Autoblog

Optima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Ford, Honda, Kia

2011 Kia Optima 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The mid-size sedan battle rages on year after year. Perennial kings are dethroned while new challengers emerge boasting fresh styling and a bountiful list of standard features. Consumer Reports launched its June issue today, inside which the institute's testers have pitted four-cylinder versions of the Kia Optima and Honda Accord against each other to determine which is top dog, and then ranked them both against their peers.

As it has here at Autoblog Towers, the 2011 Kia Optima drew big praise from the Consumer Reports crew. In fact, the Korean squeezed out a higher rating than the veteran Honda Accord. It may have only beat the Honda by one point (81 to 80), but this represents a significant win for Kia. The opinion of Consumer Reports is highly valued by a large number of car shoppers, and this victory ought to push the Optima further onto the radar of the American car-buying public. Despite beating the Accord and earning a "Very Good" rating, however, the Optima is still nowhere near the top of the heap in Consumer Reports' ratings of four-cylinder mid-size sedans. The Nissan Altima (a perennial CR favorite) still holds the top spot with a rating of 91, neatly trumping the Optima in sixth place and the Accord in seventh.

One vehicle that didn't do so well in the June issue of Consumer Reports? The 2011 Ford Explorer. Three mid-size sport utility vehicles were rounded up for testing: the Explorer, Volkswagen Touareg TDI and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Of the 19 mid-size SUVs that Consumer Reports has rankings for, the Explorer came in at 17 with just 65 points. The Touareg TDI, meanwhile, landed in fourth place with a score of 82 and the Highlander Hybrid beat all with a top rating of 89.

If you won't get the latest issue of CR in your mailbox, check out the official press release after the jump for more details.

UPDATE: The information in this article has been corrected concerning which vehicles were compared against each other in the June issue of Consumer Reports and where they ranked overall.

Continue reading Optima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED

Optima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia adding Optima production line to Georgia plant

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Kia

2011 Kia Optima EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia Optima has been a resounding success from the minute the midsize sedan's redesigned 2011 model hit dealer showrooms. Optima sales have nearly doubled since its November introduction, which has helped the automaker claim a 36 percent sales increase on the year.

The Korean automaker seems to think the good times will continue into the future, announcing a third hiring wave at the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant. The additional employees will help increase Optima output when the 2012 model arrives in the third quarter. This is good news for the red-hot Kia brand, and those looking for work in Georgia are likely excited as well. Kia says in the post-jump press release that its hiring spree will increase the workforce at the facility to 3,000 workers. Hit the jump to read over the official release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima EX: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Dan Roth / AOL

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia adding Optima production line to Georgia plant

Kia adding Optima production line to Georgia plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, Crossover, Kia, Mini

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia Optima set the mark as the first Korean-built car to be officially five-star certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The all-new Optima recieved five-star ratings in the frontal, side-impact and rollover tests.

The Optima sports six airbags, active front headrests, side-impact door bars and height adjustable three-point seat belts for each seat. This five-star rating is indeed something worthy of bragging rights, as NHTSA imposed significantly stricter testing standards for 2011 models. Follow the jump for Kia's press release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating

2011 Kia Optima receives five-star NHTSA crash rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin's weak sauce dunk [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Kia, Celebrities

Blake Griffin posterizes the 2011 Kia Optima - Click above to watch video after the jump

The NBA All-Star Weekend has come and gone. As usual, the big story from basketball's all-star break comes from the dunk contest. Depending on who you talk to, it was either a showcase of creative new stuff or an overload of weak-sauce prop dunks. Regardless, Kia is surely thrilled with the attention it's own all-star Optima received. In fact, the automaker is so thrilled that footage of the dunk will be used in an upcoming commercial.

For those readers not following the NBA, Blake Griffin, LA Clipper and jumper extraordinaire, pulled a 2011 Kia Optima on to the court for his final dunk. Hiding in the cabin was Baron Davis, who provided an alley-oop pass through the open sunroof. Griffin lept over the hood, caught the ball and brought the already-standing crowd to a new level of excitement.

