Kia Optima SX Limited

The ultra-popular midsize Kia Optima sedan again turned heads today at the Chicago Auto Show when Kia Motors America (KMA) revealed production plans for a new range- topping Limited. The Limited, which will begin production at Kia"s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia1 later this month, builds on the Optima SX"s strong foundation of class-leading horsepower2 and fuel efficiency3 and adds a number of design and amenity enhancements to further stand apart from traditional competitors in the segment.

"The Optima SX Limited was introduced to the world in our "Drive the Dream" Super Bowl commercial and now visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will experience it firsthand," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Limited delivers upscale features and premium materials that discerning midsize sedan customers are not able to find in many of our competitors. The Optima has been earning design, performance and value awards since arriving in showrooms in early 2011, and the Limited is the latest example of the brand"s compelling package of style, fuel economy, technology – and now opulence – to appeal to an even wider consumer base."

2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Girl Front Angle

Expected to arrive in showrooms in March, the Optima Limited is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds" Inside Line hailed as an "Editors" Most WantedSM" mid-sized sedan. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited features many details that are mainly found on luxury vehicles, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills and wood interior trim. Standout red front- brake calipers can be seen through the Optima Limited"s uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower4 and achieves 22/34 mpg5 (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima Limited also boasts a first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip.

Like every Optima, the Limited projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2012 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima Limited builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, SupervisionTM meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger"s seat, driver"s seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM TrafficTM6 and Infinity®7 audio system and speakers.

2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Front Angle

Standard Kia Safety Features
The 2012 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags8, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags, front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Source: Kia

Gallery: Kia Optima SX Limited (2012)