2011 KIA Optima with Michael Sprague on Driving the Nation

Michael Sprague is vice president, marketing & communications for Kia Motors America. Sprague gave me an overview of the 2011 Kia Optima.

Sprague talked about the models, the engines, and the hybrid coming in 2011.

The new car will be available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX.

There are three Theta II powerplants: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid. The 2.4-liter GDI engine delivers 200 hp while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers 274 hp. The 2.4-liter hybrid engine will be introduced in 2011.

First in class in the 2011 Kia Optima are passenger heated seats, hot and cold seats in the front and a panoramic roof that allows you to see the palm trees on a beautiful California day.

Optima uses the Infinity sound system and has USB and iPod connections.

The interior is a must see and a first for designer Peter Schreyer’s group.

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Lou Ann Hammond

Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and board member of the Women in Automotive.