Kia Motors debuts ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept in Chicago

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Kia ‘Ray’ concept at the 2010 Chicago auto show
Promising concept based on the Forte platform
With plug-in hybrid tech and a range of up to 1,200 km

Kia ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept: front view.

Driving lamps slide back when the gasoline engine is used.

12 Feb. 2010 - It looks nice and does feature aerodynamic design, of course, but this is not all what the Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept tells.

Unveiled today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show (public days from 12 to 21 February), the South Korean concept is first a vehicle carrying plug-in hybrid capabilities which allow it to drive, with its roof top “cool-glazing” solar glass, up to 746 miles (1200 kilometres).

In other words, this concept showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia.

Kia ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept: rear view.

Lowered mono-volume shape for better aerodynamic properties.

Kia says that the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept shows the advancing momentum of its global alternative fuel and powertrain research program (within the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group), and its “EcoDynamics” sub-brand, to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

EcoDynamics

The Korean brand identifies its most fuel efficient vehicles with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand introduced the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.

Kia ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept: doors open.

The rear-hinged coach doors improve ingress and egress.

Designed with light-weight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Centre America (KDCA), following Kia's Soul, Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new Sorento.

“People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies. Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers”, said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation.

Solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel.

Kia indicates that the Ray concept combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing unnecessary edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia Motors.

Hybrid Architecture

The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminium 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor.


Kia ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept

Length	173.2 inches / 4,400 mm
Width	72.8 inches / 1,850 mm
Height	53.5 inches / 1,360 mm
Wheel base	106.3 inches / 2,700 mm
Tires	195/50 R20 low-rolling resistance

Engine	1.4-litre Gamma 153-hp GDI engine / 78kw electric motor
Transmission	CVT/ fixed ratio
Batteries	Lithium-ion polymer

Top Speed	109 mph / 175 km/h

Fuel Economy (Pure HEV Mode)	77.6 miles per US gallon / 93.2 UK mpg / 3.03 litre per 100 km / 33 km per litre
Fuel Economy (Plug-in HEV Mode)	202.3 miles per US gallon / 243 UK mpg / 1.16 litre per 100 km / 86 km per litre
Vehicle Range	746 miles / 1200 km
Cd	0.25
Steering	Steer-by-wire

Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together.

Drive goes to the front wheels, with a four-wheel independent suspension.

The concept is also equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires to improve efficiency.

Economy

As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles (80 kilometres) using its electric motor on a single charge, has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per US gallon (242.6 UK mpg, 1.16 litre per 100 km, 85.9 km per litre), with a total range of 746 miles (1200 kilometres).

Design

A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than a taller profile body.

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Strong and lightweight materials are used, starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer a spacious feeling. A lighted bluish white-coloured battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design.

A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design.

Sliding driving lamps

Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.

Mounted flush with the body, motion-detector cameras replace side-view mirrors, for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors. Their height and shape improves ingress and egress.

Cool Car technology

The Ray employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept to reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that help operate the cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.

Interior

Kia ‘Ray’ plug-in hybrid concept: interior view.

Recycled materials in cool white tones reflect the sun's heat.

Ray’s interior is comprised of recycled materials in cool white tones (opposite picture) which reflect the heat of the sun, reducing the need of air conditioner use. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, made of lightweight composite materials.

Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring combine with sophisticated technology, such as a light-weight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle.

Infotainment with voice- and touch- activated controls for management of music files and hands-free mobile phone use.

The centre stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft advanced infotainment system, which provides users with friendly voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operations (opposite photo).

Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge system by Infinity Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self-heating temperatures with increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle.

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Kia states that the amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.

To reduce overall weight through materials and design, a hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together.

Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight as well as being a unique design element.

Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matte finish, including white leather. The earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and are environmentally friendly, coming from a renewable resource. Further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, reducing the amount of material used.

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