2010 US-spec Kia Forte snapped

US-spec Kia Forte Koup caught in the wild

This is the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup that has been spotted in one of the tuning shops at an unknown location. The set of five candid images showcases the new Kia "sports" car in all it's glorry, while the US registration plate at the back of the car indicates that this is apparently a US-spec Forte Koup.

The Forte Koup has been first displayed as a concept car at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in 2008. One of the most exciting concept car that Kia ever built has been nicely welcomed by the auto show crowds. Kia has als received an ovewhelming response from automotive media, so naturally, the company has then decided to bring the vehicle in to production.



From Kia Forte Koup concept ==> production car

It took Kia only a year and production ready Kia Forte Koup has been revealed to the wider public. The US-spec Forte Koup celebrated it's US premiere at this year's New York International Auto Show where the model has been titled as the "Best in Show" vehicle by a renowned US automotive website, MSN Autos!

Based on the same platform as the four-door Forte sedan, the Forte Koup comes available in two trim levels (EX and SX), and features a muscular yet sophisticated design. Powering the Forte Koup are two four-cylinder engines. Entry level Forte Koup is propelled by a 2.0L engine with 156 hp while more powerful 2.4L engine delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.



Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness, as both engines tend to deliver at least 31 miles per gallon when highway driving. The smaller, 2.0L engine delivers up to 34 mpg (highway) and 25 mpg in the city, while the 2.4L unit delivers a respectable 22 mpg in the city and up to 32 mpg on the highway.



Kia Forte Koup is slated to go on sale in the US market a couple of months after it's four-door sibling model. Based on rumors circulating among Kia fans, we can tell that Forte Koup should be at Kia dealers by the end of September. Korean sales will, however, commence as early as in June next month. Lucky Koreans!!

Koreans are also believed to be the first nation in the globe to get the 1.6L turbo engine equipped Forte Koup. Kia has developed the new GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine in conjunction with it's parent Hyundai Motor Company and compact cars from both automakers are soon expected to be outfitted with the 175-hp unit.



Kia hopes it's new Forte Koup is going to attract younger crowds in the North American market, those looking for sportier but still affordable two-door cars.

The US-spec Forte Koup will be offered with a variety of standard features, such as supportive and nicely appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion, 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, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience. These are just some of the myriad amenities standard on every Forte Koup.

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup will also be available with a complete safety equippmet which includes features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system, electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Does Kia have another winner on it's hands? We bet it does. Hands down, the car looks HOT HOT and should give Honda no time to sleep!

Kia Forte Koup safety

Kia Forte Koup 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).

For inside entertainment while cruising down the road, Kia Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary serviceą.

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.

Kia Forte Koup performance

Kia Forte Koup performance

Base 2010 Kia Koup EX is more powerful than the Ford Focus Coupe, or Chevrolet Cobalt or Honda Civic Coupe. It is driven by a 156 horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, that generates 144 pound-feet of torque and features CVVT - Continuously Variable Valve Timing and multi-port electronic fuel injection to provide greater fuel economy and performance.

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.