KIA MOTORS UNVEILS FIRST-EVER HYBRID FOR U.S. MARKET AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Will Offer Class-Leading Estimated 40 mpg Highway Fuel Economy Blended with Technology, Efficiency and Design
• New Optima iteration utilizes state-of-the art lithium polymer battery for increased fuel efficiency• Addition of hybrid model continues Kia's dramatic brand transformationIRVINE, Calif., November 17, 2010 - As the latest model in Kia's design-led transformation, the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan lineup expanded today with Kia Motors America's (KMA) introduction of the all-new Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With a stunning design, roomy interior, and an estimated 40 mpg class-leading fuel efficiency, Kia's first-ever hybrid in the Ú.S. will attract those looking for a striking and well-equipped sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency. Set to hit showrooms early next year, the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations that enable it to provide exceptional hybrid performance and efficiency. 'Kia Motors is aggressively expanding its green car investments and R&D in much the same way we committed ourselves to the quality and design innovations over the last decade that have fueled our dramatic brand transformation,' said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. 'By adding our first-ever hybrid in the Ú.S. to the Optima lineup we are providing consumers with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain choices, and continuing Kia's philosophy of offering stylish, value-packed vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency.' The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions. Durable Lithium Polymer BatteryThe 2011 Optima Hybrid's outstanding efficiency is due in large part to the use of a lithium polymer battery, which was developed in South Korea with partner LG Chem. The power and energy density of this new battery type allowed Kia engineers to create a lighter and more compact battery pack, with the 30 kilowatt battery pack weighing just 95.9 pounds – 28 pounds less than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid's nickel metal hydride pack – which aids fuel economy and also helps to maximize Optima's cargo space. The Optima Hybrid's battery will hold its charge up to 25 percent longer than hybrids with nickel metal hydride batteries, so the battery is more likely to have usable energy available even if it has not been in use. Both fuel consumption and emissions are cut, allowing more electric starts and drive-aways. With that improved efficiency, more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine is available to move the car as necessary, which allows the vehicle to provide electric driving assist more often and for a longer period. Lithium polymer also has less of the self-discharge characteristic found in most rechargeable batteries. Únique Hybrid Architecture
Únlike most current systems on the market, the Optima Hybrid powertrain is configured with a unique architecture. Compared to the power-split hybrid systems found on vehicles from Toyota or Ford, the Optima Hybrid uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set. Offering several advantages, this modular layout includes more efficient powertrain packaging, use of many 'off-the-shelf' components such as the existing six-speed automatic transmission found on the 2.4-liter GDI Optima, and reduced engineering investment. This also allows for other possible future combinations including the application of more powerful motors and higher capacity batteries.
The 2011 Optima Hybrid is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the entire Kia line-up. This includes six airbags3 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard. Competitive Warranty
The entire 2011 Optima lineup is covered by KMA's warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage. Kia Motors America in 2010
Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in Ú.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as the soon-to-come ÚVO powered by Microsoft®4 advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system. The launches of the all-new 2011 Sorento CÚV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first Ú.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, and all-new 2011 Sportage compact CÚV, further enhance the lineup, and are both available in retail showrooms.
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2011
Kia Monthly Sales Volume
April 2024
65,754
March 2024
69,472
February 2024
59,059
January 2024
51,090
December 2023
60,275
November 2023
58,338
October 2023
59,164
September 2023
67,264
August 2023
72,147
July 2023
70,930
June 2023
70,495
May 2023
71,497
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
ALL-NEW GOLF ALLTRACK AND NEW BEETLE MODELS HEAD THE CHANGES
Volkswagen also simplifies model lineups to put the emphasis on value
Golf Alltrack adds all-wheel-drive ability and rugged off-road looks to the fun-to-drive and practical Golf SportWagen
Golf SportWagen receives 4Motion® all-wheel-dr...
DODGE SIMPLIFIES DART LINEUP, APPEALING TO BOTH THE VALUE CONSCIOUS CONSUMER AND THE DRIVING ENTHUSIAST
Dodge simplifies the 2016 Dodge Dart lineup to three models Dart SXT Sport, Dart Turbo and Dart GT Sport, delivering small-car consumers the content they desire at a lower starting U.S. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
Buyer can custom...
ALL-NEW 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BRINGS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND PREMIUM CONVENIENCE TO THE COMPACT CAR SEGMENT
IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. January 26, 2016 – The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra arrives in dealerships this month, featuring a bold aerodynamic design, a comprehensive suite of safety features, modern interior styling with class-above features, and...
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID EXPECTED TO DELIVER CLASS-LEADING 22 MILE ALL-ELECTRIC RANGE
Exclusive Blue Link Smartphone App Controls Charging Schedule Remotely
DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2015 – Hyundai launched its first plug-in hybrid vehicle today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Pl...
MODEL YEAR 2015: NEW GOLF FAMILY, REDESIGNED JETTA, AND NEW TDI® CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE HEAD THE CHANGES
In a busy year, Volkswagen will also add a new Golf SportWagen, an all-new Golf R, a redesigned Touareg SUV, and the companys first U.S.-market EV, the e-Golf
All-new Golf is bigger, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than the previous model,...