New kid on the block? 2011 Kia Optima with DI, Turbo, Hybrid

[Doug_MPS6]

Looks like there might be a new horsepower kid on the block in the new Kia Optima. One model carries their new 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine claiming a 206kw output, driving through the front wheels via a 6-speed auto or manual transmission. It looks pretty neat too. This will be an interesting evolution to observe! Kia came from low beginnings but they have tightened up their act fast with a lot of European input. I've only driven an earlier model, once, the Cerato, but was reasonably impressed with its fit and finish and I know they have come a long way since then. Any comments?



Article from Auto Blog

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.

More Images HERE

[Source: AutoBlog via Doug_MPS6]

[shakespeare]

Added images/article from Autoblog and moved to Other Manufacturers Forum

Looks good and specs sound impressive, the Koreans are starting to develop some performance!

[nzjono]

The front looks terrible. Korea is yet to make something that is better than its Japanese competitors.

[Nirvandan]

Its got potential, and pretty decent looks, embarrassing even KIA is now making better looking cars than Mazda and even Subaru.

[DISIMS3]

the grille looks like a smiling pig

[Doug_MPS6]

I haven't formed any major views about it. It looks OK, clean enough lines, though not as pretty and gutsy looking as an MPS6 (and it isn't AWD), and I'm not about to rush out and buy one. But I posted the item as I was intrigued at the power output reported from a "mere" 2.0 litres. A few MPS6 owners would still like to achieve that from 2.3 litres, even though it is relatively easily done.

[Nirvandan]

For a KIA is not bad start..., its actually pretty good.

[TheJunglist]

dont mind it. has some potential.

[Scratch2k]

Those wheels are horrible, I don't mind the front end, it looks mean.

206kw from a 2.0 is pretty impressive.

Hopefully since we got the (cool looking but ultimately pretty lame) Cerato Koup over the Hyundai Genesis we'll get the Optima as it's replacement, I'd be interested to see what sort of a price they put on these.

---------- Post added at 09:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 AM ----------

This is better, minus the horrible wheels:



Looks sweet!

[Nirvandan]

Nice work, indeed wheels are