Kia Considering a Magentis Estate for Europe

According to British publication Autocar, Kia is planning to roll out an estate version of the all-new Magentis (K5/Optima) sedan for the European market.

Unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show in April, the new mid-size sedan from Kia will drop the "Magentis" moniker for the European market, according to Kia. In South Korea, the car is called "K5" while in North America, it is known as "Optima".

A Kia source 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 US.”

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Kia releases first "K5" images ahead of New York debut - UPDATE

UPDATE: Kia has released an official rendering of the K5's interior.

The 2011 Kia Optima, to be called K5 in its domestic market and Magentis in other parts of the world, will make its world debut at the New York auto show next month. Beyond releasing a couple of teaser images, Kia is staying tight-lipped regarding what powertrains will be offered in the United States until the New York press conference.

From the pictures we see the latest take on Kia's “tiger” front end complete with LED accent strip above the fog lights. Livening up things more is a coupe-like profile, higher and more pronounced shoulder lines, flared wheel arches and front fender vents.

In addition to a more-stylish wrapper, the new Optima will grow some from the current model with an extended wheelbase. Sales begin this fall.

[Source: Kia]

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New Images of the Kia K5/Magentis

Today, we bring you the latest images of the Kia K5, this time giving us a preview of the mid-size sedan's flagship trim. The person who snapped these images stated that he was one of the select few journalists invited by Kia to the automaker's Hwasung plant in Korea to see the K5 and the new Sportage R in person.

Information Article on the K5 (Magentis/Optima) HERE.

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Spied: 2011 Kia K5 (Magentis) Caught on Streets Undisguised!

Sent in by a reader named Sanghoon from Korea, we have the first images of the all-new Kia K5 mid-size sedan (Magentis/Optima in other markets) prowling the public roads sans camouflage. The particular model in these images appears to be the base model, as indicated by the 16-inch alloy wheels. Has a base model of any mid-size car looked this good? Feel free to tell us in the comments below.

Information Article on the K5 (Magentis/Optima) HERE.

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Official: Kia Releases "K5" Sketches, Debut in NY

Kia Motors has released the first official sketches (side and front renderings after the jump) of the upcoming successor of its mid-size Optima (Lotze/Magentis in other markets) sedan today. Code-named "TF" during testing stages, the latest addition to the Kia line-up will officially be called "K5" when it first goes on sale in Korea this May. The K5 is a significant departure in terms of design and mechanics from its predecessor, as Kia plans to rock the highly competitive mid-size car segment with its all-new entry.

The K5 is the latest embodiment of Kia's family-look pioneered by the brand's design guru Peter Schreyer. The sleek front fascia that incorporates Kia's corporate look is a testament to the brand's particular emphasis on design as of late, as well as a distinctive side profile complete with a unique C-pillar design that arguably sets out the K5 from its competition.

In addition to an attractive design, the K5 will also be available in a choice of two impressive powertrains: a 2.0L CVVT and a 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder (gasoline direct-injection) that produces 198 horsepower. The K5 shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai YF Sonata and the Kia K7 (Cadenza).

The K5, which will most likely retain the Optima name in the United States, will make its global premiere at the 2010 New York International Auto Show on April 2nd.

[Source: Kia]

CONTINUE READING FOR ADDITIONAL OFFICIAL SKETCHES.

Spied: 2011 Kia Optima/K5 (TF)

Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates.

Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model.

Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza.

As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.

Continue reading to view more spy shots of the K5.