Yesterday we shared the first picture that confirmed the South Korean carmaker is working on the third generation Optima. Today we can share with you the first spy shots of the next-gen Kia Optima caught testing at Kia’s European Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:9px;”]Since launched in 2010, the K5 (also called Optima in overseas markets) was a total hit for Kia. With an amazing design, the Optima surprised everyone and increased Kia brand image around the world. As we said yesterday, now Kia have a very difficult task to improve K5 design without becoming a bit bored.
Again, at the 2013 New York AutoShow, Kia design team improved the vehicle’s front and rear ends and the brand’s signature “Tiger-Nose” grille, and included “ice-cubed” LED lights like in the pro_cee’d GT. The K5 was designed by Peter Schreyer.
To fight with the recently launched Hyundai Sonata and its success, (currently Sonata LF orders surpases 22,000 units) Kia has been rescheduled the launch of the second generation K5 and will debut during the first half of 2015, according to senior member said. The new Sonata LF is getting attention from the market and Kia wants to end the successful start in the domestic market.
The new K5 will have essentially same DNA but will give something new. Kia its doint the best best in the development of the 2nd generation “K5”. In first year the K5 sold 87,982 units in South Korea. During the second year Kia sold 228,000 units local and overseas, during 2012 Kia expanded the production capacy of Georgia plant and sold 341,059 units.
Copyright CarPix
I think I like the old C-pillar more. That swooping curve gave it a mean look. Would also love to see what they will do with the front end. Is it going to be Sorento/Sedona style where headlights meet the grill or more subtle and older Ceed style with a narrow chrome trim. I really really like the new style. It looks angry and mean.
6 words, “Four Wheeled Drive Twin Turbo Optima!!!”
I’ve got the 2012/2013 model… we can’t even get the turbo in Australia!
Good point!!!! I currently own a 2013 KIA Optima SXL 2.0 Liter Turbo. And I absolutely love it!!! Now that Ford has released a 4 wheel drive fusion and Hyundai has the 4 wheel drive Genesis. I think it’s time for KIA to REALLY show everybody what a 4 wheel drive KIA sports car can do!!!!!!