Ameobi, 23, has signed for the Championship side on a season-long loan after agreeing a new contract with Newcastle United.
"Promotion's our aim this season," he said.
"That's one of the reasons I joined, because I want to be part of a team that's pushing for the Premier League."
Ameobi has been impressed with what he has seen since arriving.
"The guys are looking really sharp and fit," he said.
"I think with the squad we've got, and the good start that we've had to pre-season I think that's [promotion] definitely possible."
Brighton and Wolverhampton Wanderers had also shown interest, but the former England Under-21 international opted to join Cardiff instead.
"Cardiff is the first place I came to and the training ground, the facilities, the stadium, everything is Premier League," said Ameobi as he explained why he opted for the Welsh capital.
"When I spoke to the manager [Rusell Slade], I just really liked what he had to say, his ideas, and I pretty much made my decision from there."
Ameobi is Slade's second signing of the summer after Cardiff recruited defender Semi Ajayi from Arsenal.
The new arrival made 54 Premier League appearances for the Magpies and scored against Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur in 2014-15.
"I can't wait to get going," said Ameobi.
"I want to have a full season where I'm playing games and I think that will build my self-confidence and strength as a player and hopefully have a great season."