Kia Motors' Ray plug-in hybrid concept made its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show earlier in the week, and the design 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 Ray boasts a range of up to 1,200km, powered by an all-aluminum 153bhp 1.4l Gasoline Direct Injection engine mated to a permanently-engaged, fixed ratio CVT drivetrain, used in combination with a 78kw electric motor and lithium-ion battery system.
The vehicle is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator to encourage economical driving, and custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres featuring a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) construction also aid efficiency.
Design-wise, the vehicle incorporates a low-slung silhouette and clean, flush surfaces minimising unnecessary edges to give it a flowing profile, and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck helps reduce drag further.
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 front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry, and the height and shape of the purposeful rear-hinged coach doors improves entry and exit.
Features include nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically reduce solar heat and keep the interior cool; 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.
Inside, there's plent of tech on show, starting with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout, which incorporates the push-button start and gear shift toggle. The centre console features the all-new Kia UVO, powered by Microsoft, 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, there's the all-new GreenEdge system by Infinity Audio - the loudspeakers reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures coupled with increased acoustic performance, and the amp used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50% of current Infinity speakers and employs a lower dissipation design for significant savings in overall weight.
Speaking of weight, 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 kerb weight as well as being a unique design element.
