Forte part deux

Less than one month after the introduction of the Forte sedan, Kia has released its third salvo for 2009 in the guise of the Forte Koup. At LotPro.com we take note that this is Kia’s first-ever two-door coupe and marks the automaker’s next step in competing with the big boys in quality, performance and – dare we say – design, as well.

Based on its sedan sibling, the Koup version shares the same 104.3 inch wheelbase, but the 2-door body is 0.4 inches narrower, 2.0 inches shorter and 2.4 inches lower than the sedan. Speed-sensitive power steering is standard and the Koup sports a 33.9 foot turning radius with 16” wheels which stretches to 35.4 feet when it is equipped with 17” alloy wheels.

Standard equipment is anything but

All Koups feature Bluetooth® connectivity through the use of steering wheel-mounted controls which enable voice-activated and hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones. Audio controls, also located on the steering wheel, also come standard as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks located on the center console offer full iPod®/MP3 controllability via either the audio head unit or (this is getting repetitious) steering wheel-mounted controls. SIRIUS satellite radio and three months of complimentary service is also standard.

Trim levels

Two engine choices as well as four different transmissions are offered. The EX version comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with CVVT that produces 156 horsepower and 144 lb.-ft. of torque and is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded SX trim comes equipped with a 2.4-liter 173 hp four and the choice of either a 6-speed manual as standard or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with manumatic capabilities. SX-trimmed Koups also feature sports seats trimmed in red stitching, tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights (a’la the Soul), leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, and metal-trimmed pedals. Both the SX and the EX trims will offer the option of a tilting power sunroof.

The Bottom Line

While sharing its interior and bits of outside trim (not a single body panel is shared) with the sedan, the Koup brings even more style to the Forte line as well as the C-segment in general. With EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter, with either transmission, or 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) and 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual) for the larger 2.3 four-pot as well as a class-leading 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the new Forte Koup makes Kia a major player. So from all of us here at LotPro.com, a hearty “kongratulations” to everyone at Kia!

photos courtesy of Kia Motors America

Valentino Balboni

He was hired in 1967 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. Since 1973 he has been behind the wheel of every single prototype built by the Italian manufacturer (even driving most of the production cars) before he officially retired earlier this year.

Now, one of the most revered legends surrounding the Italian brand has a model that honors his more than 40 years with Lamborghini – the Gallardo LP 550 2 Valentino Balboni.

Newest Gallardo

Although based on the current Gallardo, the LP 550-2 differs from all current versions in that it happens to be the only current Lambo that delivers its power only to the rear wheels.

To accomplish this, extensive modifications were required to move the transmission to the rear axle. Changes were also incorporated in the adjustment and tuning of the springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The transmission was re-calibrated and the rear differential was redeveloped with a 45 percent limited slip.

In line with the sporting character of its namesake, adjustments were made to the ESP system with a standard program based on high stability and a specially-developed CORSA program that permits greater drift angles which will, according to Lamborghini, enable drivers to “enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent.” Yee-ha!

One bull and 550 horses

The 5.2-liter V-10 produces 550 horsepower at 8,000 rpm with maximum torque of 398 lb.-ft. at 6,500 rpm. Performance figures include 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 199 miles per hour.

Exclusivity

The new Gallardo will be available in eight colors, all featuring a gold-accented white racing stripe extending from the front bumper to the rear spoiler (while avoiding the transparent engine cover). The Scorpius wheels retain their grey finish, while the brake calipers will be painted black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint color.

Inside, the black interior will feature matching seats with white vertical stripes with a center console upholstered in Polar white leather. Meanwhile, a badge located below the left side window will bear the signature of Valentino Balboni as well as indicate the production number of the car, which will be limited to 250 copies.

Options

Other features that will come with the base price of $219,800 include a navigation system with Bluetooth, a front axle “lifting system” making it easier to manage those parking lot speed bumps as well as a rear view camera. Available options include the e-gear transmission as well as carbon ceramic brakes.

All images courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A.

Another way to roll

Kia Motors America today rolled out the first special addition of its all-new mini people hauler, the Soul. Dubbed the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, it signals the second salvo from the Koreans for the hearts and minds of the Gen-Y’ers in its intended audience.

According to the PR blurb, the new special edition is “a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul’s cutting edge style and youthful, fun character.” In addition, “the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.” So what does it offer over more plebian editions?

Special features

It turns out that the Denim edition is based on the Soul+ model and, as such, offers keyless entry, privacy glass, body-color door handles, power mirrors, 16” alloys, cruise and Bluetooth along with the uplevel 2.0 liter 142 hp 4-banger.

Other standard features include such amenities as air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks and windows, ABS, stability and traction control, Electronic Brake Distribution and brake assist.

Inside, other plus features also include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS capability (including a 3 month complimentary subscription) and USB and auxiliary input jacks with full iPod® controllability via the head unit and steering wheel controls with an optional iPod cable.

To this mix, the Denim version adds a unique “denim” (what else?) exterior color, white side-view mirrors, 18” alloy wheels and front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a white off-set racing stripe that extends from just below the front grille back to the rear bumper. Also included is the Audio Upgrade Package (a $400 stand alone option on the plus) that adds a center speaker, subwoofer, external 315 watt amp and “speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music.” Rock on.

Pricing

Pricing for the Denim starts at $17,995 for the 5-speed manually-equipped version and $18,945 for the automatic (representing a $2,350 premium over the standard Soul+).

According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America, the new Denim version “illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that’s been in the marketplace only a few months, and it’s the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul.”

