Kia Optima T-Hybrid Bows At Paris
At the Paris Auto Show, Kia quietly unveiled their Optima T-Hybrid. While the basic body shape is roughly the same as the regular run-of-the-mill Optima, the real modifications are situated under the hood (and Kia was nice enough to cut a hole in it so we could easily see what’s underneath!).
The concept is based on a regular European Optima hybrid, which means that it is powered by a 1.7L four-cylinder diesel. There is also a 48V battery pack and an electric motor to help move the car at low speeds. This battery is made from carbon and lead, which means it doesn’t need to be constantly cooled like its lithium-ion siblings.
But what really sets the Optima T-Hybrid apart is the addition of an electric supercharger under the Plexiglas sheet. According to the brand’s engineers, this boosts the total power output of the diesel engine by 15 to 20%, while being more economical to run. Knowing that the North American Optima Hybrid already hits 7.4L/100 km, it will be interesting to see where this technology (that was once the subject of laughter by the performance scene) might end up.
For now, Kia has not announced any plans to build the Optima T-Hybrid.