Kia has just released a selection of photos of the all-new 2011 Optima (known as the Magentis in some markets), ahead of the car’s world premiere at the New York Auto Show. Simply put, it’s stunning, looking like a more premium German model with a touch of Ford Taurus muscle.

This new model is longer, lower and wider than the predecessor, which should result in a more comfortable ride, better handling and more interior room. Based on the same platform as the newly released Hyundai Sonata, the Optima doesn’t have quite the coupe-like look, with a rather high Lexus IS-like rear end. It features Kia’s “tiger” front end design with a flat nose and large grille, while LED lights are used on the bumper.

While no powertrain info has been provided, it’s safe to assume that much like the Sonata (reviewed here), it will receive a GDI (gasoline direct injection) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 198-hp and a six-speed transmission. In the Sonata that engine gets 22/35 mpg (city/highway). With Hyundai set to unveil a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Sonata and a Hybrid at the NY show, it’s likely that Kia will do the same either in NY or soon after.

Kia claims the new Optima will have class-leading safety and luxury equipment.

“It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “The Optima embodies Kia’s confident new design direction. It’s a global car with individual appeal.”

AutoGuide will be on hand in New York for the official debut, with live coverage starting March 31st.

GALLERY: 2011 Kia Optima (Magentis)

Official release after the jump:

Kia is considering getting into the entry-level rear-drive sports car game with a new model that would likely be based on the architecture of the Genesis Coupe from sister company Hyundai. In an interview with the U.K.’s AutoCar, Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said while the model isn’t in the company’s product plan for the next two years it is something that he’d like to see. Schreyer warned, however, that as Kia is still an emerging company it would have to make a water-tight business car for the vehicle and not just build it for fun.

“We are not like Audi or Porsche,” he said. “We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it’s the perfect kind of sports car.”

With the cars design likely inspired by the Kee Concept (above), Schreyer said that, “it would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good.” That platform is, of course, the Genesis Coupe’s.

Schreyer did say that such a vehicle would compete against cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota’s new rear drive model. Recent rumors have suggested that both Volkswagen and Nissan are investigating this marketplace as well.

“The car would not need to be very fast or very powerful,” he said, “but it should be compact, affordable and fun – a true sports car.”

If the project does go ahead, look for a rear-drive Kia sports car to debut before the current Genesis Coupe gets a remodel some time around 2013.

GALLERY: Kia Kee Concept

[Source: AutoCar]

During a design conference last week in Seoul, Korea, Kia’s top designer showed the above sketch which is believed to be the company’s first full-fledged entry into the rear-drive luxury segment. Referred to as K9, this sketch is thought to foreshadow a concept car that will eventually make its way to production, based on the same architecture at Hyundai’s Genesis sedan.

The man who unveiled this sketch is none other than Peter Schreyer, who now heads up Kia’s design team and is known for such revolutionary vehicles as the original Audi TT.

Kia has made known plans to develop a Genesis sister car, code named CH, which will hit the market in 2011. The Genesis Sedan, coincidentally, was code named BH. We would expect the car to come with both Genesis engines, including the impressive 385-hp Tau V8.

Recently Kia unveiled its newest model, the Cadenza, which will replace the Amanti. It was suggested that the Cadenza might run on the G Sedan’s RWD architecture, but upon the car’s debut Kia confirmed it will say FWD. This most certainly leaves room for a RWD luxury car in the Korean automaker’s lineup.

GALLERY: Kia K9 Design Sketch

[Source: AboutCar via WorldCarFans]

Just unveiled in its domestic market of South Korea, the all-new Kia Cadenza is set to be introduced throughout several markets in the months to come, including in the U.S. where it will replace the Amanti.

Contrary to speculation the car does not ride on the Genesis sedan’s rear-drive architecture (sigh…) but rather on an all-new front-drive platform, which Kia says it will use in additional models in the future. The new platform, along with lighter suspension components, will help the car to weight roughly 287 lbs less than the old Amanti. The new vehicle is slightly shorter than the outgoing one, but Kia says the wheelbase has increased to 112-inches, which should afford some extra interior room.

Several engines will be offered, but we expect that once the car debuts in North America it will come with the top-level 3.5-liter V6 with 286-hp and 249 ft-lbs of torque. Kia claims a 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds and an average fuel economy rating of 25 mpg.

“With the Cadenza, we have created an all-new, large sedan that will revitalize Kia’s fortunes thanks to its exciting appearance, strong performance and luxurious cabin which will guarantee a much broader consumer appeal, attracting thousands of new customers to our brand,” said Kia Motors President Hyoung-Keun Lee.

The automaker’s top designer Peter Schreyer had this to say, “Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious. Today, people recognize a Kia at first sight: well balanced proportions, flowing greenhouse and dynamic window graphic plus the big wheels, give this car its confident stance, dignity and elegant personality. The distinctive ‘tiger nose’ front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia’s new self-confidence. Kia Cadenza is a big step into the future – another quantum leap for Kia.”

The Cadenza is set to launch in North America, however, Kia’s North American operations have not given a timeline for the car’s debut.

GALLERY: Kia Cadenza

Official release after the jump: