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Kia spotted testing new 2016 Sportage in Germany

Though the first-generation Kia Sportage stuck around for a whopping eleven years, its successor was on the market for six years before the current model was introduced in 2010. At that rate, Kia is likely to reveal the fourth-gen model some time next year, and that is precisely what we seem to have here in this latest batch of spy shots. Spotted undergoing testing at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center in Russelsheim, Germany, this pair of Sportage prototypes are wearing a lot of camouflage to keep us from extrapolating too much about their design. Still, we're expecting much of the KX3 concept to make it onto the production Sportage as Kia moves its crossover design language in one direction and the sedans in another. Look for a wider, lower grille, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent fog lights to characterize the front end, new LED taillights around back and a silhouette similar to the current model's in between. Expect a range of gasoline and diesel engines to be offered in markets around the world, from 130 horsepower up to 250, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Equipment can be anticipated to be upgraded inside as well, bringing to bear the resources of what has become one of the world's largest automakers. Featured Gallery 2016 Kia Sportage: Spy Shots Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Kia Crossover kia sportage

Kia confirms Soul EV headed to US, cue the electric hamsters

Kia has been toying with the notion of an electric vehicle for years now. In the two years since the Korean automaker revealed the Ray EV concept, rumors of a battery-powered production vehicle have persisted, evidenced most recently by spy shots showing an electric version of the Soul hatchback this past July. Now Kia has officially announced that the Soul EV is heading for production.
Although Kia has yet to reveal official photos or specifications, this is the first confirmation we've received that the Soul EV is indeed headed for a showroom near you. Set to arrive sometime next year, the Soul EV promises to pack an as-yet unspecified arrangement of electric motors and batteries and visual cues that aim to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics and differentiate it from the conventionally powered Soul.
We'll have to wait until its debut approaches at an undetermined upcoming auto show in the US for more details, but for now you can delve into the official announcement below and scope out those same spy shots in the gallery above.

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid definitely not faster than a speeding bullet

The Justice League of America's garage is filling up quickly, with Kia and DC Entertainment unveiling its sixth of eight super hero-inspired vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show today. The vehicles are being used to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign.
The latest Kia to get the super hero treatment is the Optima Hybrid, which draws on the almighty Superman for inspiration. We're not sure what to make of this thing, honestly, as neither Clark Kent nor Kal-El would be caught dead in it (unless it's got the optional Kryptonite seatbelts, of course). Rather, this looks like what we imagine a Superman fanboy would construct if given carte blanche to ruin an Optima Hybrid. The actual design and construction were handled jointly by Kia, DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine.
We'll let the pictures do the talking in terms of what modifications were made since they're all cosmetic. That is, no mechanical mods were done to make the Kia Optima either faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive (shame).