Next generation Kia Optima 2011

Kia may be mulling wagon and coupe variants of its just-announced 2011 Optima. The wrinkle is, however, that both the proposed long-roof and coupe versions of the car would designed with both Europe and Korea in mind. So far, there's no word on whether or either bodystyle would make its way to the States, though Autocar quotes Kia Chief Designer Peter Schreyer as saying that a two-door variant would do well in our neck of the woods.

Kia pulled the sheets off of the next-generation Optima at this year's New York Auto Show. Both longer and wider than the previous model, the 2011 Optima (known as the Magentis in other markets) appears to have good bones for growing into a wagon. Given the number of good-looking mid-size wagons we've seen crop up lately (we're looking at you, Cadillac CTS/Acura TSX), there's certainly room in the market for a more affordable load lugger.

We wouldn't exactly hold our breath, though. It'd likely take at least a couple of years to get the design through concept stage and into production, and even then, odds are it wouldn't be headed our direction. Doesn't hurt to hope, however.

"The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that's exactly what we set out to achieve."

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance. The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions. Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima's intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

"The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."