While the gasoline-powered Optimas are just beginning to make their way into U.S. showrooms, Kia unveiled the all-new Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Utilizing a parallel hybrid powertrain, the Optima Hybrid's electrical power comes from a lithium-polymer battery sourced from LG Chem. The 30- kilowatt battery pack weighs just under 96 lb., which is remarkably light for its capacity. On the internal combustion side, the Optima Hybrid uses an Atkinson cycle 2.4-liter direct injected 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Optima's electric motor sends power through a gearset within the transmission— Kia calls it Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive—which makes all the components of the drivetrain modular. If the application calls for it, Kia can change the engine, transmission or electric motor independently of the other parts.
Like most other hybrids, the Optima Hybrid utilizes a parallel system that allows the car to operate in gasoline, electric or a combination of both. At speeds below 62 mph, the Optima Hybrid's computer can allow the drivetrain to operate in pure electric mode. At idle, if the overall system draw is low enough, the gasoline engine will shut off.
This system is made possible due to a multi-disc clutch that replaces the standard Optima's torque converter. The use of this clutch allows the gasoline engine to be completely decoupled from the 40-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Total system output is 206 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
To increase efficiency, the traditional starter is replaced by a belt-driven starter/generator, and the air conditioning and on-demand power steering is electrically driven. The Optima Hybrid also features aerodynamic enhancements that improve its drag coefficient, such as a lower ride height, underbody panels and an active air flap system. All combined, these changes net a coefficient of drag of 0.26, a number Kia claims is among the best in the world.
A new feature, the Optima Hybrid will use a Virtual Engine Sound System. As the name suggests, this system will play a recorded engine sound whenever the Optima is in EV mode to alert nearby pedestrians that the car is in motion.