Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea
Kia Forte LPI hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has just introduced its first mass production hybrid model based on the new Forte compact sedan in its home market of South Korea. The Forte LPI hybrid uses a smaller 20-hp version of the hybrid system that Hyundai showed at the LA Auto Show last November. That system uses a pancake motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for electric drive and boost as well as regenerative braking. A separate, integrated starter generator handles auto start-stop duties.
The Forte hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and is the first production vehicle to use a lithium polymer battery. The new battery was developed by LG Chem and will also be used in the Sonata Hybrid when it debuts next year. Along with the hybrid Forte, Kia rolled out new eco-Dynamics branding for its more efficient vehicles including hybrids.
While it's unlikely we'll ever see an LPG-equipped car from Kia in the U.S. market, it does seem likely that a Forte hybrid with a gas engine will arrive at some point. We've contacted Kia for comment on that but have yet to get a response. Thanks to Mike for the tip!
Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
[Source: Kia-World]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg "2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
why not the LS2LS7? 12:40PM (3/24/2009)
It's a six-door!
Reply
imoore 12:41PM (3/24/2009)
My only objection is the loud neon color. I hope it doesn't make it to the options list.
Reply
garlinski 12:46PM (3/24/2009)
MY EYES! MY EYES! It burns!
hwyhobo 12:47PM (3/24/2009)
It is a hybrid, indeed. Front is a hybrid of Ford Focus and Honda Accord, rear is a hybrid of Honda Civic and BMW 1xx. Still, the color helps since it blinds the passerby, so he can't notice the derivative styling.
Reply
Chissvt 12:51PM (3/24/2009)
Looks like a re-designed Civic, so much better. Love the rear end.
Reply
hwyhobo 12:58PM (3/24/2009)
I can take the rear end, but those ghetto lights are way over the top.
Paul H. 12:57PM (3/24/2009)
The color on your car is a bit loud. Can you please TURN IT DOWN??? Thanks.
Reply
galant14b 1:03PM (3/24/2009)
i'll take one if the girls come with it. Otherwise pass....i have yet to see a hybrid of any sort that excites me.
Reply
dm789 11:25PM (3/24/2009)
Yes I agree with galant14B if come with those girls yes one please hehehe. But I realized Korean nowadays are smart they copy design of cars that really sells they just tone it down abit or improve it.
xspeedy 1:07PM (3/24/2009)
Front headlights from Honda Civic, Lower grille from Ford kinetic design, fogs from the Volt.
Reply
Coolio 1:13PM (3/24/2009)
Nice Saab.
Kia also has another car that looks just like an accord.
Reply
jsjs 8:50PM (3/25/2009)
And how does this look anything like a Saab?
If anything, it has the same basic, clean lines as an Audi, but just a bit sharper and w/ aggressive character lines (not suprising since the designer, Peter Schreyer was the main designer for Audi).
The Optima looks nothing like the Accord (the last gen anyway).
Otoh, the new Accord ripped off its front fascia from the Sonata, the side/greenhouse from Nissan (which, in turn, ripped off the C-pillar kink from BMW) and its rear from Saturn.
hyundaifans.com 1:22PM (3/24/2009)
The honey on the right is kinda hot.....
Reply
the_MVP_X 1:40PM (3/24/2009)
Pretty looking girls, car? what car?
Reply
Maplewood 1:43PM (3/24/2009)
The girls are lovely...but...must...look...away...and...talk about the vehicle. Wow, that hurt. I think it's great that Kia is showing an interest in Hybrids, and who cares if it looks like a bunch of vehicles put together? If the price is right, it will cut through.
Reply
John R 2:09PM (3/24/2009)
Hmmm...headlights...
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/kia-forte-lpi-hybrid/1449518/
Reply
Sean 4:27PM (3/24/2009)
Did I arrive in time for the discussion about what other cars this Kia looks like? I did?
Ok, well, then did I get here in time to mention how I don't like the car, but I'll take one of the models? Really? Too late? Damn.
Reply
Frylock350 6:45PM (3/24/2009)
That's a funny looking Civic.
Reply
P.V. 6:42PM (3/25/2009)
I do see a lot of Civic, but I think these shots make it look nicer than a Civic. I hope it does very well. Good luck!
Reply
jsjs 6:54PM (3/25/2009)
The girls are OK - nothing to get all excited about.
Reply