Kia, the Korean automotive brand that
has taken Sri Lanka by storm, has unveiled a diesel-electric turbo hybrid
version of it Optima luxury sedan, demonstrating the brand’s innovative new
mild hybrid powertrain.
Powered
by the model’s existing 1.7 litre CRDI turbo-diesel engine, and an electric
motor that runs on a 48V lead-carbon battery, the vehicle features a
zero-emissions stop-start system, and can be driven in electric –only mode at
low speeds while cruising.
"The
concept car showcases the extent to which Kia has developed hybrid
technology," said Andrew Perera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited.
"Although a right-hand drive version is not envisaged, Kia fans in Sri Lanka will be
very enthusiastic about this development because it could one day benefit other
models."
A new
belt-driven starter generator replaces the conventional alternator in the
Optima diesel hybrid, meaning the engine can restart with virtually no noise or
vibration. The system also allows an innovative electric supercharger for the
CRDI engine in additional to the conventional turbocharger, providing improved
power and torque at all engine speeds.
Kia’s engineers are targeting a
significant reduction in CO2, tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption and a
power increase of 15 to 20 per cent for any model that could be equipped with
the new powertrain.
One of
the highest selling brands in the Sports Utility (SUV) segment in Sri Lanka
with the Kia
Sorento and the Kia
Sportage, Kia Motors
attributes its popularity to its design-driven aesthetics, class-leading
features and performance and value-for-money proposition. Popular Kia models in the passenger car
segment in Sri Lanka are the Kia
Optima, Kia Cerato, Kia Rio
and Kia Picanto.
The new
generation Kia
Optima, known in some markets as ‘Magentis’ was launched in Sri Lanka in August
2011, and has remained a benchmark for luxury driving, superlative design and
motoring safety.
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