- Lower, longer and wider, the all-new Forte Koup exemplifies World-class style and sportiness
- Forte Koup is to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013
NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Kia Motors today announced the third and final member of the completely redesigned Forte lineup when it unveiled the sleek and all-new Forte Koup at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Following the launch of the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door, the all-new two-door Forte Koup SX boasts European-inspired design and performance to match with a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. As equipped, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to the Koup's launch.
"The Forte Koup revealed in New York today dramatically takes the second generation of the Koup to a new level of design and driving performance," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. "The Koup's all-new exterior and interior style, coupled with premium amenities and a powerful turbocharged engine, provide a fresh sport-infused option in the Kia product portfolio and segment."
The Forte Koup is offered in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-litre GDI four-cylinder engine, and the compelling SX comes standard with the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
Continuing Kia's Design Leadership
Created by the design studio at Kia Motors America's (KMA) corporate campus in Irvine, Calif., the Forte Koup's sporty two-door profile, swooping roofline, and available large 18-inch alloy wheels give it an athletic and aggressive stance that continues Kia's tradition as a design leader.
The Forte Koup's swept headlights stretch deep into the front fenders, and the raked windshield and broad shoulders give the front end a sleek, sporty appearance. Available LED positioning lights add a premium look to the front fascia. At the rear, available LED tail lights complete the premium look of the exterior. A rear valance with available twin stainless steel exhaust tips maintains the Forte Koup's sporty demeanour.
Sporty Cabin with Premium Features
The interior of the Forte Koup features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestle deeply into the instrument cluster. Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and optional push-button start, along with carbon fibre-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch. A top-grain leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are further evidence of the Forte Koup's performance intentions. Available features such as standard front heated seats, an available air-cooled driver's seat, standard driver-selectable electric steering further set the Forte Koup apart from its two-door competition.
Dynamic Driving Experience
Utilizing a 1.6-litre GDI twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GDI powerplant produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750-4,500 rpm. The advanced powertrain features double overhead cams with dual-cam variable valve timing to help improve efficiency and performance.
The Forte Koup EX comes standard with a 2.0-litre GDI powerplant producing 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. During durability testing, the engines are run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 per cent above redline under full load.
To help further improve performance, the Forte Koup features a sport-tuned suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam rear design. The Koup rides on standard 205/45R-17 tires while 225/40R-18 tires are included with the SX trim, further enhancing the sporty driving experience.
About Kia Motors Corporation:
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) - a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in nine manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$42 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
About Kia Canada Inc.:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 181 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 162 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility in Montreal. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
C: 514.554.0843
E: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations & Events Coordinator C: 647.462.8986
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6415
C: 647.462.8986
E: [email protected]
Share this article