Kia News | Kia Launches Its First Turbocharged Vehicle in U.S.

IRVINE, Calif. December 9, 2010- On the heels of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid introduction at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, today Kia Motors America (KMA) introduced the all-new 2011 Optima Turbo, available in EX and standard in SX trims. The Optima Turbo represents Kia's first-ever turbocharged engine, adding more power and fuel efficiency to an already groundbreaking Optima line. Utilizing Kia-developed gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology, Optima Turbo offers increased performance with 274 horsepower all while improving efficiency, perfect for those requiring more power without sacrificing fuel economy.

"The 2011 Kia Optima is an example of Kia's commitment to exceptional quality, style, and innovation over the past decade, establishing a new benchmark in an already crowded mid-size sedan segment," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Optima's first-ever two-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection not only makes the Optima lineup a more compelling choice for consumers, the combination of Kia's transformational design language, standout performance, and best-in-class value hit a sweet spot our competitors in the segment can't match."

Designed at Kia's studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, Calif., the all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allowed for distinctive dimensions and proportions while also providing a unique canvas for Kia's global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in that segment. Its smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European luxury.

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior
The 2011 Optima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors' philosophy of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The striking face of Optima features Kia's signature bold tabbed grille that is surrounded by projector headlamps. Longer, wider and lower than before, Optima's coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Optima's roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.

Every 2011 Optima will come equipped with numerous standard features and available options. The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tip, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires. Upgrading to the EX offers two engine choices, a fuel efficient 2.4-liter or 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine with standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires, while the EX Turbo adds a unique front grille design. Moving up to the athletic SX2 adds the powerful 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine, HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, black front brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior
From the moment the door opens, Optima presents an immediate sense of a driver's car. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel (SX only) convey that Optima is built for people who are passionate about cars. A high console with a short shifter adds to the cockpit perception while an available panoramic sunroof3 provides an open-air feeling. Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard convenience features, the sedan's chic cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design and effective storage throughout. Modern standard features such as a six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors with a ticket holder and a trip computer further expand the cabin's luxurious qualities.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service4 . Also standard on all trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®5 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and a cooling glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs. Optima LX with automatic transmission, EX, EX Turbo and SX all feature standard cruise control and an active system for optimal fuel efficient driving.

Optima EX comes well-equipped and offers premium standard features, including an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seat trim, leatherette center fascia and meter housing, soft seat trim with French seams, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®6 and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and, front door mood lamps, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles. Moving to the EX Turbo also adds wood interior trim with metal accents for a more luxurious feel.

For consumers looking for even more sporty appeal, the Optima SX adds unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.

For those who seek the latest superior quality technology and convenience features for a modern and comfortable driving experience, the 2011 Optima offers a multitude of packages for each trim. The Convenience Package (LX A/T only), offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, while the LX Technology Package (with Convenience Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera, an eight-speaker Infinity®7 premium audio system and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation.

Moving to the already well-equipped EX trim consumers can opt for the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic sunroof with high-gloss B-pillar, four-way power-adjustable driver's seat with driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim and center console and metal-finished shifter. The EX Technology Package (with Premium Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera8 and eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior
The 2011 Optima is distinctive, right down to its all-new platform. Optima's low, lean and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of 190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model. Optima is built on a platform with an overall width of 72.1 inches and wheelbase of 110 inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches for enhanced aerodynamics. Optima's lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the Optima.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs and front anti-roll bars to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Impressive Power
The Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine (available in EX and standard in SX trims) delivers significant power with an inline four-cylinder engine that produces up to 274 horsepower9 and 269 pound-feet of peak torque sustained between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. This represents Kia's first turbocharger application, utilizing a unique twin-scroll design which offers improved combustion efficiency, more available low-end power, and reduced turbo-lag as compared to more traditional single-scroll turbocharger systems.

The twin-scroll design utilizes two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow through separate paths into the turbine. Utilizing a divided manifold, allows for exhaust gas from separate cylinders to travel efficiently into the turbocharger's turbine, avoiding possible interference. The result is a system that improves efficiency and pressure distribution, lowers exhaust and cylinder temperatures, and prevents loss of exhaust energy. The quantity of the air entering each cylinder is also increased resulting in more power. Maximum boost from the turbocharger is an impressive 17.4 psi while the compression ratio is 9.5:1.

In addition to impressive performance, the Optima's turbocharged engine offers consumer-friendly fuel economy at 22 city/34 highway mpg. The Optima Turbo comes equipped with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® clutchless shifting, providing an ideal balance of performance and fuel economy.

Safety-Minded
The 2011 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Competitive Warranty
The 2011 Optima is covered by KMA's warranty program10 , which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®11 in-car hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile 2011 Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 725 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever in 2010. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site - www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

1 EPA estimates for 2011 Kia Optima 2.0L Turbo GDI engine: 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Actual mileage may vary.
2 Optima SX is slated to arrive in dealerships in January 2011.
3 Available in EX Turbo and SX with Premium Package.
4 SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SIRIUS Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after 3-month trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SIRIUS and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. SIRIUS Radio U.S. service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and Puerto Rico (with coverage limitations).
5 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license.
6 HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.
7 Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
8 The rear-camera display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
9 Maximum horsepower for 2.0L Turbo GDI engine is 274 @ 6,000 rpm.
10 See retailer or go to kia.com for warranty details.
11Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
*Kia vehicles assembled at the Kia U.S. plant are assembled from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.