Chicago Preview: Kia teases plug-in hybrid concept called Ray

Kia is hoping to step into the void of what may be another relatively quiet auto show in Chicago next month with a new plug-in hybrid concept dubbed the Ray. The teaser image sent out by Kia late yesterday shows off what looks like a four-door sedan, possibly with solar photovoltaic roof to aid in charging the battery or cooling the interior. The name makes us think of sunshine, too.

The concept was created at the Kia Design Center America and is the first from the Korean brand based on this powertrain architecture. We'd guess the powertrain is similar to the Hyundai Blue-Will concept that was shown in Detroit last week. That car is based on the same configuration that will go into the Sonata hybrid later this year but with a bigger motor and battery that is claimed to give a 40-mile electric driving range.

[Source: Kia]