Kia Ray Plug-In Concept to Bring Hybrid Power without A Radical Exterior

After breaking into the hybrid race several months back, Kia has decided to take another step down the clean transportation path. Unlike many of the current hybrid concepts out today, Kia wanted a more subtle look without compromising the overall fuel economy. The result was the Ray Concept.

The new concept is based on the Forte platform and will make use of a 153 horsepower 1.4 liter internal combustion engine powering the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It will also be responsible for providing a healthy dose of electrons to the onboard batteries.

A second engine, specifically a 78Kw electric motor, will be used to crank the rear wheels when the extra power from the internal combustion powerplant is not necessary. For times when you need to accelerate quickly, both the electric motor and the petroleum burning cousin can be tapped simultaneously.

The exterior of the Ray Concept has been carefully designed to keep drag to a minimum without becoming an eye-sore and has even received praise from many who saw it bow earlier this month.

Kia will also be loading it with a handful of electronic goodies, including the recently introduced UVO touch-screen infotainment system.