steering wheel, power-extendable seat cushions (for thigh support), automatic defogging of the windshield and ventilated front seats.
Kia is not striving for second fiddle with the new Cadenza but is clearly shooting for first chair in the large luxury sedan market segment. Soon-Nam Lee, Kia Motors Corporation's director of overseas marketing 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 KND-5's wheelbase is two inches longer than that of outgoing Amanti, suggesting that the Kia Cadenza--if it matches the dimensions of the KND-5--will have more interior room that of its predecessor.

The Kia KND-5 was also powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, though there's no guarantee of what engine(s) will be in the Cadenza in various markets. Kia does have the modern V-8 now used only in the Kia Borrego. Kia Motors’ first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter all-aluminum V8 engine, rated at 337 horsepower in the Borrego, would make a noteworthy top-end powerplant for the Kia Cadenza.

Kia has announced earlier that an eight-speed automatic transmission has been developed and had been planned for a future vehicle. The Kia Cadenza would be that vehicle.

The Kia Amanti's ride and handling was biased towards the former, with ride ranging between flaccid and floaty. If Kia's latest offerings are any measure, the Cadenza should land closer to a more sophisticated ride and more precise handling.

For the official unveiling of the new Kia Cadenza, forget Frankfort, Paris or Los Angeles. The Kia Cadenza's international premiere will be at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international auto shows late in 2009. According to a Kia source, the Kia Cadenza won't arrive in the U.S. until summer of 2010 at the earliest.

Illustrations: Top, 2011 Kia Cadenza first photograph; bottom, headlight detail of 2011 Kia Cadenza showing LED accent. Photos courtesy Kia Motors Corporation.

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