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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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Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid definitely not faster than a speeding bullet

John Neff — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Kia

The Justice League of America's garage is filling up quickly, with Kia and DC Entertainment unveiling its sixth of eight super hero-inspired vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show today. The vehicles are being used to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign.

The latest Kia to get the super hero treatment is the Optima Hybrid, which draws on the almighty Superman for inspiration. We're not sure what to make of this thing, honestly, as neither Clark Kent nor Kal-El would be caught dead in it (unless it's got the optional Kryptonite seatbelts, of course). Rather, this looks like what we imagine a Superman fanboy would construct if given carte blanche to ruin an Optima Hybrid. The actual design and construction were handled jointly by Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine.

We'll let the pictures do the talking in terms of what modifications were made since they're all cosmetic. That is, no mechanical mods were done to make the Kia Optima either faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive (shame).

We mentioned this is the sixth of eight super-hero inspired Kias. The first five were Batman (Optima SX), Flash (Forte Koup), Green Lanter (Soul), Cyborg (Forte Five-Door) and Aquaman (Rio Five-door). That means the seventh car will be for Wonder Woman, and we can't wait to see how tastefully her costume can be converted into a car design. The eighth and final car, meanwhile, will be a mash up of all the super heroes in one car.

Continue reading Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid definitely not faster than a speeding bullet

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid definitely not faster than a speeding bullet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Superman joining Kia's Justice League-themed fleet of vehicles

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Toys/Games, TV/Movies

Kia is teaming up with the Justice League once again to create another show car that will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show. At the 2012 SEMA Show, Kia showed off various models inspired by DC Entertainment characters Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern and Cyborg, but a Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid will roll into the Windy City for next week's show.

In the above drawing, we only get to see a small portion of this car inspired by the Man of Steel, but it will have the requisite red-and-blue paint scheme with Superman's shield on the hood (subtle, it is not).

The previous cars include the Batman Optima, Aquaman Rio, Flash Forte Koup, Green Lantern Soul and Cyborg Forte. All six cars were created to raise awareness for the "We Can Be Heroes" campaign, which helps families in eastern Africa affected by drought and famine.

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Superman joining Kia's Justice League-themed fleet of vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima Hybrid [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Quick Spins

A Feature-Packed Family Hauler That Sips

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

Every time we read Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, we find something new. Adams was able to spin phrases that hit on multiple levels, and his work requires repeated attention to be enjoyed in full. We wouldn't be surprised if the folks at Kia have been reading a bit of Adams themselves, because their latest lineup has been commanding multiple looks.

With new models being churning out both here and abroad, Kia is offering a range of vehicles that hit consumer needs on multiple levels. The latest member of the family is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, and it's looking to speak to the green-tinged car-shopping contingent.

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid [w/video]

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Optima Hybrid priced from $26,500*

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Kia

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

We're capturing our first driving impressions of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid this week, but we've already learned that the midsize fuel-sipper will be priced at $26,500 when it goes on sale in the coming months, excluding $750 for destination and handling.

Curiously, the $26,500 price tag represents an increase of $705 versus the Optima's platform mate, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Kia tells us that the price increase is because the Optima comes with more standard equipment than the Sonata, including things like a rear backup camera, rear spoiler, auto-down front windows for the driver and passenger, a cooling glovebox, compass, and Uvo, Kia's brand new infotainment system.

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid priced from $26,500* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia Optima Hybrid delayed due to Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pushback

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hyundai, Kia

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid - Click here for high-res image gallery

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was supposed to go on sale in December, but at the eleventh hour, the company decided on a last-minute engineering change to enhance safety. When the automaker learned that President Obama planned to sign a bill that would ban a switch that can disable a noisemaker designed to warn blind pedestrians, the Korean automaker decided it was best to remove the switch. The move delayed mass availability of the Sonata Hybrid from December to late April.

But what about its twin, the Kia Optima Hybrid? Ward's Automotive reports that the mid-size hybrid has been delayed until late in the second quarter, or about five months after its scheduled January launch.

Will the substantial delay of the Optima and Sonata Hybrids hurt sales and satisfaction? We're sure there are probably some impatient buyers out there who don't understand why they have to wait, but in the long run, we're likely looking at a mere bump in the road.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

[Source: Ward's Automotive - sub. req.]

Report: Kia Optima Hybrid delayed due to Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pushback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin', green-drivin'

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid - Click here for high-res image gallery

Kia is just now beginning to roll out its sexy new 2011 Optima, with the 2.4-liter GDI version priced from only $18,995. Much like its sister car, the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima will be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in EX and SX trims, and here at the LA Auto Show, the Kia has unveiled its third member of the Optima family - the Hybrid.

Much like the Sonata Hybrid, the gas/electric Optima uses the same 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four, mated to an electric motor. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Optima Hybrid will yield 40 miles per gallon on the highway - besting its eco-minded competitors, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Pricing will be announced closer to the car's on-sale date early next year, and you can read the full details in Kia's press release, after the jump. Check out our high-res galleries of live and stock shots, as well.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin', green-drivin'

LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin', green-drivin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:30:00 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

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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