2011 Kia Optima Sedan Priced, Starts from $19,690

As the all-new 2011 Optima sedan will be hitting dealer lots in coming weeks, Kia decided to release detailed pricing on its promising contender in the mid-size sedan segment. Prices for the new Optima start $18,995, or $19,690 if you include the $695 destination and handling fee. This means the base Optima is priced on par with Chrysler's refreshed Sebring sedan, which has been renamed to 200 and starts at $19,995.

At launch, the new generation of the Optima will be offered with two powerplants, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection technology and an output of 200HP, and Kia's first-ever turbo engine in the U.S., a 2.0-liter 274-horsepower Turbo GDI that delivers up to 34 mpg. Early next year, the range will be enhanced with a gasoline-electric hybrid engine. The same powerplants are found in the Optima's Hyundai counterpart, the new Sonata.

To avoid confusion, we've included the $695 destination and handling fee in all prices mentioned below. The 2.4-liter model is available in two trim levels, the LX and the EX. The LX with a six-speed manual gearbox has a starting MSRP of $19,690.

Standard features include six-airbags, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system, power windows and locks, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a cooling glove box and auxiliary USB audio input jacks for MP3 players and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering-wheel mounted voice activation.

The same LX model with a 6-speed Automatic transmission starts $21,190 and adds alloy wheels, cruise control and an Active Eco System.

Next up is the Optima EX with the 2.4L engine that starts at $23,190. Additional standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather trimmed seats, eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, push-button start and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass.

The Optima EX is also available with the 2.0-liter Turbo unit for $25,190. With this model buyers also get larger front disc brakes, a unique front grille, and wood and metal interior accents.

Finally, the flagship model in the Optima range is the SX with the 2.0-liter Turbo. Priced at $26,690, this version adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, unique lower body trim, HID head lights, LED tail lights, black leather and woven seat trim, Supervision meter cluster, steering wheel paddle shifters, carbon fiber interior trim, metal pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates.

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These Colors Don't Run: Florida Dealership Offering AK-47 with Truck Purchase

In freedom-based news, pre-owned truck dealer Nations Trucks - which sells "trucks, not gimmicks" - has become the latest consumer outlet to offer a gun with a purchase (is Michael Moore seeing this?). In this case, the dealership is offering certain qualified customers a fresh AK-47 with the purchase of a new truck. Actually, it's a $400 voucher that can be used for any form of anti-invasion insurance.

In order to not appear too gimmicky, Nations Trucks has gone ahead and posted an excerpt from the Second Amendment on their site to prove that what they're doing isn't about national attention...it's about freedom. There's at least one veteran, however, who sees this gun show as maybe a little gimmicky.

Phillip Adams thinks the free gun isn't so smart, and that free flag would make a much better gift. He says, "An AK-47 is a very dangerous weapon...[A flag] would be a lot more supportive for our country and our veterans." Sure, but a flag just wouldn't get the same sort of all-important press coverage from Robyn Meade.

Of course, all this gun'n'truck buying depends on what the dealer says makes you qualified. If anyone down Florida way wants to stop in at the dealership (it's in Sanford), let us know what hoops you have to jump through other than a background check. Hopefully that's not all, because anyone can beat those.

By Phil Alex

Link: Nationstrucks , Via: Cbsnews

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Fiat's 500 gets a few but All-Important Tweaks for the American market - Including... Mega Size Cupholders

Auto fans in America have been watching the arrival of the Fiat 500 with a wary eye, unsure of whether or not the adorable city car will be the vehicle to return affordable Italian automobiles to the American market. Finally, the changes deemed necessary for American consumer appeal have been made, and the list isn't exactly surprising.

In order to meet Mini-esque cute-luxury requirements, the car will get a slightly softer ride, stronger engine, and a revised center console to fit 'Murrican cup-holders for those 64-oz. jugs o'cola from KFC. A new set of bumpers and body cladding is also on the menu.

The engine is essentially the same 1.4-liter 4-cylinder found in Europe, equipped with Fiat's MultiAir tech to make it meaner and cleaner. It will be matched to either a new six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The car will be built at Fiat's plant in Toluca, Mexico, so I wouldn't advise heading down to the factory to pick it up without a Kevlar vest and armed security detail. Expect to see the US-spec Fiat 500 (doesn't that sound weird?) on dealer lots in December, with official numbers showing up later this week from Los Angeles.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autonews

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