起亚宣布，明年将推出两款Optima混动版，这两款车将在起亚主要市场上市。其中Optima插电混动版将于明年下半年上市，该车搭载9.8千瓦时锂电池组，输出功率约是目前这一代Optima混动车的六倍，搭配一台50千瓦/68马力电机，动力比Optima混动版增加42%，在纯电动模式下续航里程为43公里。该车还搭载一台2.0升“Nu”四缸GDI直喷引擎，功率115千瓦/156马力，扭矩189牛米。车辆总计输出功率151千瓦/205马力@6000转/分，搭配六速自动变速器。起亚预计该车综合油耗为99MPGe，如果使用240伏Level 2充电桩，完全充满电不到3小时。而另一款Optima混动版搭载相同的115千瓦/156马力2.0升“Nu”四缸GDI直喷引擎和六速自动变速器，搭配38千瓦/52马力电机和离合器以替代传统变矩器，综合输出功率143千瓦/198马力@6000转/分，燃油经济性提升10%。为电机供电的是1.62千瓦时升级版锂电池组，它设置在行李箱地板下，可以节约空间。该车不仅行李箱容积更大，而且后排座椅可按60/40比例放平。这款车将于明年上半年上市。
Kia Optima getting two hybrid versions next year
Kia Motors has announced the current Optima will receive two hybrid powertrains in the majority of the company’s global markets in 2016.
Starting with the Optima Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), this variant represents a new addition to the model’s range. Scheduled to reach customers in second half of 2016, it will feature a 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery back, roughly six times the energy output of that found in the current-generation Optima Hybrid, according to the manufacturer. It will be paired to a 68 HP (50 kW) electric motor, itself 42% more powerful than in the previous Optima hybrid version. This combination will allow the vehicle to travel up to 27 miles on electric power alone.
The powertrain also employs a 2.0-liter ‘Nu’ four-cylinder GDI gasoline direct injection engine, expected to generate 156 HP (115 kW) and 189 Nm (140 lb-ft). The total power output of the system will be 205 HP (151 kW) at 6,000 rpm and it will be applied to the road through a six-speed automatic gearbox and a transmission-mounted 68 HP (50 kW) electric motor, which replaces the traditional torque converter in non-hybrid Optima models. The company says the Optima PHEV is expected to deliver 99 MPGe combined (US), while once plugged in, the PHEV will recharge in less than three hours at a 240V Level 2 charging station.
As for the Optima Hybrid, it will offer a 10% better fuel economy thanks to a system that consists of a 156 HP (115 kW) 2.0-liter ‘Nu’ GDI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a 52 HP (38 kW) electric motor and clutch to replace the traditional torque converter. The combined power output of the powertrain stands at 195 HP (143 kW) at 6,000 rpm.
An upgraded lithium-polymer battery pack with a capacity of 1.62 kWh will also be part of the system and will be fitted underneath the trunk floor. This should result in a more practical loading area and enabling the use of 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
The Optima HEV is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2016.