“And the Gold Pencil goes to…”

(Drum roll please)

“…David&Goliath for their 2012 Kia Optima Limited commercial.”

This LA-based agency got creative when promoting the 2012 Kia Optima Limited. The agency had the task of creating a commercial to show how luxurious and wild it could be to own and drive an Optima. At the time, they also had to show how owning and driving an Optima was totally attainable and reasonable for the average guy.

The commercial aired during the Super Bowl, so it had to be catchy and memorable. It did not disappoint Kia Motors America. The commercial begins with a real-life Sandman carrying a large supply of sand. He sprinkles it gingerly over the woman who dreams of her handsome man-on-a-horse love story. Then Mr. Sandman rounds the bed to the man’s side. He sprinkles a few grains over the husband to ensure a nice, dreamy slumber; however, the Sandman trips and accidentally dumps too much powerful dream dust out.

Now, the husband sits in a sleek, 2012 Kia Optima, revs the powerful engine, and takes off. He passes the beautiful Adriana Lima, rocks out with Motley Crue, and even crosses paths with MMA fighter Chuck Liddell. Just as the commercial’s title suggests, the Optima is considered “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Consumers applauded the commercial, and received the message loud and clear. The Optima became the top selling car for Kia Motors in 2012.
If you are in Bloomington, Illinois, near Peru, Kia optima dealers would love to let you test drive this dreamy (yet practical) automobile.

Finding car information on the Internet can be overwhelming, time consuming, and just plain exhausting. There is a surplus of good information out there, but it can be difficult to find.

Forbes decided to end this extensive process by creating the Total Car Score. They did all the hard work for the consumer by compiling ratings and reviews from the top nine most respected car sources online, among them Consumer Reports, J.D. Power & Associates, and Edmunds.com. The Total Car Score shows an automobile’s overall growth in rank from the previous year to the current year. And don’t worry – while all cars are rated using different scales, the Total Car Score keeps it fair by taking a percentage based on the rater’s system first, then averaging the scores out.

So, why do the employees at Extreme Kia care about this Total Car Score so much? That’s easy. Our very own Kia Sportage made the list of the most improved cars of 2012, snagging the Number-6 spot. The redesigned 2012 Kia Sportage jumped 5.33 points this past year, according to the Total Car Score.

And it’s s a well-earned victory. The turbocharged engine of the 2012 Kia Sportage makes this car exciting to drive, but because it is a crossover, it is also practical to drive. In Peru, Kia Sportage drivers can expect better fuel efficiency, sportier suspension, easier handling, and new technology features that help make this automobile stand out among its competitors.

Whether you are veteran Kia driver, or brand new to what Kia has to offer, come on in to Extreme Kia in Bloomington, Illinois. We will help you find just what you are looking for.

The 2012 Kia Optima has a lot to offer its enthusiasts, including an iPad app. You don’t have to own the Kia Optima to enjoy this app you just have to have a desire to appreciate a well crafted extremely attractive automobile. This app gives you everything you could ever dream to know about the Kia Optima incase you cant get out and drive yours that day or if you are considering purchasing one. We have highlighted exactly what this app can do below.

• If you want to appreciate the beauty of the Optima from a screen before you see it in person this app offers 360 degree views as well as color options and information about exterior features. You can memorize the curves of the Optima before you have ever even seen it in person.
• Drivers of Pontiac Kia cars agree the Performance Driving Simulator is a great depiction of what the Optima handles like in real life. The app even offers driving challenges so you can master the Optima features.
• If you are curious as to what it takes to own an Optima the app highlights that as well. The app includes the price of the Optima as well different eco friendly technologies that will save you money as well.
• The Kia Optima has a lot of technology including an Infotainment system you can learn about on the Optima app.  Explore the different technologies you will benefit from every day if you own the Kia Optima
• The Optima is one of Kia’s most exciting, stylish vehicles but you don’t have to take our word for it you can check it out from the comfort of your own home. Kia also offers apps for other automobiles as well!

