Chicago Auto Show 2010: Kia Ray Concept
By Chris Weiss
From the land of Italian beef and thick pizza pie, the Kia Ray brings a stylish and futuristic look usually not associated with the Kia name. Showing that you don’t have to sacrifice intriguing looks to save the environment one drop at a time, Kia has packed a variety of eco-friendly features into this Chicago concept.
The plug-in hybrid is based on the platform of the Forte sedan and features a combination of 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 78 kW motor. According to Kia, the concept boasts a 50-mile electric-only range and economy of 202 mpg.
Kia wasn’t content to stop at the electric motor and outfitted the Ray inside and out with bonus eco-tech. The car boasts a nano-laminate film designed to keep the interior cool and cut down on the need for air conditioning. Roof-mounted solar panels provide power to an interior fan and earthy mocha wool flooring provides the driver with a little reminder of his environmentally-savvy ride. Finally, an Infinity GreenEdge sound system offers low-consumption amplifiers and speakers, drawing less overall power. [via Inside Line]
