South Korean manufacturer Kia unveiled today in Chicago the Ray Plug-in Hybrid, a concept based on which the company's first production hybrid will be based later this year. The Ray ushers the EcoDynamics designation for all future Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions.
The Ray Concept is powered by a 53-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4l engine, paired with a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). To help the all-aluminum unit, Kia deployed a 78kw electric motor.
To further emphasize the EcoDynamics badge displayed on the body of the car, Ki'a Ray features an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator. The low-rolling resistance tires also help the concept be more effective.
The Ray uses a new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to reduce solar heat. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.
Kia's concept features co-friendly recycled materials on the inside. It comes packing a wide range of gadgets and infotainment features, including Kia UVO powered by Microsoft and GreenEdge system by Infinity Audio.
"It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” Peter Schreyer, chief design officer for Kia said.
“Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
The Ray Concept is powered by a 53-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4l engine, paired with a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). To help the all-aluminum unit, Kia deployed a 78kw electric motor.
To further emphasize the EcoDynamics badge displayed on the body of the car, Ki'a Ray features an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator. The low-rolling resistance tires also help the concept be more effective.
The Ray uses a new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to reduce solar heat. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.
Kia's concept features co-friendly recycled materials on the inside. It comes packing a wide range of gadgets and infotainment features, including Kia UVO powered by Microsoft and GreenEdge system by Infinity Audio.
"It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” Peter Schreyer, chief design officer for Kia said.
“Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”