2011 Kia Optima Hybrid: Due Early Next Year
Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
By TORI TELLEM
Jerry Garrett for The New York Times
The Optima Hybrid is Kia’s first gas-electric hybrid offering. The distinctive grille sets it apart from its internal-combustion-engine fraternal twin.
Introduced on Wednesday: The global premiere of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
What is it? Kia has decided to throw its hat in the hybrid ring for the first time in the United States –- with a little help from its sister company, Hyundai. The Optima Hybrid shares the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s platform and powertrain. The Optima Hybrid looks pretty much like the nonhybrid Optima version, save for aerodynamic upgrades, like the unique front fascia.
What makes it tick? It uses a lithium-polymer battery coupled with an electric motor (worth an equivalent of 40 horsepower on its own) and a modified version of the 2.4-liter engine, for 206 horsepower when in hybrid mode. Early fuel economy estimates are 40 miles per gallon on the highway. The 6-speed automatic from the 2011 Kia Sorento is used, with only minor adjustments.
How much, how soon? It will arrive in showrooms in early 2011. Kia is not ready to talk money yet, but given it’s Kia, assume it will stay in line with its typical affordable pricing.
How’s it look? Kia’s director of product planning, Orth Hedrick, acknowledged that “it’s not the first hybrid to the party.” But as Kia continues to evolve from an early perception as a manufacturer of cheap-looking vehicles to its current state of true competitor, going after the hybrid crowd only makes sense as the next step.
Credit: The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
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