Upon intial viewing of the dunk, it seemed pretty amazing. However, upon subsequent review, we find the dunk to be fairly tame. We have a clip of the dunk for you to examine after the jump; sound off on its merits in the Comments.

[Sources: Kia, YouTube | Image: Noel Vasquez/Getty]

Continue reading Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin's weak sauce dunk [w/video]

Kia making commercial out of Blake Griffin's weak sauce dunk [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Drew Phillips — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Kia considering following the lead set by Toyota in crafting an entry into NASCAR? No - at least not that we know of. But the Korean automaker is proving it has an interest in racing nonetheless, as you can see from the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo SX built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this race car was built as a prototype to showcase the performance and racing capabilites of the Optima. Performance aside, this machine, which is being shown off at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, certainly looks the part of a credible racer.

It's worth noting that the Kia Forte race car, also built by Kia racing partner Kinetic, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. Will the Optima be following suit? It certainly wouldn't be a complete surprise...

Gallery: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

2011 Kia Optima 'One Epic Ride' Super Bowl ad - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We know the 2011 Kia Optima is an excellent sedan, but apparently it's so desirable that anyone and everything across time and space are clamoring to get it.

In the Korean automaker's new Super Bowl ad, a police officer playing 'bad cop' decides to take the car off the hands of a couple, now cuffed to his parked motorcycle. The constable, in turn, is no match for a super villain, his slick helicopter and a waiting mega-yacht. The Optima nearly falls into the villain's hands, but by then, the all-new sedan has piqued the interest of the gods (we would have pegged Poseidon as a Maserati guy), and that's when things get really interesting.

Click past the jump to watch the elaborate and visually impressive journey unfold.

Gallery: Kia Optima goes on One Epic Ride

[Source: Kia via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens

Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Kia

2011 Kia Optima is an object of desire across time and space - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia had a strong 2010 and the Korean automaker hopes that momentum is continued right through 2011. No doubt, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima is one vehicle that will be a cornerstone for the brand if it is to keep up its recent success. No rusprise, then, that Kia is unveiling a new 60-second ad spot highlighting its midsize sedan during the first quarter of the Super Bowl.

Entitled "One Epic Ride," the commercial features the 2011 Optima as it "travels through time and space." The car becomes an object of desire for cops, aliens, an international villain and even the Greek god Poseidon.

Further pushing the Optima messaging to the masses is the One Epic Contest. In the days preceding the Super Bowl, Kia will reveal a series of clues by way of TV spots, print ads and social media posts. The clues will then be used to answer questions at the OneEpicContest.com website, and five lucky winners will walk away with a brand new 2011 Kia Optima of their very own. Check out the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: Kia Optima goes on One Epic Ride

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl

Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, UAW/Unions

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #213 of the Autoblog Podcast is our first show in a while with a guest. Dave Sullivan, auto analyst for AutoPacific, joins us as we discuss the supposedly impending arrival of the Toyobaru coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, the apparent officialness of a Camaro Z28 for 2012, whispers of a new Ford GT, and UAW attempts to convince automakers in the southern U.S. to organize. Your feedback and questions fuel some more discussion until we wrap up at an hour and thirty eight minutes. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Buick Lacrosse
2011 Kia Optima EX

News Topics:

Autoblog's complete coverage of the 2011 North American International Auto Show

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:37:39

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Optima wins Cars.com 'Best of 2011' award

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're big fans of the swoopy new 2011 Kia Optima - in fact, some of us here at Autoblog even prefer the Kia sedan to its Hyundai Sonata cousin. Apparently we aren't the only ones who think highly of this fiercely competitive mid-sizer, as Cars.com has just honored the Optima with its 'Best of 2011' award.

