The next generation Kia Optima, known as the Magentis in some markets, will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show, which opens on 2nd April.
Based on the design sketch, we can see that Kia has ditched the distinctly three-box, uninspiring looks of the current car for a sleeker and sexier design. Of course, the actual car will be toned down from this, but we expect a looker based on Kia’s recent track record. The Korean brand promises “bold, athletic and sporty visual energy” for its D-segment challenger.
Little else is known for now, but Kia has revealed that the new Optima is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, and features a “significantly longer wheelbase”. For reference, the current car measures 4,800 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.
The Optima will go on sale in the USA late this year, while European sales will start in spring 2011. More images after the jump!
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
the wheels looks nice… but not practical for daily use…
looks like in Sci-Fi movies. wow!
Impressive design!!
looks like bmw's e60 5-series, that is a good thing
this good for Kia. They choose the correct path for their future products. Good luck
great car from kia but sadly, it was distributed by naza. haii……wish to get their forte but had a really bad experience with their picanto. from booking until the warranty claim. great car but…..
looks like BMW 645CI
Can Potong follow KIA? see how futuristic KIA is? Not bad… great design but wonder how the real car going to look alike. Usually drawing is much macho than the real one
The front grill look abit weird, but other than that, the car look amazing! Kia is really improving by leaps and bounds.
Feel very sad for proton perdana. OoOo Proton…learn something new yet??
Door handles missing!!
it must be hidden somewhere or remotely controlled..
Looks like Forte
Nice @ss.
aiyo y they copy 5 series with M series side grille.
LordSatan said,
February 22, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Can Potong follow KIA? see how futuristic KIA is? Not bad… great design but wonder how the real car going to look alike. Usually drawing is much macho than the real one
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have u seen potong concept model?
Looks like an Austin martin to me.
RM108K…hehe..old model optima now RM80K brand new.
Seen FORTE on the road… for me, it just NICE and NEAT car…
The exterior has less WOW factor… not really an eye catching…
hanssen said,
February 22, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
Door handles missing!!
it must be hidden somewhere or remotely controlled..
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no no,,this one you only need to put ur niat…then the door will open
The sportrim sharing the same as Forte?
Anyway, one more Kimchi attacK….
Nice looking car…if u wan to own it for a long time den its a good buy…1 year at least depreciate 20%…
Good news for NAZA..can re-badge this car too..
kia hs come a long way huh..nw we r comparing them to e65 n all..wow, way tog go kia;)
it is a concept drawing guys. usually, the car will be quite different when it is readied for production. usually, the wheels will not be so big and you'd probably see the door handles somewhere. so, guys, it is just a design study which shows the direction that kia will take with the optima/magentis.
KS said,
February 22, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
Looks like Forte
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Agree. Except they just tweak the parts around, but the front grille and the rear lights general shape are very similar to forte. Maybe it's a design concept (similar to honda arrows concept or sumting)
The front looks like VW Scirocco, the back looks like Audi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
another sport coupe version !!!!
it seems….2010 onwards is ….
X Over & Sport Coupe aka CLS [Compact Luxury Sedan]
the wheels in the first picture looks like gt-r's. overall quite beautiful, except for the front grill. cheers
the new trend that manufacturer seems to stick with one design and evolve it for the next model just like mitsu, honda and kia doing now…
hanssen said,
February 22, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
Door handles missing!!
it must be hidden somewhere or remotely controlled..
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no, it's broken even before it leaves the drawing board. now who says proton sucks?
pic looks nice. but car…not so much i guess
Sorry ..i'm not impressed with KIA label
slayer said,
Sorry ..i’m not impressed with KIA label
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if you not impressed with KIA label, u can change to another logo.. same thing like p2 owner paste T logo or p1 owner paste M logo…hahahahha u can pas Bimmer logo if u not malu la…huhuuh
from the pictures….
it looks like a sibling of its bigger brother which is the kia cadenza/K7.
hmm…btw, it is not designed by a korean…
at least at potong, only one concept is design by italian…
It's beautiful. If the real car can capture light on its surface like the sketch suggests, then NAZA should intro the car same time as USA. This car is designed at KIA US Design Centre, no?
to korean makes….pls improve ur ride handling and fuel consumption……..
lmst said,
February 22, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
slayer said,
Sorry ..i’m not impressed with KIA label
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if you not impressed with KIA label, u can change to another logo.. same thing like p2 owner paste T logo or p1 owner paste M logo…hahahahha u can pas Bimmer logo if u not malu la…huhuuh
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why buy a proton, when u can buy a real car….like a KIA
Gotta be realistic here, these are 'artist illustrations' of the latest optima. The final product will be closer (but more sporty looking) than the latest sonata. In terms of design, i think peter schreyer beats the entire american team for hyundai.
Paul, isn't this the same as Kia K7 or cadenza… the ads are already on you tube.. really impressive
It's not the same. The cadenza is bigger.
Nice car. but when available in m’sia ?