[Arctic]

^Those look like 17s, so I doubt it, but hey Im no wheel expert. Earlier this afternoon I saw a post in here of a white SX? with different wheels. If I can find it again and figure out how to link to it, I will.

 

[Arctic]

Check out jjinwi's post from yesterday and scroll down and look at the White Optima, I bet those are the alternate wheels, and if so, those are my choice.

 

[SAR305]

The first car in this vid(may have to pause), and then a few more on the track, depict the "luxury" wheel option:

Also:

 

[Dash27]

The first car in this vid(may have to pause), and then a few more on the track, depict the "luxury" wheel option:

Also:

YouTube - 2011 Kia Optima, Walkaround.

Again that second one doesnt make sense either since the SX is supposed to be available only with black interior. That one also doesnt seem to have the Supervision cluster. Not saying you're wrong it's just confusing.

 

[conwelpic]

Dec 30 - some questions and answers with regards to the turbo,

New Optima turbo press introduction

 

[SAR305]

Again that second one doesnt make sense either since the SX is supposed to be available only with black interior. That one also doesnt seem to have the Supervision cluster. Not saying you're wrong it's just confusing.

The second vid is just intended to offer a closer look at those "luxury" wheels, with this car being the 2.4L EX. For whatever reason, Kia chose to equip it with the larger wheels for this particular pre-launch press event. Make no mistake, these are the luxury wheels. I prefer the others.

 

[metros11]

Check out jjinwi's post from yesterday and scroll down and look at the White Optima, I bet those are the alternate wheels, and if so, those are my choice.

Are you talking about this?

This is pic of the Hybrid model, those wheels are not available on the standard EX or SX. And besides, they're pretty ugly IMO.

 

[conwelpic]

there sure is a lot of obsession about the wheels on this model. Check this out, I took this picture of a pre-production Optima last September at Kia Canada's showroom.



Note: it would be a big help to members if some of you would fill out your profile as to your location and what you are driving - thanks.

 

[missourimule]

there sure is a lot of obsession about the wheels on this model. Check this out, I took this picture of a pre-production Optima last September at Kia Canada's showroom.



Note: it would be a big help to members if some of you would fill out your profile as to your location and what you are driving - thanks.

I think that's a nice looking wheel. Thanks for the photo.

 

[Arctic]

Metros11, yes, that was the picture I was talking about, thank you for linking to it. Missouri, I like that wheel conwelpic posted as well. Perhaps that will be the other offering.

 

[conwelpic]

at this point, I'm not sure what we will get for the Canadian market as this vehicle is not due for another few months, but any info I come across I will pass it on.

 

[Durableham]

Got a look at an Optima SX at the Indy Auto Show last week, pretty sharp. The minor, but cumulative differences between the SX and EX come together to make a much more aggressive package. I drove an EX a few weeks ago, back to back with a turbo and non-turbo Sonata Limited, and ultimately decided to wait for an SX to come in. Even as these cars are nearly identical under the skin, there are a few differences in setup between the cars. The ride is a little more firm in the Optima and the steering is a little heavier. There seemed to be a little more engine noise in the Optima as well, but a little less tire noise. One thing I did notice when I was at the car show was that the rear wheel well liners on the Optima SX were almost a carpet like material, my dad had a Nissan Maxima that had carpet like rear liners and they were always caked with sand in the winter, but you never heard noise from rocks popping out of the tread and hitting the liner. I'm still waiting to drive an SX before I make my final purchase decision, but I doubt I can be swayed away from the optima.

 

[Dash27]

Another first drive of the turbo from Autotropolis:

First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima Turbo Review

I'm still torn on the SX vrs EX. If I could get that supervision cluster in the EX that might be enough to sway me over. My only real concern is what the reviewers definition of "noticeably rougher ride quality" on the SX means. Hard to quantify.

Here is the final synopsis from the review:

With automakers looking for ways to improve vehicle fuel economy without creating numb, boring-to-drive cars, many are looking to forced-induction engines, and Kia is just the latest to go this route with its all-new 2011 Kia Optima Turbo. The Turbo’s engine is smaller and lighter than the engine used in the base Optima, but it produces power that exceeds most of its rivals that offer V-6 engines. These rivals include the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and even the Optima’s sister car, the Hyundai Sonata, but the new Optima has instantly become a must-see mid-size sedan for 2011 thanks to its new styling and overall refinement. As is the case with most of the competition, few Optima drivers will ever take this mid-size family sedan out onto a racetrack, but it is good to know that if the 2011 Kia Optima can stand up to the kind of abuse delivered on a road course, it should be able to tackle almost anything thrown at it during daily commutes.

Pros –

* Smooth, powerful drivetrain with no turbo lag or torque steer
* Class-leading fuel economy
* Attractive, angular exterior design

Cons –

* Placement of seat heating and cooling controls
* Choice of materials on Optima SX seats
* Sporty SX exhibits a noticeably rougher ride quality

 

[Durableham]

Aside from the supervision meter cluster, I also wouldn't want to give up the HIDs. LED tail lights and illuminated door sills I can live without. I wonder how long it will be before kia offers HIDs on the EX as an option. I've done an HID retrofit on a car with projector lamps before, but they weren't as good as factory HIDs.

 

[conwelpic]

note exactly a review, but

/Kia Goes Full Force with Marketing for 2011 Optima

 

[conwelpic]

from Jan 1st

First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima Turbo Review

provides more detail photos than most sites.

 

[conwelpic]

the new Optima on the "Best of 2011" list from cars.com (only six on the list)

Cars.com Announces 'Best of 2011' Nominees -- CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

 

[oldjeep]

My only real concern is what the reviewers definition of "noticeably rougher ride quality" on the SX means. Hard to quantify.

That would concern me too, because the EX doesn't exactly ride like a Lexus. I've only driven my wifes Optima for about 15 miles so far, but what I noticed is how much you really feel the bumps in the road. It handles well, but I'm used to the cushy ride of my Crewcab Ram.

 

[Durableham]

That would concern me too, because the EX doesn't exactly ride like a Lexus. I've only driven my wifes Optima for about 15 miles so far, but what I noticed is how much you really feel the bumps in the road. It handles well, but I'm used to the cushy ride of my Crewcab Ram.

I drove a Sonata SE and Limited, both turbos, back to back. I had read the same basic thing about the SE being noticeably harsher, but back to back I didn't really notice much difference. I think the big thing is from the tires, there is just less give when you have 18" wheels.

 

[Dash27]

2011 Kia Optima 2.0T - Test drive and new car review - 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T Turbo

I drove the SX 2.0T, and the best thing I had to say after driving it came out as a backhanded compliment, though I didn't mean it that way. I emerged from the Optima Turbo saying that if I didn't know that it was a Korean vehicle, I never would have suspected it. What I really meant was that Kia has achieved a European level of luxury, sportiness and quality with the interior of the Optima Turbo, and that I was very impressed. I may be forced to recalibrate my entire view of automotive interiors if Kia keeps cranking out this level of quality. Let's hope so!

What Jason liked about the Kia Optima Turbo:

* Sprightly performance
* Quiet, comfortable interior
* No turbo lag

What Jason didn't like:

* First-ever KIA turbo is yet to be proven by owners
* Some minor ergonomic quibbles
* $31,000 price tag for a loaded Turbo puts it up against stiff competition

Who should buy the Kia Optima Turbo:
Drivers looking to get the most bang for the buck in a sporty mid-size sedan

Who should not buy the Kia Optima Turbo:
Label-conscious buyers who can't see past the early Kia reputation