The editors of Cars.com cited the Optima's outstanding fuel economy and excellent driving experience. Specifically:

"With its value, sharp packaging, outstanding fuel efficiency and lofty features, the Optima gives all family-car shoppers a shot at something far more compelling than the segment represents."

Runners-up include the BMW 5 Series, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt (which was recently named North American Car of the Year), Honda Odyssey and Nissan Leaf. All good vehicles, yes, but the Optima's strong presence within the mid-size sedan segment - the most-shopped segment in the auto industry - is a huge achievement for Kia. Head over to Cars.com to read the full story.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Cars.com]

Kia Optima wins Cars.com 'Best of 2011' award originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean War: Inside Line pits Hyundai Sonata against Kia Optima [w/poll]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Kia

2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above to enlarge

The Koreans are coming! Actually, strike that... they're already here. As a matter of fact, both the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and its corporate kissing cousin, the 2011 Kia Optima, rank very highly on our own midsize sedan pecking order chart. All of this begs the question: Which one is better, and why?

The boys from Inside Line decided to pit the two sedans, which share most major components and assemblies, against each other in a no-holds-barred fight for supremacy. Not surprisingly - both use 2.4-liter four cylinder engines (plus or minus California emissions...) and six-speed automatic transmissions, and both weight nearly the same - picking a winner means delving into the details.

And IL found that the details favored the Kia. There are a number of reasons given for the why and how of this conclusion, which you can read all about right here. Basically, though, IL found that the Optima is tuned more for the enthusiast as opposed to the competent and comfortable nature of the Sonata.

Which one would you pick? Take our poll below and then feel free to talk about your choice in Comments.

View Poll

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Gallery photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line | Main Image: Kurt Niebuhr for Edmunds]

Korean War: Inside Line pits Hyundai Sonata against Kia Optima [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima receives service bulletin for accelerator pedals

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

That was quick. Kia has issued a service bulletin asking its dealers to check the operation of the accelerator pedal on all-new 2011 Optima models that are just now arriving at dealerships across the country. According to Consumer Reports, workers are to press and release the pedal 25 to 30 times to listen for noisy operation and anything that would indicate unsatisfactory pedal feel. If either problems surface, Kia will replace the pieces under warranty free of charge. As of right now, it's unclear whether sticking pedals instigated the service bulletin or some other fault prompted the Korean automaker to issue the service bulletin.

Keep in mind that a service bulletin differs from a recall in several ways; most notably, recalls are government mandated and require automakers to alert consumers. Service bulletins are voluntary and typically just go out to dealers. Since the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration isn't forcing Kia's hand, we're guessing that there isn't any danger to consumers. Models impacted by the bulletin were built between October 16th and November 24th of this year.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

2011 Kia Optima receives service bulletin for accelerator pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Optima configurator finally up and running

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Kia

If you've been waiting for the 2011 Kia Optima configurator to come online so you can whittle away a few precious minutes from the work day, wait no more. You can now load up or strip down your very own imaginary four-door however you like. From the looks of things, buyers will be able to weasel their way out the door in a base model with a six-speed manual transmission for the lowly price of just $18,995 without destination. Go crazy with the options, however, and you'll be staring down the barrel of an MSRP of just over $31,170 with the $695 destination fee included, but that still strikes us a fair shake for a loaded SX trim with the powerful 2.0-liter turbo.

Notable options include a premium package that throws in a pair of panoramic moonroofs and heated and cooled seats for $2,150 and a technology and premium touring package that adds in niceties such as navigation, fancier wheels and an eight-speaker Infiniti sound system among other tricks for $4,150. Head over to the Optima configurator to see for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima

[Source: Kia]

Kia Optima configurator finally up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima officially priced from $18,995

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Kia Optima appears to be a quantum leap improvement over the 2010 model, with improved aesthetics, powertrains and technology. But do all those improvements come at a cost? According to Kia, the 2011 Optima will start at $18,995. That's $1,000 more than the outgoing model, but still $1,000 or so lower than many competitors' midsize offerings, and lower still than its cross-Korean cousin, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. With the base model comes standard power window and door locks, Sirius Satellite radio and a USB interface for your iPod.

