Kia launches Cadenza as replacement for Amanti sedan, hits North America in 2011

Kia is replacing its Amanti large sedan with a new model called the Cadenza, which was unveiled today in South Korea. It goes on sale there this year and in North America in 2011.

The five-seat Cadenza is shorter than the Amanti but has a longer wheelbase delivering more interior space, Kia said in a release. The Korean edition has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the North American version's engine specifications are still being decided.

Production of the Amanti ended this year. Once inventories run out, U.S. dealers will lack a large sedan until the Cadenza arrives in 2011, spokesman Michael Choo said. In the meantime, the mid-sized Optima will be Kia's biggest sedan, he said.

The Cadenza will make its global auto show debut Dec. 12 at the Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, Kia said. The car will be manufactured at Kia's Hwasung assembly plant in South Korea.

By Hans Greimel- Automotive News