Delivering the practicality and comfort
expected of a modern midsize sedan, the “K5” has been the name of the
Korean-market Optima since its major redesign ten years ago, and with the
coming of the 2021 model, it's will see presence in the States. Along with the
re-branding comes an entire overhaul to the four-door family car, including
available all-wheel drive and a new performance GT model that everyone who
already has great love for the Stinger should well appreciate. On the outside,
you still are greeted by the “tiger face” design Kia is known for, but there is
also plenty more to see underneath the sheet metal.
The incoming sedan will be offered with two
turbocharged engines and for the first time in a front-wheel-drive Kia, an
all-wheel-drive option will be on deck for those who are looking for more
all-weather capability. The base engine will be a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that
produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The base model LX will see
that engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel
drive. On the LXS and GT line, there will be the availability of all-wheel
drive.
If raw and heart-pumping performance is what
you are after, the GT model is the way you want to go. It is powered by Kia's
new 2.5-liter turbo-4, cranking out 290 hp and a class-leading 311 lb-ft of
torque powered with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This combo
boasts a 0-60 time of just 5.8 seconds, enough to assure that you have about
the furthest thing from a snail's presence in automotive existence.
Inside, the K5 sees several different
upgrades over the outgoing Optima. Shown here in the GT-Line and
GT guise, the interior is now going to be available with perforated leather seating options with contrast stitching for a little added flavor in the style
department. The flat-bottom steering wheel pictured is also exclusive to the GT
and GT-line trims. We definitely think that the sporty GT trim is the most
exciting: borrowing elements from the thrilling and track-ready Stinger, it
will inspire you to embrace every inch of asphalt with the raw enjoyment that
only a sedan can convey!