2021 Kia Optima Renamed K5 for the States, AWD is a Definite

When all of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis receive inquiries from customers and cohorts about what's happening and what's around the corner in the auto realm, we've found that Car and Driver is a great source for details. They ran a feature on their blog this week describing the future of the Kia Optima and reported that they are now certain it will be renamed the K5. This Is due to the finding of an official document from the EPA that claims the Kia K5 could be used to match the name currently used by the model in Korea.

When the Car and Driver testing staff was giving the model a spin last year, the Kia rep that met up with them had hinted that this name change could occur down the road. Here in the states, the Optima has been available for four generations over two decades. The official EPA fuel-economy ratings first spotted by Motor Trend also definitely confirm the K5 will offer an all-wheel-drive option in the States. The single model officially listed has a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.

This same engine cranks out 180 horsepower, and 191 lb-ft of torque, as it also does situate in the Hyundai Sonata Sedan, which does not yet offer AWD. We expect to hear some more solid details soon, and during our web search this week found Motor Trend claiming that the new model is definitely a “big leap forward in looks and tech”. We do at least know now that a performance GT will follow later in the year, and we have been very happy about just how much the Optima was a game-changer, helping put the brand we love to represent so much on many new buyers' radar.

The K5 also introduces “heartbeat lighting” at both ends of the car, squiggles of LED lights that resemble the readout on an EKG heart rate monitoring device. The rear LEDs provide an even more accurate replica of an actual heartbeat with spikes at each end, and a flat line in the middle that is a series of dashes that eventually shrink when they join in the center.

Designed with a very aggressive variant in mind, the K5 will boast new architecture developed under Albert Biermann, head of R and D and testing for the Hyundai Motor Group. As we have seen the overall popularity of trucks and SUVs rise drastically over the last decade, it is always exhilarating to witness the release of a new sedan. The K5 promises a solid connection to the road, top-notch handling and engineering, and the standard excellent warranty selection that we are known for being the best-in-show of worldwide!

2021 Kia Stinger GT Sighted Blasting Lines at Nurburgring by Motor1.com

Already receiving a refresh for 2021, the Kia Stinger GT was spotted at the famed Nurburgring track dutifully delivering its chops by the staff on hand at Motor1.com. They posted this video on their blog showing the skilled drivers putting the sedan heftily through its paces. It was still covered heavily in camouflage at the time, hiding many of the changes expected to be made to the model. The headlights and taillights are rumored to be receiving new graphics while tweaking the front-and-rear end designs.

 

This most likely also means revised intakes, reworked bumpers, and a tweaked look for the grille. Many of the online experts we have consulted here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have suggested that the 2021 Kia Stinger GT will see a definite power bump. The twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 in the Stinger GT currently cranks out 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, while the updated number allegedly makes 380 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. The regular Stinger could also likely be the recipient of Hyundai's new turbocharged 2.5-liter that cranks out 290 horsepower.

Another new feature should be a variable exhaust system to help adjust the engine's note. The model comes in rear-wheel-drive with the option to upgrade to all-wheel, and inside the analog switches will most likely be done with. The infotainment screen is expected to grow to 10.25 inches, and currently, July looks like when the official reveal will take place. This other video from Carbuzz.com shows the red Stinger that was spied being tested in Europe earlier this month. This one was fitted with quad exhaust outlets and was taking corners just as snugly as ever.

Now in its third year on the market, the Stinger turned a lot of heads when it first debuted in 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show, and a long-term test version of the 2018 Stinger had Autoblog editors thoroughly compelled and excited with its performance. The Stinger has surely risen to “legendary” status within Kia's lineup, snagging awards such as Best Engine from Wards, Best Interior from Wards, and a Top Safety Pick distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is gone head-to-head with models like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E 400, and Porsche Panamera and managed to come out ahead in star-studded candor every time.

Adaptive seat bolsters may be on the list of new features for Kia to throw into the mix, which mimic a racing seat when sport mode is activated. When you come to visit us for a test drive you will be astonished at just how aggressive this car is: it is the kind of model that allows you to appreciate in-depth every little turn, crack, and corner with the capabilities of a true modern beast on the track!

2021 Kia Stinger's Additional Power, Other Additives Covered on Autoblog.com

In Germany this week, a few spy photographers from the Autoblog crew were able to capture shots of the 2021 KiaStinger testing on the roads of Germany under heavy camouflage to disguise the new changes the model has up its sleeve. This particular prototype is wearing extensive exterior and interior disguise, which leads us to think that both will receive updates as part of the 2021 makeover. It's hard to make out the fine details that we are so curious about here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, but we are still excited nonetheless to see what the surprises will be for our award-winning sedan.

 

Most of the rumors we have heard are currently ruling out the possibility of new engines, but the existing turbocharged 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter mills are expected to see some tuning for a little more kick. This is one of those models that allows you to fully celebrate and engage with the ways in which the driver connects to every curve in the road, and we're not talking about going the actual speed limit! We know that many out there in the world with massive love for the Stinger were holding out hope that the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 from the new Genesis G80 sedan would be a welcome addition, cranking out 380 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque.

Although this engine may, unfortunately, not be part of the package, we still can't wait to see what our number for next year's update. The Stinger was so mind-blowingly sleek and sporty that it was immediately mentioned alongside the competition in the form of the A5 Sportback, 4-Series Gran Coupe, and the C-class sedan. As the staff of Car and Driver laid out earlier this year, “two eager engines, an athletic chassis, and communicative steering make the Stinger a car you thoroughly enjoy every day”, and proved it in a 40,000 mile long term-test.

For the current model, the GT Line now offers a Sun and Sound package that adds Premium's content and also comes with a sunroof, a larger 8.0-inch infotainment display, navigation, LED headlamps, and Harman/Kardon Stereo, power-adjustable steering column, ventilated front seats, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. One this test drive the Car and Driver staff also claimed that the rear seat is better than many cars in this class, and key safety features include standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.

Hotcars.com Reveals Kia's New Dedicated EV's Final Confirmation for 2021 US Release

After leaving the entire industry on edge with a slew of electric concepts, Kia let their mid to long-term schemes be made public with the release of Plan S, the blueprint for the brand's electrification lineup. This past week the staff at Hotcars.com reported on the plans for the U.S. market, including a new dedicated battery electric vehicle. When Plan S was first made public in January, it was said that EVS would now be made more popular to the public, as well as expanding mobility.

As a very important part of this strategy, Kia said it will definitely see the launch of a dedicated BEV next year, leaving us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis among others guessing whether it would see and arrival in the States or not. Now there is no need to guess, based on a conversation between technology PR manager Neil Dunlop and long-range product strategy manager Steve Kosowski. The exciting and “super-charged” news is that Kia is not going to bring just one, but two electrified products starting late this year!

First up is a PHEV or dedicated plug-in hybrid EV. According to the experts over at Green Car Reports, it is on track to be offered solely as a plug-in model. You can see one concept image here, and check out the smaller-size and very futuristic looking appearance. Following that up is the previously touted BEV -our very first- that will boast a crossover design that pleasantly combines the boundaries between passenger cars, compact utility vehicles, as well as crossovers. This model is supposed to be the perfect combination of a sporty car and crossover. It will be underpinned by the E-GMP dedicated EV platform that Hyundai also uses.

This new EV architecture should allow for improvements in size and design element, and when it sees official launch should have a 20-minute charging time and range of 300 miles. As the world changes rapidly and traits such as charging time and range see expansion yearly, Kia is planning right now to launch 11 new EVs by 2025, with annual BEV sales of 500,000 units by the following year. While this seems ambitious, we have faith in the many talented men and women who are overseeing the production and development of the brand we loyally support.

 

From the edgy and raw sportiness of the Stinger to the sensible urban flair and practicality of the Soul, we guarantee there is a model in our current lineup that will perfectly meet your needs. The impressive-as-always Telluride has snagged more awards than we can count, and there are plenty of amazing options to tide you over for the present as we wait on the numerous changes we will see in the industry for the future!