Kia to Offer Start-Stop Tech by 2012

Continuing to strengthen their reputations for providing fuel-efficient vehicles, Kia will begin integrating "start-stop" engine functionality in their future vehicle lineups, with some models to get the systems within two years.

Just beginning to gain popularity in overseas markets, the technology can turn off a product's engine when the vehicle comes to a stop in certain conditions - for example, if a driver is stuck in a traffic jam - then automatically restart the powerplant when the brake or clutch is released. Owners can see fuel-efficiency gains of approximately 3 percent with start-stop-equipped vehicles, which can add up noticeably in urban stop-and-go driving.

But this is just the latest move in the South Korean automakers' campaign to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. Notably, the two brands have begun shifting away from the use of big V-6 engines in key product lines, including the 2011 Kia Optima family. These sedans will only offer four-cylinder engines for the '11 model year, with high-performance models to rely on turbocharging for added power.

Likewise, the Optima will also be the first hybrid from Kia and they'll be capable of achieving EPA ratings of 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Stay in touch with us at World Car Kia New Braunfels and Austin Texas as we bring you the latest news and developments regarding the release of the all new 2011 Kia Optima!

*content courtesy of www.autotropolis.com