After Hyundai presented its Blue-Will plug-in hybrid, it was only natural that Kia will showcase its own take on that type of technology. After a bit of teasing, the South Korean company has presented the Ray PHEV at the Chicago Auto Show, which is going these days in the windy city.
The model, presented as a pure concept, will use a 151 HP 1.4-liter petrol engine (smaller than the Hyundai concept), mated with a 78kW electric motor, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries. According to Kia, the car can go for 50 miles on electric power alone, averaging 202.3 mpg, and around 750 miles using the combined power output, averaging 77.6 mpg.
These impressive figures are due to the great aerodynamics of the car, having a drag coefficient of just 0.25. Even though it mimics other hybrid shapes like the Toyota Prius or the Honda Insight, the Ray also has such features as a one-piece underbody and slim 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-resistance tires.
Weight was also saved on the inside of this concept, with the use of mesh seats made from lightweight materials, with mesh also being used on the door inserts. Notable features include the solar panels on the roof, which provide more power to the heater, a Microsoft-designed infotainment system and the presence of rear-hinged “suicide doors”.
While some of you may think this concept is previewing a production model, voices are saying that Kia will use it only as a presentation for the technology, and offer it on already established models like the Cee’d hatchback. For that purpose, the company also unveiled that a sub brand, called EcoDynamics, will be introduced to highlight the most fuel efficient vehicles in its lineup.
The Kia Ray concept can be admired at the Chicago Auto Show and below, in our photo gallery.
Photo Gallery: Kia Ray Concept
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Source: Kia
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