Go Behind the Scenes of KIA’s Super Bowl 50 Commercial

Christopher Walken lends talents for next-generation 2016 KIA Optima third-quarter commercial

Last year, KIA raised a few eyebrows with their 2016 Sorento commercial during Super Bowl XLIX. Actor Pierce Brosnan starred alongside one of KIA’s most popular CUVs in a memorable commercial. For the biggest big game yet, KIA is pulling out the celebrity stops once again, this time with an actor who is as recognized as his often impersonated voice.

KIA has been gracious even to divulge a couple of photos for a behind-the-scenes look at their Super Bowl 50 commercial. KIA’s commercial is slated to air during the third quarter of Super Bowl 50. The notably celebrity this year: Christopher Walken.

Yes, Walken is taking a break from being Blue Oyster Cult’s producer to star in KIA’s latest Super Bowl commercial with the next-generation KIA Optima. Walken will also be joined by another co-star — a colorful sock seen in one of KIA’s spoiler photos.

The 60-second ad will be split into two 30-second spots produced by KIA Motors America’s (KMA) ad agency David & Goliath, the same firm responsible for the Blake Griffin ads. The commercial aims to showcase the Optima as a distinct alternative for drivers wanting to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Michael Sprague, COO & EVP of Kia Motors America. "Kia is a recognized industry leader in styling and quality and, like the all-new Optima, these new ads stand out from the competition with the assistance of someone who knows a thing or two about being distinctive,” Michael Sprague, KMA’s COO and executive vice president, said.

Walken is certainly an actor that stands out from the crowd. This sets up the Super Bowl 50 commercial to be a comedic one which historically registers better with audiences during America’s big game. Be on the lookout for Walken and the 2016 Optima on Sunday, Feb. 7.

In the meantime, you can always check out the 2016 Optima in-person at Jim Butler KIA, a St. Louis KIA dealer located in Chesterfield Valley. As a St. Louis KIA dealer, we offer you the opportunity to experience the distinction that the new Optima can offer. To schedule a test drive, contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600!

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KIA Sets Niro Reveal for Chicago Auto Show in February

All-new hybrid utility vehicle showcases sporty, versatile design with dedicated hybrid powertrain

On the heels of the Telluride concept in Detroit in mid-January, KIA has yet to close the books on its new concepts and potential vehicles. KIA looks to add a fresh take on the CUV market once again with the Niro hybrid utility vehicle (HUV).

Though a few teaser images have been divulged, the true worldwide reveal of the KIA Niro will be at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show the week of Feb. 13 to 21. Designers from both the U.S. and Korea worked together on the sleek and aerodynamic body.

Even with an athletic stance, the Niro HUV looks graceful, and the high LED taillights seem to hint at a uncluttered rear end.

But let’s address the elephant in the room — H-U-V, a hybrid utility vehicle. This all-new offering from KIA will be the first vehicle based on KIA’s new dedicated eco-car platform. KIA estimates the Niro will achieve a sub-90g/km carbon dioxide emissions rating. This is in part due to the downsized gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

The Niro will be the next step in KIA’s mission to offer car buyers around the world comfortable and fun-to-drive vehicles that aim for low emissions. Other than the teaser photos and that it will be revealed at the Chicago Auto, not much else has been disclosed about the Niro. Be sure to check back regularly at Jim Butler KIA’s St. Louis KIA blog, our inventory and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information on the KIA Niro, Telluride and other new KIAs!

To learn more about new KIAs near St. Louis, contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600!

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KIA Telluride Concept May Foreshadow new KIA Full-size SUV

Hybrid SUV concept based off current generation Sorento one of brand’s showcases at Detroit Auto Show

After a few teaser photos, KIA finally revealed its full-size, three-row SUV concept, the Telluride. Built with a dark green exterior paint color, the KIA concept at the Detroit Auto Show showed what could be one of the next KIA offerings.

No guarantees are being made by KIA as this is just a concept, but KIA has a history of turning its serious concepts into eventual vehicles. What may be even more impressive is that the concept was a hybrid. The Telluride combined a 270-horsepower gas engine with a 130-horsepower electric motor.

The underpinnings are based on the KIA Sorento, but the concept is nearly 10 inches longer overall and nearly five inches wider than a 2016 Sorento like the ones at Jim Butler KIA. While no official word on whether or not the Telluride (or whatever name sticks) will be a real KIA offering, KIA does have all the main components available on its current lineup of vehicles to produce the Telluride.

“The KIA Telluride makes an aesthetic statement for the KIA brand as a bold, all-new luxury SUV with an abundance of advanced technology, focusing particular attention on the experience and comfort of second-row occupants,” Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA), said. “... Telluride allows us to envision what a full-size seven-passenger SUV from Kia could look like.”

The interior has some interesting points to note, specifically the second row seating. These two captain seats have footrests similar to a reclining chair that can be folded down when not in use. People won’t start calling “shotgun” if these SUV concept from KIA is made as the second-row seats also have a swipe-controlled media panel behind the front seats. The media from these seats can be selected and scrolled through with a simple swipe of the hand according to KIA.

Behind the tiger nose grille sits a 3.6-liter V6 with the aforementioned 270 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 130-horsepower electric motor to make the Telluride concept hybrid. If the Telluride goes into production, KIA said it will aim for up to 30 mpg highway for all-wheel drive trims.

Are you ready for a full-size hybrid SUV from KIA? If it goes into production, you’ll be able to find it at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley! Stay tuned your St. Louis KIA dealer’s blog, inventory and social media for more information on the KIA Telluride. Contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600 to test drive a KIA near St. Louis.

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The Little Engine That Can: 2016 Optima’s New 1.6-L Powertrain Offers Economy for Gas Tank, Wallet

With the full release of the 2016 Optima, KIA dealers near St. Louis such as Jim Butler KIA have the new Optima in-stock. Two of the engines carried over from the previous 2015 Optima: the base 2.4-liter and the top-of-the-line 2.0-L turbocharged four-cylinder. However, KIA added a third engine option for the new 2016 models. We’d like to introduce you to the 1.6-liter turbo engine: the little engine that could — and can.

What can this new engine do for your 2016 Optima? Other than the obvious “power the vehicle,” this 1.6-L turbo engine actually outputs more torque than the base 2.4-liter (195 lb.-ft. versus 178). Found on the LX 1.6T trim, this engine is nearly 200 pounds lighter than the engine found in the Ford Fusion 1.5-L EcoBoost. Fuel economy is improved because of this.

EPA ratings for the 2016 KIA Optima LX 1.6T are at the top of its class. The agency ranks the engine at 28 mpg city and up to 39 mpg on the highway, which makes the new Optimas at Jim Butler KIA a great choice for daily commuters in St. Louis. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic sets it apart from the onslaught of CVTs in its segment.

The cabin is more driver-oriented than ever. The smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel is always a nice touch, and options such as navigation, blind-spot warning system and cross-traffic alert for the rear make the Optima T1.6 quite competitive to other efficient-engine models.

If you’re in the market for a cost-effective yet still powerful sedan in St. Louis, we’ve got your next vehicle from The KIA Butler! We invite you to come check out our selection on new 2016 KIA Optimas near St. Louis at our Chesterfield Valley KIA dealer. To learn more, give us a call at 636-256-9600 or contact us online 24/7!

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