SEMA 2010: Kia Forte Hybrid Concept is green, Koup R Concept is smoky gray goodness
The Kia Forte Hybrid is neat enough – green on the outside, green and leafy on the inside. Riding cast alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires, the hybrid system mixes it up with a 1.6-liter LPG engine tied to lithium polymer batteries. Saving the world is counteracted with killing your ears, though – this eco-friendly concept has a 1,200-watt Infinity 2 audio system on board.
The Kia Forte Koup Type R Concept, on the other hand, is unbridled awesome. Built to commemorate Kia’s first year in the Grand Am racing series, it’s a hotness-added version of the Forte Koup put together by Kinetic Motorsports. Blistered and vented panels are adorned with 18-inch BBS wheels and some diffuser action in back, plus a green-mesh and carbon accented interior kicked up a notch by a short throw shift kit. Best yet, Kia says that this has “an eye on future production vehicle applications.” Yes, please! It’s something like what the second-generation Scion tC should have been, and you’ll find more on it in the presser after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below.
Inspired by the excitement and competition Kia experienced in its inaugural season of racing in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and with an eye on future production vehicle applications, the Kia Forte Koup Type R Concept confidently showcases the performance possibilities Kia’s first two-door coupe provides. Developed by Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns Kia’s Forte Koup race cars, the Type R features dramatically enhanced exterior panels that exaggerate the existing body lines, including the front fenders, rocker panels and rear quarter panels. The Forte Koup Type R rolls on BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels and racing-inspired tires and suspension components. Inside, the Forte Koup Type R’s modified interior offers ergonomic improvements for the driver, while custom seat/door treatments and safety restraints reflect its sporty nature. A short throw shift kit with Kinetic gear shift knob and carbon inlay complements the dampened composite fiber disc clutch to enhance the driving experience.
Kia Forte Hybrid Concept
Proving that a compact hybrid sedan can be anything but boring, the Kia Forte Hybrid Concept demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride. Created by Kinetic Motorsports, the Hybrid Concept combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and lithium polymer battery with accentuated design characteristics, including body panel enhancements and a lowered stance, to create a one-of-a-kind personality for the environmentally-friendly sedan. The Kia Forte Hybrid Concept is accentuated by cast aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires for improved fuel economy and reduced road noise. On the inside, interior panel treatments feature custom enhancements, while a 1200 watt Infinity®2 audio system will entertain passengers.
