2010 Chicago: Kia Shows Futuristic Prius Rival with Ray Plug-in Hybrid

With the new Ray plug-in Hybrid concept that made its world premiere today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Kia wants to inform the world that being green doesn't necessarily translate to dull and that the company's future plans include a dedicated hybrid model.

The concept study was penned by Kia's American studio and the plan was to create a futuristic four-seat compact saloon based on the Kia Forte platform that combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency.

And while the Ray's aerodynamic shape with the high-rear deck mimics that of other hybrid models like the Prius and Honda Insight, it's more stylish and has its own unique character.

The futuristic theme is continued in the interior that is comprised of eco-friendly and lightweight recycled materials in cool white tones that are said to reflect the heat of the sun, thus keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy

The Ray is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a CVT and a 78kw electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack.

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both together.

Kia said that it can cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon for a total range of 746 miles.

Other notable features include the 20-inch alloys in custom-designed low-rolling resistance 195/50R20 tyres, drive-by-wire steering and the roof mounted solar panels that can power the climate control or the lighting system.

New Teaser Picture of Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Kia has published a second teaser shot of its latest concept car called Ray which will make its global debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next week. The Ray was styled in the U.S. by the Kia Design Centre America with the company claiming that it will demonstrate the design direction that would be applied in the packaging of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The first teaser sketch also reveals that the Ray will be a four-door saloon with a swoopy roofline, but that's about all we have on the concept study for now.

2011 Kia Sportage: First Official Photos of Compact SUV [Updated Gallery]

This handsome-looking compact crossover is the next generation 2011 Kia Sportage that will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

Penned under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the new Sportage carries the new Kia family look as seen on the Soul, Cadenza sedan and Sorento SUV, but it appears to have a more European flavor to it, with extra attention given to details.

The five-door crossover shares its platform with the also new Hyundai Tucson, known as the ix35 in Europe. It is longer and wider than the outgoing Sportage, something that should translate to improved cabin space.

Read more »

Kia Ray Hybrid Sport Sedan Concept Teaser Leaked, Will Debut in Chicago

A teaser shot of what is said to be the Kia Ray concept car has made its way onto the interwebs. According to the folks over at Insideline that broke the story, the sporty-shaped sedan was penned at Kia's American design studio and it's supposed to hint at a possible design direction for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Unless Kia decides to share some info with us, we'll have to wait for the 2010 Chicago Auto Show that runs for the public from February 12 to 21 to find out more about the company's latest concept model.

Via: Insideline

2011 Kia Sportage Compact SUV Revealed in Official Patent Filings

The next generation of Kia's Sportage compact SUV has been given away through a series of designs that were made for the European Union's patent office. Note however that there's a small chance that the patent images could be depicting an almost production-ready study destined for either the Geneva Salon in March or the Seoul Motor Show in April.

The reason why we're saying this is the use of some specific styling features such as the chrome trim, the tail lamp arrangement, the alloy wheel designs and the styling of the lower part of the front bumper, all of which look suspiciously conceptual (see the spy shots here).

But even so, what you're looking at here is what you'll get more or less when the 2011 Sportage arrives at the Korean automakers dealers either towards the end of the year or early 2011.

Like all Kias penned under the guiding hand of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the new Sportage is a much more attractive proposition than the outgoing model.

Under the bodywork, the Sorento's smaller sibling shares its hardware with the new Hyundai Tucson (called iX35 in Europe and other markets).

That said, don't expect any surprises under the hood with the North American Sportage being offered with the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four cylinder engines coupled to six-speed transmissions as the Tuscon.

Likewise, the European market Sportage will get three diesels including a 115HP 1.7-liter unit, and a 2.0-liter engine with 134HP and 184HP, and two gasoline units with a displacement of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liters producing 140HP and 166HP respectively.

Source: EU Patent Office , Via: RyanoKeefe