(HDA). Kia was confirmed that the car is not to be available for the European markets or any right-hand-drive markets (such as Asia, Australasia and Africa) due to the shrinking traditional sedan market. Markets North America In June 2020, Kia unveiled the US-market K5, renaming it from the Optima. Both the 1.6-liter turbocharged and 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Smartstream inline four-cylinder gasoline engines will be available with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive; the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is available only in front wheel drive and is mated to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Trim levels include LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. US specification models will be assembled at Kia's West Point, Georgia assembly plant (KMMG). Europe The Kia Optima was first introduced in 2010, but with a different shape and design compared to other markets. The European model had a choice to go either with diesel or gasoline engine options. It was manufactured in the company's facility in Zilina, Slovakia, and was positioned as a premium alternative to Kia's other models. Later the Optima was replaced by the new K5 version in 2015. Powertrain Safety The 2021-2022 K5 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Motorsport The third generation Kia Optima was an official entry in the Pirelli World Challenge. In June 2012, Michael Galati drove the Infinity Audio-sponsored Optima to Kia's first victory in round 8 of the 2012 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, while teammate Mark Wilkins finished in second place. Kia Racing clinched the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport (GTS) Class Manufacturer Championship in only its third season of competition. Kia defeated rivals Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Aston Martin and Nissan to become the first Korean auto manufacturer to win the championship. Kia Racing finished the season with 13 podium finishes, including 5 race wins. Meanwhile, the turbocharged Optima race cars led more on-track miles than any other manufacturer in the class this season. The race car weighs and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine generating 368 horsepower and uses a 6-speed sequential transmission. It reaches in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of . Sales References External links K5 Mid-size cars Sedans Convertibles Station wagons Police vehicles Front-wheel-drive vehicles 2010s cars Cars introduced in 2000 Hybrid electric cars Euro NCAP large family cars Plug-in hybrid vehicles Vehicles with CVT transmission