Home | News | Road Tests Kia Forte LPI Hybrid Revealed Home > News > Kia > Cerato 19th July, 2009 Kia Motors introduces Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) hybrid electric vehicle Acclaimed Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology enhances environmental efficiency Kia Motors has unveiled its first commercialised hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) Hybrid in Seoul. The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia's widely acclaimed Forte family (known as the Cerato in Australia) which includes both petrol-powered 4-door sedan and the new sporty KOUP versions. Kia Motors invested KRW 240 billion (approximately USD 180 million) over a period of 25 months to develop the eco-friendly Forte LPI Hybrid. Boasting powerful driving performance and a superior fuel efficiency rating of 17.8 km/L, the Forte LPI Hybrid answers consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles that are exciting and fun to drive. Additionally, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, the Forte LPI Hybrid qualifies for billing as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). The new car utilises a 1.6-litre Gamma LPI engine with an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and hybrid system, comprising an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium-ion polymer battery. Although no plans to market this vehicle in overseas markets have been finalised, feasibility studies are being conducted to assess consumer interest and potential demand in markets that possess liquid petroleum refueling infrastructure. Forte Hybrid LPI System Both the engine and electric motor are activated when the ignition is turned on but only the engine will run when cruising. When decelerating, the car utilises a special regenerative braking function to convert energy that is normally lost into electricity that can be stored in the battery. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more The hybrid system is also equipped with Kia's Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function, which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is idle to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. ISG functions when the driver applies the brakes after running the car for more than two seconds at speeds of 9 km/h or higher. Another key feature found in the Forte LPI Hybrid is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for hybrid cars which, together with the 1.6 Gamma LPI engine, delivers powerful performance and fuel savings. The hybrid-unique CVT is also equipped with a special E-gear (Eco Drive) that makes automatic adjustments to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. Additional Eco-Friendly Features The Forte LPI Hybrid retains the sporty and dynamic styling of the existing Forte petrol sedan, a representative work of Kia's emerging dynamic design language, while adding aerodynamic elements to minimise drag and improve fuel economy. The application of a front/rear bumper skirt, aluminium wheels and garnish-type rear spoiler, in addition to the use of an exclusive cover for the lower part of the engine room and centre floor, result in lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the petrol-powered Forte. The vehicle's full-digital SuperVision gauge cluster relays critical information to the driver and includes an "Eco Guide" function which encourages the driver with an "Eco Driving Point" icon to adjust fuel consumption and drive more sustainably. Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, said, "This vehicle offers high-quality performance and leading fuel efficiency technology to ensure maximum operating cost savings to drivers. In an era where demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles is rapidly increasing, we are confident that the Forte LPI Hybrid will prove to be a valuable addition to the Kia line-up." Forte LPI Hybrid Specifications Forte LPI Hybrid 1.6-litre I4 LPI Length x width x height (mm) 4,550 x 1,775 x 1,460 Wheelbase (mm) 2,650 Engine Displacement (cc) 1,591 Max. power (ps) 114 Max. torque (kg·m) 15.1 Transmission CVT Battery Type Lithium ion polymer Capacity/voltage 5.3 Ah / 180 v Motor Max. power (ps) 20 Max. torque (kg·m) 10.7 Weight (kg) 1,297 Fuel economy (km/l) 17.8 CO2 emissions (g/km) 99 Fuel tank (litres) 53 Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more Additional Kia Cerato News ..... here More Kia News ..... here More Alternative Fuel Vehicle News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.