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Instead of updating or redesigning the Optima, Kia has rid the North American market of the car altogether. In its place arrives the new 2021 Kia K5. To be fair, the Optima was always called the K5 in South Korea. So Kia has essentially done away with the Optima name and now its new mid-size sedan will be identified as K5 all across the globe. The K5 is all set to take the fight to its rivals in the mid-size sedan market and it seems well equipped to do so. So here are five cool features in the 2021 Kia K5 that could change the game. SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia K5 Revealed: 290 HP and AWD for Sporty Optima Replacement A Diet Stinger Please Gone are the days when mid-size sedans we considered too beige. Today, aesthetically at least they can give more upscale cars a run for their money. And the K5 epitomizes that ethos. It looks like Kia’s flagship GT, the Stinger, went on a diet and chiseled itself by some serious weight training. The front nose is sharp and the sleek fascia with its front fender-intruding DRLS and all-LED headlamps is enough to turn heads. It sits on the same N3 platform as the Hyundai Sonata and if that’s any clue, it sits lower than before and the sloping roofline creates coupe-like profile that looks sporty. The best part? It’s not all show and no go. SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Review Turbo Power Along with a striking design, thankfully Kia has also introduced an engine that would make many an enthusiast take notice. Sure there is the 1.6-turbo GDI. But the engine of interest here is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo from the upcoming Genesis G80. It makes 290 hp of max power and 311 lb-ft of torque which according to Kia is “best-in-class”. It also comes with a segment-exclusive eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission and AWD (another first for Kia). All trims are available with AWD except the base LX. SEE ALSO: 2021 Genesis G80 Here To Make Rivals Nervous, Priced From $48,725 Continuously Variable What? Yes, we are still harping on about the engines. As desirable as the 2.5-liter turbo is, the 1.6-liter GDI comes with its own set of innovations. Kia has introduced an industry-first Continuously Variable Valve Duration system, or CVVD. Unlike variable valve timing, CVVD allows for individual valves to remain open or closed for extended periods depending on how the car is being driven. If the car is at a constant speed, the system will allow the intake valves to be open from the middle to the end of the compression stroke so as to minimize resistance during compression. If the car is being driven fast, the system closes the intake during the same stroke to maximize air utilization during the explosion stage. The system can increase fuel efficiency by five percent, increase power by four percent and cuts emissions by 12 percent. SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review All-Paw-Drive This is the first time Kia has equipped its sedan with all-wheel-drive. Though it is a front-wheel-drive based system, which essentially means that it is on-demand and will engage AWD when the system detects a loss in traction at the nose. The system is optional on all trims except the base LX and comes as standard on the GT trim with the 2.5-liter turbo. A Cabin From Above? The cabin of the K5 truly looks like from a class above. The upholstery looks premium and upmarket. Kia will also offer two infotainment screen sizes in the K5, an 8.0-inch unit, and a 10.25-inch wide-screen system. Kia will also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Though both will be wireless (another first), that ability will be available with the 8.0-inch screen only. Our guess? Compatibility issues maybe. Though it will also come with natural voice recognition which will allow occupants to operate things like the aircon with voice commands. Other features include an upgraded Bose sound system and smart key that allows you to not only start your car but operate the climate control system as well. The 2021 Kia K5 goes on sale by late summer and the GT version will arrive in fall. Prices will be revealed closer to the launch. The post Top 5 Coolest Features of the New Kia K5 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

It’s never a simple task to pick the coolest cars on sale, but our team of opinionated experts is up to the challenge. Yes, it’s been an exciting year in the world of the automobile—and below, we’ll highlight ten of the coolest rides we’ve come across in 2019. Each model listed below is available now (although at least one of them is fully sold out), and they all boast plenty of cool factor in their own unique ways. We’ve chosen a wide range of models too—meaning that shoppers after plenty of uniqueness for their dollar have plenty to consider. Find our list of the Top 10 Coolest Cars of 2019 below. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Why: This bar-raising, American-built supercar has stirred up a buzz like nothing else in the automotive world in recent months—and for good reason. When the C8 begins shipping to dealers in the immediate future, it’ll offer supercar performance figures, at a highly compelling price point. There’s likely never been a more capable performance car offered on this side of a six-digit pricetag—meaning that the latest Chevrolet Corvette will turn in incredible bang-for-the-buck, while likely prompting numerous competitors to step up their game. The mid-mounted V8 generates the better part of 500 horsepower, and drivers can expect 0-60 in about 3 seconds—all from a low-slung two-seater with a starting price that barely opens the door on a BMW M3. The new interior looks top-notch, and shoppers can expect no shortage of performance options and add-ons to help dial in their own unique experience. Don’t Miss: Signature Corvette technologies, like magnetic dampers and a multi-mode exhaust system, combine with new innovations like a wide-spectrum drive-mode selector, and GPS-enabled suspension lift, to automatically raise and lower the nose of the new Stingray in locations where it’s more likely to whack the ground beneath. