Kia Forte Koup SX-R is a hot new FF machine

In my eyes Hyundai & Kia are putting out some of the most exciting cars in this segment.  First it was the Genesis Coupe and the Soul, now a Canadian Exclusive Forte Koup SX-R is going to be available in May.  

In some ways these two Korean marks echo's how I felt about Honda years ago before they destroyed their performance car heritage here in North America.  Honda is pretty much Toyota in my eyes now, bereft of sports cars and anything exciting, at least until the CR-Z appears.

Stirrings at the Toronto show kicked up the FF Forte SX-R sport compact.  The base power unit outputs 173hp from a CVVT 2.4L 4-cylinder block.  Strictly looking at performance, Kia hasn't stripped down the engine here like a Type-R would be.  Kia has fitted a AEM Cold Air Intake System and a higher flow exhaust system to extract more power.  No word yet how much these mods add to the Koup's hp figures.

The suspension bits have been tightened up thanks to a Front Strut Tower Brace and Eibach springs at the four corners that drop the ride down 1.3".  Wheels are 18" Europa's with Yoko S-Drive skins.  With all this tightening up it will improve handling and make the ride harsher.

Externally you see a front chin spoiler, side skirts and a rear lip spoiler.  "R" badges adorn the front fenders and door sills. 


If you pre-order now, you'll have a choice of 3 exclusive colours for the SX-R; Titanium Silver, Racing Red and Black.  Regular Koups start at $20,000 CAD.  Pricing for the SX-R should be in the mid 20's.