Kia has taken the wraps off its futuristic plug-in hybrid, the four-seat Kia Ray concept at the Chicago Auto Show. According to the car manufacturer the vehicle is designed to ensure that being green doesn’t necessarily translate to dull and that the company’s future plans include a dedicated hybrid model. The Kia Ray Concept was designed by the American studio of Kia. The main idea of the developers was to create a car which would combine compact saloon, design and maximum efficiency and would be based on Kia Forte platform.
The Ray Concept has a driving range of 746 miles (1,200 km). The car can travel 50 miles (80.5 km) on electric power alone plus a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon (1.2 l/100km).
The Ray features an all-aluminum Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine with a CVT and a 78kw electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The total output of the vehicle is 153-horsepower
The exterior of the vehicle is stylish and has its own unique character. The futuristic style is also noticeable in the interior of Kia Ray. Only eco-friendly and lightweight recycled materials in cool white tones are used inside the vehicle. This helps to reflect the heat of the sun and keeps the temperature down, thus reducing the use of air conditioner energy.
The most significant features of Kia Ray include touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery, 20-inch alloy wheels, 195/50R20 tyres, drive-by-wire steering and the roof mounted solar panels that can power the climate control or the lighting system.
