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As the all-new 2011 Optima sedan will be hitting dealer lots in coming weeks, Kia decided to release detailed pricing on its promising contender in the mid-size sedan segment. Prices for the new Optima start $18,995, or $19,690 if you include the $695 destination and handling fee. This means the base Optima is priced on par with Chrysler's refreshed Sebring sedan, which has been renamed to 200 and starts at $19,995.

At launch, the new generation of the Optima will be offered with two powerplants, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection technology and an output of 200HP, and Kia's first-ever turbo engine in the U.S., a 2.0-liter 274-horsepower Turbo GDI that delivers up to 34 mpg. Early next year, the range will be enhanced with a gasoline-electric hybrid engine. The same powerplants are found in the Optima's Hyundai counterpart, the new Sonata.

To avoid confusion, we've included the $695 destination and handling fee in all prices mentioned below. The 2.4-liter model is available in two trim levels, the LX and the EX. The LX with a six-speed manual gearbox has a starting MSRP of $19,690.

Standard features include six-airbags, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system, power windows and locks, dual exhaust with chrome tips, a cooling glove box and auxiliary USB audio input jacks for MP3 players and Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering-wheel mounted voice activation.

The same LX model with a 6-speed Automatic transmission starts $21,190 and adds alloy wheels, cruise control and an Active Eco System.

Next up is the Optima EX with the 2.4L engine that starts at $23,190. Additional standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather trimmed seats, eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, push-button start and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass.

The Optima EX is also available with the 2.0-liter Turbo unit for $25,190. With this model buyers also get larger front disc brakes, a unique front grille, and wood and metal interior accents.

Finally, the flagship model in the Optima range is the SX with the 2.0-liter Turbo. Priced at $26,690, this version adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, unique lower body trim, HID head lights, LED tail lights, black leather and woven seat trim, Supervision meter cluster, steering wheel paddle shifters, carbon fiber interior trim, metal pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates.

Making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto show tomorrow is the barely botoxed 2011 Acura TSX sedan. Our previous guesstimates about Acura bringing the TSX sedan in line with the new Sport Wagon model, which is based on the corresponding European Honda Accord model, proved to be more or less true.

On the outside, the 2011 TSX gets an extremely discreet facelift that includes, a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grill. At the back, the sedan model features revised taillights and an updated license plate garnish. The fresh alloy wheel designs and new underbody panels that improve aerodynamics sum up the exterior changes.

Revisions inside the car concern the updated styling of the center console, the darker trim pieces, brightly finished door handles, an updated parking brake handle, new garnishes for the steering wheel and an available LED backlit full VGA navigation screen that generates 400-percent better resolution than before.

Furthermore, there's new contrasting-color stitching for the leather seats and door armrests, while Acura also mounted heating/cooling vents at the rear of the center console.

The thicker side glass, increased use of sound-deadening insulation, improved floor mats and new underfloor covers, complete the interior upgrades.

Under the sheetmetal, the Japanese maker's engineers have tweaked the 2.4L inline four cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines. According to Acura, both units receive numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy, lower carbon dioxide (CO2) output and increase engine life.

The automatic transmission was also upgraded with new programming that helps maximize engine output by allowing for Shift Hold Control during cornering along with "smart shift" functionality that allows for semi-manual operation when in Drive and not just when in Sport Mode as before.

Acura claims that the changes on 2011MY TSX improve both the 2.4L and 3.5L model's fuel efficiency by 1mpg in both city and highway driving.

The updated 2011 TSX sedan goes on sale in the U.S. on November 23, with prices starting from $29,610 for the 2.4L engine with both manual and automatic transmissions, and from $35,150 for the 3.5L V6 version.