Kia->ke41 has just announced its plans to unveil a brand-new vehicle at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.->ke228 According to a brief press release, the Koreans will exhibit "a stylish new concept car" that previews a D-segment (European for mid-size sedan) model. Although it refrained from revealing the concept's actual name, Kia did say it will feature "confident, powerful lines which sweep elegantly from Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille towards the rear of the vehicle." A teaser photo that comes with the announcement provides some insight on what this description might mean, showing half of what appears to be a stylish, near-production-ready sedan.->ke142

Kia goes on to say the concept has been developed "as a spacious and versatile accessory to an active lifestyle, as a purposeful, energetic design study for the style-conscious, and as a sanctuary from the stresses of the modern world." Now that's a lot of PR talk for a concept car->ke169 that's far from looking futuristic, but it's the kind of speech we've come to expect from Asian manufacturers. Lastly, the Kia said the concept was created by its European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. So is this study something we'll soon find in showrooms? Keep reading to find out.

Click past the jump to read more about Kia's new concept car.

Why it matters

Kia may act mysterious about this new concept car, but I know what's going on here. All this hype is actually for a mostly production-ready concept that previews the next-generation Optima,->ke1325 which is set to arrive in showrooms for the 2016 model year. Kia has been testing a camouflaged prototype since 2014, and certain details seen on the test car, such as the front fender vents, the front bumper and the shape of the hood, seem to match the concept's.

The concept features concealed door handles, wide yet flat side mirrors, and a fancy set of five-spoke wheels, but I don't expect them to make it onto the production car. All told, the concept's front end is indeed stylish and attractive, a sign that the four-generation Optima aims to impress in terms of exterior design. Sure, some cues might change in the process, but there are plenty of reasons to look forward to this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Stay tuned to TopSpeed for the full details as the concept car breaks cover on March 3rd.

Kia Optima