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Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Durango Heat lights our fire

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossover, Dodge

2011 Dodge Durango Heat

2011 Dodge Durango Heat – Click above for high-res image gallery

Dodge has lit up its new Durango Heat at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. The mighty crossover wears the fancy dress of the R/T model, but comes without thirsty 5.7-liter Hemi V8 under the hood. Instead, buyers can expect to find the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 behind the headlights churning out 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s an extra five ponies over the typical V6 Durango, and combined, Dodge says that the machine should be capable of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. That’s a jump of two and three mpg, respectively, over the Hemi-powered R/T.

Outside, the Durango Heat wears the same front fascia, side skirts and monochrome treatment as the more powerful crossover, and it even comes packing the same low-slung suspension and 20-inch wheels. Don’t expect to find seating for seven indoors, though. Dodge has ditched the third row to save a few pounds to increase both performance and fuel economy.

If you like what you see, expect to shell out $30,295. All-wheel drive guise will set you back an additional $2,000.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango Heat: Chicago 2011

2011 Dodge Durango Heat

Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Durango Heat lights our fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: No power upgrade for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe “for a little while”

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has just received an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 with 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet, adding 43 more horses and 27 more pound-feet of torque to its accomplishments.

The Genesis Coupe, on the other hand, is playing with 306 hp, and according to Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor, that isn’t going to change soon. When we asked if the Genesis Coupe would get the new V6, he said “you won’t see any difference to the Genesis Coupe powertrain for a little while.” Trainor wouldn’t define what “a little while” meant, but he did say “you’ll probably see a similar strategy to the Genesis sedan,” suggesting that the Coupe will get a power bump when it gets facelifted, “probably next year.”

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: First Drive

Chicago 2011: No power upgrade for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe “for a little while” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chicago Auto Show: Day One (obsessively covered)

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show

Day one of the 2011 Chicago Auto Show has come and gone, and we can’t help but have a positive overall feeling of the day’s events. Chrysler managed to surprise all of us in a very welcome way with the unveiling of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, and the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 – the fastest, most powerful Camaro in history – is sitting pretty as the current King of the Show.

And the best part? There’s plenty more where this came from. Come back tomorrow for another full day of obsessive coverage from The Windy City, and let us know if you have any early favorites from the vehicles listed below.

2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1	2012 Dodge Charger SRT8	2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman
2012 Acura TL	2012 Hyundai Genesis R	2012 VW Jetta GLI
2012 Buick Regal eAssist	2012 Shelby GT350	Hyundai Veloster Rally
2011 Mazda MX5 SE	Lexus CT200h by Five Axis	Challenger Green with Envy

2011 Chicago Auto Show: Day One (obsessively covered) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Ford’s Farley talks Apple Genius Bars and the push to “democratize technology”

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jim Farley, Ford’s Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service, gave the keynote speech at the Chicago Auto Show this morning, and the only way it could have been more on-topic is if he had given his speech via Facebook chat.

Before Farley announced the new “What Would You Go Do?” campaign for the 2011 Ford Explorer, he laid out how the Explorer’s Facebook launch set a new tone for how Ford has conversations with its customers, and even set a new tone for the company itself. Follow the jump for more and Ford’s press release on the Explorer competition.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer: First Drive

2011 Ford Explorer

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Ford’s Farley talks Apple Genius Bars and the push to “democratize technology”

Chicago 2011: Ford’s Farley talks Apple Genius Bars and the push to “democratize technology” originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Shelby GT350 followed nearly the same philosophy as the Ford Model T. You could get it in any color you want as long as it was white with blue stripes. That’s changing for 2012, as Shelby will also be offering the GT350 in Race Red and Kona Blue. A convertible option will be available, as well. In fact, this is the first time Shelby has built a drop-top GT350 since 1970.

The 2012 GT350 will offer up identical performance as the 2011 model, although one could argue that it didn’t need an upgrade in the first place. Customers can choose between the 430-horsepower base model or opt for either 525- or 624-horsepower versions. Additional upgrades include a full body kit, Cragar wheels, larger brakes, sport suspension and more. The convertible also comes with the option of a light bar. You can read full details about the 2012 Shelby GT350 after the jump, and check out our live photos from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350

2012 Shelby GT350

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work

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

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ram Truck has just dropped a low-buck bombshell on the 2011 Chicago Auto Show with the 1500 Tradesman. The pickup comes standard with the company’s 5.7-liter V8 with 390 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque mounted to a five-speed automatic transmission, and Chrysler says that the drivetrain is good for 20 mpg on the highway. Specifically set up for small businesses, contractors and fleet service, the Tradesman is also loaded with a Class IV hitch and a handy transmission cooler. That kit helps crank up the truck’s tow rating to a lofty 10,450 pounds.

