After we have seen the first pictures of the next-gen Kia Optima / Kia K5, to be codenamed as JL3, wearing its final bodywork, today we have a new set of photos. The next-gen Optima is expected to suffer a big improvement in terms of driving dynamics and performance.
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As Albert Biermann said “For the next Optima GT, you can expect an interesting powertrain and suspension at the next level. It’ll be the next level of Kia driving performance.” So let’s find out all the new details.
And we have a lot of new details that confirms his words. The next generation Optima will debut during September 2019 with the first units to be built in April 2019 (P1*) and then two revisions will follow in June 2019 (P2) and the Start of Production set for August 2019. *(P1 means prototype 1) This should be a early stage prototype due to provisional front and rear lights (check the gallery).
About powertrain, the Optima finally will have enough power for all of its variants. The entry level in petrol will be covered by the 2.0 CVVL & 2.0 LPi (used in Korea for GNC taxis) and then the new Smart Stream 1.6 Turbo GDi with 180 hp will be added in the second power scale (for GT-Line), with the all-new 2.5-liter Theta3 that will offer NA (for entry level) and Turbo variant for the GT.
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On the diesel side, Kia will use for the first time a bigger engine (highlyt demanded in all the markets where the Optima diesel is available). The chosen one is the 2.0-liter R-engine, that has two output options, 150 and 184 hp. Also Kia will use the new U3 1.6-liter diesel with 136 hp as a Diesel entry level.
Looking at the pictures, this Optima has not camouflage on the body of the car, but we want to stop at the connection between the hood and the interior that will put us on advice about what Kia is preparing.
Apparently and despite that thing, the rest of the car looks very similar to the recent facelift has just launched in South Korea as well as overseas markets. This car was caught following a Hyundai Sonata Test Mule.
Information source: SHM Studio
Photo Source: Bobaedream
