[KIA MOTORS NEWS] Kia Motors debuts All-new Optima at New York International Auto Show

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Michael Choo (  mjc@kia.co.kr),
International Communications Manager, Kia Motors Corporation, Tel:
+82-2-3464-5663

Kia Motors debuts All-new Optima at New York International Auto Show

 

-         Midsize sedan offers new levels of style and performance features
from Kia

-         Five all-new powertrains including, for North America, a turbo and
Kia's first-ever hybrid

-         Fresh design from the ground up embodies bold, athletic and sporty
visual dynamism

-         Leading levels of premium amenities and technology features

-         New Forte 5-door also has its world reveal at  New York show

 

(SEOUL) April 1, 2010 - Kia Motors Corporation today held the world premiere
of its all-new Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto Show.


 

Arriving in showrooms in North America and non-European markets in the final
quarter of this year and Europe next Spring, the next generation 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.  

 

Optima's groundbreaking spirit continues under the hood and inside the cabin
with the introduction of five new powertrains, which deliver class-leading
power (in North America) with highly competitive fuel economy - and the
brand's first-ever hybrid for North America (available in early 2011).

 

Designed at Kia's studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, California, the all-new
Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based
on an all-new midsize platform that allowed 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 is a new strand in Kia's growing design DNA with a blend
of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes that draw the
attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fine
Italian suit," said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors
Corporation.

 

"From the distinctive sweeping chrome accent that stretches through the C
pillars to the sleek greenhouse and flared wheel arches, every inch of the
Optima projects a distinguished and refined style and extreme attention to
detail." 

 

The all-new Optima also employs engine management systems like direct
injection, multi-point injection and turbocharging to help bring performance
to the brand without sacrificing fuel efficiency.  Its smooth-flowing lines
speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European luxury.  

 

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

The all-new Optima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its
unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors' philosophy
of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion.  The
striking face of Optima features Kia's signature bold tabbed grille that is
surrounded by projector headlamps.  Longer, wider and lower than before,
Optima's coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows
from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually
lowers the car further and enhances its proportions.  Optima's roofline
connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its
sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase.  Boldly flared wheel arches and a
raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.

 

The all-new Optima offers numerous standard features including dual exhaust
with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and
16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires.  Also available, depending
on the trim level, are fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior
chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with
P215/55/R17 tires.  Higher trim levels add HID headlights with auto
leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip
spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake calipers and
18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires,
achieving a true performance look. 

 

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

From the moment the door opens, Optima presents an immediate sense of a
driver's car.  The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to
suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport
performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess.  Paddle
shifters, standard on automatic versions outside North America, behind the
steering wheel convey that Optima is built for people who are passionate
about cars.  A high console with a short shifter adds to the cockpit
perception while an available panoramic sunroof provides an open-air
feeling.  

 

Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard
convenience features, the sedan's chic cabin unifies with the exterior
design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design and
effective storage throughout. Modern standard features such as six-way
adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity
mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin's luxurious qualities.


 

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features
also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system -
with SIRIUSR Satellite Radio capabilities in North America with three months
complimentary service[1].  

 

Also available are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with
MP3 players and available BluetoothR[2] wireless technology connectivity
with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free
operation for compatible mobile phones, a feature which is standard in North
America.

 

Interior comfort and convenience is enhanced with available features that
include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows,
sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box.  Stylishly appointed
cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear
seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and
passenger needs. Automatic transmission-equipped Optima, in markets outside
North America, feature cruise control (standard in US on SX trim only) and
Kia's Active Eco System indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving (known
as EcoMinderR in North America).

 

Other available premium features include push button-start ignition with
smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto light control, driver
and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way power driver's
seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps and chrome door handles. In North
America, the UVO powered by MicrosoftR[3] infotainment system with rear-view
camera and an auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomelinkR[4] and compass
are available.

 

Depending on the trim level, Optima also offers available unique black
leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and
metal accent, SupervisionT meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and
meter housing, soft trim with French seams, metal pedals and lighted metal
door scuff plates.

 

Available upgrades include a power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim,
memory driver's seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a
heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.  

 

Luxuriously appointed features include, for North America, an InfinityR[5]
5.1 surround sound audio system with HD RadioR and for Europe and other
markets, a Dimension audio system, each with eight speakers. For North
America and Europe, a voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch
screen, combines with these functions to enhance the cabin for audiophiles
or those who seek the latest superior quality technology for a modern
driving experience.  