A remembrance of things past

1955 Buick Special

With the kind of bold styling not seen on any kind of Buick since, perhaps, the fifties, the new LaCrosse hopefully represents a renaissance for Buick. “There is great harmony in everything offered by LaCrosse – a beautifully crafted exterior, a premium interior and a satisfying driving experience to please the senses and complement any lifestyle,” according to Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It’s a seamless package that incorporates the very best of GM’s global resources to make this Buick an industry benchmark.”

Designed in partnership with GM’s design studios in China and the U.S., the LaCrosse features an exterior “spear line” running down the side below the beltline that’s reminiscent of 1950’s-era Buick Specials.

Trim levels

The new LaCrosse will be offered in three trim levels, CX, CXL and CXS:

CX – Initially, the entry-level CX will come equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft. of torque and will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Later in the year, a new, 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder (also using a six-speed automatic) will replace the 3.0L as the standard engine.

CXL – The CXL will also be equipped with the same 3.0L direct injection V-6. The “L” designator will add, among other things, leather seats with bun-warmers, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. As an added bonus, an advanced, intelligent AWD system will also be offered as an option.

CXS – The top-of-the-line LaCrosse will be equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, an optional real-time active-dampening suspension, leather seats that are the recipients of the luxury trifecta – perforated, heated and ventilated, while chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels are standard with 19-inchers as an option. The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates 280 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque.

The interior

We spend most of our time sitting in, rather than staring at, our vehicles, and the new LaCrosse doesn’t disappoint here, either. Blue ambient lighting illuminates the various nooks, crannies and cubbies, including the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

Optional technologies include in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio and USB ports, rear DVD entertainment system, head-up instrument display, rearview camera, adaptive forward lighting and, later this year, GM’s side Blind Zone Alert system.

Not a Concept

Unlike some of the vehicles that will be introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that begins in 4 days, the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 (that would be the sixth xB limited edition version) is a production car – albeit one that will be available to only 2,500 buyers.

And while most of us here at LotPro.com are not big fans of the “limited edition” vehicles used by most manufacturers to, shall we say, increase the bottom line by inflating the price of the add-on doo-dads, this particular Scion variant will actually save you money if you’re looking for at least some of the options that it comes with.

Absolutely any color as long as it’s red

To begin with, this xB is available only in what Scion calls “Absolutely Red” exterior paint. Unique wheel covers (that’s right, they’re just covers) and a black-finished grille differentiate the R.S. 6.0 from your run-of-the-mill Scion Box.

Inside, the Release Series features a touch screen navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a 5.8 inch touch panel display. Illuminated door sills, 4-in-one interior lights, a cargo cover and special seat fabric are also part of the package.

Such a deal

MSRP for a base xB is $15,750 with a manual transmission and $16,700 for an automatic. The R.S. 6.0 package is an additional $1,743, while the rear spoiler for the R.S. package is an additional $320, plus installation (all Scion models have an additional $670 destination charge).

So what kind of a deal is this? If you delve into the Scion web site, you’ll find a custom grille for $215, a cargo cover for $259, interior and door sill lights ($299 and $290, respectively), as well as an optional navigation system that sells for $1,800. Without the unique seat trim, this brings the total a` la carte price of these items to $2,863, which means you save $1,120 if you buy into the R.S. 6.0 package – not bad at all, if this is what you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

For those of you out there in the market for the second generation of a very versatile people and what-have-you hauler and you’re contemplating at least the navigation option, the Release Series 6.0 is a great deal, since you’ll be getting a discount on the nav system plus a few other goodies thrown in for good measure.

Fresh styling, new platform

While most Americans have never seen a Ford Ka on the road, it has been a very popular car in Europe since it was introduced there in 1996. And with Ford Motor Company’s plans to globalize its models, now might be a good time to take a quick look its latest offering.

The original Ka was based on a modified Fiesta platform and featured Ford’s New Edge design created by stylist Jack Telnack. The new 2009 Ka, although carrying over the original version’s basic shape, has an entirely different look based on the company’s new Kinetic design found on such vehicles as the new Fiesta.

In addition to a brand new exterior and interior, the new Ka also benefits from a new platform. While the first generation was one of the best-handling vehicles in its class, it did so with a platform that traced its origins to the original Mark III Ford Fiesta circa 1989. The new Ka, developed as part of a common project with Fiat, will be built on the same production line as the Fiat 500 and will share the 500’s Fiat Panda-based underpinnings (with suspension, steering and chassis tuned by Ford). According to Ford, final testing for the Ka was conducted using a combination of public roads, proving grounds and race tracks – including the legendary Nürburgring in Germany.

Engine Options

Engine choices for the new Ford Ka include a 1.2 liter 69 hp Duratec gasoline engine and, for the first time on Ka, a 1.3 liter 74 hp “Duratorq” TDCi turbodiesel. Both engines are available with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions.

Ford expects the 1.2 liter engine to be the best seller and have engineered it to cut fuel consumption by 21% compared to the previous generation Ka. The 1.3 liter oil burner has achieved a combined mileage rating of 56 mpg (and you wonder why Europeans love their diesels).

The Rest

Ka will be available in two trim levels – Ambiente and Titanium, and there will be option packages that include Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity, a USB port for music sharing, heated seats, heated windshield and a premium six-speaker sound system.

Will we see it?

There has been no word from Ford on whether or not the Ka will be making the trip across the pond. But with styling, handling and mileage that blow the Smart into the weeds, we say “bring it on!”