Autoblog

Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues

Zach Bowman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Etc., Recalls, Safety, Kia

Kia has announced that it is recalling 145,000 vehicles to address faulty airbags. A total of 95,569 Optima sedans built between 2006 and 2008 and 50,186 Rondo MPVs built between 2007 and 2008 are included in the recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles may have been built with a clock spring in the steering column that may fatigue and break over time. As a result, the vehicles may illuminate the airbag warning light on the dash and the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The automaker says that while it has received some warranty claims for the problem, no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the default.

Kia plans to notify affected Optima and Rondo owners in March. Those vehicles that currently have their airbag lights illuminated will be fixed first. Click past the jump for the full recall notification.

Continue reading Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues

Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros

Zach Bowman — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

The Kia Optima is headed to the World Challenge next year. Kia has announced that it will once again partner up with Kinetic Motorsports, this time to build a pair of Optima SX models to go fender to fender with the rest of the World Challenge field. The two turbocharged sedans will compete in the Grand Touring Sport Class against vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, if you can believe that.

If you're thinking those two are going to make short work of the Optima, you may want to think again. Kia has already managed to earn a driver and team championship in the two years that it's been racing the Forte in the States, and the company recently announced the Rio 5-Door would be competing, as well. These guys aren't just out there to parade their badge around the track.

The World Challenge series pits great drivers against each other in race-prepped versions of production vehicles on some of the country's best road courses. The series campaigns at Infineon, Road Atlanta and the street circuit at Long Beach. Look for the races to show up on the NBC Sports Network this year. Hit the jump for the full press release from Kia.

Continue reading Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros

Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Optima production gets underway in Georgia

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Kia

Korean automaker Kia has officially begun production of the 2012 Optima. The midsize sedan is now being churned out at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, which is located in West Point. Build alongside the Sorento, the 2012 Optima is the second Kia vehicle built at the company's Southern plant. Previously, the Optima was built only in South Korea.

As is generally required for this sort of thing, Kia is adding more workers to the KMMG facility as production expands. More than 3,000 new employees will be joining the thousands already working for Kia. The KMMG plant is capable of producing 360,000 vehicles per year, and it will be all hands on deck as Kia strives to maximize output.

Continue reading Kia Optima production gets underway in Georgia

Kia Optima production gets underway in Georgia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

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

Kia has become an active presence in both the National Basketball Association and Grand-Am Challenge racing series. Participation in both requires a fair amount of investment for the automaker, but so far, Kia says this marketing gamble is paying off handsomely.

In 2010, Kia sold 356,268 vehicles to U.S. consumers. That's a record for the automaker, and it tops efforts by more established brands Mazda, Volkswagen and Subaru. Kia is optimistic that 2011 could be even better thanks to the increased brand exposure coming as a result of its NBA tie-ins.

Viewership of this NBA season is up, which means Kia's messaging is reaching a greater number of fans. That messaging got a massive surge during All-Star Weekend when Los Angeles Clippers forward used a 2011 Optima as a prop in the slam-dunk contest. Millions of people watched Blake Griffin soar over the hood of the strategically placed sedan, and many continue to view clips of the dunk on YouTube. (You can do the same, by clicking past the jump).

Beyond the NBA and the Optima, Kia has outfitted its Forte Koup for racing duty. Running in the Grand-Am Challenge Series, the Forte has been hitting the track for two solid years now. This year, the team was able to make it on to the podium.

It's two very different markets, but the Kia lineup is getting exposure to a very large audience. Traffic to both its website and dealerships is up, and Kia has been so buoyed by its Grand-Am involvement that it is also understood to be considering going racing with the Optima.

[Source: WardsAuto | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]

Continue reading Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Kia

According to The Detroit News, Kia is recalling 70,115 examples of its 2006-2008 Optima sedans over a weak shift cable that could break and cause the car to roll unexpectedly when parked. Kia first noticed the problem in 2007 and changed manufacturing processes to try and cure the issue. They also notified technicians to look for flaws in customers' Optimas and address the issue if there was a problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation into the 2007 model in November after getting three reports of weak or broken shift cables in automatic transmission cars preventing owners from shifting between Park, Drive and Reverse. In one case, a broken cable caused a parked car to roll away.

In response to the NHTSA inquiry, Kia has done more testing and evaluation on the cars and decided that a recall was necessary. Despite the recall, Kia says the problem hasn't resulted in any "real world safety incidents."

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: AOL Autos]

Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:31:00 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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Report: NHTSA opens safety probes into older Honda CR-V, Kia Optima models

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Recalls, Safety, Honda, Kia

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking into issues with 2006 Honda CR-V models and 2007 Kia Optimas. According to The Detroit News, both vehicles have garnered a fairly small number of complaints - just three each - for separate problems. In the case of the CR-V models, owners have experienced electrical failures that led to fires in the driver's side door. Owners claim that the master window switch overheated, causing the damage. NHTSA is looking into around 150,000 of the Honda models.

