Kia is yet again thrilled to debut another of their product innovations at the New York International Auto Show. Making its world premier today, Kia Motors Corporation introduced the all-new Optima midsize sedan.

The Kia Optima communicates a dynamic and streamlined profile conveying elegance and athleticism while continuing to impress with its spirit beneath the hood and within the passenger cabin.

The Optima offers a blend of simple and fluid lines, elegant and uncomplicated, that draws attention to onlookers and projects a distinguished presence and style.

Available in five (5) new powertrains promising to deliver class leading power and competitive economy, Kia is also pleased to be introducing the brands first ever hybrid model to hit US shores.

The Optima employs engine management systems such as direct injection, multi-port injection and turbo charging to increase performance without compromising efficiency and economy.

Exterior Design

The striking face of the Optima features Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille, surrounded by projector headlamps. The new Optima is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor with a coupé-like profile, boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin to create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.

Standard exterior design features include chrome tipped dual exhausts, solar glass, mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch wheels with 205/65R16 tires. Also available (trim level variants), are fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires.

Interior Luxury

 The Optima’s instrument panel is contoured towards the driver offering an immediate sense of the Optima being a “driver’s car”. Offering occupants space and comfort, the interior of the Optima is equipped with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer.

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.

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.

Engine Technology

The OPtima is available with three Theta II powerplants,, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid and in European markets, 2.0 liter CVVL engine along with a 1.7-liter VGT diesel unit. Outside Europe and North America, the 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 both manual and automatic have six speeds while all automatics feature Sportmatic ™ clutchless shifting.

Scheduled to be released in the US and all non-European markets towards the end of 2010 and Europe in spring, the dynamic and streamlined next generation Optima continues to extend Kia’s design-led transformation, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake callipers and 18-inch alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.

For more details about the Kia Optima Launch click here to read the full press release.