We’ve witnessed the introduction of the 2009 Kia Optima at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, but our spy photographers have spotted a new prototype that clearly shows the 2009 Optima sporting Kia’s new ’signature’ grille with horizontal bars and a chrome squeeze above and below the Kia badge.
Although we’re seeing both mesh and horizontal bars on Kia grilles, the heavier chrome above and below the center badge is carried over on the new Forte (Spectra), as well as the upcoming 2010 Sorento, and we believe it will eventually spread throughout the lineup.
The Optima on display at the New York show used a mesh-plastic grille that did give the car a bit of a bargain-basement look. However, the new chrome setup does give the car a much more upscale look. We think the new face of Kia is definitely a step in the right direction.
August 8th, 2008
08/08, 9:59 AM
posted by:
cookie4me
I haven’t seen any interior shots of this car yet and it was suppose to change substantially. Remember, Kia will be the new Chevrolet after the inflation induced credit binge finally hits bottom and we are staring at 10% unemployment and politicians finally admit that the US govt. is facing a $40 trillion deficit with “entitlement programs”.
08/08, 10:08 AM
posted by:
Banks
Looks like an OK update to the ‘02 Avalon. I can’t even believe these people know how to make/copy cars.
08/08, 10:16 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
The new Optima’s front end looks like a 04-08 TSX made love to a Ford 500 and the back is taken from the 98-02 Honda Accord sedan
The current model has the front of a Q45 with the rear of an Integra sedan
Kia and Hyundai still copy but they their cars still manage to look decent and they are reliable so I would buy one
I cant wait to see the new Sorento. LLN Burlapp had pics of it weeks ago
What is the deal ?
08/08, 10:26 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
It looks like hell with the grit and bug splats. Still, even a filthy Kia grill looks better than the crApura abortion the hondatards are pumping up our butts.
08/08, 10:42 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
Wow!!!! I didn’t know it was so interesting to read about the new grille on such a pos car! If kia wanted to give it a signature, they should have signed it “$H!TBOX” instead of “kia”.
08/08, 10:45 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Well a POS would mean that the car is not reliable you know like a GM, a Ford or ………..a Dodge
A POS this car is not, but this is a boring story considering LLN hasnt shows the pics of the new SORENTO!
08/08, 10:45 AM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
make all the fun you like I ain’t really a fan either but in 5-10 years time hyundai-kia will be largest auto company. even toyota CEO said its hyundai he fears the most. This company is developing faster than any other
08/08, 10:49 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
^^^^^^ More proof that the average consumers buys $H!T! That’s why toyota and honda are prospering, they’re full of $H!T.
08/08, 10:49 AM
posted by:
shaver
Batman is going to be pissed.
08/08, 10:50 AM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
hemiroadrunner you are full of ****
08/08, 10:53 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
A signature grill is very important for the discerning consumer. It makes them easier to avoid.
08/08, 10:57 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Batman is going to be pissed.
Do you want to know how I got this scar ?
08/08, 11:09 AM
posted by:
anti-believer
Avalon??…. it looks like a Acura TSX!
08/08, 11:12 AM
posted by:
bigp
its realy an better car than the sonota but its lacking the power to make to the top
08/08, 11:28 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Its the SAME car as the Sonata
08/08, 12:51 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
1115 finally admits his äss is scarred from getting whipped by his daddy’s dick so much.
08/08, 1:04 PM
posted by:
ktulu
not so bad
08/08, 1:10 PM
posted by:
rds130
Looks like a first gen TSX. Better than the Sonata, but still lacking.
08/08, 1:11 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Another sad attempt at an insult by the Mayor
Anyway im going to see Dark Knight again I suggest you do the same
08/08, 1:39 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Kia builds a Saab.
08/08, 4:06 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Well, I guess this proves the other largish Kia sedan we’ve seen here is not an Optima replacement.. but replacing the Amanti is LONG overdue.
08/08, 7:47 PM
posted by:
olds307
somethin somethin somethin polish a turd idk
08/08, 11:25 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
The grill and headlights are copying Subaru’s new corporate face. Bland and ****ty.
08/09, 12:31 AM
posted by:
Shismo
Can’t be any worse than Acura’s new signature grill…
08/09, 2:07 AM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
1115— its NOT the same car. they don’t share anything except te 2.4L engine & transmission. this car has a 2.7L, the sonata a 3.3L. then they are different sizes (but not terribly diff) and don’t share any other components…
08/09, 2:09 AM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
PS, the “squeeze” LLN speaks of is really supposed to look like a [very] stretched “H” to honor Kia’s parent company Hyundai. Asians are big on honoring generations before, ya know…
08/09, 9:24 AM
posted by:
Nightblack_97
It may not be the newest design but for people that just want some subtly styled, attractive transportation… this will probably do it. Clean lines aren’t revolutionary but they do sell.