As Kia is working on the next generation of its Optima sedan and wagon, sources crop up who claim they know what tech it will ship with.
Allegedly, the seven-speed DCT transmission will yield its place to a new eight-speed automatic or pre-selective gear. There will be two engines to choose from: a 2.5-liter one rated at 260 hp (194 kW) max, and a smaller 1.6-liter unit with undisclosed characteristics. The most powerful option will be available with a wet-sump DCT.
Rumors also circulate that the fifth-gen Optima may end up with an all-wheel drive system, but no confirmation exists to date.
It is also reported that the reveal of the 2020 Kia Optima had originally been scheduled for 2019, but had to be postponed due to certain issues with transmission settings. Now, the new Optima is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2020.