Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2011 KIA Sportage gets a Turbo Engine Option!

AWARD WINNING 2011 SPORTAGE EXTENDS ITS PRODUCT OFFERING FEATURING SX TRIM WITH ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP ENGINE.

Sportage SX provides debut of 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder.

2011 Sportage will offer UVO infotainment technology powered by Microsoft®
Sportage offers standard technological and safety features expected on vehicles priced much higher

The all-new, completely redesigned 2011 Sportage lineup will be extended in late spring at Jim Butler KIA's showroom with the arrival of the all-new SX trim that features the all-new 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing the power of a V6, while achieving the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. The Sportage SX also offers additional standard equipment and design that distinguishes the Sportage even further from any other vehicle in the segment or on the road.

The all new Sportage SX showcases Kia's remarkable styling, and offers enhanced driving performance, as well as an upscale and contemporary interior with an impressive array of standard technological features. "The addition of the SX package to the all-new 2011 Sportage further enhances our positive momentum on the vehicle while introducing a whole new dimension to both design and power including exception fuel economy", said Robert Staffieri, Marketing Director of Kia Canada Inc. "The Sportage SX completes our powertrain offering for the Sportage and the 2.0L Turbo GDI provides a high level of world-class technology."

Incorporating many of the key styling elements of the Kue concept, the Sportage proudly displays Kia's new signature design language, with dramatic swept back headlamps, signature family grille, and distinctive lower fascia treatment. The dynamically shaped hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to its bold flair.

SX Powertrain
The 2011 Sportage SX will offer the all-new 2.0L Turbo GDI engine which is a win / win / win technology that enhances power and fuel efficiency while at the same time reducing emissions. This is accomplished by injecting highly pressurized fuel directly into the cylinder (instead of intake tract) where a more complete combustion occurs resulting in the aforementioned benefits. A Twin-Scroll Turbocharger & Intercooler Turbocharging the 2.0L-T GDI greatly enhances power by forcing more air into the engine than would normally be possible. An intercooler cools the air for a denser, oxygen rich intake charge which results in even more power. The advanced 'Twin Scroll' turbo design greatly reduces turbo spool-up lag time and achieves a desirable early and flat torque curve. The introduction of the 2.0L Turbo GDI engine to the Kia lineup is extremely exciting and is intended to showcase Kia's dedication to developing and utilizing state-of-the-art technology in Kia's design-led vehicle evolution. Technology such as GDI and Turbo allow Kia to design vehicles that achieve top tier performance, produce fewer emissions and opens the door to extraordinary fuel economy numbers. These powertrains will be the staple to designing future vehicles that utilize this combination of impressive technology.

The Sportage SX will be coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission engineered and manufactured by Kia Motors which is one of the most compact and fuel efficient transmissions in the market today. This transmission boasts fully variable hydraulic line pressure control (improves fuel economy) and adaptive learning which actually 'learns' the driving style of the driver and custom tailors the shift points. In terms of durability, the new 6-speed automatic transmission adapts to normal internal wear by adjusting hydraulic pressure to maintain that 'like new' shift feeling throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Also added is a new feature called 'Neutral Control (NC)' that effectively shifts the transmission into Neutral while stuck in traffic  that improves fuel economy. 'Neutral Control (NC)' works in conjunction with another feature called 'Hill Assist Control (HAC)' that prevents any rollback.

SX Standard Features
Building on the standard features found on the EX Luxury including Smart Key Push Button Start, Panoramic Sunroof, 18" Alloy wheels, Driver Ventilated Seat, UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft®, Premium Sound (7 speakers), Rear Spoiler, Deluxe Door Scuff, SX Leather Seating and Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink.

UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft®
The 2011 Sportage SX will also include as a standard feature the UVO or "Your Voice" for short, infotainment system. UVO is an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system that will also be available in select Kia vehicles starting this spring. UVO provides consumer friendly voice and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Entire Sportage Trim Grades & Powertrains
The 2011 Sportage is offered in three trim grades: LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX trims are powered by the venerable 'Theta II Engine', a 176 horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, delivering more horsepower than the previous 2.0L I4 and 2.7-liter V6 engines. The Sportage offers either a 6-speed manual transmission (base) or a full featured 6-speed automatic transmission (all trims other than base). Fuel economy improvements of up to 12% highway and 21% city have been achieved depending on equipment levels on the 2011 Sportage with the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine versus the outgoing model.

Standard Features
LX models come standard with an extensive list of convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and keyless entry. Further increasing the level of refinement the EX models receive a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, and power driver's seat with lumbar support. Impressive technology features come standard on both trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service1. Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®2 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Safety Features
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) w/ Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). The Sportage also features 'Roll Over Prevention (ROP)' which is a passive system that helps prevent rollover accidents related to speed. A new to Kia feature is 'Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)' that passively monitors wheel traction, steering angle and g-force to ensure the vehicle is driving in the intended path, and if not, will assist the driver by mildly operating the steering wheel in the appropriate direction (through electrical motor).

The Sportage has also introduced motor driven power steering (MDPS) to the Kia lineup resulting in improved fuel economy by using an electric power steering motor instead of loading the engine with a hydraulic power steering pump.

Visit Jim Butler KIA's Website NOW!!!

[Source: KIA Media]

Thursday, January 13, 2011

In the News-2011 KIA Optima honored "Best of 2011"!

2011 KIA OPTIMA HONORED AS "BEST OF 2011" BY CARS.COM


  • All-New Eye-Catching Midsize Sedan Wins Top Award From Popular Online Automotive Resource
  • Optima is latest result of Kia Motors' design-led transformation
  • Cars.com praises the all-new 2011 Optima's design, premium amenities and for exceeding expectations

DETROIT, January 12, 2011 - Kia Motors America's (KMA) all-new stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan, the 2011 Optima, continues to accumulate accolades, and its latest achievement is winning Cars.com's second annual "Best of 2011" award. Optima was selected for its sharp styling inside and out as well as its available luxury features, including heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof.

"The 2011 Optima continues to gain recognition for its striking style and long list of available luxury features, and we fully expect it to be a driving force for the brand as we continue our aggressive design-led transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The 'Best of 2011' award from Cars.com is further evidence that people are taking notice of Kia's design-led transformation and the stunning design, exhilarating performance and tremendous value the all-new Optima adds to our exciting vehicle lineup."

Before selecting the "Best of 2011" awards, editors at Cars.com tested the more than 70 brand-new or redesigned cars released for model year 2011. Editors picked their top six before selecting the "Best of 2011." The all-new 2011 Optima beat out the BMW 5 Series, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Odyssey and Nissan Leaf to earn this site's second annual award.

About the 2011 Kia Optima

The all-new 2011 Optima, which stars as the Official Vehicle of the NBA, advances Kia Motors' design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power1 and fuel economy2 while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities. Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX3, the 2011 Optima features a starting MSRP of $18,9954.

A "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 Optima has earned numerous awards and accolades including a Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most WantedSM" Award. The 2011 Optima also had the highest increase in car shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show according to Edmunds.com.

Safety-Minded

The 2011 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

The 2011 Optima is covered by KMA's warranty program5, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

Visit Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley or check out our 2011 Optima Inventory Online!

1 HP claim based on comparison of 2010 and available 2011 midsize sedans with standard 4-cylinder engine as of December 2010. Maximum horsepower for Optima 2.4L GDI engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; maximum horsepower for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) 2.4L GDI engine -- the only non-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA -- is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm.
2 MPG claim for LX manual transmission. EPA estimate for 2011 Kia Optima LX 2.4L GDI engine w/MT are 24 mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy. Claim based on comparison as of December 2010 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for midsize sedans with I4, nonhybrid engines. Actual mileage may vary.
3 SX model will be available later this year.
4 Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
5 See retailer or go to kia.com for warranty details.


[Source: KIA Media]