|
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.
Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design
A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette
give the Kia "Ray" concept better aerodynamic properties than taller
profile hybrid vehicles.
Strong, lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics
philosophy. The LED Kia badge is covered with a single piece of
glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass extends
from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer
occupants a spacious, airy feeling.
A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer "tail" improve
aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece
integrated underbody panel, narrow tyre width and flush wheel
design.
The front headlamps slide back to create openings for better air
intake when the petrol 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.
Instead of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector
cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing
procedures and opening of doors. The result is an airframe on
wheels. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for
the feet allowing ease of entry. The purposeful rear-hinged coach
doors add a stylish touch and their height and shape improves entry
and exit.
The "Ray" employs new "cool car" technology, including
nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically
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 helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior
temperatures.
Light and Airy Interior
The "Ray" interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled
materials in cool white tones to create a sense of purity while also
reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and
reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats
made of lightweight composites, mounted on the side sills, create a
floating effect in the cabin and utilise elastomeric materials to
support body weight.
Fresh and sustainable trim materials combine with a lightweight
touch screen instrument layout incorporating the push-button start
and gear shift toggle. The centre console features the all-new Kia
UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system
providing voice- and touch-activated controls for simple management
of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.
Adding to the list of green technology features "Ray" also
employs the all-new GreenEdgeTM system by
Infinity® Audio. The loudspeakers reduce power
consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures
coupled with increased acoustic performance providing a better
synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle. 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 the
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 and
breathable mesh serves to reduce overall kerb weight as well as
being a unique design element.
Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a
matt finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious, but
inviting and tranquil, atmosphere.
Hybrid Architecture
The "Ray" concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum
153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine
mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor.
Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front
wheels from the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both
together.
The "Ray" is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator
management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator to encourage
economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres
featuring a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20)
construction also improve efficiency.
Specifications
|