2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Kia Optima Preview New Hampshire

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Introduction

• What's New - Kia updates but doesn't drastically change the Optima sedan for 2009. Among the tweaks are revised front and rear exterior styling that adds a couple inches to the overall length, a more powerful four-cylinder engine, variable-valve technology on all powerplants, an available navigation system, a USB port, and a new SX trim with sport-tuned suspension.
• Why It Matters - Shoppers were attracted to Kias for years because of the excellent warranty, but with a number of competing brands increasing their powertrain coverage Kia needs to give shoppers more reasons to consider its cars. To that end, prospective buyers will be enticed with more engaging styling, more power, and a number of desirable convenience features.

2009 Kia Optima - 2008 New York Auto Show: Beware of being pigeonholed. Just ask single guys with female friends. They'll tell you all about being there for the ladies in times of need or whenever a buddy's required, but isn't even on the radar when she's looking for some fun on Saturday night. He wants her to know he's more than a shoulder to lean on, just like Kia wants you to know it's about more than plain vehicles with long warranties.

Such is the mentality that lead to a duo of debuts at the 2008 New York Auto Show, one of which was the 2009 Optima sedan due for dealers' lots later this year. Offering sleeker styling, more power and features that buyers across all demographics have come to expect, the freshened front-drive sedan represents Kia's attempt at incorporating style into its value equation.

2009 Kia Optima - Notable Features

Among the more notable features available on the 2009 Kia Optima are a navigation system, a USB port for easy connection of your personal electronics, Sirius satellite radio, and a handful of sport-oriented goodies on the all-new SX, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and aluminum interior trim. All models, from the base LX to the mid-level EX and sporty SX, come with standard air conditioning and basic power features, while upper trims and options reveal goodies like Infinity audio and leather upholstery.

Of course, the 100,000-mile warranty soldiers on and a number of safety items are available in addition to standard side-curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor.

2009 Kia Optima - Under the Hood

Like the model it replaces, 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.

With such a slight difference in power, offering these particular engines on the same car seems almost redundant to us, but perhaps shoppers will disagree. Other nuts and bolts-related bits include front MacPherson struts, a multi-link rear suspension, and optional antilock brakes.

2009 Kia Optima - Design

Visually, Kia designers have swapped out the current Optima's ho-hum 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 narrow, swept-back headlights and egg crate grille will inject a sense of sport, while the tailored LED taillights provide the rear with a clean, refined appearance. These changes have added a few inches to the Optima's overall length, though the wheelbase remains unchanged.

2009 Kia Optima - Competitors

As a midsize sedan, the 2009 Kia Optima does battle in one of the toughest segments of the automotive market. If you're considering the Optima, chances are you're also thinking about the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu, all of which have strong followings and in most cases clearly outmatch the Optima in terms of power, features, and arguably, styling.

By Thom Blackett
Photo credit: Oliver Bentley and Kia

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Sävy Strategic Creative

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.

1.541.359.3068
Service Rd
Bend, OK
http://www.getsavy.com/

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.
The moment one walks through the doors at German Master Tech in Bend, Oregon, its meticulously kept, white floored shop currently home to an impressive lineup of detail and restoration in progress: the bright silver Porsche spec racer being built in the center of the room, the Porsche 911 S undergoing a full restoration and the variant of others, from BMWs to Ferraris, it is quickly understood why German Master Tech, with some of the finest European auto technicians and restoration specialists in the country, supports some of the finest European cars on the West Coast. This German-apprenticed, master-trained company, that refers to its work as “a craft”, is known to many by the unmatched service and support they provide their racing and restoration clients across the country, to others by the niche expedition preparation service they provide all-terrain vehicles, and still to their most dedicated customer, the fine European car enthusiast, German Master Tech is truly the one to many in this town.
German Master Tech’s President, a BMW Master Technician, Tim Morris, brings with him over 25 years experience in the industry and has been awarded several achievement and master technician status awards though BMW specialized factory schools. Tim has also achieved BMW’s Center of Excellence Award twice and is a seven-time BMW President’s Club Technician. German Master Tech’s co-founder and past partner, Jay Audia, won the 07 SCCA Regional Championships for GT2 in his German Master Tech-prepared Panoz. The company’s third founder is one of Bend’s most passionate Porsche enthusiasts, John Audette.

“Restorations have been a large part of our focus,” said Morris, describing some of his company’s award winning roots. “From our very first restoration, a 58’ BMW Isetta 300, which we took to the Forest Grove Concours d’ Elegance in 05 and won our class, in addition to taking home the President’s Award, which was judged by Pacific College’s President as “the car the college student would most want to drive,” said Morris. “I drew on my past car show and restoration experience to pull off a surprise win. It was a good deal of timing and the right car, with the right colors. We stole the show with a micro car, it was great!” Morris said standing next to his red Porsche hot rod parked inside his shop. “Car shows and racing are my passions,” he said with a smile.
“Our tuning business is the best around,” continued Morris of the company’s capabilities. “The application of our developed performance packages to already great cars really creates a ‘wow’.” German Master Tech provides full warranty BMW performance upgrades as a Dinan-authorized dealer, and Porsche performance programs that take the 911 to the next level. “Our tuning business has led us to organized racing, which has been a life-long dream of mine.” Included in German Master Tech’s list of champion racing cars are a 64’ BMW 1800 TISA owned by Steve Walker of Salem. The 1800 TISA is BMW’s first post-war racer based on a production car in regional vintage racing. A 911 Porsche racer owned by Bend’s Mark Powell will be racing in one of the West Coast’s fastest growing amateur racing classes, Spec 911. “Mark’s car is special as it ties together the whole business: a restoration with an extreme tuning package.”

“German Master Tech has worked on all my cars, including a Range Rover, BMW, three Ferraris and a Porsche,” said Ervin Richards, a long-time German Master Tech customer. “I bring my cars here because they consistently do it better and because they’ve always gone way beyond the call of duty in their service and support of my vehicles.” “If I can bring it to German Master Tech,” said Richards, “I will.”
To learn more about German Master Tech, contact them directly at 541.322.9647.