Early this September, the first Kia Optima came off the production line at the main Kia Motors manufacturing facility in Georgia. Also this fall, the 2011 Kia Optima was widely recognized for its sophisticated and clean design. The men's lifestyle magazine Esquire took a special liking to this vehicle.

Esquire's "2011 Design and Technology Awards" recognizes the best innovations in the automobile industry for the entire year. Editors applauded the stylish simplicity of…