The all-new 2011 Kia Optima hybrid sedan makes its official U.S. premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, which starts today.

The long-awaited Kia Optima hybrid sedan, which utilizes state-of-the art lithium polymer battery for increased fuel efficiency, is finally here. With its stylish exterior design, roomy interior and a segment leading fuel efficiency, the model will attract those consumers looking for well-equipped mid-size sedans that do not sacrifice style, comfort or performance for increased fuel efficiency!

Scheduled to hit the Kia dealerships across the States in the first quarter of 2011, the all-new Optima Hybrid sedan adopts the automaker’s state-of-the-art hybrid car powertrain technology, which enables the vehicle to achieve exceptional hybrid performance and efficiency.

The 2011 Optima hybrid sedan employs Kia’s innovative parallel hybrid system, developed jointly with its parent company, Hyundai Motor Company. The model packs segment-leading 206 horsepower, including 166 horsepower from the 2.4L four-cylinder engine and 40 horsepower from electric motor. The engine is coupled with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission, which is borrowed from 2011 Kia Sorento.

Unlike Hyundai Sonata hybrid car, which features substantially different looking compared to its gasoline counterparts, the 2011 Optima hybrid looks almost the same as gasoline-powered Optima model. It does, however, feature several slight styling updates ( sleeker front bumper and smaller signature grille) which help improve its drag coeficient. The Optima hybrid is also the lightest hybrid car in the segment. With only 3.490 pounds, the Optima hybrid weighs as much as 230 pounds less than one of its main rivals, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Thanks to its low weight, highly advanced battery and innovative hybrid-car powertrain technology, the 2011 Optima Hybrid delivers an estimated 36 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway.

Source: Kiaworld.net

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Striking Kia Soul White Tiger Special Edition makes its official debut at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association – SEMA show in Las Vegas!

Kia Motors America introduces yet another special edition Kia Soul model. Making its official debut at the 2010 SEMA, the all-new Kia Soul White Tiger Concept previews one of the two special edition Soul models that Kia intends to introduce in 2011.

As previous four special edition Soul models, which include the Soul Denim, Ignition Soul, Soul Dragon and Soul Ghost, the all-new Soul White Tiger also features a unique exterior color combined with some exlusive graphics. Kia says the latest Soul  model takes styling cues from this year’s Asian Lunar year animal – the Tiger and dramatically combines an all-white exterior with one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics.

The 2011 Soul White Tiger Concept is equipped with all of the standard features of the Soul “+” model and adds an abundance of options, such as body colored bumpers, fog lamps, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw applique and striking white-finished 18 inch alloy-wheels.

Inside, the 2011 Soul White Tiger features a push-button start, black leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport-styled floor mats with contrasting stitching and illuminated scuff plates.

Although the Soul White Tiger Special Edition models is currently presented as a concept car, it will soon appear (in its final production form) at the Kia dealerships across the USA. You can expect the first models to hit the showroom floor within a few weeks, says Kia.

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Kia Canada releases official information on the 2011 Kia Forte sedan and Forte Koup.

Those waiting for the official information about the 2011 Kia Forte sedan and Forte Koup to pop up to the web, read this post! Earlier today, Kia Canada released full information on the 2011 Kia Forte range and its improvements.

As expected, the 2011 Forte line-up has been taken to a new, higher level by offering the six-speed automatic or manual transmissions on both models, the 2011 Forte sedan and the 2011 Forte Koup. In addition to powertrain upgrades, the automaker also made some styling tweaks to the 2011 Forte line-up.

Exterior styling tweaks include redesigned fog-lights, updated outside mirrors with LED turn-signals, LED tail-lamps and new 16-inch alloy wheels. Read more about the upgrades made to the 2011 Forte line-up in the official press release published after the jump…

2011 Forte Sedan and 2011 Forte Koup set new benchmark with significant powertrain upgrades in the compact car segment

The powertrain change for 2011 provides competitive fuel economy ratings with its 2.0-litre offering and 2.4-litre engine in its class. “Fuel economy is top of mind with Canadians and providing world class fuel efficient vehicles is part of our winning formula”.

The 2011 Forte Sedan offers exceptional fuel economy. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine offers 8.1 litres/100km in the city and 5 .7 litres/100km on highway when mated with the all-new six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.5 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic.

The more potent 2.4L engine offers fuel economy at 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.2litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia claims the fuel economy of the 2011 Forte Koup is not sacrificed for sportiness. The 2.0L engine offers 8.3/6.0 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the six-speed manual transmission and 8.0/5.7 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4L engine also can expect an economical 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.4 litres/100km when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia designers also made some changes to the 2011 Forte sedan line-up to include the common use of the Forte 5 Door front fascia on the sedan, redesigned integrated fog lights and outside heated mirrors with LED turn-signals and new 16″ aluminum wheels.

Moving to the interior, the centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display found on the LX “Plus”, EX and SX.

Across the Forte line-up, additions have been made available to the SX trim to include paddle shifter on the SX automatic transmission; Smart Key with push button start ignition on the SX Luxury automatic transmission, automatic light control, and voice activated navigation on the SX luxury and electrochromic auto-dimming mirror on the SX.

The 2011 Koup also receives an upgrade on the rear taillights by offering an available LED rear combination lamp which provides a more stylish, sporty and upscale image. The centre console has been upgraded which includes a new design, leather shifter boot, chrome lined cup-holders and outside temperature display on the 2011 Koup.

Kia also administered a variety of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) improvements, such as adding additional sound dampening material throughout the Forte lineup as part of their continuous improvement objective.

2011 Forte Sedan LX, EX, SXtrim information

Price: Forte LX starts at $15.995
Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and steering wheel, 15″ steel wheels with wheel covers.

Price:  2011 ForteEX starts at $18,495
Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16″ alloy wheels, auto off headlamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted cruise control, outside mirror with integrated turn signal, sunroof is an available option.

Price: 2011 Forte SX starts at $21,795
Engine: 2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17″ alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic air conditioning, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, power sunroof, auto light control, supervision instrument cluster, alloy sport pedals.

SX – Luxury Trim offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission)

2011 Forte Koup
EX – Starting at $18,995
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16″ alloy wheels and exterior chrome door handles, front fog lamps and optional tilt and sliding sunroof.

SX – Starting at $22,295
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17″ alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension, automatic climate control, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy sport pedals, trip computer, paddle shifter (automatic only), Sirius satellite radio (includes 3 month free trial) and supervision instrument cluster.

SX Luxury trim Offers Navigation, Electrochromic mirror, smart key with push button ignition start (only on Automatic transmission), LED rear lights.

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