subject: The first Kia Hybrid – the Optima [print this page] The first Kia Hybrid the Optima
Kia showcased it new Hybrid saloon at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, it was the European debut of the Kia Optima Hybrid Saloon. This new Hybrid will highlight Kia's environmental credentials and how it plans to develop mass production hybrid vehicles for personal transportation. The Hybrid Optima was initially unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year, where Kia also announced its EcoDynamics' range.
The Hybrid system in the Optima is the product of Kia's Eco-Technology Research Institute near Seoul, together with the Namyang Research and Development facility the Kia Optima Hybrid is a unique collaboration between numerous Kia facilities around the world. The power-train and system within the Optima will be further adapted and developed for use in various Kia models in the future.
The Kia Optima Hybrid employs a truly innovative Kia-developed hybrid power-train that delivers a unique blend of performance - acceleration to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph (195 kph) - plus class-leading fuel economy.The Kia Optima Hybrid employs a truly innovative Kia-developed hybrid power-train that delivers a unique blend of performance - acceleration to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph (195 kph) - plus class-leading fuel economy.
The Kia Optima is fitted with a 2.4-litre petrol engine, paired with a small electric motor and drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission - without the traditional torque converter. There is a special clutch fitted between the Kia Optima Hybrid's petrol engine and the electric motor, enabling the petrol engine to be de-coupled from the power-train so the Optima can be operated in zero-emissions, full-electric drive can be initiated from standstill up to 62 mph.
When setting off, the Kia Optima Hybrid operates in Electric Mode. As the car's speed increases, the Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the petrol engine and the clutch is closed, allowing the petrol engine to take over powering the car. When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the battery pack.
Along with the new Kia Sorento in Essex the Hybrid Optima is due to go on sale next year after it goes into mass production at the end of this year.
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