Avoid mixing coolants that are different in color. If your coolant is pink, don’t add a green formulation to it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a thick solution that won’t do its job. Use only the coolant specified in your owner’s manual.
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.
Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension.
Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.
* Prices Exclude: Destination and handling fee as well as applicable; governmental fees, taxes, dealer Processing Fee and dealer installed equipment. Restrictions apply.
Call us at (703) 934-8877 for complete details.
Kia built a midsize sedan that set a world record. The Optima Hybrid traveled almost 8,000 miles through the contiguous 48 states on less than 123 gallons (64.5 MPG).
Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.
Kia Motors America's (KMA) resident two-door coupe returns to the lineup for 2013 with the same combination of sleek styling, spirited performance and long list of standard comfort and convenience features that have become synonymous with the Kia brand. Also back for 2013, Kia's U.S. motorsports program is once again campaigning two Forte Koups in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) in the Street Tuner (ST) class, having brought home the 2012 Team and Driver Championships in its sophomore season thanks in part to the Forte Koup's responsive and dynamic driving capabilities.
The 2013 Forte Koup is back with minor styling enhancements and added features, including a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (EX) and power-folding side mirrors for added convenience. The performance-inspired coupe also benefits from higher-quality leather materials on the steering wheel for a more comfortable and luxurious feel, while both trims now include a standard washer fluid warning lamp, illuminated glove box, and improvements in the areas of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) through added sound-deadening materials.
Available in EX and SX trims, Forte Koup starts at $17,4001 for the EX trim while SX starts at $18,800. Both trims come standard with convenience features including air conditioning, SiruisXM™ Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth® wireless technology3 and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Plethora of Standard Technology and Connectivity Features
All Forte Koup models surround occupants with the latest in must-have technology with Bluetooth®4 wireless connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For listening convenience, USB and auxiliary input jacks offer full iPod®5 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or the standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service6 also comes standard on all models, while speaker lights that can either pulse to the beat of the music or simply add mood lighting further enhance the personal lounge feeling of the interior.
Striking Design
Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with sweeping wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design, and even from behind, the two-door coupe exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a racing-inspired rear diffuser.
Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including power heated and folding outside mirrors with LED integrated turn-signal indicators, dual chrome exhaust outlets, body-color bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels (new design for 2013) outfitted with 205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more sporty profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 215/45R17-sized premium tires, grey-colored 10-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillights, and gloss-black front fascia accents. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Corsa Blue and Racing Red.
Refined and Lively Ride
Riding on the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as its sedan and hatchback siblings, Forte Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers with an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, making it 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than the sedan. Koup is equipped with a front lip spoiler, under-floor airflow deflectors ahead of all four wheels, an engine bay cover, and a lowered stance which contributes to a highly competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.31 and an aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21, enhancing stability and providing a smoother ride at higher speeds.
The two-door's high torsional stiffness gives Forte Koup responsive handling, a smoother ride and improved refinement over the competition. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to more spirited driving preferences, the Koup is built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, featuring a front suspension that employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan and hatchback, while high-speed stability has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track. The SX trim also comes with sport-tuned suspension designed to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and smart front suspension design add the finishing touches to the robust, finely tuned steering and suspension package and provides a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet.
For 2013, additional improvements have been made throughout the vehicle to significantly reduce NVH and help ensure a comfortable ride. Additionally, noise-inhibiting materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points, as well as improved door and window seals.
Refined Performance
The Koup is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque7 that features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque8. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup benefits from a dual-outlet exhaust outfitted on both trims.
Two transmission options are available for 2013 Forte Koup models: an efficient standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance with Forte Koup as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 24/33 mpg9 (city/highway) when paired with the six-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg9 (city/highway) when mated with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg9 (city/highway) with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg9 (city/highway) with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Impressive Interior
Forte Koup provides a spacious 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, a surprisingly roomy interior for a two-door coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways are a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further to 53.4 cubic feet.
Forte Koup continues to impress with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back. Additional standard equipment on all Forte Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, a tilt and telescopic steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: paddle shifters, auto headlamps, unique cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with a more luxurious material for 2013, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer a host of options, including a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start with smart key, and power sunroof with tilt.
