2020 Kia Forte GT bags turbocharged engine at SEMA 2018

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Think of it as the most level-headed appearance during the 2018 SEMA show

Kia seized the opportunity presented by this year’s SEMA show and unveiled a new turbocharged engine that will fit inside the 2020 Kia Forte GT.

Before we get into specifics, Kia says that GT Line-badged models will keep the brand’s 2-liter MPI naturally-aspirated engine (147 hp) but the higher-sitting GT trim gets the powerplant in discussion here.

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We’re looking at a turbo'ed 1.6-liter four-cylinder GDI unit pumping out an estimate of 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. These resources are aimed at the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, but customers can also pick the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that brings steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

READ MORE: 2019 Kia Forte: everything you need to know

Other mechanical tweaks consist of new larger brake discs and sway bars up front for better road behaviour, plus an independent suspension setup on all four corners.

Moreover, the Forte GT sedan rides on 224/40R-18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires.

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At launch, the 2020 Kia Forte will see the range split into five trim levels. These are FE, LXS, EX, GT Line and, of course, GT. GT models, however, can be further fitted with two additional packages: GT1 and GT2.

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GT1, says Kia, adds LED overhead lighting, a power sunroof, a 320-watt Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control. GT2 ups the ante with heated and ventilated GT seats (10-way adjustable for the driver).

READ MORE: New Kia Ceed GT Line makes Paris Motor Show debut