Kia releases official pictures of the new Optima

The new car is set to be officially unveiled at the upcoming New York Motor Show, and will go on sale in later this year or in early 2011, badged as either the Optima or the Magentis, depending on the market.

The new Optima is "longer, wider, and lower", with an extended wheelbase that will provide more cabin space, in order to compete against rivals such as the Toyota Camry, Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. Kia has now revealed any official specifications yet, but the car is expected to use the same engines as its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata.

The next Optima features design language that is similar to the recently launched Sportage SUV, with its clean looks. Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, "The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise."