Kia Optima Design styling with sharper lines for a more memorable look. The front and rear fascias are all-new and give this Korean a rather Japanese character reminiscent of that presented on recent Honda models. The 2009 Kia Optima will be available with four- and six-cylinder engines featuring continuously-variable valve timing; the smaller powerplant is mated to a five-speed manual or a Sportmatic five-speed automatic transmission, whereas the V-6 works only with the automatic. Output for the 2.4-liter four-banger is rated at 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque; the V-6 is carried over with 185 horses and 182 lb.-ft. of torque.
