2016 Kia Optima Bound for 2015 New York Auto Show

IRVINE, California — The wraps will come off the redesigned 2016 Kia Optima midsize sedan on April 1 at the 2015 New York Auto Show, Kia Motors America said on Wednesday.

Car shoppers should look for the 2016 Optima at Kia dealerships later this year.

No details were released about the 2016 Optima, with Kia only saying that the car is "passionately designed and obsessively crafted."

Two renderings of the car show a sleek redesign with a new interpretation of the tiger-nose grille and thinner C-pillars.

The Optima has been Kia's No. 1 selling vehicle in the U.S., with buyers drawn to its premium exterior and interior, along with an attractive base price. The base 2015 Kia Optima LX starts at $22,515, including an $825 destination charge.

Key rivals to the Optima include the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.

Edmunds says: The Optima gets an evolutionary redesign, with Kia deciding not to mess too much with success. Car shoppers in this crowded segment should be pleased.