Everyone must admit that the, Kia Optima Hybrid was made for success. The vehicle not only has outstanding sales numbers predicted at Kia of Chattanooga - 2136 Chapman Rd, Chattanooga, TN, but is also featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Chris Bernius and Wayne Gerdes are driving this year's Kia Optima Hybrid through 48 states and more than 8 thousand miles. Why would someone designate so many hours to driving?  The two men are hoping to set a new record for lowest gasoline hybrid fuel consumption. Currently, the Kia has been averaging 69 mpg.

According to Thomas Oh, Senior Executive VP & COO of Kia Motors, the journey should be ideal for the Optima: "It has been specifically designed to achieve maximum fuel economy in all driving conditions, not just in the city... [it] is the ultimate 'real-world' challenge".¹

Optima Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, offering a 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds. It achieves this using a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric assistance, giving off a total of 206 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Kia of Chattanooga will keep you up to date on how Bernius and Gerdes do in their Kia Optima Hybrid.

Source: ¹http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1065549_2011-kia-optima-hybrid-on-economy-drive-69-mpg-so-far