First Look: Kia Optima

The Optima continues Kia’s design-led transformation, while revealing a completely new and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. Kia’s new saloon will be called ‘K5’ in Korea and ‘Optima‘ in all other markets.

Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the Magentis it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allows for distinctive dimensions and proportions, while also providing a unique canvas for Kia’s global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in its segment.

The all-new Optima’s smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European-style luxury. Optima’s groundbreaking spirit will continue under the bonnet with the introduction of new powertrains, which deliver class-leading power with highly competitive fuel economy – and employ engine management systems such as direct injection, multi-point injection and turbo charging to help bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Kia’s first-ever hybrid car, a new version of Optima, for the North American market, will be available in 2011.

Credits: wilswong