An optional Leather Package is available on the SX trim that includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
A Supervision™ gauge cluster with trip computer, optional on EX models and standard on SX models, further enhances Koup's energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information such as outside temperature, distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average and instantaneous miles-per-gallon readings.
Article courtesy of Kia News.
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Car manufacturers often boast that vehicles can handle all sorts of driving conditions. These circumstances may range from strange weather, crazy terrain, bumpy roads, and even certain types of collisions. Have you ever wondered how the people who put your car together know precisely what it will stand up to? Did they drive it through a multitude of possible road and environmental conditions at some secret Area 51 like testing facility to make sure?
The short answer is yes, we did. Today on Kia-Buzz we’re going to introduce some of our most notable ‘proving grounds,’ which is the term for the special tracks where Kia puts its cars to the test against extreme and unpredictable conditions at different speeds with all-kinds of passenger loads.
The Proving Grounds
Our proving grounds put vehicles through an exhausting array of tests at various speeds and under diverse road conditions. Our testing grounds cover an area of 4,940 acres (~20 million square meters) and are located in South Korea at our Namyang R&D Center and Kia’s Hwasung plant. In addition, our most sprawling 4,329 acres (17.52 million square meters) testing area is located in California’s Mohave Desert.
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Hwasung & Namyang Proving Grounds
Our Hwasung proving ground, which is adjacent to our factory that currently produces the Cerato (Forte), Optima, Sorento, Borrego (Mohave) and Cadenza was completed in 1993 and features 16 test drive tracks.
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Satellite shot of our Hwasung, South Korea proving ground
Opened in 1995, the proving ground at our Namyang R&D Center is of international standards and features no less than 34 roads including a Belgian road, and a high-speed track that is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long. In all, the site features a total road length of 43.5 miles (70 km).
Aerial shot of Kia’s Namyang R&D center’s proving ground
California Proving Ground
The Hyundai-Kia Motors California Proving Ground site is located 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. Construction began in February 2004 and was largely completed by October 2004.
The California proving ground boasts an impressive total road length of 72 miles (116 km) and top speed of 155 miles/hour (250 km/h). Constructed with a total investment of US$60 million, the test site is approximately 10 times the size of the proving ground at Namyang R&D Center and is the third largest in the US operated by a foreign automaker. Eight test roads combine to form a total length of 72 miles (116 km). The longest track is the 6.4 miles (10.4 km) oval, a three-lane high speed track which allows a top speed of up to 155 miles/hour (250 km/h). The facility enables high-speed and endurance tests.
The grounds include a 6.4-mile oval track, a 2 million square foot Vehicle Dynamics Area (VDA), a 2.75-mile winding track, a 3.3-mile hill road and various special surface roads constructed to duplicate U.S. highways. The proving ground also includes a 30,000 square-foot office complex for its 50 staff members.
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Our massive 4,300-acre, $60-million California proving ground that looks kind of ‘Area 51-ish’
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To put the California proving ground’s size into perspective here’s an approximation of how much of New York’s Central Park and surrounding city blocks can fit inside of it.
Kia Proving Grounds by the Numbers
| Metric | Namyang | Hwasung | California |
| Total length | 43.5 miles | 12.4 miles | 72 miles |
| Types of test tracks | 34 | 16 | 8 |
| Types of roads | 71 | 36 | 18 |
| High-speed circuit - Length - Top speed | 2.8 miles | 2.5 miles | 6.4 miles |
| 155 mph | 155 mph | 155 mph | |
| Total area | 408 acres | 203 acres | 4329 acres |
Types of Proving Ground Tests
Our cars are truly born after withstanding some of the most rigorous road tests:
Multi-purpose road
This universal and all around test road it is used to conduct a diverse range of automotive performance tests and comparative trial runs with rival cars.
High-speed track
True to its name, this track tests vehicle performance when drivers put the pedal to the metal and for those situations that call for the need for speed.
Belgian road
Many European countries like Belgium have very old roads. Due to their uneven, cobble-stoned surfaces, the roads deliver shock levels to cars that are approximately 100 times greater than regular roads. Accordingly, the Belgian road offers a chance to test the strength and durability of new cars and its parts within a short period of time.