Move up to the LX trim level with a six-speed automatic transmission and the starting price is $20,495. The LX comes standard with alloy wheels, cruise control and an eco mode for more efficient driving. The EX is the next step up the luxury ladder with leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual zone climate control, 17-inch wheels and push-button start.

If horsepower is your thing, the EX Turbo supplies 274 horsepower, a revised front grille and special interior accents for a reasonable $24,495, which in this case actually costs a little more than the Sonata Turbo at $24,145. The top-end Optima, the SX, starts at $25,995. Standard features for the SX include a host of interior upgrades, 18-inch wheels, revised lower trim, a sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps and LEDs out back.

$18,995 is a very reasonable starting price to pay for a vehicle that appears to have gone from being a rental fleet afterthought to a midsize contender in a single product cycle. But what about resale value? The residual value experts at ALG, inc. claim that the 2011 Optima will retain 53 percent of it's value after 36 months, a 66 percent increase over the outgoing model. That's not at the resale level of a Honda Accord, mind you, but a definite step in the right direction. Hit the jump to read over Kia's official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima officially priced from $18,995

2011 Kia Optima officially priced from $18,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, First Drives

You've Come a Long Way, Baby

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

We admit it - we're genetically preprogrammed to be shallow creatures. Despite our moms' best efforts, recognizing inner beauty is all well and good, but it's physical beauty that first puts both people and consumables on our radar.

Exhibit A? The 2011 Kia Optima. You see, while exactly nobody was paying attention, the outgoing Optima actually became a reasonably competitive mid-size sedan. But with the lackluster reputation of its predecessor compounded by styling so banal that it might as well have had "John Doe" as a model designation, the Optima was seemingly forgotten by everyone but fleet managers.

That's not going to be a problem any more.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima

First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495*

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Kia

The 2011 Kia Optima doesn't go on sale until sometime this Fall, but the configurator is now live on Kia.com. The new Optima brings Kia design to a whole new level, with a sleek coupe-like profile that should be backed up by some pretty impressive performance when equipped with the new 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo.

Kia hasn't released official pricing yet for the new Optima, but in an odd move, it is listing estimated prices on the configurator. The base, 200-horsepower 2.4-liter LX model with a six-speed manual is listed at an affordable $18,495 (*sans destination charges, which are likely to add $695), while the least expensive model with the 274-hp 2.0T engine is the $23,895 EX. A maxed-out SX with the premium and technology packages comes in just shy of $30K, which actually strikes us as pretty reasonable based on what we've seen so far of the car. That means that the 2011 model is more expensive that the staid but surprisingly competent current model (which starts at $17,995), but we're thinking the better-looking sheetmetal is worth it alone, not to mention all of the other equipment and material upgrades. Appreciate the tip, Matt!

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima

[Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: Kia Optima Sport Wagon

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Kia

It's no secret that we're wagon fans, especially the modern, stylish mid-size five-doors available from Subaru, Cadillac and Audi. Unfortunately, aside from the Subarus and VW Jettas there are few affordable examples available in the U.S. market.

With any luck the good folks at Kia will see this rendering based on the recently revealed Optima and say "Let's do it!" The new Optima sedan is a handsome piece of work, but adding this CTS-inspired extended roof-line and D-pillar really gives it the finishing touch.

Now what we'd like to see is something akin to the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept based on the Sonata. Come on photoshoppers, get to work. Hats off to Andrus for the tip!

[Source: This Week in Motors]

Rendered speculation: Kia Optima Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Kia Optima turns up the heat in the mid-size sedan segment

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to designer Peter Schreyer, Kia has been cranking out some really impressive-looking vehicles recently. In fact, the Soul hatchback was a contender for the World Design of the Year award. And while we've seen hot new designs for both the Sorento and Sportage, the most significant addition to the Kia portfolio is the revamped 2011 Optima sedan.

