I like the looks of the Kia Optima. The turbo version sounds intriguing, but for some reason its only available in Automatic with the turbo. Not the racecar! 
Seriously though, this is a good looking car, can't wait to see how they do.
Kia designers certainly know how to design a car. It's too bad Hyundai doesn't release them to go after the "sporty" crowd -- and offer something for us to consider.
In reply to ZOO:
Kia and Hyundai are partners; the Optima and Sonata are based on the same platform. Kia takes a more performance-oriented stance much like Pontiac did over Chevrolet. I guess it's a marketing thing as much as anything else.
Regardless, it's good to see at least one of the two focus on developing and racing its' products.
oldsaw wrote: In reply to ZOO: Kia and Hyundai are partners; the Optima and Sonata are based on the same platform. Kia takes a more performance-oriented stance much like Pontiac did over Chevrolet. I guess it's a marketing thing as much as anything else. Regardless, it's good to see at least one of the two focus on developing and racing its' products.
That was my point -- but when the Optima doesn't come with a stick, and Kia doesn't get the RWD platform, it is hard to go performane-oriented.
plus the kia version is meaningfully heavier. it's contradictory!
It is, and forever will be, a Kia.
and?....
whats the bkue thing? i dig it. a lot. love to see some specs on it as well. im assuming its a kia, but not sure what exactly it is.
michael
why not use the Koup? I see plenty of those around here and they certainly look sporty..
Kia needs to release THE killer autocross version of the Forte or Rio. Just one legendary model year that features the stick with the big engine and the killer suspension. We need another 88-91 Civic Si!
irish44j wrote: why not use the Koup? I see plenty of those around here and they certainly look sporty..
kinetic races the koup in grand am series, ST class
they actually won overall for the class this past year.
2nd year (I believe) of having a motorsports program and they claimed a class victory.
and that blue rio is pretty damn quick, I'm assuming theres only one of those around exactly like that, but it's boosted to 14ish psi, with some actual engine work too.
It looks like any other generic 4 door sedan. If it didn't have Kia written all over it, how many people would know what it is? Meh.
2010 was a test year with the Kinetic Kia Koup in Grand Am ST (they only had one)
2011 was the results year with a second Koup added to the program and winning two races as well as clinching the championship at the last race (Mid O. I was there, it was cool).
2012 they are going whole hog. 2 Koups in ST, 2 Sonata Turbos in World Challenge GTS, and as many Rio 5 door Spec B cars as they can sell.
Exciting times for KIA. It's early 70s Japan all over again. Improvements in quality, style, reliability, and image all at the same time.
Kinetic Motorsports is awesome they should be a MAJOR contender in the series
Korean-car-hating is rapidly falling out of vogue. And with good reason. They're learning how to make an attractive, fast car.
unevolved wrote: Korean-car-hating is rapidly falling out of vogue. And with good reason. They're learning how to make an attractive, fast car.
I love mine. seriously love mine. 3 years ago I would have laughed if someone told me I'd be putting money into a kia, now I've got big plans for one=]
Having had to deal with my mom's Daewoo for years I will continue to hate Korean cars. I can be like the guy who won't buy American because he owned an 81 Horizon
Wally wrote: Having had to deal with my mom's Daewoo for years I will continue to hate Korean cars. I can be like the guy who won't buy American because he owned an 81 Horizon
I know you already said it, but really, so you wouldn't buy a 2011 Ford because you once had a bad experience with a 1989 Plymouth. How the heck do you get to this conclusion?
Alot of people, some on this very board have jumped to that conclusion and think it makes perfect sense.
irish44j wrote: why not use the Koup? I see plenty of those around here and they certainly look sporty..
You mean like this?
Official factory car at the Targa Newfoundland.
Zomby woof wrote: It looks like any other generic 4 door sedan. If it didn't have Kia written all over it, how many people would know what it is? Meh.
It's kind of boring, I agree.
This is my favorite of the range.
Wally wrote: Alot of people, some on this very board have jumped to that conclusion and think it makes perfect sense.
Usually the big haters on AOL or Yahoo message boards, but yea it happens everywhere.
'I bought a _ (insert model here) from one of the Detroit 3 in 198X and it was the biggest POS ever. I will never buy another vehicle from ______ .'
Daewoo = Korean arm of GM.
Kia/Hyundai = middle finger held high to the rest of the automotive world.
Wally wrote: Alot of people, some on this very board have jumped to that conclusion and think it makes perfect sense.
Listen to this guy, he knows what hes talking about
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