SEMA: Kia Tunes into Green with Forte Hybrid Concept

We've already told you about the other Kia show cars at SEMA -namely, the Koup Type R, Soul specials and Sportages, but the South Korean firm also brought to Las Vegas a concept version of its Forte Hybrid. According to Kia's own words, the SEMA Show study "demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride."

It is based on the South Korean market Forte LPI Hybrid, which utilizes a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine coupled to an electric motor with 15kW and 105Nm and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The SEMA Show tune comes courtesy of Kinetic Motorsports and it includes a subtle aero kit, new alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered suspension.

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Chop Shopped: Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia Forte Station Wagon

Designer Eduardo Oliveira has sent us some interesting photoshops of some cars from the Hyundai-Kia lineups. First is a more traditional, wagon version of the Forte (or Cerato) as opposed to the production Forte 5-door hatch. Second is the a look at what the a sedan version of the i30 (Elantra Touring in the States) could look like. Any thoughts?

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Kia Debuts Forte Five-Door Hatchback in New York

Also making its world premiere at New York Auto Show today is a hatchback variant of Kia's Forte (also known as the 'Cerato' in certain markets). The five door model joins the current four-door saloon and two-door (Koup) coupe versions of the Forte.

Stylistically, the hatchback conversion of the Forte is far less adventurous than you'd expect from a company that has churned out some interesting designs lately including the Optima and Sportage.

We don't have photos of the interior yet, but Kia's release makes word of a revised center console, new paddle shifters for the automatic transmission and the addition of a push-button start.

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Très Bien: Kia to Launch Sportier Forte Koup SX-R in Canada

The good: the new Kia Koup has just gotten a bit sportier as the Korean automaker has announced a new 'R' package with styling and performance accessories for the SX model. The bad: the 'R' package is available only to Canadian buyers

The aesthetics of the Koup are beefed up with a five-piece bodykit that includes a pair of front lip spoiler, chunky side skirts and a discreet boot lid spoiler. The two-door model's looks are complemented by a set of neat 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma S-drive tires, and 'R' branded badges and door sills.

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New Kia Cerato Makes Australian Debut in Sydney

Kia chose the 2008 Sydney Motor Show that runs from October 9 to 19 to perform the Australian premier of its new Forte sedan (see pictures here) that will be called Cerato in the land Down-Under. Due for release in the Australian market in early 2009, the Cerato will be offered with a new 2.0-litre gasoline engine. Kia is still working on the final specification and pricing for the Australian model but the Korean automaker's officials claim that the Cerato will feature a great value-for-money price. -Continued

Video: Kia Forte’s Design Explained by Peter Schreyer

Everyone has their own opinion on the Forte’s design but let's hear what the man behind the subcompact sedan’s styling, Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has to say about the Korean carmaker’s latest creation. Schreyer moved to Kia in 2006 after working for more than a decade at Audi and VW. The German designer is best known for his work in Audi and chiefly for establishing the Bauhaus-inspired styling which is still evident in Audi’s line-up. Among the cars he is credited with are the previous generation Audi TT and the Volkswagen Concept-R roadster. Watch the video after the jump and tell us what you think. -Continued

New Kia Forte: 28 High-Res Photos and Official Brochure

Kia’s all-new Forte compact sedan that will replace the outgoing Cerato / Spectra models was unveiled in Korea this week. The new model will be available with a 124 HP 1.6-liter gasoline and a 128 HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine. Prices for the Forte in its home turf range from 11.9 million won (about $11,200) to 19.6 million won (approx $18,500), depending on the trim levels and engine types.

Kia plans to sell 50,000 units of the Forte a year in its domestic market and over 170,000 overseas. The Forte sedan is expected to arrive in Kia’s U.S. dealerships by mid-2009 followed a year later by a coupe version that will be based on the Coup Concept. Follow the jump for our high-res image gallery along with a scanned version of the Korean market brochure. -Continued

Video: New Kia Forte Sedan & Soul Crossover Caught on Film

It’s not everyday that you see two future models travelling together on a public road without a trace of camouflage. We’re talking about the Kia Forte and Soul that were captured on film somewhere in Korea. As a reminder, the Soul Crossover will make its debut at the Paris Show this fall with sales set to begin in Europe in February 2009 and the US and other international markets in April 2009. As for the Forte that will replace the Spectra / Cerato in Kia’s range, the compact sedan will be available from mid-2009. -Video after the jump