They were all done based on the 2012 model year car on the assumption the model would carry forth with no changes.

However, just as Hyundai is doing with its Sonata Hybrid, Kia is making post-11th hour updates to improve its car that was the subject of a reduction in its EPA mileage rating.

The Hyundai and Kia models were also the basis for a class action law suit, and prompted Kia and Hyundai to set up funds to compensate owners.

Exactly what the 2013 changes will be is anyone’s guess. We were in process of reviewing a 2012 Optima Hybrid loaned to us by Kia in place of a 2013 just as others have and our discovery of Hyundai’s on-going work prompted a call to Kia.

If you look at the U.S. Energy Department’s Web site, a dead giveaway is the absence of an Optima Hybrid in its Find a Car section for 2013 model year cars. What’s more, Kia’s media site lists only the 2012 model, with the latest press release dated 2011. This was not an oversight. The regular Optima featured by Kia’s media site is a 2013.

The media rep we spoke to at Kia said he could not disclose anything, saying he has been given no information himself on the 2013 Optima Hybrid from Korea, but we may hear something by the end of the month. Hyundai’s rep similarly said the 2013 Sonata Hybrid was pending redesign in Korea, and news may be announced in the next 30-60 days from now, though he could not be certain.

And, Kia and Hyundai did come fully clean with their existing cars, so it would appear they are working to remedy the cars which are already quite competitive, and do relatively well in sales month after month.

Hyundai says we will be impressed with the Sonata Hybrid upgrades, so we’ll take it on faith that Kia intends to be impressive with the Optima Hybrid as well.

Of course, this being well into the 2013 model year, assuming they are released as 2013s, they will not see a full selling year, but so it goes.

That improvements are needed and being taken seriously is a positive sign from the Korean automakers. They have been chipping away at Toyota’s market share, and when shown where they fall short in competitiveness, are apparently redoubling their efforts to be fully competitive.

We’ll let you know more when we do.

The post Kia Quietly Updating 2013 Optima Hybrid appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Kia Motors America (KMA) said it has teamed up with DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine to create an Optima Hybrid inspired by Superman’s strength and unwavering care for planet Earth.

Unveiled yesterday at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, this Optima Hybrid  is the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one.

Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve, according to Kia, as a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

“As the most recognized Super Hero in the world, Superman is a symbol of strength and integrity, making him the perfect character to join forces with Kia’s first-ever hybrid to create a customized ride powered by a robust and efficient powertrain,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. “Each of our Justice League-inspired vehicles are remarkable collaborations between the automotive and comic book worlds, and all for a worthy cause.  To that, Kia is very proud to be partnering with DC Entertainment to raise awareness for the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ campaign.”

The Superman-themed Optima Hybrid has been widened with custom fenders, giving the vehicle a muscular appearance, and it features an adjustable suspension system that can raise and lower the vehicle with the push of a button.

The stylized color scheme on the hood spotlights Superman’s unmistakable chest emblem while a red paint design extends to the trunk, evoking the look of his crimson cape.  The beveled front grille resembles Superman’s belt, and the red headlights glow with the same intensity of his heat vision.

The interior of the Optima Hybrid is upholstered with custom materials chosen for their unique appearance and texture to reflect Superman’s impenetrable battle armor. Designers also integrated Superman’s iconic “S” shield into the seats and steering wheel to give it the right heroic touch.

“This joint effort to raise awareness for the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ giving campaign through Justice League-inspired cars has proven to be a huge hit with both comic fans and car aficionados,” stated Amit Desai, senior vice president of franchise management, DC Entertainment.  “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Kia to bring the latest addition, the Superman-inspired Optima Hybrid, to fans in Chicago and beyond.”

The Superman-themed Optima is equipped with two video screens in the front-seat headrests that will raise awareness about the worst hunger crisis in 60 years by featuring a custom “We Can Be Heroes” video that demonstrates how one small act can make anyone a hero.

As for the performance, we will venture by guessing the team responsible for the car’s conception considered the Kia hybrid’s performance adequate for Superman duties, as nothing has been revealed about modifications to the powertrain.

We not expect to see a special Superman-edition Kia Optima appear on the showroom floor anytime soon.

The post Superman’s Hybrid Car Delivered In Chicago appeared first on HybridCars.com.