Kia is probably the last company comic book fans would expect to build a Batmobile, but that’s exactly what it has done, sort of. Kia and DC Entertainment will unveil a Batman-themed Optima SX Limited in New York this week, as part of a charity collaboration between the Korean carmaker and the legendary comics publisher.

The Bat-Kia is the first of several superhero-themed cars that will roll out over the next 10 months to raise awareness for DC’s “We Can Be Heroes” campaign, which raises money to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa.

With its bat-shaped grille and Bat Symbol graphics, it’s hard to miss whose car this is. This Optima actually looks a little like some of the original Batmobiles from the 1930s and 1940s, which were essentially regular cars with bat hood ornaments or winged fenders.

The Optima is also lowered, and features 20-inch wheels and a body kit that should give Batman plenty of street cred (not that he needs any more). It should also make maneuvering through Gotham City’s wrecked streets a tad difficult.

Inside, the seats are covered in black leather with yellow stitching and, of course, the ever-present Bat Symbol. Throwing stars are mounted in the center console for easy access, and the Batsuit, complete with cape and cowl, is stored in the trunk.

Kia chose the top-spec Optima SX Limited to turn into a Batmobile. That means it has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four with 274 horsepower, coupled to a six-speed automtaic transmission. That may be a lot of power for a midsize sedan, but Kia may need to add a jet turbine to really impress the Dark Knight.

When it goes on display at New York’s Time Warner Center, the Batman Optima shouldn’t have a problem attracting attention to DC’s charity efforts. A video on the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign will play through monitors mounted in the car’s headrests.

As part of a global media conglomerate, DC isn’t new to cross promotions. For the release of Dark Knight Rises, the comics company teamed up with Chrysler to customize a 300 for the streets of Gotham City. However this time, the goal is charity, which is definitely more worthy of the Caped Crusader. It looks like the Batcave will need more parking spaces.

Kia Motors Europe has introduced a range of design enhancements and new engines for the new Kia Optima. Sold in Europe as a saloon or Sportswagon, the car makes its debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, and is due on sale across Europe in Q3 2018.

The Optima range benefits from two new powertrain options: Kia's all-new 'U3' 1.6-litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine, and a 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine. As well as refreshed exterior and interior design, the new Optima also features Kia's latest active safety and in-car connectivity technologies.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The Optima enjoyed a record year of sales in Europe in 2017, with sales growing from 9,600 to more than 16,800 units last year. It is a key contributor to Kia's sustainable growth in Europe, and the Optima's sales momentum has been maintained through the introduction of new variants in 2017. These include Sportswagon and high-performance GT variants, and an ultra-low emissions Plug-in Hybrid powertrain.

"With a model to meet every requirement, the Optima's refreshed design, new engines and expanded range of technologies will further broaden its appeal, for corporate and private buyers alike."

Competes with: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry

Looks like: The Optima lineup gets some light cosmetic updates

Drivetrain: Engines include a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 178-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; and a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Transmission choices include six- and seven-speed automatics.

Hits dealership: Late 2018

Kia's Optima mid-size sedan returns for 2019 with updates that add style and substance. The refreshed 2019 Optima made its debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show with mildly freshened styling, additional standard safety features that were previously optional and a restructured multimedia system.

For 2019, LX, S, EX and SX models return with updates to all trims.

Exterior

Outside, the updates are mild and include standard upgrades across the lineup, such as Stinger-inspired LED daytime running lights, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte-gray grille. The S model adds new projection-beam foglamps, LED taillights, dual exhaust, sport side sills with gloss-black trim, a gloss-black grille and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SX model gets sportier trim like gloss-black door pillars and side moldings, and a sport bumper with LED foglamps.

Passion Red is a new exterior color choice.

Interior

For 2019, Kia restructured the availability of its UVO multimedia system into what it says is an easy-to-understand tiered system. The 2019 Optima is the first Kia to launch with this approach; others will follow.

On base models, the UVO Play system is standard; it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Stepping up, the UVO Link system is standard on mid-level S and EX models and, aside from also being Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatible, Kia says it offers an extended suite of connected-car security and convenience features like on-demand diagnostics, maintenance alerts, vehicle alarm notifications, geofencing and speed alerts, as well as convenience features such as remote start with climate control, remote locking and unlocking, and remote activation of the horn and lights.

Offered as standard on SX models and sedans with the SXL package, and optional on EX-trim cars with the Premium Package, is the top-tier UVO Link with navigation system. It includes all the features of the first two UVO tiers plus navigation functionality.

Other interior updates are minor, and the SX model sees all the upgrades, including new two-tone red-and-black, leather-trimmed sport seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system and, on SXL models, an available new two-tone bronze-and-black interior with Nappa leather seating surfaces.

Under the Hood

The Optima's powertrains carry over for 2019 and include a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 178-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; and a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Six- and seven-speed automatic transmissions also return.

Safety

For 2019, Kia has made a number of safety features standard on the Optima, including forward collision avoidance assist, which can automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed if a collision is imminent. It works with forward collision warning, which sounds an alert chime if it senses a collision is imminent. Also standard, the driver attention warning system monitors the driver's behavior and will alert the driver with visual and audible cues if it senses the driver's attention level has been reduced. Lastly, lane departure warning with lane keep assist alerts the driver if the car shifts out of the lane and then automatically corrects the steering to get it back into the lane.

The 2019 Optima goes on sale later this year; Kia said it will announce pricing closer to the vehicle's on-sale date.