Low friction road
When sprinklers shower water on road surfaces made of materials like epoxy, the friction coefficient of the road becomes equivalent to that of roads covered by rain, snow or ice. This enables tests for driving and braking performance on icy roads regardless of actual weather conditions.
Dust tunnel
Man-made dust is used to recreate road conditions which generate large amounts of dust. It tests the driver’s visibility and seal quality of the car body and parts.
Various condition roads
Diverse road conditions that can be found all over the world are recreated to ensure the same levels of ride comfort and noise levels regardless of the location. Recreated roads include pebbly roads, cracked surface roads, Seongbuk-dong road (Seoul), wavy roads, European asphalt road, long wave pitch road and the West Coast Highway.
Additional tests include:
Kia’s Wind Tunnel at the Namyang R&D Center
Proving grounds take the guess work out of how cars will hold up and help to make sure that no manufacturing defects or design miscalculations will cause it to be unsafe or behave in unpredictable ways. We hope this post has shed some light on piece of automotive world many don’t often hear about, and rest assured that you can trust proven and tested cars will keep you and your passenger’s safe.
Share your thoughts
Do you have a particular Kia model that you would like to put to the test at one our proving grounds? If so, which model and what kind tests would like to run? Leave your answers in the comments section below.
Images and article courtesy of Kia Buzz.
Preserve your car during long-term storage by putting the vehicle on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.
2013 Kia Optima SX
Price: $26,800
Gas mileage: 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway
"Value" is the mantra of the 2013 Kia Optima SX. It's a nearly ideal passenger environment transported by an aggressive, fuel-efficient powertrain wrapped in a highly stylized exterior skin covered by a remarkably long warranty. That's value in our book.
Article and image courtesy of Fox Business Online.
Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact has achieved top honors from exclusive design award competitions in the U.S. and Germany, including the brand's first IDEA Design Award in the Transportation category and a highly coveted Red Dot Design award.
The IDEA Award is a top design award organized by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and recognizes designs that affect a person's quality of life and economy in 18 categories, including Transportation, Design, Technology, and Design Strategy.
The 2012 Red Dot Design awards are held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and judge on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling. Globally, Kia has been awarded six Red Dot awards since 2009 – with the Picanto and Rio winning in 2012, Optima and Sportage winning in 2011, Venga in 2010 and the Soul in 2009.
"Since its introduction, the Rio's striking looks inside-and-out has attracted new customers to the Kia brand with a standout combination of style, performance and modern amenities that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "The new Rio is the latest vehicle to emerge from Kia's design-led transformation and represents the collaborative work of our global network of design centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer."
Article and image courtesy of Kia News.
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Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension. It defies what an average midsize sedan should be. The Optima was already the best; now it's even better.
Video courtesy of Kia's Youtube channel.
Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented momentum and growth reached new heights last month with best-ever June sales of 51,326 units, a 13.9-percent increase over the same period last year, contributing to the brand's best quarter ever of 150,647 units – topping more than 150,000 units in a three month period for the first time. Kia's streak of consecutive monthly sales records extended to 22 months, and the brand's historic second quarter performance capped off the best first half in company history with year-to-date sales up 17.8 percent.
The record-setting June sales were highlighted by continued healthy demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – with Optima surpassing the 70,000 unit mark. Consumers also continued to turn to Kia for fuel efficient vehicle choices such as the Soul urban passenger vehicle, which was honored as a segment winner in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in June. In total, Kia vehicles that achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway2 accounted for 78 percent of June sales.
"Kia has been setting one sales record after another for nearly two years, and the ongoing popularity of our two U.S.-built products as well as the Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms and dramatically raised awareness, perception and consideration for the brand in a very short period of time," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Kia offers discerning shoppers a standout combination of world-class design and quality, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced technologies and tremendous value, and with more new products arriving in the next year, we will continue to draw new customers into our showrooms to look at Kia for the first time."
Article courtesy of Kia News.
Preserve your car during long-term storage by filling the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.
