The latest and most innovative version of the Kia Optima Sedan was introduced in 2011. It offers up a sleek and modern aerodynamic appearance from bumper-to-bumper. Its sales acceptance among consumers has been nothing less than amazing!  For 2012, the car was upgraded with even more amenities and refinements that helped to broaden Optima's appeal to motorist everywhere. But to take this car to even a higher level, Kia Motors is now building Optima in a fuel saving and environmentally friendly Hybrid edition. With Kia Motors currently having one of the most fuel efficient vehicle lineups of cars sold in the US, the Hybrid Optima fits in perfectly within their business model going forward. More specifically, for a five passenger car the size of Optima achieving fuel consumption numbers of around 40 MPG highway, clearly this is a major milestone within the industry. Additionally, it's Kia's first Hybrid powertrain offered in this country. As expected, this state-of-the-art automobile is based solely off the regular gasoline powered version of the stylish Optima. This starts with the vehicles eye catching outer appearance including it's signature front distinctive grill, transitioning with it's striking cut lines and contemporary free flowing and aggressive looking body stampings. This sculptured design element coupled with the slopped angle of the front windshield helps give the car an overall  muscular stance. The 2012 Optima also has a standard rear trunk lid built-in air spoiler and hidden exhaust tip outlet. All Optima Hybrids offer several features including distinctive designs for the front grille and headlamps and 16-inch alloy sport wheels, integrated front fog lamps, heated outside door mirrors, HD Radio for enhancing your listening options, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills as well as a very attractive "futuristic appearing" LED tail lamp design. Additionally, for 2012 this car also builds on an already solid underpinning platform, proven steering and suspension system plus a quieter interior cabin. The car's technology story is one worth visiting as well. With advanced computer and wind tunnel engineering, aerodynamic updates in the form of reworked body components help the hybrid model achieve a 0.26 drag coefficient which is a 10 percent improvement over non-hybrid models. Like all Optima models, the Optima Hybrid offers numerous well positioned features inside the cabin and demonstrates a sporty, yet efficient layout designed with the eco-conscious driver in mind. From the instrument panel that is contoured nicely toward the driver to create a cockpit-like feel to the precise gauges and engaging technology, the car's unique driver-centric experience is quite user friendly. This is all achieved without sacrificing passenger comfort or roominess at any interior seating position. The extensive list of standard convenience features and stylish appointments include an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, electric dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with Smart Key, in-dash meter cluster with unique LCD display for hybrid information, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one-touch automatic up/down on front windows, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. The air conditioning system uses an electric compressor, reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven systems and allowing cool air to flow even with the engine off in "idle-stop" mode. The fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain starts with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower. The advanced "seamless and smooth powertrain" is matched to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission. The full parallel hybrid system can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions. To power the electric motor, the Optima Hybrid leverages a state-of-the-art, air-cooled 270 Volt lithium-polymer battery. At only 95 pounds, the battery system is extremely durable with warranty coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Sold in two trim levels, the front wheel drive 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has a base MSRP of $25,700. More information is online at www.kiamotors.com.