Kia reveals new K7

Kia today revealed its second-generation K7 in Korea, but has no plans to sell it in Australia, where it would be a direct rival for large sedans like the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Aurion and Skoda Superb.

Indeed — unlike North America, Canada, China, Middle East and Brazil, where the current Cadenza (as it's also known) has been sold since 2010 – the Optima will remain Kia's flagship passenger car Down Under.

So far only the full-size sedan's sleeker, lower and wider new "European-inspired" exterior design – as previewed by last month's teaser sketch — has been revealed ahead of its 2016 launch in overseas markets, along with a promise of more luxury and refinement.

Therefore it's still uncertain whether the new K7/Cadenza — nameplates that replaced Opirus and Amanti — continues to share its front-wheel drive platform with sister brand Hyundai's Azera/Aslan, or if it will switch to the rear-drive platform underneath the upcoming Genesis G90, which Hyundai will reveal on December 9.

If it does the latter, Kia's top-shelf sedan could be powered by a 5.0-litre V8 or twin-turbo V6. If not, expect 2.0-litre turbo, 3.3-litre V6 and hybrid petrol powertrains.