The Kia Ray - impressive new hybrid concept!

[Kal-El]

After developing a handful of production-ready alternative-fuel vehicles, Kia has looked a little further into the future this time. The result is the Kia Ray, a plug-in hybrid sedan that combines a laundry list of eco-friendly features with a futuristic design that isn't meant to look like just another Prius fighter.

Built on the same platform as the Kia Forte sedan, the Ray features a 1.4-liter inline-4 engine that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 78-kilowatt (105 horsepower) motor is also used to power the car either on its own or in conjunction with the gas engine.

Kia says the electric motor is designed to propel the Ray up to 50 miles on a charge before the gas engine needs to kick in. It also says the Ray gets 202 mpg, which gives it a total range of 746 miles. That's all theoretical of course, so it could be 746 miles or it could be 74.6 miles — nobody really knows.

The Ray's performance figures are not the point here, though. It's really all about seeing how many eco-friendly pieces of technology will fit into one relatively compact sedan. Take the exterior, for instance. It clearly sports a slippery shape to reduce drag, but it's also covered in nano-laminate film to keep the interior cool and reduce the need for all those harmful emissions from the air-conditioning. Solar cells on the roof also generate a trickle charge to run a fan that further cools the interior.

On the inside, the Ray features a typical concept car interior complete with "floating" white leather seats, mesh door panels and a push-button transmission. Kia also notes that the floor is covered in everybody's favorite renewable resource, "100 percent earthy mocha wool."

On the technology side, the Ray features an Infinity GreenEdge sound system that uses lighter speakers and low-consumption amplifiers that use less overall power than conventional systems. Kia's new UVO entertainment system has also been integrated for full voice-activated control of the car's media system.

Looks really nice IMO. Not perfect, but manages to be totally original in design rather tha a copy-cat like many Kia's in the past.

Too bad we'll probably never see it produced (at least like this).

[RedRide]

Nice looking I guess.

However, I agree that it's a shame that it wiil probaly never reach production in that form.

All market research shows that the money is in (boring) faimly oriented cars like the Pirus, etc.

[127.0.0.1]

copycat

reventon chin, mitsubishi front, dodge stratus back end, pontiac aztec butt.

[RedRide]

Yeah and it's also got "Model T" round wheels.

[127.0.0.1]

Originally Posted by RedRide

Yeah and it's also got "Model T" round wheels.

I noticed that. damn copycats

probably has a steering wheel in it too...yup..I checked. lame-o

:D

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by 127.0.0.1

copycat

reventon chin, mitsubishi front, dodge stratus back end, pontiac aztec butt.

You're kidding right? An argument can be made that any car draws characteristics from something else. A car that is completely unique, is more that likely ugly or outrageous.

[127.0.0.1]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

You're kidding right? An argument can be made that any car draws characteristics from something else. A car that is completely unique, is more that likely ugly or outrageous.

no I am not kidding. (well ya I am kidding)

Have you looked at the rear end of that concept ?

the designers (as usual) got to the back of the vehicle, and then
completely got writers block and just slapped up something to beat
the deadline. it is obvious.

[RHDVIPbB]

Originally Posted by 127.0.0.1

copycat

reventon chin, mitsubishi front, dodge stratus back end, pontiac aztec butt.

front end, especially the headlights, reminds me of the newer mazdas.

[cali yaris]

no rear view mirrors.... hard to imagine it's final form, but know I won't like it as much as this concept. I always like the concept better.

[127.0.0.1]

perhaps ?

twin rear view cameras display on the dash. the dark spots on the
pods where a mirror would be are cameras (maybe...that is how I would do it)

[talnlnky]

would like to know more about the speakers... does lightweight mean light moving parts or the whole thing is lightweight.

I have a hard time believing they are anything new... and in fact might end up being horrible speakers (relative to mediocre oem stereos of course) for practically no reason other than it sounds like they are new and "GREEN".

I'm all up for more competition in the high fuel efficiency market... Good for them... hope they do come out with a hybrid, even if it doesn't look like this.

[Mouse]

It also has solar panels in the roof to catch the suns rays...which is why they called it the ray. They said that the solar panel would go to power the lighting and climate controls in the car.

[MadMax]

Video here...