Kia builds a roofless Optima for SEMA 2015

Chopping the roof off a four-door car is always going to lead to all sorts of rigidity issues, especially if the windscreen is shortened too. But that’s exactly what Kia has done to create the eye-catching A1A Optima.

Named after a Florida highway, it’s due to be unveiled at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

Kia A1A Optima Concept (2015) Front Side

Of course, being a one-off concept means that body flex and scuttle shake actually don’t matter very much. Nevertheless, Kia says concealed steel tubes are fitted to help replace some of the shell’s lost stiffness.

Adding the unique look are a pair of rear-hinged back doors and a four-seat interior that’s upholstered in leather.

With power coming from a 245 bhp (182 kW / 248 PS) four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the A1A Optima rides on 20” wheels and a lowered Ksport coilover suspension set-up.

Related posts:
2016 Kia Sportage first view
European-spec 2016 Kia Optima revealed

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