Kia Optima Hybrid

Kia Optima Hybrid presents the show in Los Angeles, its first dedicated hybrid to the American market, which is credited to an average consumption of about 17 km / l. This result was achieved thanks to lithium-polymer batteries, developed by LG Chem, capacity of 30 kWh with a weight below 45 kg: Koreans emphasize that this outcome is better than 13 kg compared to the declared rival, the Toyota Camry Hybrid batteries with nickel. The new hybrid system allows you to use electric power alone at speeds up to 100 km / h, or to exploit both the engines and there are the energy recovered during braking and start-stop system, managed dall’inedito Hybrid-Starter Generator (HSG) to 8.5 kW, covering both the goodwill of both the battery recharges.

Kia has developed a mechanical sector technically different than the competition, called Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED): The 30 kW electric motor is then separated from the gearbox and connected by a multi-plate clutch, which permits the use of transmission 6-speed automatic for petrol without having to make Optima dedicated components, adding only an electric oil pump to provide the necessary hydraulic pressure to the clutch, when the gasoline engine is turned off during stops. The engine chosen for this model is the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI modified to work according to the Atkinson cycle, but this mechanical architecture allowing future to combine electric and internal combustion engines more powerful, with more powerful battery packs.

The Optima Hybrid declaring a total power of 206 hp, with 27 kgm of torque when both engines are used, and a weight of 1585 kg. To optimize the efficiency of this version were introduced aerodynamic modifications to the bodywork, a new fund vehicle fairing, lowered suspension, active front air intakes and low-resistance tires with alloy wheels 16 “or 17″, reaching a Cx value of 0.26. For the American market, the Kia Optima Hybrid will be sold under a formula to guarantee a good 10 years and 160,000 km on engine and transmission systems and 5 years or 100,000 km on all other components, but we are waiting to see if and when this version will come in Old Continent after the European version of Optima was officially unveiled at the Paris show.