Hey GRM Staff...

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I thought this was a Kia thread.

I know, right?

Sometimes people who are wrong on the Internet do it under headings I wouldn't normally look at, so I have to check everywhere if I'm going to correct them all...

(hangs head, resolves to hash out a better summary of what life is for)

Bobzilla wrote: Since when did a 308 cost $200k?

After you own one...

FWIW, I'd like to read about this new KIA. Small turbo motor in a compact? Yes, please! The Fiesta ST and Focus ST both left me cold, so maybe this would be the perfect compromise in between them. As a bonus, it's less than $200,000!

I liked the Ferrari article. I keep thinking that if I have a bit of money to play with one day I could get one to play with.

I'd like to compare the Kia to a Dodge Ram.

z31maniac wrote: I'd like to compare the Kia to a Dodge Ram.

And a Honda Ridgeline as well

mtn wrote:

z31maniac wrote: I'd like to compare the Kia to a Dodge Ram.

And a Honda Ridgeline as well

No, the ridgeline has to be compared to an 06 GMC CC.....where it will fail miserably.

Did you know that you can get 400mpg on an '05 GMC CC?

I LOVED the 308 article. FWIW. YMMV. NMNA. etc.

I'm sorry that I sidetracked the Kia thread.

Back to the original topic, I really like the 1.6T engine, but as was already mentioned, it does need to be in a lighter platform. I concur with the Rio sentiment, especially since the Rio is a pretty good looking little car. Rio GT, anyone?

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I thought this was a Kia thread. A head-to-head test of a new Kia Forte TDI vs an old 308 would be a hilarious and acceptable compromise.

Oh man, that is the best post in this thread by a mile.

I wasn't bothered by the 308 article. I think it was basically a case of "if you pay other people to do things it will cost a lot", just scaled up to ferrari prices. So the result was predictable, but predictable with some very pretty pictures. The same article about an ugly car would not have held my attention. Anyway, GRM has several vehicles among the magazine and staff that have sucked down a far more ironic amount of money (in proportion to their value).

ON TOPIC CONTENT: I think the Forte is less interesting than the Veloster given the same engine, but i'm guessing it makes progress in design and execution despite inhabiting a more mainstream slot in the hyundai/kia product lines. More and more evidence of better and better things to come.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I thought this was a Kia thread. A head-to-head test of a new Kia Forte TDI vs an old 308 would be a hilarious and acceptable compromise.

Agreed. That would be awesome.

jstein77 wrote: I'm sorry that I sidetracked the Kia thread. Back to the original topic, I really like the 1.6T engine, but as was already mentioned, it does need to be in a lighter platform. I concur with the Rio sentiment, especially since the Rio is a pretty good looking little car. Rio GT, anyone?

Wait.... is that real? I mean like really really real? Who do I have to do unspeakable acts to so I can get one of these?

OK, now follow along with me here.... this with the 201hp GDI-T and 6-spd, with intake/exhaust and a tune pumping out 270hp through an LSD. What could it weigh? 2200lbs? 2300?

No, not real at all, just wishful thinking. I hope the Fiesta ST sells like gangbusters and inspires lots of competitors, but that's not real likely to happen. Shame, that's my kind of car.

Edit: Apparently, Kia is at least considering it for the future. One can only hope.

jstein77 wrote: I hope the Fiesta ST sells like gangbusters and inspires lots of competitors, but that's not real likely to happen.

Unless more people like you actually buy one.

I like the Fiesta ST, but I won't buy one unless the factory offers an LSD option.

I have a very healthy interest in both the smaller turbo cars and Ferrari's (more 400i/456/550). That being said, if these were made in, say, station wagon (or shooting brake-estate) form...then all the better.

I wouldn't mind having both. Or a Fiesta ST and a Bentley Turbo R. Or an Abarth and an 80's Aston Martin Lagonda.

jstein77 wrote: No, not real at all, just wishful thinking. I hope the Fiesta ST sells like gangbusters and inspires lots of competitors, but that's not real likely to happen. Shame, that's my kind of car. Edit: Apparently, Kia is at least considering it for the future. One can only hope.

You can buy the Rio 2dr hatch in England. dang brits gettin all the good stuff!

jstein77 wrote: I like the Fiesta ST, but I won't buy one unless the factory offers an LSD option.

That sentence right there is what cost Ford a Focus ST from me, and is continuing to cost them by real enthusiasts. I'm sure that's a "tiny percentage" to them, but the car misses out on soooo much advertising/marketing/halo potential because of it.