New Kia Optima To Make World Debut At NY Auto Show

It’s longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor and boldly shows off Kia’s contemporary and athletic design philosophy. This third-generation Optima is completely new and looks quite a bit like a Forte on steroids.

The sketches show a sleek four-door with a very low roofline. It’s attractive, but as is the case with all renderings, the actual concept model could vary dramatically. Unsurprisingly, the brand’s new nose takes its place on the Optima’s front. A longer wheelbase, Kia points out, provides more passenger and cargo space.

Kia has plans to debut the midsize sedan at this year’s New York auto show on April 2. It’ll go on sale in the U.S. and in non-European markets this fall. Euro customers will get theirs in spring of 2011.