Kia’s latest Magentis saloon will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September; however, its new name has yet to be confirmed. The US name is Optima, which is not favored in Europe, so it will likely have an all-new name.
According to company insiders, there was a debate whether to call the car K5 (its name in Korea) or Optima. A top-level Kia source said that that a downsized 150hp 1.2-liter turbo powerplant will be included in the engine choices. The new car will be longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model.
The new car will also have a longer wheelbase.
As a result, both cabin and luggage spaces are increased considerably. Kia doesn’t think that the car will be a major seller in Europe but as a volume manufacturer, it believes that it has to compete in the large saloon segment.
It’s anticipated that the demand for the car will come largely from the US and domestic markets, where it’s expected that its much improved styling and dynamics will appeal to buyers. A Kia source disclosed that the new car will have an estate version.
With regards to the body style, Chief designer Peter Schreyer expressed interest in making station wagon and coupé versions of the car. He thinks that the station wagon would only work for Europe and that in the US, it’s the coupé that would do well.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArtic ... ars/251651_________________
Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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