Kia confirms diesel-hybrid technology on its future production cars
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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Kia's act of displaying a Sorento Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show confirmed that it will be pursuing diesel-hybrid technology in future production cars. A company official had said that a close variant of the Sorento hybrid's powertrain is likely to make production by 2012 in the Kia range. The source said that diesel hybrids would be where the company would go with its alternatively powered vehicles in the future. The powertrain seen in the Sorento was said to be likely to make production, although it is unsure whether it will be fitted on that model or on others such as the Cee'd. Kia is working with the belief that the concept represents a very effective for the brand to bring its emissions down.
The Sorento hybrid uses a new 1.6-litre diesel unit, which is fitted with twin turbochargers to help it produce 161bhp. The engine is paired with an electric motor and drives the front wheels via a new double-clutch transmission offering a choice of fully-automatic, or manual sequential gear changes. This set-up helps the Sorento achieve CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
On the other hand, another source is saying that within the next two years, Kia will be introducing electric vehicles. A new version of the Picanto is due in 2011. It's highly likely that this will be offered with an electric powertrain, too. Hyundai showed off its all-electric version of the i10 city car at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week.
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