Flagship Sedan Represents the Most Powerful and Technologically Advanced Kia offered in the U.S.

• First-class appointments, advanced technology and European-inspired design announce Kia’s entry into the premium-car segment
• Cadenza features class-leading interior room¹ and is offered in two trim levels with three available option packages

IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2013– Since its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new Cadenza sedan has garnered praise for its premium feel and long list of amenities.  As the most powerful and technologically-advanced vehicle Kia has ever introduced in North America, the Cadenza expands Kia’s long list of award-winning vehicles while moving the brand up-market with an impressive selection of premium standard and available equipment, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD)² and Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS).  The Cadenza is offered in two trim levels, known as Premium and SX Limited, with a starting MSRP of $35,100, plus $800 destination and handling³.

“The Cadenza’s dynamic driving characteristics and advanced technology set our premium sedan apart from the competition,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  “Combining our most powerful engine with a well-engineered chassis, a direct and communicative steering system and a capable multi-link rear suspension, the Cadenza promises to appeal to shoppers who want both comfort and performance from a premium-level sedan.”

The Cadenza offers an upscale European-influenced design aesthetic and plenty of muscle with Kia’s most powerful V6.  The cabin features soft touch points, tasteful chrome details and premium wood accents.  All of these elements fused with an abundant roster of technology demonstrate the Cadenza’s ability to bring value to new levels of sophistication in the emerging market between mainstream and luxury.

Sophisticated Features and Technology
Offered in two opulently equipped trim levels, Premium and Limited, the Cadenza takes in-car technology and infotainment to an entirely new level.  Standard features include an advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™⁴ and UVO eServices, displayed on a high-resolution 8-inch touch screen.  Further enhancing driver assurance is a standard Rear-Camera Display⁵ and Back Up Warning System, and a premium 550-watt Infinity^®6 12-speaker audio system including rear surround speakers and subwoofer provides an entertainment feast for the ears.  Cadenza’s standard equipment level exceeds many premium brands, as all vehicles come equipped with leather seat trim with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth^® wireless technology⁷.  Three option packages are offered: Luxury, White Interior and Gray Interior. 

Priced at $38,250 MSRP³, Cadenzas equipped with the Luxury Package feature a full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlights with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, a memory-enabled 12-way ventilated driver’s seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort and support, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column. The rear passenger experience is further enhanced with rear outboard heated seats, as well as a power rear sunshade for enhanced comfort and privacy. 

At $42,400 MSRP³, the SX Limited builds upon the Luxury Package with 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake with auto hold and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), which maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and helps bring the car to a full stop if necessary.  This package also includes water-repellant hydrophobic front side windows, radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, and Kia’s first-ever Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which provides audible and visual alerts to the driver should they unintentionally drift into another lane.

The fully-equipped Cadenza SX Limited also offers a White Interior Package at no additional cost.  This optional appearance bundle includes White Nappa leather trim, wood-grain accent window switch surround and a premium headliner material that extends to the pillar trim, rear parcel shelf and sun visors.  The fully-equipped Cadenza SX Limited also offers a Gray Interior Package at no additional cost.  This optional appearance offers a Gray Interior Package at no additional cost.

European Design Evokes Premium Sport-Sedan Elegance
Penned under the watchful eye of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ president and chief design officer, the Cadenza’s broad shoulders, contoured hood, large wheels and wide stance give it a strong, grounded appearance. The striking design has a distinctive sport-sedan form, as if the car would be equally comfortable on the Autobahn or carving through the Swiss Alps.

The signature grille and front fascia make Cadenza instantly recognizable as a Kia. Flanking the grille are quad headlights that nestle deeply behind crystalline lenses. The lower fascia is wide, lending to the Cadenza’s imposing stance, and chrome trim accents around the fog lights and grille add to the vehicle’s premium presence. LED positioning lights and projection beam headlights provide additional European sophistication.

Perhaps best enjoyed in profile, the Cadenza’s silhouette is at once strong and elegant. The vertical nose is imposing, the long hood sensuously sculpted to meet the swept-back windshield. The greenhouse curves gracefully to the C-pillar and is surrounded by a tasteful chrome bezel that flares upward at the rear door, effectively creating a beautiful glass droplet. Beginning just aft of the front-door cutline is a chiseled indentation that sweeps upward, seamlessly transitioning into the tail lights. Classic chrome accents adorn the lower portions of the doors and the treatment continues into the rear fascia. The 19-inch alloy wheels offered in the Technology Package resemble a jet turbine and add to the Cadenza’s athletic stature.

Moving to the rear, the standard LED taillights sit high on the deck and are designed to cut across a large portion of the vehicle, lending to the Cadenza’s broad stance. The twin oval tail pipes accentuate the Cadenza’s sporty and elegant design.

The interior of the Cadenza envelops its occupants in a premium environment complete with soft leather upholstery and tasteful accents of wood and chrome.  Ambient lighting and horizontally positioned switch gear communicate an uncluttered and sophisticated aesthetic.  An elegant analog clock positioned between the automatic climate controls lends a classic feel.  The center console is angled slightly toward the driver for optimized control, and an available large 7-inch high-resolution TFT LCD screen in the gauge cluster showcases a wide range of vehicle information including turn-by-turn navigation and infotainment.  Elegant chrome bezels surround the HVAC and audio controls, air vents and the standard push-button start.  Standard Bluetooth, wood-trim door inserts, one-touch automatic up/down power front windows and power-folding heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators all enhance the Cadenza’s premium image.

Engaging Driving Experience
The Cadenza is equipped with Kia’s most powerful V6 engine ever.  The smooth-revving 3.3-liter utilizes gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that improves performance while producing fewer emissions.  Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a Sportmatic^® manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel.  The GDI powerplant produces 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm.  The advanced all-aluminum engine features dual continuously variable valve timing for improved fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque, and is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.  During Kia’s long-term durability testing, the engine is run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load.

To maximize driver engagement and performance, the Cadenza features a sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a MacPherson strut setup in front and a multi-link rear design with dual flow shocks to enhance ride and performance.  The Cadenza rides on standard 245/45R-18 tires while 245/40R-19 tires are included with the Technology Package.

To further enhance performance and safety while reducing NVH, 60 percent of the body structure is strengthened with High Tensile Steel (HTS), which is lighter and stronger than traditional steel and results in reduced overall vehicle weight and improved torsional rigidity.  HTS is produced through a 1,650 degree hot-stamping process, designed to toughen steel. Cadenza also features an extensive list of noise-reducing technologies, including a hydraulic transmission mount, optimally tuned damper on the rear cross member, triple door seals, and specially designed wheels (the multiple fins help reduce wind noise at highway speeds).

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, Forte5, and Forte Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

¹ Class-leading claim based on comparison of available 2013 premium sedans as of April 2013.

² The Blind Spot Detection System is not a substitute for proper and safe lane changing procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when changing lanes. The Blind Spot Detection System may not detect every object alongside the vehicle.

³ MSRP $35,100 for Premium model. MSRP $38,250 for Premium model with Luxury Package. MSRP $42,400 for the SX Limited. MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

⁴ Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

⁵ The Rear-Camera Display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. The Rear-Camera Display may not display every object behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.

⁶ Infinity^® is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

⁷ The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth^® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth^® wireless technology