The Optima shares its platform and powertrains with the recently introduced 2011 Sonata, but the design is wholly unique. It features a bold new front fascia, swoopy side lines and a sleek rear end, and with its impressive fuel economy and choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged power, the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry indeed have some stiff competition coming in the near future. Click through our gallery of live shots below to see high-res photos of the Optima.

Gallery: New York 2010: Kia Optima

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Kia Optima turns up the heat in the mid-size sedan segment

New York 2010: 2011 Kia Optima turns up the heat in the mid-size sedan segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima introduced with DI, turbo and hybrid

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the New York Auto Show today, Kia officially introduced its new 2011 Optima mid-size sedan and, as we expected, it shares much with the recently launched Hyundai Sonata. In spite of the same wheelbase and almost identical dimensions, however, this is no case of badge engineering. The Optima has completely different styling from its corporate sibling with a crisp, modern look that is in keeping with other recent Kia introductions.

What it does share with the Hyundai is its complete powertrain lineup, including a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Theta II inline-four, a turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the same engine and the new 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain. The latter two configurations were both announced by Hyundai yesterday for the Sonata. Each of the engines features direct injection and variable valve timing with the non-hybrids being rated at 200 and 274 horsepower, respectively. All the powertrains are mated to six-speed transmissions, with the base model being available with a manual and the others being all automatic.

Three trim levels will be offered: LX, E, and SX, with the two upper trim levels receiving Kia's new Uvo infotainment system as standard equipment. The Uvo system, you may recall, is based on the same Microsoft Car operating platform that underpins Ford Sync.

The Optima is based on the same lightweight architecture as the Sonata, and we expect it will achieve similar fuel economy numbers when it goes on sale this Fall (early 2011 for the hybrid). That would put it in the (very impressive) 22/35 mpg range for the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, 22/34 for the turbo and 37/39 mpg for the hybrid. Check out the high-resolution images below and the press release after the jump - and be sure to stay tuned, we'll have live shots and impressions from the show floor posted shortly.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima introduced with DI, turbo and hybrid

2011 Kia Optima introduced with DI, turbo and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #170 - The Hooniverse Visits

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Audi, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Jeep, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Jeff Glucker and Tim Odell of Hooniverse.com join Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #170 of the Autoblog Podcast. The first stop is the Autoblog Garage, and the Hoons have their own garage, awesomely occupied by much better hardware than ours.

Items plucked from the news include the Ford Police Interceptor, 2011 Kia Optima, rumored Porsche Panamera convertible, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, and the return of Lotus and Cosworth to Indy. Wade through that, and get rewarded with a few terrible answers to good questions.

Autoblog Podcast #170: The Hooniverse Visits

In the Autoblog Garage:
Audi S5
Nissan Maxima
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (Hooniverse)
Infiniti FX50S (Hooniverse)
Hurst Camaro (Hooniverse)

News:
Ford Police Interceptor
Kia Optima
Porsche Panamera Convertible
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Lotus and Cosworth back in Indycar

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guests:
Jeff Glucker, Tim Odell of Hooniverse.com

Runtime: 1:12:23

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #170 - The Hooniverse Visits originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next stage of Kia's transformation from design also-ran to serious contender will kick off at the New York Auto Show in few weeks. After launching the Forte sedan and Koup, the new Sorento and, most recently, the Sportage, Kia's new design language is being applied to the Optima. The all-new 2011 Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces although we don't know by how much. While it's not as aggressive as the sketches released a few weeks ago, this Optima is certainly a huge step forward.

We don't have any mechanical details yet, but we'd guess that the Optima shares a lot under the skin with the new Hyundai Sonata. Nor would we be at all surprised to learn that the Optima won't have a V6 engine option this time around. Instead, it'll probably use the same direct-injected 2.4-liter inline-four found in the Sonata. The turbocharged and hybrid variants may follow as well.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima

New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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