Kia has issued a teaser of the A1A Optima, a fun-in-the-sun take on its Optima sedan named after the same Florida coastal highway that has inspired state deities Jimmy Buffet and Vanilla Ice. Looking every bit a modern interpretation of the Fiat Jolly, the A1A Optima would seem to be ideal for getting to the beach rather than driving on it, as is the case with the off-road focused Forte Koup Mud Bogger and PacWest Adventure Sorrento concepts that we got a peek at earlier.
In addition to undergoing a complete roof-ectomy, the A1A Optima features a chopped windshield and rear-hinged rear doors, which Kia says add a touch of whimsy and fun while complimenting its roadster style. What’s not whimsical or fun is your custom Kia folding like a taco shell the first time it rolls over a speed bump, so Kia discretely stuffed he A1A’s personal areas full of reinforced steel tubing to compensate for the missing roof. A Ksport coilover suspension provides a lower ride height, and 20-inch chrome wheels do their best to fill every millimeter of available wheel opening. Kia’s 2.0-liter turbo four provides 245 horsepower of output.
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The four-seat configuration features leather surfaces rendered in a buttercream color and custom rear buckets; those curious as to the official name of electric blue exterior paint will have to check back in after the 2015 SEMA show is up and running.
