Kia has introduced Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it’s first mass production hybrid car, to the South Korean consumers yesterday. In addition to that, Kia also unveiled its new eco-friendly sub-brand, Eco-Dynamics, an initiative which will bring a host of new eco-friendly technologies and models to the international markets.
The Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle is powered by an economical mild-hybrid drive system consisting of 1.6L gasoline engine and electric motor. The Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine generates 114 horsepower, while electric motor brings additional 20 hp. Equipped with this kind of hybrid system and continuously variable transmission, the Forte achieves a very competitive fuel economy rating of 17.2 kilometers per liter of LPG fuel (41 MPG US), which is equivalent to 21.5 kilometers per liter fuel economy in terms of gasoline, the company said.
To differentiate the Forte hybrid from it’s non-hybrid variants and improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics, some changes have been implemented to the existing exterior design. In front, you will notice a slightly different corporate Kia grille and a restyled front bumper with larger air intake and attractive fog lights design, while at rear, Forte now features a radically redesigned rear bumper and LED equipped taillights. On the inside, Forte LPI hybrid features a Super Vision instrument cluster for hybrid system data and a navigation display.
Kia Forte hybrid will also be the world’s first hybrid vehicle to utilize the highly advanced lithium polymer (Li–poly) battery, which is lighter and smaller but has higher output than nickel-metal hydride batteries. Those will be supplied by Korean battery supplier LG Chem, the world’s fourth largest rechargeable battery producer. The LG Chem will also supply similar battery pack to GM’s Chevy Volt.
Following it’s recent announcement that the company will focus on developing of eco-friendly vehicles, Kia also revealed it plans to bring the first full-hybrid car - probably based on the next generation Optima sedan- to the market in late 2010 and it’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered car in 2012. Expected to hit the global markets in the same year is the plug-in hybrid sedan.
Together with it’s parent company Hyundai Motor Co, Kia plans to spend nearly $6 billion on research and development this year, with majority of money pumped into development of new hybrid and fuel cell electric cars such as Kia Forte LPI hybrid and Borrego FCEV.
The all-new Forte LPI hybrid will go on sale in Korean market in August this year. Initial plans do not include sales expanding to global markets, however, next year Kia could start exporting it’s LPi hybrid sedan to those foregin markets that provide an excellent LPG distribution infrastructure (China market). While China has slight chances to actually get this vehicle, we have been told it’s highly unlikely we will ever see the Forte LPi hybrid hitting the US shores!
Korean blog readers will have an opportunity to see the Forte LPI hybrid in-person at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show, which starts on April 2, while the rest of you will be able to find additional information and images here at our Kia World Blog. Stay tuned!
Loading ...
March 24th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
This is so exciting. Isn’t this the kee’s green? the car look spectacular!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
The Accent and Rio Blue drive Hybrid systems will be on sale in September in America guys. They have been testing them in China and South Korea since 2006, and have finally worked the kinks out of them to where they are acceptable enough for sale in America. One of the biggest kinks was battery size, however they used Nickel Hydride batteries in the past. The Lithium Polymer Batteries will be used in the cars instead.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Nope Smoke, those will not be the hybrids, but rather enhanced cars featuring improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires and improved gear ratios. No hybrid system will be aplied to (US market) Accent and Rio until next generation cars come out in 2010+.
-
But you’re right, Hyundai and Kia have been testing their Rio and Accent in Korea for the past three years. They have both been available in a very limited numbers, with most of the cars sold to the Korean goverment.
March 24th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I can’t wait for the Forte to become available in North America. As for the hybrid version, they have riced up the styling a bit. For my taste the non-hybrid Forte’s grille and foglights are simpler and cleaner.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I thought this post wii generate tons of comments, since it provides some great info on something new, not seen in the Kia range by now. But I guess I was wrong, probably because of the fact that the vehicle will be limited to Korean market only.
-
Anyway, I think this is a great offering, not only it’s a first hybrid from Kia, but it’s a real piece of jewlery. It has great fuel consumption numbers and owners will drive this car for pennies. The LPG is about 50 percent cheaper than regular gasoline, so you can imagine low costs per mile this car achieves.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:32 am
love the color!
March 25th, 2009 at 3:06 am
[…] Kia World (Via WorldCarFans) Tags for this post: Green, Hybrid, Kia, kia […]
March 25th, 2009 at 3:40 am
It’ll really be nice if the VG had something like this too, it’ll make a great Chevy Volt rival.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:36 am
himi i heard that from a corporate source. I was pissed wanting to know where the Accent Hyrbid was at, and they assured me they will be ready to buy in September in the US.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:58 am
The cars are great but the Korean ladies are really really really gorgious!!
March 26th, 2009 at 4:11 am
You’ve got that right!
March 26th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
+1 JoshyLofty
-
The colour is brilliant.
March 27th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Nice design…and surely the U.S. will get at least the new Rio hybrid, right? We should get the Forte sedan hybrid, too. But it looks like we won’t be getting it. I would believe we’ll get the small Rio hybrid, though.
March 27th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Looks like Kia is getting serious about being a real player. I bought a Spectra to get me though the next five years (four now) because fuel will be more expensive and cars will all be hybrid.
This is what Kia needs to gain a good reputation. Kia is still suffering from a stigma of low quality cars. But so far mine hasn’t had any problems. I’m very pleased with it and love the good gas mileage.. 30 mpg. So, 40 or 50 mpg will be even better for my next car.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Cars will NOT all be hybrid. In fact, it has been proven that hybrids aren’t better for the economy.
March 27th, 2009 at 4:55 am
You were watching that South Park Hybrid eposiode wasn’t you Greg? Lol.
March 27th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Haha, yeah, but try reading the article once you click my name.
March 27th, 2009 at 5:46 am
Haha, yeah, but try reading the article once you put the following in your address bar.
kia-world.net/forum//showthread.php?tid=747
April 4th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
April 4th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
April 10th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
April 11th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
April 11th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
April 13th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
[…] Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea … […]
May 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
[…] [Source: Kia-World] […]
June 26th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
[…] By KIAWorld […]
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Australia already has the infrastructure in place for LPG refueling, please release it Australia ASAP, we need such vehicles years ago!
Get an edge over the Prius and CiViC hybrids, have the Forte/Cerato LPi available with a tow bar and full size spare wheel.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
these hybrid will be published in Africa ?
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
i wish we can get these hybrid in our country and i love the led tail lamps and style of fog
September 24th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Heh Kia. looks great. Shows that caring about the environment is not ugly. Nature is beautiful and sexy. I would want a take a Kia Forte hatchback with this setup.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I just hope they don’t follow Honda’s shoes when it comes to hybrids. Word is that the insight is less fuel efficient than the Prius. So even when they produce hybrids, Kia needs groundbreaking mpgs not just a hybrid around and under the Prius’s mpg. Otherwise, how are they to put a dent in Ameriaca’s best selling hybbrid?