All-New Kia Optima Hybrid Unveiled At 2016 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) at the Chicago Auto Show.  The Optima HEV enjoys the same full redesign – inside and out – as the conventional gas-powered model, the all-new fourth-generation Optima sedan, bringing with it a new hybrid powertrain that targets a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing model.  The enhanced HEV blends modern styling and a premium driving experience with an even more intense focus on efficiency and is being introduced under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics environmentally friendly sub-brand.

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"Kia is pursuing a bold initiative to increase fuel efficiency by 25 percent across our entire model line-up by 2020, and new models like the Optima HEV and PHEV will be critical to realizing that vision," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. "The brand's commitment to sustainability, coupled with our history of delivering premium amenities and value, has never been more evident than in these all-new hybrid vehicles, which are world-class examples of green engineering, advanced technology and design."

Enhanced Hybrid Performance

Targeting a 10 percent increase in fuel economy, the Optima Hybrid replaces the previous generation's 2.4-liter engine with an efficient and compact 2.0-liter GDI four cylinder – estimated at 154 horsepower – coupled with a hybrid starter generator and tied to an upgraded, smooth-shifting six-speed transmission.  A 38 kW electric motor and clutch replaces the traditional torque converter to provide strong off-the-line acceleration and power assistance to the engine when necessary.  Energy flow is fast and seamless between EV mode and hybrid mode.  Total combined output for the Optima Hybrid is estimated at a robust 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.  Also adding to the equation is a new electric water pump and a new electric oil pump, which help improve overall fuel economy. 

Giving life to the electric motor is a more compact, lightweight, high-density lithium-polymer battery pack with a 13-percent increase in capacity to 1.62 kWh.  With improved packaging, this more potent energy source now fits neatly underneath the trunk floor without encroaching into cargo space.  The revised battery configuration results in a larger, more practical load area and allows the integration of 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

All-new Eco-DAS¹ (Driver Assistance System) features Kia's first application of Coasting Guide.  This feature aims at maximizing fuel economy by essentially coaching the driver on when to coast and brake via an icon in the Instrument Panel that blinks for four-seconds and sounds a one-time audible alert.

The Optima Hybrid features a uniquely engineered body that combines various high-tensile strength steel alloys, creating a stiffer, more durable chassis with more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) construction.  In addition, a significant increase in hot-stamped components and greater use of structural adhesive improves NVH and contributes to structural rigidity.  This new body structure helps provide crash protection and better driving dynamics and is the foundation for a quieter ride.

Aerodynamic Form and Function

Although the new Hybrid boasts the same bold styling as the redesigned 2016 Optima, it offers distinctive design features and exterior elements that differentiate it from the gas-powered models in the Optima range, while also achieving a coefficient of drag that is among the lowest in the segment at 0.24 Cd.  Featuring an active grille, which automatically opens and closes at high and low speeds, the Hybrid is able to improve aerodynamics while optimizing engine bay cooling.  Numerous other styling differences include a model-specific front air curtain, a beveled rear bumper, a rear diffuser designed to streamline airflow by shrouding the exhaust tip, and an aerodynamic alloy-wheel design.  These are complemented by modern LED lighting, satin finish accent trim and special 'EcoHybrid' badging.

Intelligent Technology

The new Optima Hybrid makes intelligent use of technology to deliver a host of comprehensive driver assistance systems and convenience features.  The HEV now offers Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)², which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage.  Other key driver assistance systems include Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Front Collision Warning System (FCWS)².

To make life on the road easier and more enjoyable, the Optima Hybrid brings convenience offerings such as the Hands-free Trunk Open feature with Smart Key, a Wireless Phone Charger and Surround View Monitoring (SVM) to aid parking maneuvers. 

Kia's cutting-edge connectivity system with smartphone-projected navigation, UVO3³, comes standard with UVO telematics, and is enhanced with Android⁴ Auto™ and Apple⁵ CarPlay^®, which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones.  There's also an upgraded AVN 4.0 Navigation system combined with the Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™ Premium Surround Sound Audio System⁶, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™⁷ technology and a 630-watt digital amplifier.  Clari-Fi is a patented music restoration technology that rebuilds audio signals that are lost in the digital compression process.

Refined Cabin

The Optima Hybrid's passenger compartment is larger and more comfortable with an innovative and functional cabin that is well-appointed with class-up touches.  Drawing inspiration from Kia's premium sedans, the Optima Hybrid features its own model-specific instrument panel gauges and utilizes more soft-touch materials throughout.  Obsessively crafted with an impressive attention to detail, the interior features real stitching along the dash and doors. 

Overall, the driver-oriented cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation.  A stronger horizontal plane and a wider center console help create a greater sense of space.  By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, Kia's already-superior ergonomics are markedly improved. 

The interior design team also paid particular attention to seat comfort with a stiffer seat frame that reduces vibration, as well as greater use of soft foam in the headrest and upper back, and denser, more supportive foam in thigh-support areas.  For extra convenience, heated and ventilated front seats are available with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats.  The 2017 Optima Hybrid also offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium vehicles.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2015, surpassing the 600,000 unit mark for the first time in company history. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900⁸ flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle⁹, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States.  Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 plant and supplier jobs.

Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition.
² These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
³ Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. Never use a handheld device or vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Requires compatible smartphone. App uses your smartphone data service. Normal cellular service rates will apply.
⁴ Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.
⁵ Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
⁶ Registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
⁷ Clari-Fi™ and QuantumLogic™ are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc.
⁸ K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.
⁹ Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

SOURCE Kia Motors America