Kia Forte Koup, 2014
The Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the third and final member of the completely redesigned Forte lineup when it unveiled the sleek and purposeful all-new Kia Forte Koup at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Following the launch of the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door, the all-new two-door Kia 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.
Advanced Technology and Premium Features
In keeping with the rest of the Forte family, the all-new Forte Koup offers buyers an impressive list of technology and safety features. The Koup EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth wireless technology, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, Flex Steer, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows, and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.
The Koup SX rewards buyers with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, and LED tail lights. Forte Koup SX also offers an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, larger front brakes, alloy sport pedals, front and rear seats with carbon fiber-style accents. The lower front fascia and rear valance also feature carbon fiber-look trim pieces.
Both EX and SX trim levels offer optional HID headlights, navigation system with HD Radio, sunroof, heated steering wheel,10-way adjustable power driver's seat, heated front seats and cooled driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, SmartKey with push-button start, electric chromatic rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Continuing Kia's Design Leadership
Created by the design studio at KMA's corporate campus in Irvine, Calif., the Kia Forte Koup's sporty two-door profile, swooping roofline, and 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. LED positioning lights add a premium look to the front fascia. At the rear, LED tail lights complete the premium look of the exterior. A rear valance with twin chrome exhaust tips maintains the Forte Koup's sporty demeanor.
The Sporty Cabin with Premium Features
The interior of the Kia 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 fiber-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch. A grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are further evidence of the Forte Koup's performance intentions. Class-exclusive available features such as front heated seats, an air-cooled driver's seat and driver-selectable electric steering further set the Forte Koup apart from its two-door competition.
Dynamic Driving Experience
Utilizing a 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the SX is the most powerful Kia 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 continuously variable valve timing to help improve efficiency and performance.
The Forte Koup EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter 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 percent above redline under full load.
