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!

Kia Optima Could Likely Adopt K5 Namesake in the U.S.

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.

Photos, Early Info on 2016 KIA Optima Released Before NY International Auto Show

KIA’s No. 1 best-selling mid-size sedan will see some changes in 2016 as the newest edition of the Optima is set to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

On April 1 at 12:20 p.m. CST, the world will get its first in-person look at the popular sedan. Some early design renderings and a front fascia shot of the Optima have been release by Kia Motors America (KMA).

The concept-type design rendering looks much like the Sportspace concept Kia unveiled earlier this year, and some speculate that could be what the next generation Optima looks like. However, for 2016 there are some differences from the ’15 model on the outside.

New exterior features include a new grille trim, a new angle for the headlights and sporty flares on the fascia. The interior sees an upgrade with more premium features, more space and a number of technologies not previously offered on the sedan.

The Optima has done its fair share of growing Kia over the past 20 years. The Optima has been Kia’s best-selling vehicle for the last three consecutive years. Less than a week awaits the 2016 debut of the passionately crafted Optima.

No sale date has been released yet, but you can be sure when the newest Optimas hit the streets, you can get yours at Jim Butler Kia of Chesterfield Valley, your St. Louis Kia dealer! Our wide selection of new Kias and our expertise will give you the Kia buying experience you’ve been searching for!

To learn more about the Optima, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Optima in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Optima purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, Mo., and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Head on over to our Optima inventory!