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Audi Q8 Why: One of Audi’s latest models is one of their easiest to spot. The Q8 is a striking take on a modern utility vehicle—and one designed to create its own unique identity in the marketplace, by way of unique styling elements, and the latest in high-tech. Fitted with a specialized turbo-hybrid V6 engine, drivers get 335 high-efficiency horsepower, and no shortage of thrilling torque. Quattro AWD is standard, and advanced suspension and four-wheel steering systems create a drive that’ll satisfy even the sportiest drivers. Look for high-end features including a potent premium audio system, Valcona leather seating with front-seat massage, traffic sign recognition, fully digital instrumentation, and plenty more. For the safety-conscious, Q8 comes equipped with little less than a full arsenal of Audi’s latest in hazard-detection and driver assistance tech. Don’t Miss: Active LED accent lighting, which utilizes unique exterior lighting animations for certain functions, like engine startup and signalling, which help give the Q8 an even bigger presence on the road. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer 2020 Toyota Supra Why: This reincarnation of Toyota’s most famous sports car has created quite a buzz—partially thanks to the re-introduction of a high-performing Toyota sports car after many years, and partly thanks to its BMW-sourced straight-six turbo powerplant. This provides drivers with 335 suspiciously-athletic horsepower, and even more torque. A no-nonsense approach to size and weight keep the Supra light and lean, and though track-ready, it’s remarkably peaceful and comfortable when used for touring, errands, or commuting. All units are rear-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard—complete with a lightning-fast paddle shift mode. Drivers can engage Supra’s push-button SPORT mode to dial up the excitement via improved response and power, and a full complement of safety, connectivity and convenience equipment comes standard, too. Here’s a thrilling sports car that’s easy to enjoy on the daily—and one that’s more than happy to handle a track day, commute, or cross-province road trip with little issue. Don’t Miss: The remarkably quiet cabin. Thanks to adaptive dampers, an ultra-rigid structure, and extensively slick aerodynamics, Supra does a surprisingly good job of keeping wind and road noise to a minimum, even at high velocity. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Why: What’s cooler than a family-ready wagon that’s bursting at the seams with a 600-horsepoweer V8 engine? Almost nothing, that’s what. Long held as one of the most badass family haulers on the scene, this flexible posh-rocket seriously hauls: look for 0-60 in about 3 seconds flat, en route to a low eleven-second quarter mile pass. There’s AWD for inclement weather, though the front axle can be disabled for skids. And, since safety is important to any family, the E63 S Wagon also includes little less than every safety feature currently offered by Mercedes-Benz, too. A drive-mode selector allows the driver to tune the ride, handling and responsiveness of their super-wagon on the fly, and more aggressive settings see a crackling, snorting exhaust note follow this machine around. Or, choose a more comfortable setting to relax and socialize on the open road in the lap of luxury. It might have performance figures on par with a Porsche 911, but the E 63 S Wagon is comfy-cruising ready, if you like. Don’t Miss: Winter-busting technologies, including 4Matic + AWD, and a high-performing LED lighting system that works to ensure finely-tuned illumination in any situation, without straining the driver’s eyes. Ski trip, anyone? Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Kia Stinger Why: Here’s the big, quick coupe, without the big, quick coupe price-tag! Sure, Stinger has four doors—but like many of the pricier four-door “coupes” that inspired it, the nomenclature is subject to interpretation. More importantly, Kia Stinger is effectively engineered to give drivers a world-class driving experience, without the world-class asking price. With twin-turbo power, a fast-acting AWD system, and a chassis that’s as happy being flogged as it is being used leisurely, this one is full of surprises. Built to serve the needs of a wide range of drivers, it’s built for year-round confidence, however you drive it. For many, Stinger’s cabin negates the need to spend thousands more—it’s carefully assembled, and brimming with high-end touches. It’s no slouch on the performance front either, especially with the big V6, good for 365 horsepower. Expect a thrilling, but comfortable, driving experience built around four adults. Don’t Miss: The wintertime drive. On appropriate tires, this one’s a winter driving enthusiast’s dream: the AWD system is very rear-biased, the traction control can be dismissed with a single click, and she’ll powerslide, all day long. Or, cruise icy highways with confidence to spare, and great steering and braking feel, even on snow and ice. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Tesla Model 3 Performance Why: This all-electric super-sedan packs 450 of the quietest, smoothest and most athletic horsepower around: thanks to a dual-motor setup that also provides drivers with over 470 lb.-ft of immediate, electric torque. With AWD and all systems go, this cutting-edge four-door seriously hauls: blasting from 0-60 in a tick over 3 seconds, with the quarter mile mark arriving in less than 12. All of that with no noise, no shifting, no vibration, and no harshness. The immediate but noiseless acceleration turns in a unique experience, and throttle response is unmatched by virtually anything on the road with a combustion powerplant. Best of all, there’s room for the other half, the kids, and a days worth of shopping. Oh, and you never have to visit the gas station ever again, which is pretty swell, too. Other versions of the Tesla Model 3 are available for more modest drivers and budgets, and each shares a similar level of smooth, quiet, and potent performance. Don’t Miss: The unique cabin layout, which eliminates the instrument cluster and virtually all control consoles, instead relegating all functionality to a large, centrally-mounted touch-screen display for a simplistic but high-tech atmosphere on board. