The Kia Optima T-Hybrid: A Diesel Hybrid Concept that Makes Sense

Thursday, October 9, 2014

The Kia Optima T-Hybrid: A Diesel Hybrid Concept that Makes Sense

While an increasing number of carmakers offer hybrid models, the wisdom of mating an electric motor with a gasoline powertrain remains lost on some of us. One of the main arguments against hybridized gas-powered cars is that the same—or better—fuel-mileage figures can be reached by choosing a regular-ol' diesel engine. Diesel-electric hybrid cars would seem to make sense, right?

But if such a powertrain might offer the ultimate in efficiency, its cost is often cited, especially by European brands who have plenty of diesel engines, as too high versus producing already-expensive gasoline hybrids. Moreover, hybrids are especially popular in states like California where drivers aren't especially enthused about an engine type sometimes described as "oil-burning."

Be that as it may, such technology is now being showcased by none other than Kia. At the Paris auto show, the Korean brand launched a diesel hybrid variation of its Optima sedan fitted with a 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine, an 11-kW (15-hp) electric motor, a 48-volt lead-carbon battery, and an electric supercharger.

The clever concept pushes the pedestrian, 134-hp Optima CRDi to something like 168 horsepower; moreover, there is a significant torque boost from 239 lb-ft to 280. And the car just might be more refined, thanks to the belt-driven starter-generator that is said to operate far more smoothly than a conventional setup.

The Optima T-Hybrid isn't confirmed for series production. But we strongly suspect that its powertrain will be fitted to the next-gen Optima, which will is expected to launch within the next year or so. We hope it will make it to U.S.-market cars, as it could exceed the efficiency of every gasoline-powered hybrid in our market.