Kia will unveil the replacement of the current 2010 Magentis next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. In Korea, where it is already on sale, the car bears the name K5, while in other parts of the world, including the USA, the name Optima should remain.

photo: Kia

“The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The front fascia of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps.

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence with its raked roofline, high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks, shallow glasshouse and extended wheelbase.

The new model is longer, wider and lower than the model it replaces, and boasts a coupe-like profile enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar.

This close cousin of the Hyundai Sonata should share its transverse in-line 2,4L 4-cylinder engine. Other engines are offered in Korea, including 2,7L and 3,5L V6s. No information is available yet regarding engine fitment plans for North America.

This new Kia intermediate sedan’s world premiere will take place at the New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2010.