2011 Kia Optima unveiled

The 2011 Kia Optima was unveiled in NY and the aggressive looking sedan will be the most powerful in the D-segment.
That is because the 2011 Kia Optima is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that packs 278 PS. Other powerpant options available for the 2011 Kia Optima will include a 2.0-litre CVVL petrol and a 1.7-litre VGT turbo diesel while an additional 2.4-litre MPI petrol will be offered in Russia and the markets in Eastern Europe.
On the rest of the world’s markets the 2011 Kia Optima will be sold fitted with either a 165 PS 2.0-litre MPI, a 178 PS 2.4-litre MPI or a 203 PS 2.4-litre GDI and later on in 2011 the automaker promises to offer a hybrid powertrain also.
The 2011 Kia Optima price was not announced yet.
Kia press release :

• New name and dynamic look for all-new D-segment Kia
• Fresh design – bold, athletic and sporty
• D-segment saloon offers new levels of style, performance and features
• Two all-new petrol and diesel powertrains for Europe
• Most powerful D-segment Kia ever with 278ps 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine
• Optima replaces Magentis in UK product line-up
• Hybrid powertrain due in 2011

Kia Motors Corporation is celebrating the world premiere of its
all-new Optima D-segment saloon at the New York International Auto Show
today.
Arriving in Kia showrooms across the UK in 2011, the 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.  Kia’s new saloon will be called ‘K5’ in Korea and
‘Optima‘ in all other markets.
Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine,
California, the all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the
Magentis it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that
allows 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 Optima is a new strand in Kia’s evolving 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,” commented 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,” adds Schreyer.
The all-new Optima’s smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style
and offer a strong hint of European-style luxury.  Optima’s
groundbreaking spirit will continue under the bonnet with the
introduction of new powertrains, which deliver class-leading power with
highly competitive fuel economy – and employ engine management systems
such as direct injection, multi-point injection and turbo charging to
help bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuel
efficiency.  Kia’s first-ever hybrid car, a new version of Optima, for
the North American market, will be available in 2011.
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 bold signature grille that is
flanked by projector headlamps.
Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc
that flows from the A- to the 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 the extended (2795 mm)
wheelbase.  Boldly flared wheel arches and a steeply sloping rear
window create a saloon with a graceful muscular stance.
The all-new Optima will offer numerous standard exterior features
including dual exhausts, solar glass and indicators on the wing
mirrors.  Depending on the trim level, fog lights, heated exterior
mirrors, exterior chrome or body-colour door handles along with 17-inch
alloy wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres will also be available.
Higher trim levels add HID headlights with auto levelling, LED rear
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 225/45 R18 tyres – achieving a true
performance look.
Luxuriously Equipped Interior
Inside, all-new
Optima creates an immediate sense that this is 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 sporty
performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. 
Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel (standard on automatic
versions outside North America) convey that Optima is built for people
who are passionate about driving their cars.  A high console with a
short shifter adds to the cockpit ambience, while an optional glass
panoramic sunroof will provide an open-air feeling.
Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard
convenience features, the saloon’s chic cabin unifies with the exterior
design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat
design.  Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver’s
seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip
computer will further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities.
In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology
features will also come standard throughout, including a high quality
‘Dimension’ audio system with AM/FM/CD and MP3 compatibility with eight
speakers.  Auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3
players and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice
activation controls will feature, according to the market.
Interior comfort and convenience will be 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 a versatile cargo capacity. 
Automatic transmission-equipped Optima cars (in markets outside North
America), will feature cruise control and Kia’s ‘Active Eco System‘
indicator to assist with fuel efficient driving.
Other available premium features will include push-button start with
smart key, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated
front and rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob,
auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down
and eight-way powered driver’s seat, illuminated glove box, rear
reading lamps and chrome door handles. 
Depending on the trim level, Optima will also offer unique black
leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film
and metal accents, a supervision instrument cluster with LCD display,
centre fascia and gauges, soft trim with French seams, alloy foot
pedals and illuminated door scuff plates.
Available upgrades will also include a powered panoramic sunroof,
leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel for
additional interior refinement.
For Europe and North America, a
voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen, will
combine with the audio system 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 Optima is built
on an all-new platform.  Optima’s low, lean and powerful stance is
enhanced by its overall length of 4845 mm – an increase of 45 mm over
the previous model – overall width of 1830 mm and wheelbase of 2795 mm,
an increase of 75 mm, and has a low ground clearance for enhanced
aerodynamics and reduced drag, boosting fuel efficiency.
Optima’s lightweight bodyshell 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.
Optima employs unitary construction with sub-frames to support the
fully independent front and rear suspension systems.  MacPherson struts
are used in the front with a multi-link layout at the rear, with
separate coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear, and a front
anti-roll bar to ensure responsive handling and provide excellent ride
comfort.
Class-Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines
For Western Europe, the new Optima will be available with a choice of
2.0-litre CVVL petrol and 1.7-litre VGT turbo-diesel engines.  In
Russia and some Eastern European markets it will be offered with a
2.4-litre MPI petrol engine producing 178 ps.  All transmissions for
the new Optima, both manual and automatic, will have six speeds. 
Outside Europe, Optima will be available with six all-new Theta II
family engines (depending on market), with Kia’s first application of
GDI technology and up to 278 ps of power.
Safety-Minded
In line with Kia’s safety
engineering philosophy, the all-new Optima will have a high level of
safety features as standard.  Equipment includes six airbags (dual
front airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags and full-length side
curtain airbags), 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 both Europe
and North America, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  Safety
driving systems on the Optima will include anti-lock brakes (ABS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS),
Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) – depending on
market.
Optima will replace Magentis in the UK when it launches in 2011. 
The introduction of this sleek new saloon signals a significant step
forward in design and equipment levels for the Kia brand in the UK. 
Exact trim, equipment and pricing will be announced closer to the
launch.
Technical overview