2012 Kia Optima Sx on 2040-cars

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The Kia Optima is now available as a plug-in hybrid

The Kia Optima gets electrified two ways for 2017. In addition to the conventional hybrid, there's a new plug-in version as well – makes sense, since the Optima's corporate sister, the Hyundai Sonata is offered with both options. The new Kia Optima Hybrid ditches the larger 2.4-liter internal combustion engine from the previous model in favor of a smaller 2.0, good for 154 horsepower, and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that does away with the torque converter in favor of an electric clutch, with electric water and oil pumps to help optimize efficiency. Working in tandem with the 38-kW electric motor and juiced by a 1.62-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the powertrain delivers a total of 193 horsepower while targeting a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous Optima Hybrid. Not enough? Tew Optima PHEV that uses the same 2.0-liter four, but instead of 38 kW (51 hp), the plug-in's electric motor produces 50 kW (or 67 hp), and instead of 1.62 kWh, the PHEV's lithium-ion battery pack is rated exponentially higher at 9.8 kWh. It's said to travel for 600 miles before needing to stop, or up to 27 miles on electric power alone. And of course it can be recharged directly from the socket, taking less than nine hours on 120 volts and less than three on 240. If those powertrain components sound familiar to you, that's because they're identical to those offered in the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid from Kia's sister brand Hyundai. Only here they're packaged into a more angular, less curvy form and capped by a Kia badge and tiger-nose grille. Interested? There's plenty more to digest in the pair of press releases below. View 10 Photos ALL-NEW KIA OPTIMA HYBRID UNVEILED AT 2016 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW Enhanced HEV Blends Sophisticated Design and Premium Driving Experience with Focus on Efficiency - New powertrain targets 10 percent improvement in fuel economy over outgoing Optima Hybrid - 2017 model infuses aerodynamic form and function into Optima's sleek, modern design - Gas-electric sedan touts intelligent use of technology to deliver comprehensive driver-assistance features CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) at the Chicago Auto Show.

2018 Kia Stinger will start at $32,795

The 2018 Stinger proves that Kia can indeed make a credible performance sedan. And now we know exactly how much it will cost to park the rear-wheel-drive hatchback in your garage. The 2018 Kia Stinger starts at $32,795 with its standard 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Opting for all-wheel drive, which is available across the board, bumps the price up by $2,200. A Stinger with the premium package that brings LED lights, a sunroof, power seats, navigation, and a nice sound system will set you back just under $38,000. If you want a Stinger GT and its 3.3-liter twin-turbo 365-hp V6, expect a sticker of at least $39,895. A fully loaded Stinger GT2 will run $50,395. That sounds pricey, but only if you're basing your buying decision on the badge. We tested this performance-bred Kia on the world's best-known race circuit, the Nurburgring, and came away mightily impressed. The Stinger is aimed at premium brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and with that in mind, it's priced appropriately. Only time will tell if the car-buying public at large agrees. We'll find out soon; the Stinger will hit dealerships within the next few weeks. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Kia Stinger View 37 Photos News Source: Kia Auto News Kia Car Buying Hatchback Performance Sedan kia stinger gt kia stinger

2014 Kia Forte Koup bows with new look, new engine

Third time's the charm. The final member of Kia's Forte trio has been revealed here at the New York Auto Show, and this new coupe Koup will join the sedan and five-door models when it goes on sale near the end of this year.
The two-door Forte looks sharp, and we like the way Kia's new design language for its compact car has translated onto this coupe model. LED running lights are found up front, matching the LED taillmaps at the rear. EX models will ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, while the upgraded SX model will use 18-inch rollers.
Two powertrains will be offered in the Forte Koup: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four in the EX, producing 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission; and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four in the SX, rated at 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The five-door Forte also gets this turbocharged mill, and if its specs sound familiar, it's because this engine is also found under the hood of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo.