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Three men caught vandalizing seven Toyota cars at Chicago Auto Show

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Government/Legal, Toyota

Edmund Grzeszkiewicz (Left), Richard Data (Top Right), Bryan Kjellman (Bottom Right) Three men have been arrested in connection with $30,000 worth of vandalism to Toyota vehicles at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bryan Kjellman (bottom right), Richard Data (top right) and Edmund Grzeszkiewicz (left), aged 22, 20 and 27 respectively, were taken into custody by show security for using razor blades and screwdrivers to damage the interiors of seven of vehicles. When questioned by authorities, the trio said that they were angry at Toyota the company’s role in taking U.S. jobs overseas.

They must have missed the memo about Toyota operating nine manufacturing facilities in the States with over 28,000 employees. All told, of the seven vehicles that Kjellman, Data and Grzeszkiewicz damaged, three were built right here in the Land of the Free. The casualties included a Camry, a Rav4, a Land Cruiser, a Prius and two Tundra models in addition to a Lexus ES350.

The damage ranged from slashed seat cushions and dashboards to broken doorhandles and turning indicator stalks. The trio even set about scratching the windshields of certain vehicles. At the last report, the vandals were set to appear in bond court on February 18, and each have been charged with one felony count each of criminal damage to property. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, Jalopnik]

Three men caught vandalizing seven Toyota cars at Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Jaguar, Porsche

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Autoblog Podcast #217 is a little late. Blame Dan. That out of the way, Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert talk over their favorites from the Chicago Auto Show, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. We wrap with your questions and comments, as always, and we’ll see you next week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Infiniti Etherea Concept
Camaro ZL1
Chicago Auto Show
Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Jaguar XF
2011 Jaguar XK
2011 Dodge Durango Crew AWD
2011 Chrysler 200

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:01:00

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Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chicago Auto Show: Editors’ Choice for Top Five Vehicles

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hyundai, Design/Style

The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the major North American auto shows, but this year proved to be surprisingly bountiful in terms of the number of new cars that were revealed. Sure, many of these new products were merely trim level upgrades, but we saw quite a few big introductions that sparked lengthy discussions amongst the Autoblog staff.

Thus, we’ve looked through the lot of Autoblog’s show coverage and the staffers on-hand in Chicago have picked their favorite vehicles that debuted in the Windy City. Much like our Detroit Auto Show picks, our editors had no problem picking our first and second place winners, but when it came to numbers three, four and five, that’s when the arguing began.

Still, we’ve come to a final consensus, and you can read our Top Five Editors’ Choice debuts after the jump.

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2011 Chicago Auto Show: Editors’ Choice for Top Five Vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Kia considering following the lead set by Toyota in crafting an entry into NASCAR? No – at least not that we know of. But the Korean automaker is proving it has an interest in racing nonetheless, as you can see from the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo SX built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this race car was built as a prototype to showcase the performance and racing capabilites of the Optima. Performance aside, this machine, which is being shown off at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, certainly looks the part of a credible racer.

It’s worth noting that the Kia Forte race car, also built by Kia racing partner Kinetic, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. Will the Optima be following suit? It certainly wouldn’t be a complete surprise…

Gallery: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition adds exclusivity… for a price

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the market for a new MX-5 Miata, but want a bit more exclusivity? Check out the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition, as the new range-topping droptop should fit the bill perfectly.

Based off of a fully-loaded power retractable hard top Grand Touring model and limited to just 750 units by Mazda, the Special Edition is most easily spotted by its Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica exterior paint and bright-finish 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior sports gray upholstery, chrome accents and aluminum pedals (6MT only). Unique underpinnings include the MX-5’s standard Suspension Package with Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential and sport-tuned dampers. Motivating the 2,593-pound two-seater is Mazda’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 167 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque (158 horsepower with the 2,619-pound 6AT).

If the specs catch your fancy, be prepared to shell out $30,925 for the manual transmission model or $31,525 for the six-speed automatic.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition: Chicago 2011

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

Chicago 2011: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition adds exclusivity… for a price originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, “There is a future for Smart”

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Smart

2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive – Click above for high-res image gallery

Smart has delivered its first ForTwo Electric Drive and the 2011 ForTwo is equipped with a suite of first-time features such as cruise control, navigation and eight airbags. But no matter the advances heaped upon the brand’s sole ambasador now, the question many have is: does it have a future?

“There is a commitment to the Smart brand by Smart USA and Daimler’s also committed,” Rick Bourgoise, Smart’s Director of Communications, tells Autoblog. “There are two paths to product expansion: the Daimler alliance with Nissan-Renault to provide a small car platform as part of the next Smart ForTwo as well as a four-seat model to arrive mid-decade.” That car could be, or at least have something to do with, the scale model four-door ForTwo+2 spied recently in Europe. That car is being engineered by Mercedes-Benz and built by Daimler.

“That was good in the near term,” said Bourgoise, “but we needed additional product in the short term.” When he says “we,” he’s referring to Smart USA, which is Penske’s distributorship operation that has the U.S. and Puerto Rico territories for Smart.

“Smart USA agreed with Nissan of the Americas to get a five-door, five-seat hatch that will arrive sometime in Q4 of 2011.” That car refers to the Memorandum of Understanding that Smart signed with Nissan for a B-segment entrant last October. That means the car has officially been given the go-ahead. The platform is assumed to be that of the Micra, since it’s “a global vehicle for Nissan that’s not selling” here, and they’re putting it together in one year. The design of that car is a collaboration between Smart and Nissan, but “it will be a Smart, will have Smart styling cues and stay true to those brand attributes,” such as a tiny footprint and high efficiency and recyclability. Burgoise also confirmed “it will come in a standard manual and automatic transmissions.” Bourgoise tells AB the unnamed car will be revealed sometime in late Q1 or Q2.

Gallery: 2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive: First Drive

Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, “There is a future for Smart” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T – Click above for high-res image gallery

Long ago, Chrysler told us that it would be launching a “manlier minivan,” and the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T looks to be just the ticket. Sort of.

Power still comes from the automaker’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and while there’s nothing weak about 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in a minivan, our own visions of a proper “man van” involved some sort of Hemi-spec power outputs. Nevertheless, the Grand Caravan R/T looks slightly more aggressive, wearing a unique set of 17-inch alloys, and employs design tweaks like body-colored side moldings. Inside, black leather seats are standard kit and red contrast stitching gives off an aura of sportiness, even though the family-hauler won’t impress your sports car-driving friends at parties.

Man van? Not so much. But even so, the Grand Caravan’s R/T trim package has a good chance of speaking to those consumers who need a minivan’s capability while still trying to play it cool. Scroll through our high-res image gallery of live shots direct from the Chicago Auto Show floor to see for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: Chicago 2011

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output takes the torque war nuclear

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chrysler

2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output

2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output – Click above for high-res image gallery

The minds at Chrysler have set out to make sure that buyers who need to tow small planetary bodies on occasion are taken care of with its new high-output 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine. The oil-burning mill churns out 23 percent more torque than the old engine, and the final figure now sits at an astronomical 800 pound-feet. There’s also 390 horsepower on hand, and combined, those numbers are good enough to help the 3500 HD tow up to 22,700 pounds. The big-daddy Ram also packs a ridiculous gross vehicle rating of 30,000 pounds when equipped with the optional Max Tow package.

Those impressive ratings are partially thanks to the truck’s braking system. Chrysler’s engineers folded in the largest brakes of any full-size pickup with 14.17-inch rotors up front and 14.09-inch discs out back, and the 3500 HD wears what Chrysler calls the strongest exhaust brake available on any heavy-duty pickup.

Additionally, that meaty Cummins block is said to be good for over 350,000 miles before requiring a major overhaul, and unlike competitors from Ford and General Motors, this beast requires no diesel exhaust fluid to pass emissions. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output

Gallery: 2011 Ram 3500 High Output

2011 Ram 3500 High Output

[Source: Chrysler]

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output takes the torque war nuclear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is… umm… sorta refreshed?

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

2011 Toyota Matrix

2011 Toyota Matrix – Click above for high-res image gallery

Look very closely and you may notice the subtle changes Toyota has made to its Matrix for the 2011 model year. If your eyes are still failing you (as were ours at first glance), we’ll point them all out. There are new wheels across the board, Smart Stop technology has been added to curb pedal misapplication complications, and the automaker’s “Toyota Care” complimentary maintenance plan is now standard. That wasn’t too difficult, was it?

As was the case last year, the 2011 Matrix is again offered in Base and S trim levels with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder (132 horsepower) or a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder (158 horsepower). The standard powertrain is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on the higher trim level with the larger engine. Those seeking a bit more driving excitement (well, at least visual excitement) need to add the optional Sport Package to their S model, as it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, underbody spoilers, and a painted rear spoiler. Oh, we almost forgot… a new color, called Spruce Mica, joins the exterior palate for 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix: Chicago 2011

2011 Toyota Matrix

Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is… umm… sorta refreshed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Suzuki is sofa king awesome

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Suzuki, Humor, Design/Style

Suzuki Motorized Sofa – Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is proudly displaying its “motorized sofa” at the Chicago Auto Show. The chugging chaise appears in its new “Kizashi Kicks” advertising campaign, a television spot comparing the Kizashi sedan to an Audi A4 2.0T and the well-worn sofa. We’ll let Suzuki tell you about it, before we deliver the technical insight:

This 1970s-era sofa commissioned by American Suzuki retains its original synthetic trim finished in a fashionable tan and brown plaid motif. The sofa is complete with small tears and frayed stitching to meet Suzuki’s overall design intent. The sofa also features a variety of loose coins, cookie crumbs and pocket lint resting just beneath the seat cushions. The steering wheel is comfortably positioned at the center of the sofa, making ingress and egress easy for passengers looking to accompany the driver on casual journeys. The throttle pedal is unmistakable in that it features a custom bare foot shape finished in chrome-plated metal with black accents.

The three-passenger davenport is powered by a single-cylinder Subaru (doh!) “Robin” SP170 engine. With a displacement of only 169 cc, the air-cooled, four-stroke overhead cam gas engine is rated at a whopping 5.7 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. No word on top speed, but the self-propelled furniture reportedly gets about 40 mpg. Braking is accomplished through a hydraulically-operated single-disc on the rear axle, and steering is rack-and-pinion. The tires are appropriately knobby, sized 14.5×7 up front, and 16×8 in the rear, hidden beneath tattered fabric skirting. We’ve asked for a test drive, of course.

Gallery: Suzuki Motorized Sofa: Chicago 2011