The Kia Ray is Kias newest concept vehicle that features aerodynamic design with innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities. It also utilizes roof top cool glazing solar glass and has a range of up to 746 miles.
The view from the Summit
At Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit, we were fortunate enough to visit the Chicago Auto Show on press preview days this year to witness the unveiling of Kia’s newest concept vehicle, the Ray, which was introduced by Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. And although we wrote an article earlier in the week that described the unveiling, we thought you might be interested in more images of the Ray.
Exterior
“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
The exterior of the Ray incorporates clean, flush surfaces minimizing unnecessary edges which results in a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag and “cool-glazing” solar glass. A lowered mono-volume shape gives the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header. A lighted bluish white-colored battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design.
The tapering greenhouse and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors.
Interior
Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials.
Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring create comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system.
Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge™ system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a design for significant savings in overall weight.
With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight. The 100-percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and also are environmentally friendly by coming from a renewable resource. Adding further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.
We have everything else
We may not have the Ray, but at Summit Place Kia we do have a great selection of Kia vehicles. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the entire line-up of high quality, affordable Kias, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on the web at www.summitplacekia.com. If you just want to stop in for a visit, our two dealerships located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall and in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275. Once you’re there, you’ll see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader and Proud Automotive Sponsor of Michigan Athletics would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
The view from the Summit
At Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit, we were fortunate enough to visit the Chicago Auto Show on press preview days this year to witness the unveiling of Kia’s newest concept vehicle, the Ray, which was introduced by Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation. And although we wrote an article earlier in the week that described the unveiling, we thought you might be interested in more images of the Ray.
Exterior
“It is important to imagine what people will want in the future from a green perspective early in the design process, because people want to reduce their carbon footprint without driving carbon copies,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation. “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray exemplifies a viable blend of modern, eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
The exterior of the Ray incorporates clean, flush surfaces minimizing unnecessary edges which results in a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag and “cool-glazing” solar glass. A lowered mono-volume shape gives the Kia Ray concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles. Strong and lightweight materials are used starting with a tabbed LED Kia badge covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass that extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header. A lighted bluish white-colored battery charge indicator display is hood-mounted, furthering the Kia Ray concept’s futuristic design.
The tapering greenhouse and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece integrated underbody panel, narrow tire width and flush wheel design. Front driving lamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the gasoline engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag. In lieu of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors. The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry. The rear door lines are purposeful with rear-hinged coach doors.
Interior
Ray’s interior is comprised of eco-friendly recycled materials in cool white tones, keeping the temperature down and reducing the use of air conditioner energy. Front and rear seats, mounted on side sills, create a floating effect with hollowed out elastomeric materials to support body weight, also made of lightweight composite materials.
Fresh and sustainable materials like wool flooring create comfortable cabin, with a lightweight touch screen instrument layout featuring touch screen push-button start and gear shift toggle. The center stack features the all-new Kia UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced infotainment system.
Ray also employs the all-new GreenEdge™ system by Infinity® Audio, complete with loudspeakers that reduce power consumption and dissipation through lower self heating temperatures. The amplifier used also reduces the idle power consumption by 50 percent of current Infinity speakers and employs a design for significant savings in overall weight.
With a focus to reduce overall weight through materials and design, the hexagon/honeycomb shape can be found throughout the cabin, used as a repeated design element while tying the interior theme together. Used also in the door inserts and seats, this lightweight and breathable mesh serves to reduce overall curb weight. The 100-percent earthy mocha wool felt floors add a touch of warmth and also are environmentally friendly by coming from a renewable resource. Adding further to Ray’s green characteristics, the floor mats are incorporated into the design of the floor, greatly reducing the amount of material used.
We have everything else
We may not have the Ray, but at Summit Place Kia we do have a great selection of Kia vehicles. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the entire line-up of high quality, affordable Kias, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on the web at www.summitplacekia.com. If you just want to stop in for a visit, our two dealerships located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall and in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275. Once you’re there, you’ll see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader and Proud Automotive Sponsor of Michigan Athletics would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
