Kia 'Ray' Plug-In Unveiled

Kia Motors has unveiled its 'Ray' plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, to highlight its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Sorento Hybrid the Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact saloon based on the Kia Forte platform.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray boasts a range of up to 746 miles.

"It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective. People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies," said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for the Kia Motors Corporation.

"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," he added.

The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimising unnecessary edges giving a flowing profile and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck for reduced drag.

The Ray also features touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, "cool-glazing" solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia.

As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to 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.

(PR/GK)