According to Auto Guide, the tree-hugging incarnation of the Optima will make its debut at the LA Auto Show, which is scheduled to be held between November 19 and 28.
The optima hybrid will use a powertain that consists of the same 169 hp 2.4 liter four-cylinder Theta II engine that is used by its internal combustion engine siblings, which will work together with an electric motor borrowed from the Sonata Hybrid. The electric unit will bring a contribution of 30 hp to the propulsion effort.
As for the efficiency of the vehicle, this is expected to return top figures playing in the 39 mpg league (for the city driving mode) and 37 mpg (for the highway driving cycle). The vehicle should also be able to offer an electric-only driving mode, but this will limit its top speed to 62 mph (100 km/h).
The 2011 Kia Optima will reach showrooms across the U.S. in the following weeks. However, the hybrid version will become available next year.
The Optima comes with a wide range of safety features, with the list including six airbags, active headrests for the front seats, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all the passengers, side-impact door beams, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake Assist System), Hill Assist Control and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
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