On the outside, the new Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept looks like a giant bug – but that doesn’t matter because the main goal of the Ray is to communicate its fuel-saving and emissions-cutting technologies. Power for the Kia Ray Concept comes from an all-aluminum 153-hp Gasoline Direct Injection 1.4L engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio CVT transmission. The setup is used in combination with a 78 kW electric motor, which is fueled by lithium-ion batteries. On a full charge, the Kia Ray Concept can travel 50 miles, while the total range of the vehicle comes in at a whopping 746 miles. Kia says that in pure HEV mode, the Ray gets an estimated fuel-economy of 77.6 mpg and 202.3 mpg in plug-in HEV mode. Top speed is clocked in at 109 mph. Also helping increase the fuel-efficiency of the Ray is the overall exterior made up of lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells that are embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems. No word on how soon we’ll see the these technologies embedded into Kia’s lineup. Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept : Press Release : Kia Motors ‘Ray’ Plug-in Hybrid concept debuts in Chicago 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. Following the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Forte LPI Hybrid, the petrol Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid, the ‘Ray’ concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform.

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