Kia unveils US motorsports program
November 9, 2009 by Matt Brogan
“One Hot Ride” is the new US slogan for Kia’s Forte Koup (Cerato in Australia) and it couldn’t be more apt as Kia Motors America (KMA) previews plans of its motorsport program at the SEMA Show in Los Angeles, California.
Kia has teamed up with Kinetic Group and built two Forte Koups which will race in the 2010 Grand-Am Koni Sports Car Challenge Series, and will be competing in the Street Tuner (ST) class.
“The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing, KMA.
“The Forte Koup’s performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in Grand-Am Koni Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.”
To enter the Street Tuner class you have to use a production based race car, this class has cars from the US, Europe and Asia.
“We researched every form of auto racing in the US to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit,” said Mr Sprague.
“In addition to working with the Kinetic Group, we are also proud that Infinity Audio, whose high-end audio systems are offered in several Kia vehicles, will join us as the Official Sponsor of the #10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup Race Car during our inaugural motorsports season.”
The drivers of the two Forte Koups are Nic Jonsson and Andy Lally in one car and Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood in the other, all have previously won the Grand-Am Koni ST series.
by Adam Marshall
Print it: 
black RPF1’s.. nice.
This is interesting. If Kia performs as well as they hope it could mean a big jump in sales. Hyundai and Kia have pulled a smart move.
It will be interesting to see if the other car makers follow suit.
This means there should be a good suply of bolt on go fast bits coming out.
Stunning looks. Is the engine tuned though? Or is it all just for show?
So it is all stock? A roll cage and a bunch of stickers is all i can see. Would be better if they were a bit more adventurous.
Depends on the rules I guess. They would be stupid to enter an uncompetitive car in their class.
Have they given it more power, because 115 kw is still very meagre. At least 200kw in race form would be right.
I believe the USDM can be optioned with a more powerful 2.4L engine…
Where are the interior shots, CA? The interior looks proper, all stripped out and such.
http://www.kia-world.net/wp-co.....inetic.jpg
Is that a sticker of an exhaust on the back?