SEOUL, July 9, 2009 With performance-inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, the all-new 2010 Forte Koup joins the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup later this summer as the companys first-ever two-door coupe. Following the recently launched Forte compact sedan, Forte Koup embodies the brands design-led evolution and raises the comfort, convenience, performance and standard safety feature expectations in the segment
As the dramatic two-door sibling of our flagship model, and the first coupe in company history, Forte Koup is further evidence of Kias style transformation and our continued commitment to offering consumers sophisticated, good looking, and fun-to-drive vehicles, said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. The addition of the performance-inspired Koup to our lineup gives Kia Motors the ability to offer our design, value and safety story to an entirely new consumer base of automotive enthusiasts.
Technology Comes Standard
Surrounding Koups occupants with the latest in must-have technology, all Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and three months of complimentary service. For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls.
Curb Appeal
Based on the KOUP concept vehicle that debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), and voted a Best in Show by MSN Autos after its official unveiling during this years 2009 NYIAS, Forte Koups fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same refined and athletic stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. Even from behind, Forte Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.
Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more powerful profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and 10-spoke alloy wheels. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Spicy Red, Corsa Blue, Copperhead and Racing Red.
Smooth and Vibrant Ride
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, the Forte Koup body is 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than its sedan sibling, but with the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan, Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koups lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for a more exciting and spirited ride with a highly competitive drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31 and aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21.
The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup taut, responsive handling, a smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to sportier driver preferences, the Kia-developed suspension is refined for responsive and predictable handling on snaking roads. Built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, Koups front suspension employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan, but with wider L-shaped lower arms for enhanced high-speed stability and an increased caster angle, which provides greater self-centering and a sharper steering feel while driving. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension set to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with high gearing adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. Smart front suspension design results in a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet, or 35.4 feet when outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.
Additional refinements are utilized throughout Forte Koup to help ensure a comfortable ride while significantly reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Koup is equipped with a lower bumper bottom lip, underfloor airflow detectors ahead of all four wheels and an engine bay cover, which all assist in achieving reduction in drag. Additionally, all-new noise-lowering materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points and improved door and window seals.
Refined Performance
Truly a drivers car, Koup is more powerful than the base Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe and is driven by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque , more than the Scion tC. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koups engine benefits from dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both trims.
Like the Forte sedan, four transmission options are available for 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (EX models), while the SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic.
Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated with either the five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.
Striking Interior
With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, Forte Koup provides a comfortable and class-leading 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, larger than the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe, Scion tC or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers, while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further.
Forte Koup continues the luxury treatment with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive, nicely appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back for optimal comfort. Additional standard equipment on all Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a drivers seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: unique sport cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, a tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer an optional power sunroof with tilt.
An optional Leather Package is available on both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim the Leather Package adds leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats. When paired with the SX trim, it includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
A Supervision gauge cluster with trip computer, standard on SX models, further enhances Koups energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information on distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average mpg and instantaneous mpg.
Standard Kia Motors Safety
Forte Koup offers the same class-leading level of standard safety equipment as the sedan, with features such as front active headrests, dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, four-wheel disc brakes with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Motors America Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan, highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The all-new 2010 Forte Koup will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships in late summer.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 625 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline The Power to Surprise.
Kia Motors America is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA. Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.