Très Bien: Kia to Launch Sportier Forte Koup SX-R in Canada

The good: the new Kia Koup has just gotten a bit sportier as the Korean automaker has announced a new 'R' package with styling and performance accessories for the SX model. The bad: the 'R' package is available only to Canadian buyers

The aesthetics of the Koup are beefed up with a five-piece bodykit that includes a pair of front lip spoiler, chunky side skirts and a discreet boot lid spoiler. The two-door model's looks are complemented by a set of neat 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma S-drive tires, and 'R' branded badges and door sills.

While the R treatment does nothing to the Koup SX's 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it does add a sport exhaust, AEM air filter, new springs that lower the ride height by 1.3'' and a strut bar to improve handling.

The 'R' package will be available in Canada as a dealer-installed kit starting from mid-May.

Via: Forteforums

Kia Forte Koup to Enter Grand-AM Koni Challenge Racing Series

At this week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled a racing version of the new Forte Koup with which it will compete in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class, thus marking the firm's first ever racing efforts on U.S. soil. The Korean automaker has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups that will be driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson.

"We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America.

The front-wheel drive Forte Koup will compete in the GRAND-AM Koni series against a variety of production-based race cars from the U.S., Europe and Asia.

2010 Kia Forte Koup Hits U.S. Roads, Starts from $17,290

Just as the all-new Forte Koup begins to arrive at U.S. dealers, Kia released full pricing on its small coupe model. As you may have suspected, two-doors less does not equal a lower price as the Koup starts off at $17,290 ($16,595 + $695 destination fee) for the base EX model with a 156HP 2.0-liter engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, or $800 more than the equivalent Forte EX sedan.

Those looking for more power can opt for the Koup SX that comes with a 2.4-liter four-banger producing 174 horsepower as well as a 6-speed manual and a sportier suspension set up. Prices for the SX begin from $18,390 including delivery fees.

If you prefer not to change gears manually, there's a five-speed automatic transmission that will cost you an extra $1,000 on both the EX and SX. Detailed pricing and optional packages in the image below.

__________________________________________________________

VIDEO: Kia Forte Koup Tears Up Animated Streets in New Promo Film

It's been a while since we last heard something new from Kia in concern of its Forte Koup, which made its world debut at the New York Show this past April. But today, the Korean automaker released this racing game-like animated promo film that shows off the firm's first-ever coupe model. In the States, buyers of the Forte Koup will have a choice of two four-cylinder engines, an entry-level 2.0-liter unit with 156 horsepower and a more potent 2.4-liter unit that makes 173 ponies. Hit the jump to watch the video.