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Shelby GT500 (2020) Why: Ford’s recently unveiled the most powerful production Mustang yet—complete with their most powerful-ever engine! The new GT500 will be shipping soon, and when it arrives, it’ll give drivers access to world-class performance, from the most extreme Mustang yet! Power comes from a 5.2 litre V8 engine, complete with flat-plane crank and an Eaton supercharger with integrated liquid-to-air aftercooler for more consistent performance. Total output is rated at a whopping 760 horsepower—all of which are routed to the rear wheels via an 8-speed TREMEC dual-clutch transmission, extensively engineered for millisecond gearshifts. A manual transmission would only slow this machine down. The performance figures are fully backed by targeted, motorsports-derived upgrades—including active oil pan baffles for high g-force lubrication, dual thermostats, and the largest brakes available in an American-built performance coupe. Lightweight wheels, a Shelby-specific magnetic suspension calibration, and extensive structural strengthening help round out the package. This one’s built to perform. Don’t Miss: The GT500’s full selection of carbon-fibre add-ons gives drivers the chance to fully customize their experience through further weight reduction. The available carbon fibre wing, wheels, and rear-seat delete dial up the visual appeal of this rocket-Stang, while reducing weight to the benefit of handling and acceleration. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer McLaren Senna Why: The McLaren Senna is one of the world’s most extreme road-legal performance cars, and one that bears the name of Brazilian Formula One racer Ayrton Senna. Exhaustively engineered to turn in staggering lap times, the Senna embodies the forefront of McLaren’s current capabilities in road-legal performance and design, with extreme weight-reduction efforts applied throughout. Competition-validated aerodynamics give the Senna tremendous downforce for high-speed stability, and result in a distinctive body that’s slathered with vents, ducts, and accented by a massive rear wing and airbrake assembly. A reworked version of the engine from the McLaren 720S provides propulsion—sending 790 horsepower to the rear wheels by way of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other extreme performance implements include carbon ceramic brakes with an exclusive compound formulation that enables higher thermal resistance and performance from a smaller and lighter brake rotor. Centre-lock wheels reduce weight even further, negating the need for multiple lug-nuts and studs on each wheel hub. McLaren’s RaceActive Chassis Control system ensures maximum adherence to the surface beneath, with active body control to help further precision and control. Don’t Miss: The incredible power-to-weight ratio. Despite packing the better part of 800 horsepower, the McLaren Senna clocks in at just over 3,000 pounds—enabling 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, en route to a sub 10-second quarter mile pass. Given enough room, the McLaren Senna can exceed 210 miles per hour. Hyundai Veloster N Why: This spunky little hot-hatch is the highest-performing version of the Hyundai Veloster ever made—and by all accounts, it’s a real knock-out. Look for a compact but flexible cabin, hidden rear door for easier passenger access, and all the maneuverability and versatility you’d expect from a compact hatchback. With 275 horsepower on tap via a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine, Veloster N is a proper pocket-rocket. Drivers are supported by a drive-mode selector, multiple drive modes, electronically-controlled differential and suspension, and a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching. Sports bucket seats, an exclusive instrument cluster, high-performance brakes and a 3-mode exhaust system that lets drivers decide how much, or little, of the Veloster N’s signature sound they’d like to hear. Designed and tested to be as thrilling as possible without compromising everyday usability, Veloster N intends to give its driver maximum smiles, any time they take the wheel. Don’t Miss: Veloster N’s extensive list of feature content. Though this machine was built with performance as the priority, it’s also a top-line model—meaning it comes with no shortage of high-end features like an Infinity stereo system, remote smartphone compatibility, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, automatic climate control, and more. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer Jeep Gladiator Why: Jeep’s pickup truck is finally here! After teasing us for some time, the new Gladiator has arrived at dealer lots—expanding the Jeep model range to include a unique, pickup-truck model that stays fully in stride with the brand’s adventurous soul. Removable doors and roof panels give loyal Jeep shoppers access to an enticing open-air motoring experience, and a wide range of options, packages, drivelines, an sub-models ensure selection to spare. To the same end, a comprehensive array of Mopar parts and accessories can be specified for further fine-tuning to any budget or lifestyle. Standard is a 285-horsepower V6 engine, and shoppers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission, or an 8-speed automatic. All models are equipped with four-wheel drive for maximum confidence in any weather, or over any terrain. Selected models include additional up-level off-road hardware for the expert off-roader. Leather seating, remote start, an Alpine stereo system, and automatic climate control help dial up the feature content, allowing owners to explore new trails in the lap of connected comfort and convenience. Don’t Miss: The off-road trail cam, which allows drivers to select numerous on-screen images, provided by numerous body-mounted cameras. Select this option, and you’ll be able to see the Gladiator’s full surroundings on a single screen, negating the need to lean out a window, or exit the vehicle, to assess the nearby terrain. Search New And Used Cars for Sale Contact a Dealer The post Top 10 Coolest Cars of 2019 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. 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