Well, it's official: Kia's replacement for the aging Spectra model will be called the Forte when it hits U.S. showrooms next summer as a sedan and coupe.
Incorporating much of its edgier design language was critical to Kia Forte lead designer Peter Schreyer, who is best known for his penning of the first generation Audi TT and Volkswagen Beetle. The car's styling evokes many of the same "corporate" elements implemented on the Kia Koup and Kee Concepts such as the distinct front grille and sweeping headlight configuration.
During the automaker's opening of an all-new design center in Southern California, Kia officials stated its new model was specifically targeted to attract younger, hipper buyers attuned to sharper auto designs. Head of Hyundai-Kia R&D Lee Hyun-soon also mentioned that the hatchback version of the car will not be sold stateside, anticipating "the coupe will sell better than the hatchback." European customers will have the opportunity to buy a three-door hatchback version of the Forte under the cee'd moniker.
Powering both two and four-door versions will initially be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with a bigger 2.0-liter unit coming later during its debut year. Korean customers will get first dibs on the new sedan August 22, followed a few months later by the coupe. The Forte is slated to hit North America by mid-2009.
Source: TheCarBlogger via Kia
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