BREAKING: Kia Optima Hybrid To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show
While attending the launch of the 2011 Kia Optima, AutoGuide has just learned that Kia is planning to launch an Optima Hybrid, based on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The new model will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with sales beginning in early 2011.
Kia Motors America CEO and group president Byung Mo Ahn revealed the existence of the Optima Hybrid at the 2011 Optima’s launch in Southern California. The Hybrid will join the 2.4L and 2.0T four-cylinder engines in the lineup.
The Optima Hybrid should match the Sonata Hybrid’s figures of 37 mpg in the city and 39 mpg highway. Power will likely come from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine making 209 horsepower and 195 ft-lbs of torque, with electric driving speeds of up to 62 mph.
AutoGuide’s LA Auto Show coverage starts November 17th. Until then, check out our LA Auto Show Preview here.
Get more Kia Optima news and info at OptimaForums.com
More by Derek Kreindler
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Chad, Your crash comparison doesn't really hold water because the F1 cars all weigh approximately the same (a requirement)and they're usually moving in the same direction on an open track with energy absorbing material placed strategically around the track. Now back to reality. If a much heavier vehicle such as a 6000 pound Suburban were to hit an 800 pound vehicle against a stationary object such as a wall or concrete divider, the lighter vehicle will not be able to "easily move". It will get crushed along with everything in it.
Chad, some of your points are valid, but your comparisons are apples vs oranges. The Kia hybrid will cram as much luxury as Kia offers, so no comparing to base Sonatas. Find cars equipped the same. Also, I drive a 4 cylinder 2010 Sonata. A step above the base, but still comfortable. I squeeze every drop I can out of a tank of gas, and I can NOT get 35 MPG, more like 32 (the sticker rating when I bought it). I have a 120 mile round trip to work. I have run the numbers, and I have figured a savings of $4000 over the life of a 5 year loan. Model for model, hybrids add about $3500 to the price of a car (no base model hybrids, remember?). Even if we say it is a break even, after the loan is paid, then the hybrid starts paying itself off in gas savings. We'll have to wait and see about maintenance costs. I am not a tree hugger. I'm just cheap. I see savings in this car for the kind of car I need - family of 4, so larger, older, so comfortable. You can't judge drivers/buyers decisions because we are all different. There are a lot of cars that compare to my Sonata, but mine was built in Montgomery Alabama, of which I am a resident, so I figured why not keep someone in my state employed. I was thinking of the Sonata hybrid, but I like the looks of the Optima better. By the way, when you start talking about "nudging" people, you lose credibility. You sound like someone who is only going to be happy with a nation of SMART cars, which by the way, is talking about coming out with a hybrid. Is that why you don't care about being broadsided by a 6000# Suburban? In your world, they won't exist.