Kia’s press conference at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show was more of a celebration than the average vehicle introduction – and for good reason. The company’s sales are up following several record-breaking months this year. In addition, Kia’s lineup has been heavily revised, helping to drive more first-time Orange County KIA shoppers to showrooms.
To continue this stellar momentum, Kia used the LA show to debut the 2011 Optima Hybrid, its first hybrid vehicle for sale in the U.S. market.
Based on the stylish all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan, the Optima Hybrid will deliver an estimated 40 miles per gallon, helping it become a class-leader in fuel-efficiency. The advanced hybrid system within this new model can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. Like other hybrid vehicles, the Optima’s engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Charlotte Kia Dealers said that Kia is expanding its green car investment and R&D, and the 2011 Optima Hybrid is expected to be just the first of many new fuel-efficient products. The outstanding efficiency of this vehicle was made possible by the use of a lithium polymer battery, which was developed in South Korea with partner LG Chem. This powerful battery is also compact and lightweight, helping maximize cargo space. Not only is the Optima Hybrid’s battery lighter than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s nickel metal hydride pack, but it also will hold its charge up to 25 percent longer.
The 2011 Optima Hybrid’s powertrain includes a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the advanced powertrain, the rest of this new model is virtually unchanged from other vehicles in the Optima lineup. As such, the Optima’s lightweight platform further aids performance and fuel-efficiency. For comparison, the new Optima Hybrid is 230 pounds lighter than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Besides lightweight materials within the car, the Optima Hybrid also receives a few minor exterior updates to improve aerodynamics and reduce rolling resistance even further.
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid may share its platform with the Hyundai Sonata, but its character is truly unique. As with other recent Kia models, you can expect a high level of standard safety features, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and much more. The entire Optima lineup is also offered with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty.
Kia is celebrating milestone after milestone, and the 2011 Optima Hybrid is the icing on the cake as it helps continue Kia’s dramatic brand transformation. Pricing information hasn’t been released just yet, but expect to see this new hybrid in showrooms early next year.
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