Kia will unveil an Optima convertible concept at this week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Kia will officially drop the sheet on its Optima drop top on Tuesday.
Based on the all-new 2016 Optima, the convertible sedan got its inspiration from Florida’s A1A Highway. To signify that beachfront inspiration, Kia calls the concept the A1A Optima.
In addition to having its roof lopped off, the A1A Optima also had its windshield shortened to give the car a sportier look. Kia strategically reinforced the Optima’s chassis with steel tubes to improve the structural rigidity of the topless sedan.
The A1A Optima rides on a suspension that has been lower noticeably over the standard Optima sedan. The concept rides on a set of 20-inch custom wheels, completing its beach-ready look.
The A1A Optima is strictly a four-seater with a center console taking up the middle seat in the back. Living up to its show car billing, rear seats are accessed via a set of rear-hinged doors.
The Optima’s 245 horsepower 2.0L turbo-four hasn’t been modified, but Kia has added a sports exhaust system for a throatier exhaust note.
Although Nissan proved with its Murano Crosscabriolet that whimsical convertibles can sneak through to production, we doubt there will be an Optima roadster in Kia showrooms any time soon.
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