Design sketches that previewed the updated Optima's look were spotted all over the web during November and
October, but the brand-new Optima won't be officially released until 2020. As
all of us here on sales and service staff at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis
were surfing the web to find the latest news about new releases, we came across
this piece from Motor1.com
that poses an interesting question: there may be a chance that it may not be
called the Optima after all. Officials from Korea have claimed that the company
is dropping the Optima nameplate, as reported in TheKoreanCarblog.
In the Optima's place, Kia may use the K5
nameplate worldwide for this savvy and sensational sedan. It was learned
recently that the company filed was granted a trademark for the “K5” term in
the United States 7 years ago, and refiled for the same trademark this fall.
The U.S. Patent and Tradmark Office granted the company the wordmark in
November. Just this past week, the company filed a trademark in Korea for a
stylized new logo with red or black text similar to what is found on the
Imagine by Kia concept.
What is a bit more solidly known about the
upcoming Optima/K5 is that it does officially go on sale in the South Korean
market this month, and we would expect early 2020 to be the time to see it in the States. Engine options should be
similar to what is found on the Sonata: Hyundai's product incorporates either
the 2.5-liter engine that cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque or
the more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, putting out 180 horsepower and
195 lb-ft of torque.
As we say on our official website regarding this
car: “So Much Yes”. It will be a car that fully allows the driver to experience
perfect performance levels, and was engineered for prime efficiency from day
one. Available heated and ventilated front seats add even more comfort, and the
optional two-tone black and red leather interior for the SX adds a vibe of
ultra-modern swank while still evoking practicality. The front styling will
feature the signature tiger-nose grille, and available LED headlights that
deliver a dazzling style as well as futuristic-feeling illumination option.
Don't forget to check out the available
gloss-black rear spoiler, mirrors, and sport side sills with black accent trim,
plus 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels that cloak the Optima in individuality.
Advanced High Strength Steel greatly increases the rigidity of the body, while hot – stamping of components in 16 key
stress points works overtime to boost body structure for a ride with less
noise.
