Kia Optima Hybrid Specs
The new hybrid variant of the Kia Optima luxury sedan made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is now getting ready for its launch in September.
This is going to be one of the most understated hybrid sedans to be launched which offers a great level of comfort, convenience, dynamics and of course economy all at a reasonable price. The car also looks amazing and there’s no way of telling it is a hybrid at first glance!
Powered by a sophisticated parallel hybrid system consisting of a 2.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor that drive the front wheels, the Optima Hybrid manages acceleration to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph (195 kph) – plus class-leading fuel economy, achieving a 40.7% fuel consumption improvement compared with the standard US petrol version.
The ‘full parallel hybrid system’ created for the Optima Hybrid will be further developed for use in forthcoming Kia models during the next decade.
Pricing of the car is yet to be confirmed for different markets, but here’s the final specs and details of the production version:
The all-new Optima Hybrid saloon makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, raising Kia’s environmental credentials to a new level.
Taking Kia forward into its ‘EcoDynamics’ era, the Optima Hybrid, first shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, is another major step towards the company’s goal of manufacturing and marketing environmentally-friendly personal transport for future generations.
Seamless driving for everyday motoring
When setting off, the Optima Hybrid operates in Electric Mode. As vehicle speed increases, the Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the petrol engine and the clutch is closed, allowing the engine to take over the task of powering the car. The electric motor switches into hybrid operation and serves as either a secondary engine (during full acceleration and hill-climbing) or a generator (during cruising and deceleration) to recharge the battery pack as necessary. Whenever the car comes to a stop for more than a few seconds, the petrol engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel and minimise emissions.
When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the battery pack. The 8.5 kW HSG also functions as a generator to re-charge the battery pack if the state of charge is low when the car is stationary. Throughout the entire driving experience, in everyday motoring, under all conditions, the hybrid operation is automatic and seamless.
A responsive and rewarding drive is guaranteed by the Optima Hybrid’s 30kW Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor, which produces 40.7 ps and 205 Nm of torque from 0-to-1,400 rpm in electric mode, and the combined (electric motor plus gasoline engine) hybrid powertrain output of 209 ps and 265 Nm of torque.
State-of-the-art batteries & optimised engine
Kia’s Optima Hybrid employs a lithium polymer battery array developed in partnership with LG Chem. Lithium polymer is ideal for automotive applications and these new batteries provide an optimum balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability. Reliability is so good that the Optima’s battery pack will not need replacing during the vehicle’s lifespan – at least 10 years and 150,000 miles.
Taking advantage of the additional, instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, Kia has modified its popular four cylinder 2.4-litre Theta II engine to maximise its efficiency and achieve a 10% fuel saving over a regular Theta engine.
For the Optima Hybrid, Kia has modified the six-speed automatic transmission found on the conventional Optima for hybrid application. The traditional torque converter is replaced with the electric motor and a high-efficiency oil pump. This allows EV mode operation, maximises regeneration of kinetic energy during braking and also provides a more responsive drive than competitors’ CVT systems.
Engines
| 2.4-litre | ||
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Displacement | cc | 2,359 |
| Power output | ps | 209 @6000 rpm |
| Torque output | Nm | 265 @ 4200 rpm |
| Bore x Stoke | 88 x 97 mm | |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | |
| Construction | Aluminium cylinder block and head | |
| Electric motor | 30kW electric motor powered by long-life 270V lithium polymer battery pack | |
| Engine details | Theta II, In-line four cylinder with 30kW parallel electric motor |
Transmission
| Transmission type | Six-speed auto |
| Gear ratios 1st | 4.212 |
| 2nd | 2.637 |
| 3rd | 1.800 |
| 4th | 1.386 |
| 5th | 1.000 |
| 6th | 0.772 |
| Reverse | 3.385 |
| Final drive | 3.320 |
Suspension, steering and braking
| Front axle | Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts with coil spring and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers and 24 mm anti-roll stabiliser bar. |
| Rear axle | Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Standard ASD shock absorbers. 15mm diameter anti-roll stabiliser bar. |
| Braking system | Ventilated front discs 300 x 28 mm, and solid rear discs 284mm x 10mm 4-channel anti-lock system with EBD and BAS |
| Steering | MDPS electric power-assisted, rack-and-pinion, 2.9 turns lock-lock |
| Wheels | 16 in x 6.5j / 17 in x 6.5 j |
| Tyres | 205/65 R16 tyres / 215/55 R17 tyres |
Dimensions and weights
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,795 |
| Overall l / w / h | mm | 4,845 / 1,830 / 1,450 |
| Front / Rear overhang | mm | 965 / 1,085 |
| Front / Rear track | mm | 1,601 / 1,601 |
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room front | mm | 1,015 / 1,115 / 1,455 |
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room rear | mm | 955 / 880 / 1,415 |
| Turning circle | metres | 10.4 |
Performance and fuel consumption
| 2.4-litre | ||
| Petrol | ||
| Acceleration (0-100 kph)* | seconds | 9.2 |
| Maximum speed* | kph | 195 |
| Fuel consumption** | mpg | 37 |
| Fuel tank capacity | litres | 65 |
* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates
** Consumption figures are based on US EPA official cycle (US gallons)
Further Readings:
- KIA
- 2011 Kia Sorento SX In America
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