Kia Motors introduces a Liquid Petroleum Injection hybrid electric vehicle with its Idle Stop and Go technology that enhances environmental efficiency
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The view from the Summit
At Summit Place Kia in metro Detroit we were pleasantly surprised to see that Kia Motors has introduced its first hybrid vehicle in Korea. What makes this announcement even more exciting, to us, is that Kia is also exploring the possibility of exporting this vehicle to other markets outside of Korea.
Even though Michigan currently lacks the infrastructure to support this type of vehicle, it is also a sign that Kia is very serious about bringing all types of hybrid vehicles to market – which means that in the very near future you could also see hybrid Kias for sale at Summit Place Kia.
Here is the information supplied to us by Kia:
(Seoul) July 15, 2009 – Kia Motors unveiled its first commercialized hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) Hybrid in Seoul today.
The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia’s widely acclaimed Forte family, which includes both gasoline-powered 4-door sedan and 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 utilizes a 1.6-liter 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 finalized, feasibility studies are being conducted to assess consumer interest and potential demand in markets that possess liquid petroleum refueling infrastructure.
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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 utilizes a special regenerative braking function to convert energy that is normally lost into electricity that can be stored in the battery.
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 5.6 miles per hour 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.
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Additional Eco-Friendly Features
The Forte LPI Hybrid retains the sporty and dynamic styling of the existing Forte gasoline sedan, a representative work of Kia’s emerging dynamic design language, while adding aerodynamic elements to minimize drag and improve fuel economy.
The application of a front/rear bumper skirt, aluminum wheels and garnish-type rear spoiler, in addition to the use of an exclusive cover for the lower part of the engine room and center floor, result in lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the gasoline-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 lineup.”
No time like the present
Although the Forte LPI hybrid is currently not available, we do have the brand new Forte sedan and the Kia Soul, as well as the entire line up of high quality, affordable Kias. To schedule an appointment for a test drive, you can contact us at our Waterford store by calling 248-682-6002 or by dialing 734-397-9900 for our Canton store. You can also check us out on the web at www.summitplacekia.com. Better yet, stop by one of our two dealerships located at 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford, just behind the Summit Place mall or in Canton at 41840 Michigan Avenue, just west of I-275 and see why everyone at metro Detroit’s sales leader would “Love to see ‘ya” in a Summit Place Kia!
