2014 Kia Optima Sx Turbo on 2040-cars

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Hyundai Kia asked to pay $28.9M in patent infringement case

After years of litigation, Hyundai and Kia have lost their hybrid technology patent infringement case against Paice LLC. The jury ordered the South Korean automakers to pay $28.9 million, but according to Bloomberg, because the violation was allegedly intentional, the judge could triple that amount. The automakers have announced plans to appeal the ruling. Paice's patent dates from 1994 on a piece of tech called the Hyperdrive, and it was a way to seamlessly switch between power from an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. This lawsuit was first filed in 2012 and covered the systems in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Kia Optima Hybrid. According to Bloomberg, the companies tried to argue that the patent was no longer valid, but the strategy failed. "Hyundai strongly believes its position and will appeal any remaining adverse findings to the Federal Circuit," the company said in a statement to Autoblog. Paice is certainly no stranger to litigating over the Hyperdrive patent, though. It and Toyota had a similar court battle that lasted years. Eventually, there was a settlement, and the result was Paice getting royalties for each hybrid that the Japanese automaker sold. Similarly, there's a lawsuit pending against Ford over tech in the C-Max, Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ. Hyundai Statement: Hyundai believes that the verdict returned by the jury today in the matter of Paice v. Hyundai Motor Company et al., is not supported by the evidence. Accordingly, Hyundai has requested that the presiding judge enter a judgment in its favor notwithstanding the verdict. Hyundai strongly believes its position and will appeal any remaining adverse findings to the Federal Circuit.

Refreshed Kia Optima Hybrid continues to blend good looks and efficiency

With all the excitement at the Kia stand surrounding the new Soul EV, it's easy to forget that there were other cars on display at the Korean marque's Chicago Auto Show display. The Niro Concept from the Frankfurt Motor Show made an appearance, but the other production model on display was the refreshed Optima Hybrid (which was tucked away in a corner).
Like the standard Optima, which was refreshed at the 2013 New York Auto Show last year, the hybridized sedan gets a slightly restyled face and rear end. As we told you in our official post on the car yesterday, the gas-electric powertrain of the 2014 Optima Hybrid still deploys 199 total system horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Buyers of the base LX car will net 36 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway, while the upmarket EX loses a mile per gallon in both environments.
Have a look at our live gallery of the new Optima Hybrid, from the floor of the Chicago Auto Show.

Kia introduces sleek Novo Concept at Seoul Motor Show

As you've no doubt noticed, we're deep, deep into coverage of the 2015 New York Auto Show. But despite the glitz and glamor of the Big Apple, our attention is also draw to Asia today, where Kia has introduced the handsome Novo Concept at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show. Powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shipping power to the front wheels, the Novo's powertrain is not unlike what we saw yesterday in the 2016 Optima. Of course, that's the extent of the technical details, as the Novo is far more of a design exercise than a tech demonstrator. Taking its name from the Latin for "to make new," the Novo was designed by Kia's team in Namyang, South Korea. Billed as a four-door coupe – as is the trend nowadays – the Novo rides on a version of the company's C-segment platform, giving some idea of its size. Kia's hallmark "tiger nose" grille is flanked by laser headlights, and is the most obvious tie-in to the brand's current design language, while other elements, like its fastback profile and pillar-less greenhouse are add some spice to the visuals. Those compact rear doors are hinged at the rear. Meanwhile, a vertical side grille, reminiscent of the early Jaguar XF, meets a strong shoulder line that extends from the headlights and terminates in the middle of the rear door. Kia has released a spate of images of the new car, which accompanies the company's design-oriented press release. Head down and take a look. Related Video: KIA NOVO FASTBACK CONCEPT PREMIERED AT SEOUL MOTOR SHOW Coupe style for Kia's latest concept Minimalist interior with high-tech features 1.6 litre turbo GDi engine and seven-speed DCT Delivering a bold and exciting, coupe style with a driver-focused cabin, Kia's latest concept car, the Novo, has been unveiled at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show. Giving clear hints at future Kia styling and strategy the Kia Novo is aimed at modern urbanites with stressful jobs and frantic schedules. Interpreted by Kia's designers, the name 'Novo' represents the concept of making something new and fresh. Taking its name from the Latin 'novatus' the Kia Novo concept establishes a calming, focused environment in which drivers can refresh and rejuvenate as they transition from one life commitment to the next. Fittingly, 'novatus' also provides the origin of the English word, 'innovation', which the Novo concept brings to life with thoroughly innovative styling and high-tech interior features.