Kia is finishing the next generation Optima development (also called K5), and the next generation codenamed as “JF” will debut during the first quarter of 2015 (the car will be showcased at the New York AutoShow held in April).
This project is a very difficult task for Kia engineers and Peter Schreyer’s design team, how to improve one of the most beautiful and succesful Kia models ever designed, and also lead K-series sales in South Korea. (Kia is currently losing market share every month in its local market)
That’s why the new Kia Optima will feature a more sharper design (will premiere Kia’s new sedans design way, and will be followed by the next generation K7/Cadenza in 2016), a better interior quality and an engine choice between petrol, diesel (in Europe), hybrid (available in late 2015) and for the first time, a plug-in hybrid model (this car will be available during 2016).
The design sticks closely to the current MY2015 Optima, including a wide “tiger nose” grille connected with the headlights from side to side and a wider taillights at the rear end. Speaking with Kia’s design team, the car won’t look like a latest Sorento and Sedona models, because these cars have a different target than sedans.
The petrol model will have more aggressive and sporty air intakes in the front bumper, while the hybrid models get a closed front grille that opens automatically when cooling is required. New wheels and colour palette finished exterior updates.
The interior quality will get another step forward, like in the new generation Kia Sorento, the Optima will have new 8″ inch infotainment system larger getting all the attention from the new leather-wrapped dash. The Optima will use the same chassis as the new Sonata LF, this means a higher use of high-strenght steel, more than 50%, but more weight.
Hope Kia engineers can handle with this and the next generation Optima doesn’t have the same power decrease like the Sonata to keep fuel economy. What do you think?
Comments
7 commentsWasn't criticising you guys. I'm addicted to this blog. I was just saying that if the actual final design is like the render you guys posted a while back (and all evidence suggest that it most likely is), I'd be very disappointed and will cross Optima off my list.
I'm glad you like our work. Hopefully the new Optima will raise Kia once again because they need another big hit again.
Kia don't cut the power. Increase it or you will lose customers!!!!
Are you refering to the Sonata hp drop?
Yes, don't drop the horsepower and torque like the sonata.
Like in the 2015 Sonata, the use of high-strenght steel increased the final weight of the car, that's why Hyundai cutted the power to get "better" fuel efficiency.
I believe he's correct. More steel = strength but at the cost of weight. Thus the reason why he ends the article with a possible comparison with the new Sonata's (same chassis) lack of power.