Today we have new exclusive photos of the new generation Kia Optima / Kia K5, codenamed JL3, where we can see the interior design for the first time, thanks to this fully hidden shot.
What do we know so far?
You must remember when Albert Biermann provided the following information: “For the next Optima GT, you can expect an interesting drivetrain and next-level suspension. This will be the next level of Kia driving.” So, let's find out all the new details.
And we have a lot of new details confirming his words. The next generation of Optima will be released in September 2019, the first units will be built in April 2019 (P1*) followed by two revisions in June 2019 (P2), with production starting in August 2019. * (P1 means prototype) 1).
We have noticed that the next generation Kia Optima DL3a 2021 (the “a” is the North American variant) will undergo a big design change and finally suggests a change, while the current Optima JF (despite being a new model) is clearly inspired by the Optima TF. Nothing like any Optima before.
Unfortunately we can't see much of the new design due to the heavy camo that hides a lot of the front and rear end features, but we've been told that the front end has a very aggressive design compared to the current Optima and one issue could be after all, the community may have different opinions, but the overall design should make for a unique Optima for this new generation. It is worth noting that the rear bumper was not completed at the time the car was inspected.
The new Kia Optima in the US will have 2 different turbocharged engines and will use 3 different transmissions. The 1.6T will be available with two power levels, while one will have an 8-speed AT and the other a 7-speed dual clutch.
The star will be the all-new Theta3 engine with a displacement of 2.5 liters, a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive and an output of approximately 286 hp.
Taillight production caught for the first time
What will happen with 2.4/2.0? This is pretty clear as Hyundai-Kia has experienced a lot of issues with these engines, it is expected to go away and the new Sonata is now confirmed to introduce a new 2.5L engine to the US market.
They also added that "this engine had too many problems in the long run, while the 1.6T has been really good so far and brings good power and mpg." "The 2.5T should pair well with AWD-DCT and bring that power down." they added.
As for the interior design, a source told us that the dashboard is very well designed and looks similar to what we saw on the Telluride.
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