Kia Optima – Exclusive First

One of the very first public photos anywhere of this automobile, this landmark car for Kia debuted 18 hours after this photo was taken. The covers were only off for three minutes – taken off personally by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer for a first hand explanation of his styling ideas – so it had to be quick. The 2011 Optima went on to lead the brand to enormous sales growth and, for the first time, true stylistic credibility.