2011 Kia Magentis

WORLD DEBUT FOR NEXT KIA MAGENTIS AT NEW YORK
The next generation Kia Magentis will make its public world premiere at the New York International Auto Show on Friday 2 April 2010.
A fresh design from the ground up, Kia's all-new version of its popular mid-size saloon is completely transformed and embodies a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy.
Longer, lower and wider than the previous model, the new Magentis features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer considerably more space for both people and luggage.
The new Magentis will go on sale in the USA and in non-European markets – where it is known as Optima - from autumn 2010, while sales in Europe are expected to begin in the Spring of 2011. No on-sale date for the UK has yet been announced – keep an eye on www.kia.co.uk for details in due course.
The world premiere of the next generation Magentis will take place at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the 'Jacob Javits Center' located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

Kia Magentis replacement still nameless; new engine confirmed (EU)

Kia’s marketing department has yet to decide on what to call the Magentis replacement, due to debut at the Paris motor show in October.

The nameplate ‘Optima’, which is the U.S name, won’t be used in Europe, so an all-new name is likely. Company insiders were originally debating between ‘K5’, as it’s known in South Korea and ‘Optima’.

Name decision aside, well-placed Kia sources have revealed that a downsized 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine will be one of the engine choices, producing 150bhp.

The newcomer is longer, wider and lower and sits on a longer wheelbase than the Magentis. This has drastically increased both cabin and luggage space. Kia admits that the Magentis will never likely to be a major seller in Europe, but believes the mid-sized saloon segment is one in which it must compete in, as a volume manufacturer. However, the real demand for the car will come from the U.S and South Korea, where its enhanced styling and dynamics should hold appeal for buyers.

The same well-placed source also revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the U.S.”

When the car arrives in the UK mid-2011, it will arrive with a range of petrol and diesel engines and transmissions. Luxury amenities like heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and ventilated front & rear seats will unlikely be available in the UK, however, do expect a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats with leather interior, 18" alloy wheels, auto-dimming rear-view mirror to be standard on certain grades. Prices will increase to around £20,000 from the current £18,995.

Chicago 2010: Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept

This is new innovation of green technology fromkia motor manufacturer ,this project is under Kia design team Peter Schreyer,significants items was put a lot of emphasis on the aerodynamics of this concept, giving it a longer tail and, thanks to its four-inch lower roof, a smaller frontal area than the earlier Hyundai concept. The aero number will also benefit from narrower tires, with the Kia rolling on 195/50R20 tires compared to the 245/40R20 rubber on the Hyundai.

The debut of the Ray also marks the launch of Kia's new green sub-brand, EcoDynamics. Like Volkswagen's BlueMotion and Ford's Econetic, EcoDynamics will denote the most efficient variants of Kia' model line. We can expect to see the new badge showing up on Kias in the near future. Learn more about the powertrain after the jump. it was announched as 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept,The new Hybrid Concept is based on the Kia Forte platform, this is a lower profile of hybrid vehicles concept which is carried out in EcoDynamics philosophy of a curvaceous shape with innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Specifications

Length	173.2 inches / 4,400 mm
Width	72.8 inches / 1,850 mm
Height	53.5 inches / 1,360 mm
Wheelbase	106.3 inches / 2,700 mm
Tires	195/50 R20 low-rolling resistance
Engine	1.4-liter Gamma 153-hp GDI engine / 78kw electric motor
Transmission	CVT/ fixed ratio
Batteries	Lithium-ion polymer
Top Speed	109 mph
Fuel Economy (Pure HEV Mode)	77.6 mpg
Fuel Economy (Plug-in HEV Mode)	202.3 mpg
Vehicle Range	746 miles
Cd	0.25
Steering	By-wire