 

All-New Advanced Platform

The new Optima is distinctive, right down to its all-new platform.  Optima's
low, lean and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of 4845
mm (190.7 inches), an increase of 45 mm over the previous model.  Optima is
built on a platform with an overall width of 1830 mm (72.0 inches) and
wheelbase of 2795 mm (110.0 inches), an increase of 75 mm, and has a low
ground clearance of 135 mm (5.3 inches) for enhanced aerodynamics.  Optima's
lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural
strength while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling,
ride quality and refinement.  Additional measures to help ensure good noise
vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the
Optima.   

 

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent
front and rear suspension systems.  MacPherson struts are used in the front
with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs
and front anti-roll bars to engage drivers with responsive handling and
provide the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal. 

 

Class-Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines 

The new Optima will be available with three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta
II powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine
or a 2.4-liter hybrid.  The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 203 PS[6] and
upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers V6-type power
from a four-cylinder engine that produces 278 PS, while mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission.  This represents Kia's first application of GDI
technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011.  

 

For Europe, there will be an available 2.0 liter CVVL engine along with a
1.7-liter VGT diesel unit. Outside Europe and North America, Optima offers a
2.0 liter MPI engine producing 165 PS and a 2.4 liter MPI engine producing
178 PS, while Australia will also receive the 2.4 liter GDI engine. 

 

All transmissions on the new Optima, both manual and automatic, have six
speeds while all automatics feature Sportmatic T clutchless shifting.  

 

Safety-Minded 

The new Optima has a high level of safety features, as does the rest of the
Kia line-up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat
mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests,
side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with
pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating
positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and, available in
North America and Europe, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a
Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist
Control (HAC) are also available as standard or option depending on market. 

 

Kia debuts Forte five-door in New York

 

Also making its world premiere in New York is the Forte ('Cerato' in some
markets) five-door. Keeping in line with the stylish and practical Forte
compact sedan and first-for-Kia Forte Koup, the Forte five-door adds another
attractive option to the Forte family.

 

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte
Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform.
Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all
the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy
wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button
start (already available in Forte line-up outside of North America) and
navigation (available in North America only) in addition to the enhanced
practicality of a fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional
practicality.  

 

Depending on country, Forte five-door is available with three efficient
gasoline engines - 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter - and a new six-speed
manual or automatic transmission. North American consumers will have a
choice of the 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines while customers outside of North
America will be able to choose from the 1.6 and 2.0-liter powerplants.

 

All-new Kia Optima Specifications

 

Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length:  4845 mm (190.7 inches)

Width:  1830 mm (72.0 inches)

Height:  1455 mm (57.3 inches)

Wheel base:  2795mm  (110.0 inches)

 

Interior Dimensions

Front Headroom:  1015 mm (40.0 inches)

Rear Headroom:  955mm (37.6 inches)

Front Legroom:  1155mm (45.5 inches)

Rear Legroom:  880 mm (34.6 inches)

 

Powertrain

North America

2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder:  203 ps*

2.0-liter GDI turbo four-cylinder:  278 ps* 

2.4-liter hybrid (early 2011 availability)

 

Europe

2.0-liter CVVL: tbc 

1.7-liter VGT: tbc

 

Other overseas markets

2.0-liter MPI: 165 ps*

2.4-liter MPI: 178 ps*

2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder:  201 ps* (Australia only)

 

Transmission

6-speed Manual

6-speed Automatic w/ SportmaticR shifting

 

Wheels & Tires

Wheels:  16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch

Tires:  205/65R16, P215/55R17, 225/45R18

 

###

 

Editor's note:  High resolution versions of the attached images and other
images of the all-new Optima and Forte 5-door can be downloaded from
www.kia-buzz.com.

 

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) <http://www.kia.com)/>  -- a maker of
quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is
Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia
Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive
brands. Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing
and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced
through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia
today has over 42,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over
US$14.6 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an
official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World
CupT. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" --
represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer
expectations through continuous automotive innovation. 

 


  _____  

[1] SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM
Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio

requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription
included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming

are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by
SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at

sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18
years of age in the 48 contiguous United States,

D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations). 

[2] The BluetoothR word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license.

[3] Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.

[4] HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.  

[5] Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries,
Incorporated.

 

[6] Based on preliminary test results.