Superman-inspired Kia Optima Hybrid helps those affected by drought and famine in Africa

Michael Harley — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Kia, Design/Style

Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine worked as a team to develop this one-of-a-kind Superman-themed Optima Hybrid that made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show today. The joint effort is designed to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" campaign, a charitable relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

The metallic blue and red sedan, which thankfully manages to look better in person than it does in the pictures, is the seventh vehicle in a 10-month partnership between the automaker, comic book company and tuner as they build themed vehicles representing all of the Justice League heros. A yet-unseen eighth vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one.

There is no mistaking the blue metallic finish with red chrome accents, or the world's most recognizable superhero's chest emblem glowing on the hood, but you have to look closer to see the Superman logo on the rear fascia and catch the red glow from the headlights. The theme has been carried into the cabin, where occupants will find custom upholstery and Superman's iconic shield on the seats and airbag cover. While the hybrid sedan's gasoline-electric powertrain remains untouched, the Optima features flared fenders, oversize 22-inch wheels and a height-adjustable suspension that is controlled from the cockpit. Read more in the official press blast below.

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Superman-inspired Kia Optima Hybrid helps those affected by drought and famine in Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Batman-inspired Kia Optima concept headed for Gotham reveal

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Kia, Toys/Games, Celebrities, Design/Style, TV/Movies

DC Entertainment is leading a charity campaign called "We Can Be Heroes" to raise awareness of hunger in The Horn of Africa. With help from artist Jim Lee and Rides magazine, Kia has joined the Justice League with a Batman-themed Optima SX apparently inspired by the Dark Knight's darkest nights.

Looking like Batman went to SEMA, a set of coilovers gets the Optima SX hunkered down over an intense bodykit and 20-inch wheels. The exterior is done in matte black and piano black, but a carpet of yellow LEDs will make sure it never gets lost in the night - they even shine from behind the massive brakes, the Batwing-shaped grille and the HID headlights etched with the Bat-Signal. The interior gets lots of black leather with Batman logos, "utility throwing stars" in the console and a Batsuit and cowl in the trunk.

The one-off Kia will be unveiled in Gotham City, and it's the first of eight custom Kias playing doppelgangers to DC characters. There's more about it in the press release below, and NYC's Time Warner Center is where you want to be to see it in person.

Continue reading Batman-inspired Kia Optima concept headed for Gotham reveal

Batman-inspired Kia Optima concept headed for Gotham reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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