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.
