Kia Forte Hybrid Concept Revealed at SEMA
Kia unveiled a slew of customized vehicles today at the SEMA show in Las Vegas and one of them was a unique Forte Hybrid Concept. The hybrid powertrain includes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that operates on propane and is coupled to an electric hybrid system, which uses lithium-polymer batteries.
Liquid propane can be used to power internal combustion engines just like gasoline, but LPG spews fewer toxins and smog-forming pollutants into the air, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s also less expensive than gasoline.
The Kia Forte Hybrid Concept also features lightweight alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires. Exterior and interior updates include body panel enhancements and a lowered stance; interior updates include a 1,200-watt stereo.
The likelihood of a propane-powered hybrid coming to the market seems slim. There are currently no bifuel propane vehicles on sale and little infrastructure to support it. However, Hyundai did unveil a similar LPG hybrid system for the Elantra that featured lithium-polymer batteries two years ago in Korea, so it’s possible that the company is preparing the system for limited commercial or retail use here.
The lithium-polymer battery packs implemented on this concept are already used on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and likely the upcoming Kia Optima Hybrid.
For more detailed photos click below.
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Wow, my pet rabbit would LOVE that interior. However, it makes me want to throw up. No thanks!!
As a show car I'm surprised not to see 2 thgs here:
(1) a light interior (e.g. beige) instead of a dark one (black) 'coz this one's supposed to be a green vehicle.
(2) No cosmetic decorations for the engine bay? At least spray paint sthg, or put LED onto sthg, It looks like a no-frill cheapo right now :(
Wikipedia says this car's already on sale in Korea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Forte#Forte_LPI_Hybrid
Does it come in "marijauna" decor?...for the californians.
We Californians would much rather have an Illegal Aliens edition. I buy the car under your name and drive it payment free. What a great country this America is!
Ziggy:
Wotta comedian you are!
Oy-
You're entry here is so funny I forgot to laugh...
Other than it being ugle the idea is good. Someone made a very bad miss statement though. The infrastructure for propane motor fuel has been in place for years. It has been done this summer from New York to California with out a hitch.
Prop 19 didn't pass - so much for my idea.
Nice car. Great exterior design !It's look like a real grass and it has a great chassis that can run any mile high !