Kia Optima Hybrid
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Kia
2nd December, 2010
- Promises unique blend of high performance and fuel economy
- Zero-emissions, electric mode up to 100 kph
- 2.4-litre petrol engine plus 30kW electric motor
- Introduces state-of-the-art, high power lithium polymer batteries
Kia Motors Corporation’s next big step into the high-tech hybrid world was unveiled at last
month's Los Angeles Motor Show. The all-new Optima Hybrid sedan, made primarily with the US market
in mind, employs a truly innovative Kia-developed powertrain that promises to deliver exceptional
hybrid performance and 5.8 L/100 km class-leading fuel efficiency.
Arriving in Kia dealer showrooms in the United States early next year, the 2011 Optima Hybrid
is the brand’s first-ever hybrid for North America and uses a “full parallel hybrid system” to
deliver a unique blend of performance – acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, top speed 195
km/h – and economy, achieving a 40.7% L/100 km improvement compared with a regular Optima.
With plans to launch the “standard” Optima in Australia in January, Kia Motors Australia is
closely following the progress of the new Hybrid model.
“It is certainly something we are considering closely as we move forward with Kia’s
increasing exposure to alternate fuel technology,” KMAu Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tony
Barlow, said.
“This is the sort of well-considered and developed technology that is now a cornerstone of
Kia’s expanding model range.”
Vice-Chairman of Kia Motors Corporation, Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, said that Kia is proud to unveil
its first ever hybrid for the North American market.
“The new Optima Hybrid features a unique architecture and is packed with innovative
technologies that demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to investing in R&D, and to developing
environmentally friendly vehicles for the future,” Mr Lee says.
“Although these new technologies presented our engineers with a series of complex
challenges to overcome, the resulting Optima Hybrid delivers a fully automatic, seamless and
enjoyable drive, together with real-world benefits for our customers.”
The Kia Optima Hybrid is equipped with an ingenious, simple and cost-effective “parallel
hybrid system”. The 2.4-litre petrol engine is matched to a small electric motor and drives the
front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission – without the traditional torque converter.
A special clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the petrol engine to be
de-coupled from the powertrain so that Optima can be operated in zero-emissions, full-electric
drive mode from standstill up to 100 km/h. The system’s configuration does not require a
high-capacity electric motor and generator, saving weight and cost.
Automatic, seamless daily driving experience
When setting off the Optima Hybrid operates in Electric Mode. As vehicle speed rises, the
Hybrid Starter motor/Generator (HSG) starts the petrol engine and the clutch is closed, allowing
the engine to take over the task of propelling the car. The electric motor switches into hybrid
operation and serves as both a secondary engine (during full acceleration and hill-climbing) and
a generator to recharge the battery pack as necessary. Whenever the car comes a stop for more
than a few seconds, the engine automatically shuts off to completely eliminate emissions.
When braking, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the
battery pack. The 8.5 kW HSG also functions as a generator to re-charge the battery pack if the
state of charge is low and when the car is stationary. Throughout the entire driving experience,
in everyday motoring, under all conditions, the entire hybrid operation is automatic and
seamless.
An unusually responsive and rewarding drive is guaranteed by the Optima Hybrid’s 30 kW
Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor, which produces 30 kW and 205 Nm of
torque from 0-to-1,400 rpm in electric mode, and the combined (electric motor plus petrol engine)
hybrid powertrain output of 154 kW and 265 Nm.
Described by Kia engineers as a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED), the 30 kW IPM
electric motor sits within the car’s extended transmission casing (between the petrol engine and
the automatic gearbox) and is the world’s first oil-cooled system.
Kia’s Optima Hybrid employs a lithium polymer battery array developed in partnership with LG
Chem. Lithium polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion (used in laptops and cell phones), but
adds robustness and packaging flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications. These
new batteries provide an optimum balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal
stability.
Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium polymer batteries weigh 20-to-30% less,
occupy 40% less volume and are 10% more efficient. They also hold their charge for 25% longer
than nickel metal hydride batteries and are so reliable that the Optima’s battery pack will not
require replacing during the vehicle’s lifespan – at least 10 years and 250,000 kilometres.
