Kia A1A Optima to be displayed at 2015 SEMA Show

The 2016 Kia Optima recently went on sale in the US, after making its debut at the New York International Auto Show earlier in the year. The fourth-generation Optima featured updated styling, both inside and out, to reflect that of the Euro-spec Kia Optima GT.

However, even though the D-segment sedan appears to be a very sensible car, that doesn’t mean Kia has lost the ability to let its hair down. Therefore, at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, it will be presenting a one-off, roadster version of the Optima, and here it is.

Called the A1A Optima, the roadster gets its name and inspiration from the scenic Florida A1A highway that runs along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. The attention-grabbing teal paintwork highlights the fun factor of the roadster, which rides on shiny 20-inch wheels.

The lack of a roof provides a clear view of the car’s interior with cream coloured leather upholstery. Opening the suicide doors provides access inside, where a total of four passengers can be seated, with the front passenger and driver receiving bucket seats instead of the standard ones.

Meanwhile, the rear passengers get custom double bucket seats separated by extended armrests and a custom centre console. Additional modifications on the A1A Optima include “discrete” reinforced steel tubes to maintain the car’s structural rigidity and a Ksport coilover suspension setup for a lower ride height.

Under the hood, a 2.0 litre turbocharged GDI engine still resides, producing 245 hp and 353 Nm of torque. However, Kia has mated the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a high-performance exhaust to produce a better sound befitting the roadster as well. So, how does a roadster version of the Kia Optima sound? An interesting prospect or will you be more interested in the upcoming Sportspace wagon instead?

2016 Kia Optima

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