Kia confirmed today that it will add its 2010 Kia Forte Koup to its Forte lineup later this summer – the company’s first-ever two-door coupe.

Kia said that all 2010 Forte Koup models come standard with Bluetooth, voice-activated controls, iPod and AUX Mp3 compatibility and steering-wheel mounted controls. SIRIUS Satellite Radio also comes standard with three months of complimentary service.

The base Kia Forte Koup is powered by a 2.0 inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 156-hp and 144 lb-ft mated Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. The Kia Forte Koup SX features a 2.4L 4-cylinder that makes 173-hp and 168 lb-ft also mated to a CVVT.

Pricing and trim-level information will be announced close to launch.

2010 Kia Forte Koup:

Press Release:

KIA MOTORS AMERICA LAUNCHES ALL-NEW 2010 FORTE KOUP

Striking Design and Modern Interior
Highlight Kia’s First-Ever Two-Door Coupe

- Forte Koup’s crisp, clean and powerful exterior styling exudes speed
- Kia’s newest vehicle offers same distinctive Kia style, value and safety features as sedan

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 company’s first-ever two-door coupe. Following the recently launched Forte compact sedan, Forte Koup embodies the brand’s 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 Kia’s 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 Koup’s 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 service¹. 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 year’s 2009 NYIAS, Forte Koup’s 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. Koup’s 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, Koup’s 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 driver’s 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 torque² 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 torque³ , more than the Scion tC. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup’s 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 driver’s 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^TM gauge cluster with trip computer, standard on SX models, further enhances Koup’s 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.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Hyundai is on its way to improve its brand image with the new Genesis Sedan and Coupe; however, the brand has no plans to abandon small-car customers who want affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. As such, Hyundai and its sister brand Kia have announced that they will launch an extra fuel-efficient range of models for the Hyundai Elantra, Accent and a “fuel-economy package” for the Kia Forte.

Like the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE or the Ford F-150 SFE, Hyundai and Kia will employ relatively simple enhancement to help their cars get an additional mile or two from each gallon of gas.

Updates include a 5-speed automatic over a 4-speed,  tires with lower rolling resistance, electric instead of hydraulic power steering, aerodynamic enhancements and a “smart” alternator that has less drag on the engine.

Hyundai said the vehicles will be a part of the company’s move to meet its goal of 35 mpg average fuel economy for its vehicle fleet by 2015. All three models should be on sale later this summer as 2010 models.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

The curtains have closed on the press days for the 2009 New York Auto Show. We can now finally rest after all the sleepless nights of bringing you guys live coverage straight form the show floor. However, we couldn’t just leave you without pointing out what we thought were the most significant debuts of the 2009 New York Auto Show.

The list is in order with the no. 1 spot going to the most significant debut in New York. Let us know which one was your favorite in the comments section below.

Click through for our list of Top 10 Debuts at the 2009 New York Auto Show:

10. 2010 Subaru Outback (View Post):

9. Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype (View Post):

8. 2010 Kia Forte Koup (View Post):

7. 2010 GMC Terrain (View Post):

6. 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI (View Post):

5. 2010 Hyundai Equus (View Post):

4. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (View Post):

3. Acura ZDX (View Post):

2. 2010 BMW X6 M (View Post):

1. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (View Post):

- By: Omar Rana and Kap Shah

At the 2009 New York Auto Show today, Kia unveiled its new Kia Forte Koup adding a two-door variant to its Forte lineup that will hit dealerships later this year. Kia says that the Forte Koup will compete with the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe and the Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe.

The two-door model is built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame just like the sedan. It sits on an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar along with a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs.

When the Kia Forte Koup hits dealerships, it will be available in two trim-levels including EX and SX. The entry level EX is powered by a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 156-hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy for the EX model comes in at 25/34 mpg (city/highway). The Forte Koup SX features a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine making 173-hp with a maximum torque of 168 lb-ft. Fuel-economy for the SX comes in at 23/32 when mated to a 6-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with a 5-speed automatic.

Kia will announce pricing closer the launch date.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image galleries.

2009 New York: 2010 Kia Forte Koup:

Press Release:

KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES FORTE KOUP AT 2009
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Kia Adds Design-Focused Two-Door Coupe to Forte Lineup

“¢ Newest vehicle offers distinctive Kia style, value and safety features
“¢ Sporty features and capabilities make Kia’s first-ever two-door a true driver’s car

NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 – With performance-inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the 2010 Forte Koup production vehicle during a press conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Joining the Forte family in the KMA lineup, the company’s first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand’s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in 2006.

“On the heel of the introductions of the Soul and Forte sedan, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA.  “We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand.”

Curb Appeal
Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions, meant to evoke an emotional driving experience, closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive 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, duel exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.

Athleticism and convenience are standard for the Forte Koup EX with body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires. The SX trim offers an even sportier profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.

Smooth and Sporty 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, Forte Koup is slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan, but still boasts comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koup’s lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for those looking for a more exciting ride.

The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension developed to optimize responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte Koup utilizes the same platform as the sedan, with an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension providing for a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

Lively Performance
More powerful than the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC 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 provide 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 Koup’s engine hums powerfully courtesy of the dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both EX and SX trims.

Like the Forte sedan, two transmission options are available for both 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness, 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 the optional four-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also 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 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.

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. Air conditioning, a driver’s seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders, map lamps and variable intermittent wipers are also just some of the myriad amenities standard on every vehicle. Also standard on all models are power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience.

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, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim and a Supervision^TM gauge cluster with trip computer further enhancing its energetic personality. Both EX and SX trims also offer an optional power moonroof.

An optional Leather Package is available for 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.

Superior Sound
For inside entertainment while cruising down the road, Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months 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. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones.

Standard Kia Motors Safety
Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) 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 of 12 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, 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 2010 Soul further complements the lineup as it arrives in dealerships, as will the 2010 Forte and Forte Koup.