The power and energy density of this new type of battery enabled Kia engineers to provide a
lighter more compact power pack – with a 34 kW output and weighing just 43.6 kg – designed to
minimise intrusion of the Optima’s boot space.
The complete hybrid system is controlled by the Optima’s Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) which acts
as the car’s mastermind and integrates the smooth operation of the engine’s ECU, transmission’s
TCU, battery management system (BMS), low voltage converter (LDC). This 'brain' also gives the
Optima a “fail-safe” back-up capability and a “limp-home” mode.
Optimising the Theta II petrol engine
Taking advantage of the instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor,
Kia modified its popular 2.4-litre Theta II engine to operate on an Atkinson cycle, raising the
compression ratio by 20% to maximise its efficiency and achieving a 10% fuel saving over a
regular Theta engine. This cycle generates a little less torque, but the electric motor
compensates for any loss and consequently, the Optima Hybrid’s overall power and torque outputs
are greater than the regular model.
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For the Optima Hybrid, Kia has modified the six-speed automatic transmission found on the
conventional Optima for hybrid application. The traditional torque converter is replaced with an
electric motor and a high-efficiency oil pump. This new gearbox allows EV mode operation,
maximises regeneration of kinetic energy during braking and also provides a more responsive
drive than a CVT system.
To maximise the Optima Hybrid’s performance and minimise fuel consumption, special attention
has been paid to its aerodynamics. The car is lowered by 5 mm and new features include an active
air flap in the front grille, smooth underfloor panels, low-drag wheels and low rolling
resistance tyres. The drag coefficient is lowered to a remarkable 0.26.
Energy and fuel-saving technology features in the Kia Optima Hybrid include a regenerative
braking system, electric – rather than hydraulic – assisted power steering, and an electric air
compressor capable of delivering high air-conditioning performance.
Two independent liquid cooling systems are fitted to the Optima Hybrid powertrain. The
standard high-temperature circuit manages engine cooling and passenger compartment heating. The
second low-temperature circuit cools the hybrid starter-generator and the power electronics. The
boot-mounted battery pack does not require liquid cooling and its temperature is controlled by a
simple ventilation fan beneath the rear parcel shelf.
Stylish luxurious sedan with premium features
Aside from its unique hybrid powertrain the new Optima Hybrid incorporates all the technical
features and the multiple choice of premium comfort and convenience equipment offered by its
regular stablemates.
All Optima models share common major dimensions and a unitary construction. Featuring
front-wheel-drive, Optima utilises independent suspension systems, with MacPherson struts in the
front and a multi-link layout at the rear.
Outside, new Optima Hybrid offers dual exhausts with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror
turn signal indicators and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tyres. As an option,
17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55/R17 tyres will be available.
Inside, the instrument panel has an ECO Guide to promote economical driving habits and is
contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an
overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Modern standard
features such as six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity
mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin’s luxurious qualities. In addition to
offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout,
including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system.
Kia Optima Hybrid Specifications
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Exterior Dimensions |
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Overall Length: |
4,845 mm |
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Width: |
1,830 mm |
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Height: |
1,450 mm |
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Wheel base: |
2,795 mm |
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Powertrain /
2.4-litre hybrid |
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Petrol engine |
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Capacity/type |
2.4-litre, DOHC, 16-valve |
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Power |
124 kW |
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Torque |
209 Nm |
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Electric motor |
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Power |
30 kW |
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Torque |
205 Nm |
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Combined System |
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Power |
154 kW |
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Torque |
265 Nm |
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Transmission
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Automatic |
6-speed (without torque converter) |
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Clutch |
Wet type, laminated |
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Weights & Capacities
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Kerb weight |
1,583 kg |
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Fuel tank |
65 litres |
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Trunk |
280 litres |
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Fuel Economy*
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City |
6.5 L/100 km |
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Highway |
5.8 L/100 km |
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Combined |
6.2 L/100 km |
*manufacturer’s estimated figures
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