• •  Kia’s Borrego FCEV unveils next-generation of fuel-cell technology.
• •  Fuel Cell Output: 154-hp; additional power output: 134-hp Supercapacitor.
• •  54 mpg combined fuel-economy; 426 miles from 202 liter hydrogen tank.

Kia flaunted its new fuel-cell technology in the form of the Kia Borrego at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Innovations include a higher-output 154-hp fuel-cell and a new 450-volts Supercapacitor which provides an additional 135-hp. 0 to 60 mph comes in at 12.8 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.

Production plans? Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research an development for Hyundai/Kia Group said that the new Kia Borrego FCEV highlights a new phase of the company’s fuel-cell program. “Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing,” said Lee.

Click through for more high-res photos from the 2008 LA Auto Show.

Kia Borrego FCEV – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

Kia Borrego FCEV:

KIA MOTORS UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Revolutionary Borrego FCEV Debuts at Los Angeles International Auto Show

• World premiere for new Borrego FCEV
• New technologies boost performance of fuel cell electric vehicle

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2008 – Kia Motors Corporation’s (KMC) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) program takes a major technological step forward today with the global unveiling of the all-new Kia Borrego FCEV at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

 Numerous innovations including a higher output 154 horsepower fuel cell and a new 450-volts Supercapacitor give the Borrego FCEV higher performance, a greatly extended driving range and cold-weather starting capability to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

 Available with two and three tank systems with 70MPa pressure, the Borrego FCEV’s power plant is located under the center floor and boasts an additional 47 horsepower of power to produce a peak output of 154 horsepower (a 44-percent increase compared to the previous generation) and propel the vehicle to a top speed of 100 miles per hour (mph) while boasting a best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent.  With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the vehicle and ahead of the rear wheels, this latest Kia Motors research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles.

 “Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting,” said Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research and development for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group.  “Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing and the latest Borrego FCEV drives us closer to making fuel cell vehicles available for consumers.”

 Demonstrating its ability to conduct engineering of both gasoline/diesel production models and fuel cell research vehicles simultaneously, Kia Motors will be able to significantly improve the efficiency and quality control of future fuel cell vehicle manufacturing processes.

 With the use of lightweight aluminum body shell components, the Borrego FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio that is similar to the new production model SUV.  The FCEV also retains the roomy cabin, low noise levels and overall driving refinement of its new gasoline/diesel-powered sibling.

Technical Specifications

Type:  Fuel Cell + Supercapacitor
Fuel Cell Output:  154 horsepower (115kW)
Additional Power Output:  134 horsepower Supercapacitor (100kW)
Traction Motor Output:  147 horsepower (110kW)
Dimensions:  192.1 x 75.4 x 71.3 inches
Curb Weight:  4,960 pounds (2,250kg)

Max. Speed:  100 mph
Zero to 60 mph Acceleration:  12.8 seconds
Max. Distance:  426 miles with three tanks
Fuel economy:  54 mpg (EPA combined F/E)

When you think of hybrids, fuel-cells and plug-in electric cars, Kia is probably the last brand that crosses your mind. Well the Korean automaker will change all that at the 2008 LA Auto Show with the world debut of its Kia Borrego FCEV, a product of its Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle program.

The Kia Borrego FCEV features a new hydrogen fuel-cell that outputs an additional 47-hp for a total of 154-hp. The fuel-cell is mated to a 450-volt, 100kW super-capacitor that can put out 134-hp with a 147-hp electric motor driving the whole SUV.

According to Kia, the Borrego FCEV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 12.8 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph. Kia says with 10,000psi hydrogen tanks the Borrego FCEV SUV can get a range of 426 miles while returning an estimated fuel-economy of 54 mpg.

We’ll bring you more info and live images of the new Borrego FCEV next week from the 2008 LA Auto Show.

Source: LA Auto Show