Kia Optima Coupe Renderings Look as Good as We Expected
Several weeks ago we brought you a story about the possibility of a Kia Optima Coupe. Now, thanks to the folks at InsideLine, we have a few renderings of what that car might look like. And as we expected, it’s a stunner.
Having just launched the Optima Sedan at the New York Auto Show, a coupe model isn’t that unlikely. After all, both Honda and Nissan offer coupe versions of their mid-size sedans. And despite being front-wheel drive, we’d still really like to get our hands on an Optima Coupe with the company’s new 274-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Rumors of the coupe originate from Kia designer Peter Schreyer, who confirmed a wagon model was coming (but possibly only for Europe). “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the U.S.,” he said.
Only time will tell if Kia decides to move ahead with this project. In the mean time, check out a few more renderings after the jump:
[Source: InsideLine]
Plus, say up to date on Kia Optima news and reviews at OptimaForums.com
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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2-dr coupe design not nearly as crisp as 4-dr sedan version. Coupe reminds me too much of a '60s/'70s America-style hardtop design from Toyota or Nissan -- not as crisp as the GM hardtops of that era. The Optima sedan looks stately, while the coupe has an aftermarket appearance to the rear quarter of the roofline in an effort to be as roomy as the sedan, and to carry that rain channel to the back window rather than letting it end at the rear window area. Kia is trying to sway those wanting a practical coupe rather than a more stylish coupe, just like those trying to build "4-door hardtops," nee 2000-era Dodge Charger. Rarely the two shall meet (VW Passat CC does a great job with that realm!).
Love it! Definitely on my wish list, let's hope it gets built.