Kia North America is attempting to set a new Guinness World record for the lowest fuel consumption achieved by a petrol-electric hybrid production car.
Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius have left Kia’s North American assembly plant in West Point, Georgia and will drive their Kia Optima Hybrid through 48 American states in a clockwise direction, aiming to finish on 10 September.
Although not sold in Australia, Kia offers two versions of the Optima hybrid to customers in North America and Europe – both parallel hybrid systems, one employing a 2.0-litre petrol engine and the pother a 2.4-litre petrol engine.
Announcing the record attempt, Kia Vice President Thomas Oh said: “Driving through all 48 adjoining U.S states is the ultimate ‘real world’ challenge, but the Kia Optima Hybrid gives the drivers the very best chance of setting a Guinness World Record as it has been designed to achieve maximum fuel economy in all driving conditions, not just in the city.
You can follow the record run live at: www.facebook.com/Kiamotorsworldwide
