Kia brought all the glitz and glam of an 80’s hair band concert (including an actual 80’s cover band) to the stage to unveil 2 new products today. With 9 new vehicles introduced in the last 3 years, the major releases have already occured. First up was the Optima “SX Limited” that goes on sale in March. Changes include 18″ chrome wheels, red brake calipers, 274 hp engine that achieves leading mileage (22/34) for under $35,000 (destination and fees included).
The big unveil came when they brought out the “Trackster” edition of the Soul.
Designed to be used as a track day car it has a 250 hp all-wheel drive turbo charged engine. Starting with the standard Soul, they lowered it, took off 2 of the doors (leaving 3 for those not near a calculator), added some muscular looking rear arches, 19″ billet wheels, vented Brembo brakes, racing seats, and specifically designed track day storage bins. Unfortunately… this heavy metal version of the soul is not going to be built at this point.
In addition to the 2 vehicles, Kia had a few other small announcements:
-A new phone app, “UVO”, which ties in to the Kia UVO in-car entertainment system. It helps you find your car, sets up geo fencing (I’ll be getting that for my kids someday), and has the ability to schedule service.
-After winning a driver’s and manufacturer’s championship in the Grand Am series last year, they will add 2 Optimas to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge in 2012.
-Mentioned, but not unveiled is Kinetic B-Spec edition of the 5-door Rio coming out, to tie in with the racecar.
Seems like a lot of fuss to go through for a vehicle that is barely different than what they already sell and one that will never be sold. Though, I am instead in the getting a ‘mix-tape’ from the band that performing the Motley Crue…
A kia Optima for 35 large! That is a lot of money for a 4 cylinder FWD sedan no matter how many bells and whistles it has, especially knowing that in another year or two this same car will be sitting on the used lot for $15995 along with 10 other identical rentals.
They must think hiring an Audi designer entitles them to Audi prices.
1. The real value Optima Turbo is the EX Turbo, which can be had for $26k MSRP – about the price of a Camry. All that bling is worthless to me. You can push a Camry pretty high with bling, too.
2. Even a $35k Optima won’t depreciate to $16k in two years – that’s Saab territory.
I’ve got news for you. There are several 2011 mid level one year old EX models with 20-25k miles for $15995 at my local dealer. Tack on another year and that fancier trim level will be around the same price. Kias deperciate really bad once they are two years old with 25K or more miles.
I can’t find a single used Optima turbo w/in 200 miles on Autotrader or CL… :(
It’d be on the list for my next car. It looks great and as has been mentioned before is a good spiritual successor to Saab IMO.
The regular SX trim is the way to go; thing like a part wood steering wheel actually aren’t necessary and actually clash with the design of the dash.
The Optima looks a lot like my ’12 TL while the Soul looks like a derivative of the old Renault R5. Not bad.
Blech! Chromey wheels. I’m already on tire rack’s wheel configuration looking for replacements for the Optima. Loving the Trackster, though. Too bad its not going to be made.
Put the rear end of the TRACKster on the front. That’s a good looking front end back there!
With the price of that Optima and apparent abundance of features, It seems more like a good idea if Hyundai would add a third brand for their upscale cars (Genesis, Equus). I think more people would be in the market for a Genesis if it didn’t say “Hyundai”.
what is that third car picture – the white concept?
GT
I want a Kia!
(Did I just type that and hit the submit button?)