Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid

Kia’s latest concept car, the Ray, was unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show yesterday and showed the advancements made by the Korean company in developing innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. It also showcases a sub-brand coined “EcoDynamics” which the most efficient Kia vehicles possess (like BMW’s EfficientDynamics).
 
Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.
 
The Ray is the fifth vehicle from Kia Design Centre America and has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and shows a bold new collaboration between design and engineering. The futuristic body is that of a 4-seat compact sedan which sits on a Forte platform. It’s construction uses a lot of lightweight 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.
 
“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process,” said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer of Kia . “People want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies. 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.” 
 
The aerodynamic Ray 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 decklid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery.  As a plug-in hybrid, it is claimed to reach driving distances of more than 80 kms using its electric motor on a single charge. The fuel economy rating is more than almost 86 kms/litre with a total range of 1200 kms.
 
EcoDynamics is the over-arching design philosophy applied to make the Ray concept efficiently functional and striking in appearance. A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the bonnet and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling. A lighted bluish white-coloured battery charge indicator display is bonnet-mounted, furthering the 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 tyre width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the petrol engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped decklid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.
 
In lieu of door 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 rear door lines are purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors, yet stylish as their height and shape improves ingress and egress. 
 
The Ray employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials applied to the concept 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 help operate the cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures. 
 

Using the natural element of air as the design focus to convey a pure, refreshing, breathable and lightweight feeling, Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to offer passengers a sense of crispness, while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and 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 unite to create a simple, yet sophisticated, comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gearshift toggle. The centre stack features the all-new Kia UVO/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.
 
Adding to the list of green technology features, the Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge system by Infinity Audio, complete with loudspeakers that are said to reduce power consumption with dissipation through lower self-heating temperatures. There’s increased acoustic performance, a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle and the amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50% of current Infinity speakers.
 
With a focus 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 and breathable 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, offering a more luxurious feel while making the interior more inviting and tranquil. The 100% earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and are environmentally-friendly, coming from a renewable resource.  The floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used. 
 

The 4.4-metre long Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminium 153-bhp Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78 kw electric motor.  Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels from the engine, the electric motor, or both together. The top speed is claimed to be 175 km/h.
 
Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is 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 tyres also improve Ray’s efficiency.