Photo Gallery: 2011 KIA Optima

Kia Motors Corporation held the world premiere of its all-new Optima Hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles motor show. Created primarily with the U.S market in mind, the latest model in Kia’s design-led transformation employs a truly innovative Kia-developed powertrain that promises to deliver exceptional hybrid performance and 48mpg for class-leading fuel economy.

Arriving in U.S Kia dealer showrooms early next year, the Optima Hybrid is the brand’s first-ever hybrid for North America and uses a ‘full parallel hybrid system’ to deliver a unique blend of performance – acceleration to 62mph in 9.2 seconds, top speed 121mph – and economy, achieving a 40.7% mpg improvement compared with a regular Optima.

“Kia Motors is proud to unveil its first-ever hybrid for the North American market,” comments Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors Corporation. “The new Optima Hybrid features a unique architecture and is packed with innovative technologies that demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to investing in R&D, and to developing environmentally friendly vehicles for the future.

“Although these new technologies presented our engineers with a series of complex challenges to overcome, the resulting Optima Hybrid delivers a fully automatic, seamless and enjoyable drive, together with real-world benefits for our customers,” adds Mr. Lee.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is equipped with an ingenious, simple and cost-effective ‘parallel hybrid system’. The 2.4 litre petrol engine is mated to a small electric motor and drives the front wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission – without the traditional torque converter. A special clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the petrol engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain so that Optima can be operated in zero-tailpipe-emissions, full-electric drive mode from standstill up to 62mph. The system’s configuration does not require a high-capacity electric motor and generator, saving weight and cost. With the Optima also weighing in as one of the lightest cars in the segment, high performance and outstanding fuel efficiency are a natural result. The lightweight architecture of the new Optima platform, combined with the lightweight lithium polymer battery pack, brings the Kia Optima Hybrid in at just 3,490lbs, 230lbs lighter than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Automatic, seamless daily driving experience:

When setting off the Optima Hybrid operates in Electric Mode. As vehicle speed rises, the Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the petrol engine and the clutch is closed, allowing the engine to take over the task of propelling the car. The electric motor switches into hybrid operation and serves as both a secondary engine (during full acceleration and hill-climbing) and a generator 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 completely eliminate tailpipe 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 and when the car is stationary. Throughout the entire driving experience, under all conditions, the entire hybrid operation is automatic and seamless.

An unusually responsive and rewarding drive is guaranteed by the Optima Hybrid’s 30kW Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor, which produces 40.7PS and 205Nm of torque from 0-to-1,400 rpm in electric mode, and the combined (electric motor plus petrol engine) hybrid powertrain output of 209PS and 265Nm.

Described by Kia engineers as a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED), the 30kW IPM electric motor sits within the car’s extended transmission casing (between the petrol engine and the automatic gearbox) and is the world’s first oil-cooled system.

Kia’s Optima Hybrid employs a lithium polymer battery array developed in partnership with LG Chem. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion (used in laptops and cell phones), but adds robustness and packaging flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. These new batteries provide an optimum balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability.

Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries weigh 20-to-30% less, occupy 40% less volume and are 10% more efficient. They also hold their charge for 25% longer than nickel metal hydride batteries and are so reliable that the Optima’s battery pack will not require replacing during the vehicle’s lifespan – at least 10 years and 150,000 miles.

The power and energy density of this new type of battery enabled Kia engineers to create a lighter more compact power pack – with a 34kW output and weighing just 43.6kg – designed to minimize intrusion of the Optima’s boot space.

The complete hybrid system is controlled by the Optima’s Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) which acts as the car’s mastermind and integrates the smooth operation of the engine’s ECU, transmission’s TCU, battery management system (BMS), low voltage converter (LDC). This brain also gives the Optima a ‘Fail-Safe’ back-up capability and a ‘Limp-home’ mode.

Optimising the Theta II petrol engine:

Taking advantage of the instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, Kia modified its popular 2.4 litre Theta II engine to operate on an Atkinson cycle, raising the compression ratio by 20% to maximize its efficiency and achieving a 10% fuel saving over a regular Theta engine. This cycle generates a little less torque, but the electric motor compensates for any loss and consequently, the Optima Hybrid’s overall power and torque outputs are greater than the regular model.

For the Optima Hybrid, Kia has modified the 6 speed automatic transmission found on the conventional Optima for hybrid application. The traditional torque converter is replaced with an electric motor and a high-efficiency oil pump. This new gearbox allows EV mode operation, maximizes regeneration of kinetic energy during braking and also provides a more responsive drive than a CVT system.

To maximise the Optima Hybrid’s performance and minimise its fuel consumption, special attention has been paid to its aerodynamics. The car is lowered by 5mm and new features include an ‘active air flap’ in the front grille, smooth underfloor panels, low-drag wheels and low rolling resistance tyres. The drag coefficient is lowered to a remarkable Cd 0.26.

Energy and fuel-saving technologies features in the Optima Hybrid include a regenerative braking system, electric – rather than hydraulic – assisted power steering, and an electric air compressor capable of delivering high air-conditioning performance.

Two independent liquid cooling systems are fitted to the Optima Hybrid powertrain. The standard high-temperature circuit manages engine cooling and passenger compartment heating. The second low-temperature circuit cools the hybrid starter-generator and the power electronics. The boot-mounted battery pack does not require liquid cooling and its temperature is controlled by a simple ventilation fan beneath the rear parcel shelf.

Stylish luxurious sedan with premium features:

Aside from its unique hybrid powertrain the new Optima Hybrid incorporates all the technical features and the multiple choice of premium comfort and convenience equipment offered by its regular stablemates.

All Optima models share common major dimensions and a unitary construction. Featuring front-wheel-drive, Optima utilises independent suspension systems, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout at the rear.

Outside, new Optima Hybrid offers dual chrome-tipped exhausts, heat-reflective glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16” alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tyres. 17” alloy wheels with 215/55/R17 tyres will be available as an option.

Inside, the instrument panel has an ECO Guide to promote economical driving habits and is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess.

In addition to the equipment found on the Optima LX, Optima Hybrid comes with 6 way manual adjustable driver’s seat w/electric lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, satellite navigation/CD system, front fog lamp, electrically adjustable/heated mirrors, chrome door handles, LED tail lamps, rear lip spoiler, x6 airbags, ESC w/hill start assist, dual zone automatic temperature control w/rear vents, push-button start w/smart key, leather steering wheel and gearknob, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination and rear reading lamps. A Premium Technology Package is offered, and includes a panoramic sunroof, 17” alloy wheel design, 4 way electrically adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps w/automatic levelling, leatherette-wrapped centre fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/Homelink and compass, satellite navigation system w/reversing camera and SIRIUS Traffic, and an 8 speaker Infinity audio system.