At the New York Auto Show back in 2010, Kia unveiled the all-new Optima mid-size sedan.
Using the Hyundai Sonata platform, the Optima sedan helped spark a period of unbelievable growth for the second largest Korean automaker with Optima becoming one of their top-selling models worldwide.
Today, 5 years later, the automaker has released a series of official teaser images previewing the next-generation 2016 Optima sedan.
Set to make its inaugural U.S. premiere at the upcoming New York auto show next month, the 2016 Kia Optima adopts the same platform as its Sonata sibling, and promises to feature a more aggressive exterior design than its Hyundai counterpart.
Obviously, the sketches here are a bit on the optimistic side and the final, production-ready Optima will probably end being slightly less aggressive.
The all new 2016 Kia Optima borrows many of its styling cues from the Sportspace concept vehicle, which has been launched at Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.
Apart from having an eye-catching design, the 4th generation Optima midsize sedan appears to be slightly larger than the current generation model.
Engine-wise, the next-generation Optima will adopt the same engine range as currently used in a Hyundai Sonata.
This means the 1,6L and 2,0L turbo engines will be available as standard offering in the USA, while European consumers will likely get an updated 1,7L diesel engine mated to the 7-speed DCT.
In addition, the Optima will be launched in 2016 while offering with a hybrid and hybrid electric powertrain.
