Kia Motors has unveiled its 'Ray' Plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, show-casing its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.
Kia Motors has presented the Ray Concept, a futuristic hybrid sedan with an aerodynamic (cd of 0.25) aircraft-inspired design.
The powertrain is equipped with a 153-hp Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine coupled to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78 kW electric motor.
Among the features are the use of lightweight and recycled materials, the hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel and the range of up to 1,200 km (746 miles).
Additional features include four individual seats, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering and an energy-efficient audio system.
From the official Press Release:
Exterior Design
A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia 'Ray' concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles.
The exterior combines clean, flush surfaces minimizing any unneeded edges, a flowing profile and a pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly higher deck for reduced drag.
"It is important to imagine early in the design process what people will want in the future from a green perspective because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies," said Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer for the Kia Motors Corporation.
"Being green doesn't have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia 'Ray' exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today's environmentally conscious consumers," he added.
Strong, lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling.
A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer 'tail' improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece, smooth-as-glass, integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design.
Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.
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 result is an airframe on wheels.
The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The purposeful rear-hinged coach doors add a stylish touch and their height and shape improves entry and exit.
The 'Ray' employs new 'cool car' technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the
interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. 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.
Light and Airy Interior
The 'Ray' interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones to create a sense of purity while also reflecting the heat of the sun, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy.
Front and rear seats made of lightweight composites, mounted on the side sills, create a floating effect in the cabin and utilize elastomeric materials to support body weight.
Fresh and sustainable trim materials combine with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring a touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle.
The centre console features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system 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 features 'Ray' also employs 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 providing a better synergy between amplifier, speaker and vehicle.
The amplifier 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.
To reduce overall weight through materials and design the 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.
Other materials found in the cabin are soft to the touch with a matt finish, including white leather, offering a more luxurious, but inviting and tranquil atmosphere.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar