2008 Kia Spectra5 Sx Hatchback 4-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Next-gen Kia Soul EV spied

Our spy shooters recently caught the next-generation Kia Soul wearing camouflage and showing bits and pieces of its new design. Now, we've got spy shots of the next Kia Soul EV, and it's testing at the Nurburgring. Our shooter points out the spot on the grille for the charging port, as well as the "E" on the license plate, that point to this being the electric version of the Soul. And, of course, we don't see any tailpipes hanging off the back. Similar to the last shots we saw of the regular Soul, the EV gets new lighting front and rear. We see what looks like signature LED lighting strips below the actual headlights — and if the previous spy shots are any clue, this strip could extend across the entire nose. One other feature we notice is the sensor placed low in the front fascia, which could mean the new Soul EV will be equipped with adaptive cruise control, along with other active safety features. In back, the lighting starts high and curves inward like a big boomerang. It looks like Kia is trying very hard to keep the rear of the car under heavy garb, so we might expect there to be other major design changes back there. We can't see from photos any other clues about the electric powertrain, but there's a good chance the Soul EV will use a version of the Hyundai Kona Electric's running gear. For the U.S. the EPA just announced driving range of 258 miles in that vehicle, though other markets also get an entry-level version with a smaller battery. We're happy to see progress being made on the Soul EV, and are looking forward to some of that camo coming off. Loading up the suspension on the Nurburgring looks like a riot, and probably indicates testing of thermal management and the resulting performance (and losses thereof). Related Video:

2020 Kia Forte GT revealed at SEMA adds turbo engine, manual transmission

We figured it was coming soon, but the performance version of the Kia Forte just dropped at SEMA. Named Forte GT, this 2020 model sedan takes the redesigned for 2019 Forte and turns it up a few notches in the fun department. Replacing the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four banger. It makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which is identical to the power it makes in the Hyundai Elantra Sport and GT Sport. A "sport-tuned" dual exhaust is added to give the car some aural appeal too. Buyers will be able to choose between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, also the same as the Elantra. We hope you're noticing a trend here. The torsion bar rear suspension is replaced with a fully independent suspension design, making it that way for all four corners. Thicker sway bars and larger disc brakes are used all around as well. To keep it stuck to the ground, Kia is offering Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires as an option — that's pretty sweet. All of these changes follow the same pattern as the Elantra did when Hyundai introduced the Sport trim for that car. The Hyundai doesn't offer this aggressive of a tire package though. Of course, there are exterior changes here, too. New 18-inch two-tone wheels are exclusive to the GT. A shouty (and questionable) gloss black and red accented grille with GT designation is the most obvious switch-up. There's more gloss black on the mirrors, side sills, rear spoiler and turn signals. Black sport seats with red contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals differentiate the interior from the normal Forte trims. Kia is also making a less exciting Forte "GT Line" trim car, which is essentially a GT appearance package. You'll get almost all the go-fast look parts, but the mechanicals are identical to the standard Forte. This means the 2.0-liter, CVT and torsion beam rear go back in. The baby Stinger theme is carried on with this car in its name and even the GT1 and GT2 option packages available for these two new trim levels. Both the packages offer differing levels of Kia's driver assistance technologies, as well as tech like a Harman Kardon audio system and heated/cooled seats. While we can safely say the new Forte is no Stinger, this GT trim is an extremely welcome addition, especially the continued option for a manual transmission. Related video:

NACTOY winners, and driving the Genesis GV60, Polestar 2, Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 | Autoblog Podcast #813

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor, Electric, John Beltz Snyder. This week, we discuss the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the year winners: The Toyota Prius, Kia EV6 and Ford Super Duty (and Greg explains his votes). In other news, we talk about GM offering $7,500 incentives for EVs that lost their tax credits, another possible calendar change for the Detroit Auto Show and Stellantis potentially scaling back its auto show presence. Greg spent his winter break with the Genesis GV60 and Polestar 2, while John has been driving the Toyota Prius Prime and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Finally, they take to Reddit for this week's Spend My Money question, and pick a sedan under $6,000. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #813 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Toyota Prius, Ford Super Duty, Kia EV9 are 2024 North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year winners GM offers $7,500 incentive for EVs losing tax credit Detroit Auto Show going back to January? Stellantis done with auto shows, or is it? Cars We're Driving: 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance AWD 2024 Polestar 2 RWD 2023 Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Green Podcasts Ford Genesis GM Kia Mercedes-Benz Toyota Truck Crossover SUV Electric Hybrid Luxury Performance Sedan Polestar