Automotive Engineering International - October 1, 2013 - 25

New Vehicle Technology

HIGHLIGHTS

sedan, [customers] want it to drive and feel
like a European sedan,” Hedrick explained.
“Going into this luxury space, it is very important to pay attention to the dynamics.”
The Cadenza features a sport-tuned fully
independent suspension with a MacPherson
strut setup in front and a multilink rear design
with dual flow shocks. The Cadenza rides on
standard 245/45R-18 tires; 245/40R-19 tires
are included with the Technology Package
(i.e., fully loaded).
“The performance dual flow shocks—
amplitude-specific dampers—are new for
us,” Hedrick said. The system “has a dual
path, depending on what kind of surfaces
you’re driving over. If you go over an undulating surface, there’s one path that controls
those body motions; if you have a very rapid
input, like you go over a speed bump, hit a
pothole, or change surfaces, there’s a second path that quickly corrects and maintains that composure.”
The Cadenza’s modified front-wheel-drive
platform is shared with the Optima, but it’s
about 2 in (51 mm) longer in the wheelbase
(112.0 in/2845 mm) and nearly 5 in (127 mm)
longer in overall length (195.5 in/4966 mm).
The luxury sedan also sits about 1 in (25 mm)
taller than the Optima.
“Most of that extension of the wheelbase
is to the benefit of the rear-seat passengers,”
he said.
Kia claims class-leading interior volume, at
106.8 ft3 (3024 L), with 15.9 ft3 (450 L) of
cargo volume with rear seat up.
Extensive use of high-strength steel (HSS)
helps to improve torsional rigidity and reduce
both vehicle weight and NVH, an important
characteristic in the premium segment.
About 60% of the body structure is comprised of HSS, which is produced through a
1650°F (900°C) hot-stamping process.
Curb weight for the Cadenza is 3668 lb
(1664 kg), and rises to 3792 lb (1720 kg)
when equipped with the Technology Package.
Cadenza’s list of standard equipment includes a rear-camera display and backup
warning system, a premium 550-W Infinity
12-speaker audio system with rear surround
speakers and subwoofer, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, keyless entry with push-button start,
and Bluetooth wireless technology.
The Luxury Package, at $38,100, adds
such amenities as a panoramic sunroof with
power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps
AEI-online.org

Cadenza features class-leading
interior room and plenty of
premium materials
and accents.

with active front lighting system, and a ventilated driver’s seat. The
Technology Package adds a bevy of active safety technologies: electric parking brake with auto hold; ASCC, which maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and helps bring the car to a full stop if necessary; radar-based blind spot detection system with lane change assist; and Kia’s first-ever lane-departure warning system, which provides both audible and visual alerts.

NVH a major focus

The biggest difference between the powertrain in the Cadenza vs. its
application in the Sorento is “a steadfast attention to detail on refinement and NVH,” said Hedrick. A great deal of technology and work
went into sound isolation and vibration control from the powertrain.
“There’s a new subframe with big [high durometer] bushings to
control powertrain inputs into the body,” he said.
In addition, engineers designed a new patented exhaust system.
“With large V6 engines, at about 2000 rpm you hear this resonance,”
Hedrick explained. “A lot of work went into designing a new exhaust
system that controls the way the two paths come together from the
front and the rear; a lot of work went into managing the pulses coming
in. The payoff, of course, is there’s a nice scavenging effect, so we
actually get a little bump in torque in the 2000-3000 rpm range.”
Controlling noise inputs during the driving experience and pinpointing
specific areas to apply sound-deadening materials were a major focus
for Cadenza developers. “We have a thick three-layer pad that fits underneath the IP, and each of the individual layers is specifically tuned
for individual frequencies,” Hedrick said. “Also under floor, a thick mat
prevents road noise from coming inside the vehicle.”
Other noise-reducing technologies include a tuned damper on the
rear crossmember, triple door seals, and specially designed wheels.
(Kia claims that the multiple fins help reduce wind noise at highway
speeds.) AEI
oCToBer 1, 2013 25

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Automotive Engineering International - October 1, 2013

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