Report: Kia Forte Koup May Get New Turbocharged Engine
Kia is examining the possibility of equipping the Forte Koup with a turbocharged engine in the future, helping the youthful two-door to deliver performance and improved fuel economy. In an interview with Automotive News, Kia’s VP of sales Tom Loveless said that it is, “a natural extension, if it makes financial sense.”
For many automakers, using turbochargers has become not only a smart financial decision, one but a smart environmental one. Just recently Chevy announced its new Cruze model would be offered with a tiny turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver a class-leading 40 mph highway.
There is also a strong possibility that a turbocharged powerplant could appear in a sister car to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which Kia is rumored to be considering.
In addition to this news, Loveless also said that the brand hopes to deliver its first hybrid model to the market by 2012. Around that time Kia may also introduce a new flagship car, which is likely to be based on the rear-drive architecture of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan.
Currently Kia is experiencing a huge sales boom in North America and so plans for the future are being crafted carefully. The Korean automaker’s sales have been up continuously, even in a down market, with Kia’s market share increasing from 2.1 to 3 percent.
Along with the right products, Kia has expanded significantly during the past year, adding 24 dealerships in the United States, many of which are previous Saturn dealerships, chosen for their ideal locations.
[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]
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