While Kia Australia has slated January next year to launch its superbly-styled all-new Optima mid-sizer, North American customers will be able to opt for a hybrid version.
Just revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Optima Hybrid is under consideration by Kia Australia.
The Kia Optima Hybrid enjoys a full parallel hybrid system, with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and 30kW electric motor. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and a special clutch de-couples the petrol engine from the drivetrain for full electric drive mode up to 100km/h.
Kia says the 30kW/205Nm electric motor combines with the petrol engine to deliver 154kW/265Nm. The electric motor is the world’s first to use oil-cooling and the compact unit is housed in an extended transmission casing (between the petrol engine and the gearbox).
And the petrol engine is not your average Kia unit either. The 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ unit has been modified to operate on an Atkinson cycle which delivers a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The Atkinson cycle engine provides slightly less torque than a regular petrol version, but in the hybrid this is not significant due to the massive torque provided by the electric motor.
The Hybrid Optima accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 195k/mh, yet returns fuel economy as low as 5.8l/100kms – 40.7 per cent better than the standard Kia Optima sold in the U.S.
To optimize performance and fuel economy, the Optima Hybrid rides 5mm lower than conventional models and features an active air flap in the front grille, under-floor aero panels, low-drag wheels and low rolling resistance tyres.