Meanwhile, the agency is investigating 41,000 Kia Optimas for faulty transmission shift cables. Owners have reported problems with the cables becoming detached from the transmission, effectively locking the vehicle into or out of gear. In one case, a vehicle rolled away after being shut off. The Detroit News reports that Kia has issued a service bulletin concerning improperly-installed shift cables that may detach over time.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA opens safety probes into older Honda CR-V, Kia Optima models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:01:00 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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Kia reports record third-quarter profit

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Kia, Earnings/Financials

In spite of a ridiculous 247WallStreet.com article that simply will not die, Kia appears to be doing anything but going out of business. Hyundai's "weakest brand," as it was called, just posted a 66 percent increase in profit for Q3. Kia's home market sales, in South Korea, rose by 25 percent, while international sales were only a shade off, increasing by 24 percent - in the U.S. specifically, sales were up eight percent.

That has meant 541,884 retail sales, earning net income of 666.6 Korean won ($593 million) and an operating profit of 421 billion won ($375M U.S.). Sales of the new Kia K5/Optima and Sorento have been credited - and we're sure new Sportage sales haven't hurt - and record profits are expected again in the fourth quarter.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Kia reports record third-quarter profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia Optima hybrid headed for LA Auto Show

Chris Shunk — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hyundai, Kia, Rumormill

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

We're still trying to stay on top of everything being officially unveiled next week at the Paris Motor Show, but it looks like we may also need to keep an eye trained on the LA Auto Show as well. Auto Guide is reporting that Kia will officially unveil the Optima Hybrid on the left coast, giving Hyundai's smaller sibling an entry in the battery-assisted market.

The Optima Hybrid is sure to be powered by the very same 169-horsepower 2.4-liter Theta II engine mated to a 30 kW electric motor that thriftily motivates the Sonata Hybrid. If that is indeed the case, we expect the same impressive fuel economy figures of 39 miles per gallon around town and 37 mpg on the highway, along with an electric-only top speed of 62 miles per hour.

With a hybrid variant set to join the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter base model and the 274 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo variant, the Optima looks to be quite the upstart in the always competitive midsized sedan segment. The Optima Hybrid will reportedly go on sale early in 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Auto Guide]

Report: Kia Optima hybrid headed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 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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Report: Kia may lose names, use numbers for future models

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Kia

Would a Kia Forte by any other name smell as sweet, if the name were K3 and those judging the smell were American buyers? That's the question Kia executive are mulling as they decide whether to switch to alphanumeric model designations in the U.S. Some of the company's cars that go by names in other markets wear letter-number identifiers in South Korea, such as the Optima, known in South Korea as the K5. Others, such as the Soul and Sportage, retain their proper names in South Korea.

According to Automotive News, Kia's vice chairman, Chung Eui-sun, believes that alphanumeric names can strengthen a brand as long as buyers don't get confused, but he also notes that Americans may prefer proper names. Kia would probably do well to study Acura's long road from "Legend" and "Integra" to its current system, and Infiniti's period of trial-and-error with its alphanumeric concoctions.

From where we sit, we think that Kia should think long and hard about the equity continuing to build in solid offerings like its Soul and new Sorento, and if they're going to go alphanumeric, they ought to do it sooner rather than later to avoid adding to the confusion. If it were us, we'd leave well enough alone - the automotive landscape is rapidly devolving into an alphanumeric soup and we're not in favor of another automaker reaching into the Scrabble tilebag. How about you? Have your say in 'Comments.'

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Kia may lose names, use numbers for future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:01:00 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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New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:05:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Magentis sketch - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is all set to debut the latest version of its Magentis midsize sedan at the New York Auto Show in April. Not familiar with the Magentis? Actually, you likely are - the Magentis is known as the Optima here in the States. We just saw spy shots of the next-gen Magentis earlier this month, and the Korean automaker has now seen fit to tease the car with some sketches that "[embody] a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy," which, unsurprisingly, is not unlike the new Sonata from parent company Hyundai - though we're sure the Optima will get its own unique look courtesy of designer Peter Schreyer.

Kia also tells us that its next midsize machine will be longer, lower and wider than the current car with a significantly longer wheelbase that affords "considerably more space for both people and luggage." The 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale here in the U.S. this autumn while the European Magentis will hit the market in the spring of 2011. Check out the high-res teaser images below and hit the jump for the brief official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Magentis sketches

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan

New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Kia, South Korea

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

According to a very well placed source deep within the South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the sedan above is not the 2012 Hyundai Azera as reported yesterday. Not only is the car not an Azera, it's not even a Hyundai. You are in fact looking at the 2011 Kia Optima. Though there is a 25% chance that this might be the 2012 Kia Optima. Sadly, and regardless, we know next to nothing about this new Optima, other than the fact that the rest of the world will still probably know it as the Magentis.

However, we know what we can hope for. Judging by the position of the front wheels (they're almost at the door cut, totally FWD) we feel confident saying this here Optima will not be riding on any version of the RWD Hyundai Genesis platform. In other words, this is not the Kia K9. Still, we bet that Kia's new styling guru (and OG Audi TT designer) Peter Schreyer will ensure this is the best looking Optima yet. Not a large hill to climb, but one that needs summiting for sure. We'll give you more info when we get it.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Kia Optima

Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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