2009 Kia Forte Sedan Official Images

These are the first official images of the 2009 Kia Forte that will replace the Spectra, or as it’s called in Europe and other markets, the Cerato. Information is sketchy for the time being, but we do know that the sedan model will enter the U.S. market by mid-2009, followed later in the year by a Coupe version based on the Koup Concept.

Unless you paycheck comes from Kia or Hyundai, the Forte’s design brings to mind the Honda Civic (especially the front-end) and if you've had one or two glasses of French wine, you may even find a couple of similarities with the long-gone Citroen Xsara in the styling of the car’s rear quarters. -Continued

Via: Thecarblogger , Source: Kia

Kia Koup to Enter Production in 2009, No Hatchback Version for the U.S.

The production version of the Kia Koup Concept that was previewed earlier this year at the New York Auto Show will go on sale in the States during the third quarter of 2009, according Lee Hyun-soon, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' R&D division. Kia's first ever Coupe model will be based on the replacement for the Spectra, teaser shots of which have already appeared throughout the web.

The Spectra sedan, that may bear a different name, will be available in the U.S. by mid-2009. According to Lee, the Spectra hatchback will no longer be sold in the U.S. as the Korean automaker believes that the Coupe variant will easily outsell it.

Via: AN (Sub. Req)

SEMA: Kia Spectra5 SX Concept

Here’s a nice example of what professional tuning can do for a vehicle that in normal form, is no more interesting than a milk carton. Designed in house by Kia USA, the Spectra5 SX concept (known as the Kia Cerato in Europe) is finished in a three-stage Amped Amber exterior color that changes shades and color depending on the vantage point. The bodykit includes a new front fascia with an expanded opening and mesh inserts and similarly-styled rear fascia and rear diffuser atop a catback exhaust with a 2.25-inch outlet. The headlamps and tail lamps are tinted while the car sits on 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/45R18 performance tires. -Continued

Additionally, Kia has fitted the concept with a performance suspension with Eibach springs (lowered 1.4 inches in front and 1.2 inches in the rear) and high-performance cross-drilled and slotted four-wheel disc brakes with front Rotora four-piston aluminum calipers.