KIA is secretly testing a new engine ― +300 HP without electricity or hydrogen

It seems that KIA has been keeping as busy as a bee. One of the tricks up its sleeve is a brand-new engine that will wow crowds worldwide. On its annual Investor Day, KIA announced to shareholders its plans and details for the future. This South Korean automotive company might have had a modest beginning, but they have come far since its days of manufacturing bicycles back in 1944. KIA is the second-largest automotive company in South Korea, and it plans to dominate with sales very soon.

KIA has a few tricks up its sleeve

On the 2025 Investor Day, KIA spoke about new models with its investors, providing an overview of how it would perform over the short and long term. It certainly had a few tricks up its sleeves, as North America can expect the arrival of a new electric pickup truck. However, KIA had another treat in store for its investors.

They revealed a new gas engine. This engine will be a more efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that will improve hybrid and extended-range electric models like Kia’s popular Sorento CUV. The company referred to it as a “modular, high-efficiency engine.” The turbocharged four-cylinder unit will also serve as a generator for future extended-range electric vehicles (EVs).

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KIA’s new engine will reach new heights

KIA announced its new hybrid system will achieve four percent higher fuel efficiency, offering a more effortless transition between the electric motor and gas engine. Its acceleration will also be amplified. The new extended-range EV system will use a new 2.5-liter engine, resulting in a “flexible market approach.” The new engine would also enhance thermal efficiency by five percent compared with previous models and increase power output by 12 percent.

KIA’s current Smartstream 2.5-liter turbo-four can be used as a reference for how much a new engine’s performance could be. The KIA K5 and Sorento’s engine reaches 290 horsepower (HP), and the Genesis G70 reaches an impressive 300 HP. This means that with the assistance of a hybrid electric motor, KIA’s new model could reach an astounding 336 HP or even higher. With these results, one can expect torque to grow beyond the 311 pound-feet in the SUV and sedan.

KIA’s plans and goals for the future

Leaving its humble days behind it, KIA plans to boost sales significantly. Five new models will be launched in 2025, as well as one refresh and three new models of existing vehicles. The new gas and hybrid vehicles will be essential to its goal of reaching 4.19 million annual sales by 2030. The goal highlights KIA’s ambition, as its sales stood at a record 3.1 million last year. KIA plans to achieve its goal by launching 15 EVs and 10 hybrids (which include plug-in hybrids) by the end of the decade. This will increase its global manufacturing capacity by 17 percent to reach 4.25 million vehicles.

KIA aims to sell 4 million+ hybrids and PHEVs by 2030

According to KIA, they will sell 1.26 million EVs and 1.97 million hybrids/PHEVs by 2030. Its remaining 1.86 million vehicles will solely be powered by gasoline or diesel. America’s new electric truck will account for 90,000 sales annually, with the Tasman estimated to produce 80,000 sales annually. KIA also plans to expand the manufacturing of mid-to-large electric SUVs in North America while producing compact models and hatchbacks in Europe.

4.19 million in electric vehicle sales is a very high number to achieve by 2030. KIA’s plans and goals might seem a little too ambitious, but considering their past and humble start, it is certainly within their reach. Its founder, Kim Cheol-ho, would certainly have been proud of the company’s achievements thus far. With all the exciting predicaments that lie ahead, all we can say is, buckle up, people, because with KIA, things have only just begun.