The best part? Prices for this sucker start at a slim $22,780 with destination. Buyers will be able to pick between 4×2 and 4×4 trim, and a long-bed option is also available. Look for the Tradesman to land on dealer lots in the second quarter of this year. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram Truck 1500 Tradesman

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

[Source: Chrysler]

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Dodge

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re still wrapping our heads around the appearance of the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, but we don’t need even a second thought regarding its performance specifications. Just about anything sporting a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 putting out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque will find a welcome bay in our garages, and this Charger is no exception.

Yes, the five-speed automatic is a bit of a disappointment in this day and age, but something tells us a few 12-second trips down the good ol’ 1320 ought to ease that bit of pain, as would an autobahn blast at the Charger SRT8’s 175 miles per hour top speed. If those tantalizing little tidbits are enough to whet your appetite for more, we highly suggest you click here to read the rest of the impressive specifications.

Naturally, you’ll want to take a nice, long gander at the live photos from the 2011 Chicago Auto Show in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: Chicago 2011

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has brought its latest iteration of the new-for-2011 Jetta – the turbocharged GLI – to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, and we’re quickly falling in love with the Autobahn-ready VW. The Jetta’s already handsome (if decidedly sedate) looks are emphasized by larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia and smoked taillamps, and when the whole package is painted in pull-me-over red, we can’t help but daydream about whipping the new Jetta GLI around our favorite set of twisty backroads.

The Jetta GLI appears eager to perform, too. Under the hood is Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Both a manual and dual-clutch transmission are available, the latter of which allows the Jetta GLI to achieve up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Not bad.

The big change, of course, is that the GLI will benefit from a more sophisticated independent rear suspension than the standard Jetta, and VW has ported over its XDS cross differential technology from the GTI.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to go on sale later this year, priced from $23,495. Check it out for yourself in our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Chicago 2011

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan rolls with a 5.0

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Hyundai Genesis 4.6 sedan, with its 385 horsepower V8, is hardly a slouch. In fact, according to most road tests, the luxury four-door reportedly hits 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. In an effort to raise the vehicle’s performance bar and snuff out those who have complained about the four-door’s lack of “sport,” Hyundai has pulled the covers of its new 2012 Genesis R-Spec sedan.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8. The engine – the most powerful Hyundai has ever fitted to a street vehicle – is rated at 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic (with manual shift mode), the new powertrain should shave more than a few tenths off its sprint… and go some way toward adding the ‘sport’ prefix in front of ‘sedan.’

Other performance goodies backing up the new engine include unique R-Spec transmission tuning, suspension upgrades, larger brakes and recalibrated sport steering. Wheels have been bumped up to 19-inch alloys wearing 235/45R19 tires (sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Summer Tires are optional). Cosmetically, the sport sedan is differentiated by dark chrome headlight inserts, and new badging inside and out. The Genesis R-Spec sedan will be offered in Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic exterior paint, with black leather inside as standard-fit.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan R-Spec: Chicago 2011

Chicago 2011: 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan rolls with a 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

2011 Acura TL

2011 Acura TL – Click above for high-res image gallery

Acura has yanked the sheets off of the latest take on its bread-and-butter TL at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. In the face of much criticism, the Japanese automaker’s stylists have set about taking some of the edge off of the sedan’s styling with a fresh front fascia that goes some way toward making the vehicle look more like a car and less like Picaso’s interpretation of one. The 2012 TL now wears shorter overhangs both front and rear, and the new look includes shedding the chrome trim from around the rear taillamps for a look that’s altogether more appetizing than the previous iteration.

A few changes have cropped up under the hood as well. Acura engineers managed to cut engine friction to increase fuel economy, and a new six-speed automatic transmission helps bump the final figures to 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That’s an increase of three mpg highway over the five-speed automatic-equipped 2010 model. Fans of the third pedal need not fret, though. Acura says that buyers will still be able to snag their 2012 TL SH-AWD with the same six-speed manual setup that’s currently available.

Inside, TL Advance trim now comes with a blind-spot awareness system and ventilated heated and cooled seats, while the TL Tech boasts a 60-gig hard-drive based navigation and entertainment system. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit

Chicago 2011: 2012 Acura TL is the face of change… at least a little bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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