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I am seeing Audi and Maserati in this new large sedan from Kia... CGIs

Only until recently, the Kia Optima 2.0-litre Turbo was only reserved for the North American market as it was solely available in left-hand drive mode. However, Kia has managed to overcome the engineering impediments to building a right-hand drive version which is starting to roll off the production line. The Optima turbo features direct injection and is rated at 274bhp with 365Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The top-of-the range Optima completes the century sprint in a brisk 6.8 seconds. This means that the Optima turbo reaches the 100km/h mark faster than a BMW 520i. The addition of the Optima turbo will strengthen Kia's image in Singapore if it is introduced here. The Korean sedan will finally have the 'go' to match the 'show' and put it in a better position to compete with the Europeans. Here's a short video review of the Kia Optima Turbo:

This is a follow up post to my earlier post on the 2011 Kia Optima (Magentis). These photos are live images taken from the New York Auto Show. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words and the world can finally see the all new Optima in its full glory. These live images confirm my initial impression that the new optima scores better in the looks department as compared to its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. The alloy wheel design resembles those from a certain European make. The bumper is joined to the car body at a 45 degree (around there I suppose) angle and I like that treatment as it gives the car a coupe-like touch. The display car at the new york auto show seems to be fitted with red coloured brake caliper. I am doubtful that it will be a standard feature throughout the new Optima range, perhaps only reserved for top end high performance variant. Under the hood, we find 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 delivers 200 hp while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers an impressive 274 hp. The 2.4-liter hybrid engine will be introduced in 2011. Will the new Optima enjoy the success of its smaller sibling, the Cerato Forte, in Singapore ? I believe it can, given the smart marketing strategy by C&C.

Kia is getting ready its all new D-segment offering, the Kia Optima (or Magentis in other markets such as Singapore). The new Optima is set to make its debut at the New York international Auto Show in April 2010. The front fascia of the new Optima is evolutionary rather than revolutionary in my opinion. I've attached a front shot of the current Magentis for comparison. Having said that, it is a nice evolution with chiselled looks, displaying a purposeful stance. As usual, the popular "Shreyer grill" is found on the new optima. It is definitely more tasteful than the over-chromed grill of its cousin, the new Hyundai I45. Much like the recently-debuted Sportage, the new model is longer, wider, and lower. This, along with its longer wheelbase, will provide more space in order to go up against D-segment top dogs like the Passat, Camry, and Mondeo. We can probably expect the new model to share its powertrains with the I45. For any official specs, we'll have to wait until Kia's ready but its should not be long.