While the engines have yet to receive EPA certification, the 2.4-liter is estimated to produce 185 horsepower (138 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft (241 N·m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo is expected to generate approximately 247 horsepower (184 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft (353 N·m) of torque at 1,350 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters. Both engines have been retuned for fuel economy and better performance and drivability with maximum torque now available at a lower RPM.

The new 1.6-liter pushes out an estimated 178 horsepower (133 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb-ft (264 N·m) of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand. The transmission optimizes the engine’s responsiveness for a sporty feel that doesn't sacrifice fuel economy. Also new for the Optima, Michelin tires are available on all trims.

Body and chassis. The all-new Optima is designed to be functional and sporty with exterior dimensions that are marginally longer, taller and wider. The wheelbase has been extended to 110.4 inches (increased 0.4 inches), and the vehicle has been widened to 73.2 inches (increased 1.0 inch). Both changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room. The increased dimensions also allow for more cargo capacity in the trunk.

The 2016 Optima features a uniquely engineered body that combines various high-tensile strength steel alloys and sits on a chassis that is stiffer and more durable thanks to the increased use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). With more than 50% of the body constructed from AHSS, the all-new Optima represents a 150% increase over the previous car.

The greater use of structural adhesive by more than 450% over the previous generation improves NVH and contributes to structural rigidity. Engineers also added more hot stamped components to the all-new Optima, a 350% increase over the 2015 model. This body structure helps provide crash protection, better driving dynamics, and is the foundation for a quieter ride.

Additional innovations were implemented to reduce NVH, lighten the vehicle and enhance aerodynamics. The 2016 Optima is the first Kia to feature a panoramic sunroof support structure made with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which helps reduce weight and lower the vehicle’s center of gravity.

A larger full floor under cover helps reduce wind noise and aid fuel efficiency. Increased dash insulation, added windshield side molding and the increased use of structural adhesive ensure a quiet ride with reduced road and wind noise. Engine mounts, body panels and wheels all are stiffer on the all-new Optima, reducing vibrations, engine noise and road noise. Larger cross-member bushings are utilized to help isolate road and engine noise, as well as reducing engine vibration through the floor and steering wheel.

Improving ride and handling was a top priority for engineers. Overall, the chassis is lighter and stiffer, resulting in improved steering response, high-speed stability and handling. Moving the suspension location points of the front and rear sub-frames outward optimizes suspension geometry for a smoother ride over uneven pavement.

Where the previous Optima made due with dual bushing mounts, increased lateral stiffness was achieved with a four-bushing mount system for both sub-frames. The increased stiffness pays dividends in improved steering response and tractability through corners. More robust wheel bearings up front and the addition of larger dual lower control arms at the rear also help refine the all-new Optima’s ride and handling characteristics. Available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) improves steering response with a higher gear ratio.

Convenience and technology. Kia’s connectivity system, UVO, comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima: Geo-fencing; Speed Alert; Curfew Alert; and Driving Score. Additionally, Optima is Kia’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (late availability), which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones.

After connecting their smartphone to the head unit via the vehicle’s front fast-charge USB port (another fast-charge USB port is located in the rear seat), the 8-inch touchscreen screen displays the smartphone’s most important features. Core functions including music, messaging, navigation and voice calls are available via the screen, the steering wheel or via voice command. Kia is one of the first to deliver this technology, which is available for select Android phones operating with Lollipop or Apple phones operating with iOS8.X or higher. Any future third-party apps that are added by either Android or Apple will be available for customers to enjoy from their respective app store.

The 2016 Optima offers a long list of available technologies across the various trim levels.

Available on every Optima is a rear-camera display while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Around View Monitor. Available driver-aid technology, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC)8, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)—which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage—makes the task of driving easier and more convenient.

Also available for the first time on any Kia vehicle are Bi-function HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL) and intuitive High Beam Assist (HBA), which recognizes oncoming traffic and automatically switches the lights to low beam until the opposing vehicle has passed.

Sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. The new Optima will be built at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.