Article: Kia reveals new Forte Hybrid

[cfg83]

Hello -

Just found this, even though it's a few months old :

Kia reveals new Forte Hybrid - July 15, 2009

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The Forte LPI Hybrid combines performance enhancements with fuel savings rated at 5.6L/100km combined city and highway, plus lower CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, resulting in Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) status.

Under the hood is a 1.6-litre Gamma LPI four-cylinder mated to an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and hybrid system that includes an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium ion polymer battery. Regenerative braking and Kia's own Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system are included, while power goes to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), conventional for a hybrid.

To clean up the Forte's already slippery aerodynamics, revised front and rear bumper skirts have been added, along with new aluminum wheels and a garnish-type rear spoiler. Kia has also added a cover for the lower part of the engine bay and centre floor, all combined for a Cd of 0.26 compared to 0.29 for the regular gasoline-powered Forte sedan.

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The belly pan has arrived! That's probably the coolest (conventional) looking hybrid yet.

CarloSW2

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by cfg83

The belly pan has arrived! That's probably the coolest (conventional) looking hybrid yet.

I wonder if the hybrid's bellypan can be easily mounted on the non-hybrid version? I wonder why non-hybrid versions don't get a bellypan? I guess it's to keep their FE low, so the difference between them and hybrids is artificially exaggerated. Like botsapper noticed:

Originally Posted by botsapper

Aero-efficient styling works for all types.

[Daox]

Interesting. I wonder what kind of hybrid system they are using. So many companies and patented hybrid systems are out there already...

Also, what size is the Forte (or what is it comparable to)? I'm not real familiar with Kia's line up. Just wondering to compare the 42 mpg rating.

[Nevyn]

Looks like it runs on LPG? Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea — Autoblog Green

And no Forte Hybrid for US.