The Kia Forte Koup has an aggressive, stylish exterior that is unlike any car on the lots today. A LaSalle Kia dealership is confident the Forte has a look that will continue to impress car drivers looking for an exciting new style. From front to back the Forte Koup has interesting touches that draw the eye and excite the senses.

The Basics

The 2012 Forte Koup has smooth lines matched to an aggressive front end that create a smooth and edgy look. The two door model gives a subtle extra touch to reinforce this automobile as a true coupe. The short back end also adds even more sport to the mix. The Forte is offered in several eye catching colors that add to the dynamic look of this vehicle. The colors include Racing Red, Titanium and Corsa Blue. The interior continues with the sultry look with color choices including Black Leather and Stone Woven Cloth.

The Details

The Kia Forte Koup looks even better when it is flying down the road thanks to the Inline 4 Cylinder engine with CVVT. The Forte comes in 6 speed manual overdrive transmission as well as Electronically Controlled Sportmatic Overdrive. The price details of the Kia Forte also make it all the more attractive. The Forte is available for a base price of $17,200 and the Forte has fuel economy numbers of up to 33 miles per gallon. If you are looking for an automobile to add a little extra spice to your life go to the nearest dealer and check out the Kia Forte Koup.

When it comes to looks Kia knows how to add exactly the right touches to create outstanding looking automobiles. LaSalle Kia drivers agree the aggressive front face gives Kia vehicles a unique look that can be spotted from a mile away. We have picked out some of the most stunning Kia vehicles and singled out their top design features below.

Kia Optima

• The 2012 Kia Optima features the unique Kia front grille that is designed to make Kia stand out from the pack. The sleek, sharp lines draw the eye across the fluidity of the vehicle.
• A range of 16 to 18 inch tires with alloy wheels add to the aggressive nature of the vehicle. The wheels add an extra shine as the Optima speeds past.

Forte Koup

• The Forte Koup has long smooth lines that give this automobile a smooth but tough look. The Dual body color heated power mirrors that also include a turn signal indicator demonstrate the unique sportiness of this vehicle.
• The Koup comes with several different options so you can make the style of this edgy car all your own. With choices between chrome and body color door handles the extra touches can make all the difference.

Rio

• The Rio may be small but it has a look that is unmatched. With choices like a black mesh radiator grille with chrome surround the Rio is all about the details.
• The SX trim has options that include Dual Exhaust Tips and well as a sunroof to demonstrate the Rio has style that is bold and different.

When your family begins to grow one of the most important decisions you have to make is finding a car that will suit your needs and keep everyone safe. Kia offers a variety of automobiles that offer different attributes that families need to hit the road. However, if you are looking for an all encompassing vehicle for your growing family look no further than the highly honored Kia Sorento. Pontiac used Kia drivers are not surprised the Sorento was once again named one of the best Family Cars of the year by KBB.

Sorento Style

The Kia Sorento has the perfect, contemporary look while still doing everything you need it to do. The 2012 Kia Sorento is a CUV with plenty of room for your family and your cargo. It comes with a wide range of selections of both interior and exterior colors including Titanium Silver and Baltic Blue. These options give you the freedom to design a Sorento to your style. The Sorento offers pleasant conveniences like a push button start and audio input jacks so you can listen to your favorite music selections.

More than Looks

The Sorento has garnered these awards not only because of its style but because it does what a car is meant to do and it does it well. The Sorento achieves fuel economy numbers of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The Sorento has the top safety technology from Kia and it is available for a base price of only $23,150.

The Kia Rio has it all from safety to drivability. The Rio truly has a body that can support the demands of any lifestyle and the style to back it up. If you are looking for a car to get you where you need to go without any fuss, the Rio is a perfect option for you. Lasalle Kia drivers are thrilled with the style and maneuverability the Rio has to offer the every day driver. We have outlined some of the top Rio highlights below.

