Kia K7/Cadenza: More Info and Images

Kia Motors has been receiving a flurry of attention after it recently released the first images of the K7/Cadenza premium sedan. Soon after, Kia also pulled the camouflage off its running prototypes of the K7 (so, if you are located in South Korea now, be on the keen lookout) and a cascade of amateur images have since been posted on the web. In this post, we bring you a new set of images, this time rocking in high-resolution (and a white K7 too), as well as new information we received from our inside sources.

In a recent post, we informed you that the K7 will be powered by either the new 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder engine or a more potent 3.5L Lambda V6. Well, according to our sources, the 2.4L GDI engine, which is projected to produce over 200 horsepower, will not be available at launch, but in October of 2010 for the Korean market. The 3.5L Lambda II V6 will be available when the K7 goes on sale next month, and our sources now report that it will produce an impressive 290 horsepower. Other engines to be available are a 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder that churns out 180 horsepower and a 200 horsepower 2.7L Mu V6, also found in the Hyundai Grandeur (Azera). Engine options for the export-market Cadenza have not been detailed, although the 3.5L V6 is a certainty for North America.

Other details we received include the delayed availability of the panoramic roof for the K7 (February 2010), and the availability of two navigation systems (6.5" screen and 8" screen). Pricing for the K7 will range from 28 million Won (US$23,805) to 40 million Won (US$34,000), which is similar to the Hyundai Grandeur's in Korea. In North America, we expect the Cadenza to be priced similar to the Amanti that it is replacing in that market.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.