CHICAGO — The tantalizing elements of the Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept vehicle, which made its debut on Wednesday at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, are "all possible indicators of future technology from Kia," the automaker said. It did not spell out whether the Ray, a futuristic four-seat compact sedan, is bound for production, however.
The front-wheel-drive Kia Ray, which theoretically could be pitted against such vehicles as the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, has a total driving range of 746 miles, says Kia. It is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles on a single charge of its electric motor and is said to have a fuel economy rating of "more than 202 miles per gallon," according to Kia. The Kia Ray is equipped with an all-aluminum 153-horsepower gasoline direct-injected 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and used in combination with a 78-kilowatt electric motor.
The hexagon is used liberally as a design cue with this Korean concept. Hexagonal rooftop solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel power extra lighting and climate-control systems. The custom-designed low-rolling-resistance tires repeat the hexagonal pattern. Other exterior styling cues include a flowing profile, a pronounced rear shoulder and a high deck lid. Kia stripped away sideview mirrors and door handles on the concept, replacing them with motion-detector cameras that are mounted flush with the body to help with door opening and lane changing.
In the cabin, white tones dominate, "reducing the use of air-conditioner energy," said Kia. The seats are mounted on side sills to create a floating effect.
"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," said Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief design officer, in a statement.
Inside Line says: It's easy being green with the Kia Ray concept, but whether we'll ever see one in our driveway is still a question mark. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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