<VV> My Kia "Corvair" Rental Car

[Bill Hubbell]

Since we had to fly to Portland from Virginia I am without a Corvair at the 
National for the first time in many years.  However, the car we rented, a 
Kia Optima, has a couple of features reminiscent of Corvairs (work with me 
here folks, OK, I am desperate!)

First, the ignition key is on the dash, not on the steering column.  The 
steering column doesn't even lock, so far as I can tell.

Second, the automatic shifter has only four positions, like the Corvair 
Powerglide, although a bit different.  While the Corvair Powerglide was 
RNDL, the KIA is PRND.  (There is also a +/- option off of the D position 
which allows for manual upshifts and downshifts.)

You can view these features at the following site.  Be sure to zoom in 
really close to see the key and the shifter:
http://www.kia.com/optima/optima-int2.php

OK, maybe it isn't a Corvair, but at least it isn't a F**D !!!!!

Bill Hubbell