The Los Angeles Motor Show is the latest motoring event to be adorned by a host of debutants – with Kia premiering the hybrid version of its new Optima saloon car at the event.
The vehicle has been created primarily with US market in mind – it will debut there next year. It boasts an estimated combined fuel economy of 38mpg thanks to a full parallel hybrid system that leads to a 40.7 per cent mpg improvement compared to the regular model. Despite this it can still race from 0-62mph in 9.2seconds and achieve a top speed of 121mph.
The Kia Optima Hybrid.
Among its key features is a Theta II petrol engine that is mated to a small electric motor which drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission without the usual torque converter. Instead a special clutch is used between the engine and motor – this enables the petrol engine to de-couple from the powertrain so the vehicle can operate in zero emission mode. This also means the vehicle does not need a high capacity electric motor and generator, which saves on both weight and cost.
When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity to be stored in the battery pack. The electric motor produces 30kW and 205Nm of torque with the combined hybrid powertrain having an output of 265Nm.
The engine itself has been optimised in a number of ways – it has been modified to operate on an Atkinson cycle, which raises the compression ratio by 20 per cent and maximises efficiency. Special attention has also been paid to the vehicle’s aerodynamics with the car lowered by 5mm and featuring smooth under-floor panels, low-drag wheels and low rolling resistance tyres.