• The 2012 Kia Rio has an sharp, stylish exterior look that compliments any lifestyle. If you are out on the road you will definitely turn heads in this compact beauty.
• Exterior colors are not limited in this model. The Rio has plenty of choices, not just a few generic ones, to let you express yourself through your car.
• The Rio is making the roads a better place to be. The EPA has given the Rio the SmartWay certification mark, guaranteeing the Rio is keeping air pollution at a minimum.
• The Rio has plenty of safety systems from multiple airbags to the LATCH system to keep your children secure at all times.
• You will never feel slow in the Kia Rio. The transmission comes in an option of either a 6-speed manual or an electronically controlled 6 speed automatic overdrive.
• No matter which trim of the Rio you choose you will always have great fuel economy. The Rio achieves 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. The Rio is available for a base price of $13,400.

Kia has a car for every lifestyle but summer brings out the quick vehicles more than any other season and Kia has some cars that will put the wind in your hair and your stress in the rearview. Lasalle Kia drivers agree Kia knows what it takes to create a beautifully constructed car that has performance to back it up. Check out some of the Quickest Kias and all they have to offer below.

Optima

The 2012 Kia Optima is available in several trim levels with different levels of power. The Optima LX comes with a 2.4 liter I4 DOHC engine with 200 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and puts out 186 lb-ft of torque. The GDI fuel system adds an extra punch to this great option. The EX Turbo has a 2.0-liter engine that puts out 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both options come with the Sportmatic Overdrive.

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte Koup has an Inline 4 cylinder engine with 6-speed manual transmission. This engine has 156 hp at 6,200 rpm as well as 144 ft lbs of torque. Both the Kia Forte as well as the Forte 5 door boasts the same perky engine.

What does it mean?

What this means is if all you care about is how quick your car goes Kia can make you happy. If you care about safety and style Kia will make you even happier. Kia cars demonstrate that you truly can have it all in the automotive world from color to space to performance.

In the years past hybrid vehicles have stood out from the pack as different. Now, with gas prices soaring, Hyundai has created a hybrid that has more style and punch than most other cars on the market, allowing the differences start to melt away. Lasalle Kia dealers believe the Kia Optima Hybrid can give drivers everything they want out of an automobile while saving them money and creating a cleaner environment all at the same time.

Style

The Kia Optima Hybrid is one of the sharpest looking vehicles on the market today. At Extreme Kia we know from the sleek shape to the tiniest design details this car has so much to offer all types of drivers. Whether you prefer the classic Snow White Pearl or a powerful Ebony Black or Satin Metal. You may not expect Alloy Wheels, a sculpted front and rear valence as well as a rear lip spoiler from a hybrid vehicle but Hyundai is showing everyone that hybrids can be some of the most stylish vehicles out there.

Functionality

One of the biggest perks in buying a hybrid vehicle is that you get incredible gas mileage. The Optima Hybrid reaches 35 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. This means less trips to the gas station and less stress when you look at the price on the pump. This Optima has plenty of power as well, reaching 206 horsepower and 195 lbs of torque. All this can be yours for a base price of only $25,700.

Kia is continually developing new technology and evolving our style to create vehicles that meet all the needs of car buyers. Lasalle Kia dealers are confident these steps have led to some of the great accomplishments Kia has achieved, especially over the past year.  Kia offers an array of vehicles to meet the needs of a very diverse group of car buyers. From the Sedona for the biggest of families to the Optima hybrid with some of the best fuel economy numbers on the market Kia really does have something for everyone. This range of vehicles has created the environment where Kia can achieve great feats. We have compiled some of Kia’s major achievements to demonstrate what a hard working, innovative automaker can do.

• The Kia Soul boasted some of the best Kia sales numbers ever thanks to its individuality and creativity.
• At Extreme Kia we are very proud to boast about the Kia win of the Grand AM at Road America.
• The 2011 Kia Sorento sold over 100,000 units in one year in the US.
• Despite the more strict government guidelines the 2011 Kia Optima was able to achieve a five star crash rating from the NHTSA.
• Kia continued to build some of the outstanding Kia automobiles including the Optima and the Sorento in its American plant in Georgia.
• Month after month Kia bested its sales records overall and of specific models.
• Kia achieved its best ever all time sales record in the US with an astounding 485,492 units sold in only nine months.