.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
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Kia has chosen the Chicago Auto Show to unveil a
concept tribute to the Genius of High Soul. It is simply called... Ray.
OK, it isn't really a tribute to Ray Charles. The Ray is a hybrid coupe concept
that, behind its streamlined, slippery exterior, points to Kia's intention to
produce a genuine Prius rival in the next couple of years.
The Ray is powered by a 1.4-litre direct injection petrol engine and a 78kW
electric motor fed by a lithium ion battery pack. Within the low-drag body of
the Ray - Kia quotes a drag coefficient of just 0.25 - that's apparently good
for economy of 202mpg (pinch, salt, etc.) and a range of 750 miles. The Ray is
able to travel up to 50 miles on electric power alone.
Despite its coupe-ish shape, the Ray won't be quick: though Kia doesn't quote a
0-60mph time, it does admit a top speed of just 109mph.
There's plenty of clever green tech on board, though. That panoramic glass roof
contains hexagonal solar panels, which will top up the battery pack and help
cool the cabin.
We've seen those rear-view cameras on concepts a million times before, but we
like the sound of the Ray's headlights, which slide back at speed to improve
airflow over the front of the car.
They're unlikely to see production for a while, but the Ray's hybrid drivetrain
should: we're told Kia is keen to adapt a similar system for use in its current
production cars including the C'e'ee'e'd. Excited? No?
Ray: soulful
Kia introduces slippery hybrid concept in Chicago. Could this point to a hybrid C’e’ee’e’d? Do you care?
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What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
AshHorne commented on this article
at 11:59 am on 11 February 2010
Front end looks like they accidentally crashed it head-on into something, and tried to disguise it by smoothing out the metal. Would be good to see the back end. It looks to be very flat on the rear light panels, like on a Mustang GT? A tenner says those headlights won't make production. If the car itself makes it to production at all...
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LeBonkers commented on this article
at 12:15 pm on 11 February 2010
A hint of Volkswagen at the front... Awfully weird.
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andylaurel commented on this article
at 12:23 pm on 11 February 2010
Let's all jump on the critisism bandwagon and agree with each other about how ugly it is!! Or... you could use your brains and realise that this might be the first truly affordable hybrid car ever. Also note that it looks way better than the Prius and the Insight. Unless you are driving a really pretty car yourself, don't critisize the hard work that someone has done bring this car to a concept stage. Take a look at your 1990's family wagon and ask yourself which you'd rather.
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ninechars commented on this article
at 12:32 pm on 11 February 2010
I thought we'd established at this stage that hybrid cars have an atrocious carbon footprint and so are completely pointless. Put a diesel engine in there and then I'd be interested. I do think it's pretty - and are those RX8-style suicide doors?
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IronicalBalls commented on this article
at 12:36 pm on 11 February 2010
Have them open up their domestic market to more outside brand than just Hyundai-KIA and Daewoo then we'll talk.
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