chicago Archives | Page 3 of 4

Chicago 2011: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car is ready to duel in U.S. Rallycross

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

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rhys Millen drove his new Hyundai Veloster Rally Car into the spotlight at the Chicago Auto Show this morning. The purpose-built racer is fitted with a hand-built Hyundai 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine boosted by a HKS ball bearing turbocharger. As expected, the beast makes some serious power. According to Hyundai, the four-banger spits out out 500 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. An Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox sends the power to an Xtrac permanent four-wheel drive system. The suspension is comprised of Proflex jumbo coilovers that help give this competition Veloster generous travel. Hidden inside the 18-inch HRE alloy wheels (wrapped in 245/40-18 Hankook racing tires) are 14-inch Alcon rotors up front and 12-inch Alcon rotors in the rear (six-piston calipers sit at all four corners). With a curb weight of just 2,656 pounds, the Veloster Rally Car’s acceleration ought to be… um, sick fast.

Check out the Veloster Rally Car this year, as it competes in the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship driven by Millen, Robby Maddison and Marcus Dodd. Millen and Maddison will also drive the Veloster rally cars at Summer X Games, where it will compete against Ken Block and Tanner Foust in their Ford Fiesta racecars, among others. Should be fun.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car: Chicago 2011

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car: Chicago 2011

Chicago 2011: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car is ready to duel in U.S. Rallycross originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car is ready to duel in U.S. Rallycross”

2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

2012 Acura TL

2012 Acura TL – Click above for high-res image

Let’s be honest – the Acura TL isn’t exactly a pretty car. And while the vast majority of the automotive media and enthusiast forums immediately lashed out at the TL’s angular design, we were nothing short of pleased with its luxurious, high-tech interior and solid driving dynamics – especially the six-speed manual-equipped SH-AWD. For the 2012 model year, Acura has softened some of the car’s harsh lines, and while the automaker tells us that both the front and rear fascias are “all-new,” there’s no mistaking this sedan for anything but a TL.

Because this is merely a modest mid-cycle refresh, the TL’s powertrain hasn’t been completely overhauled. Both the 3.5- and 3.7-liter V6s are still on hand, though a new six-speed automatic transmission helps improve performance and fuel economy. A new set of 19-inch all-season tires are available on SH-AWD models in an effort to improve performance on snow and ice, fitted to an updated set of alloy wheels.

Inside, Acura has made substantial improvements to reduce wind and road noise, and the HDD navigation system has been upgraded to 60 gigabytes for improved music storage. What’s more, a new Advance Package nets customers things like a blind spot information system and cooled front seats. Look for the 2012 TL to hit dealerships later this year. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Acura TL

2012 Acura TL

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago

2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2012 Acura TL softens skin, sharpens claws in Chicago”

Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video]

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

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a performance monster, featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally intended for racing. Just 69 units were built, and they are highly coveted by collectors today. Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that Chevrolet chose to resurrect this classic moniker for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.

At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch that’s necessary to properly harness all those horses. There’s also a dual-mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

Chevrolet tells us that its goal was to build “a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street.” To that end, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be fitted with a new electric power steering system and Magnetic Ride Control that will offer both Tour and Sport modes. Brembo brakes measuring 14.6-inch (370 mm) in the front (with six-piston calipers) and 14.4-inch (365 mm) at the rear (with four-piston calipers) bring it all back down from speed.

Naturally, there’s an updated body kit to differentiate the ZL1 from lesser machines. Most notable are the redesigned fascia that features a front splitter, vertical fog lamps and air intakes designed for brake cooling. There’s also a new aluminum hood with a raised, satin black-finish carbon fiber insert that uses a unique air extractor that is said to increase downforce by directing oncoming air over the car. There’s also a spoiler at the rear of the car and new 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with specially developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.

Chevrolet promises to have the Camaro ZL1 on dealer lots in the beginning of 2012, and it will be available in any color offered on the Camaro. We can hardly wait. In the meantime, check out all the details in the video and press release after the break, and feel free to drool over the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Chicago 2011

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video]

Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video]”

Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green With Envy

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green With Envy – Click above for high-res image gallery

Dodge is spicing up the Challenger line with a new eye-searing paint color. The hue is called Green With Envy, and it’s supposed to pay homage to some of the wilder colors from the company’s past, including Sublime and Green Go. Buyers will be able to grab their new green Challenger in one of two configurations, including a new R/T Classic that serves up the company’s 372-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine with two A-line body stripes. The accents are available in either matte black or white.

For those who need a little more bite with their bark, Chrysler is also serving up the Challenger SRT8 in the new paint. In that trim, owners can enjoy the same 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 engine found in the Challenger SRT8 392, and the muscle bruisers will be differentiated by full-body black stripes. Likewise, the interior will enjoy Green With Envy accented seats.

Look to pony up around $35,785 for the Challenger R/T Classic Green With Envy and $44,875 for the SRT8 iteration. Both prices include destination. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green with Envy

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green with Envy

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy

Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy”

Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011

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

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

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

As part of Chrysler’s giant product onslaught for the 2011 model year, The Pentastar has released new R/T trim levels of both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey crossover. Both models make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and while there aren’t any big power boosts, the spruced up exterior and interior designs speak of sportiness.

Both the Grand Caravan and Journey R/T use Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The minivan is only available with front-wheel drive, though an all-wheel-drive variant of the Journey R/T is available.

Outside, the Grand Caravan R/T gets new appearance tweaks like a “dipped” body-colored grille, body-colored side moldings and a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Likewise, the Journey R/T features the same sort of exterior treatment, but rides on larger 19-inch aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish. Inside, both vehicles benefit from upgrades like black seats with red contrast stitching throughout, as well as the latest in Chrysler connectivity and infotainment.

The 2011 Grand Caravan R/T and Journey R/T will arrive at dealerships this Spring, priced from $30,595 and $28,995, respectively. Opting for the all-wheel-drive Journey R/T will set you back $30,695, and you can read the full suite of details in the automaker’s press release, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey R/T

2011 Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: Chrysler]

Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011”

Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat

2011 Dodge Durango Heat – Click above to enlarge

Dodge is lighting a figurative fire under its entire lineup of vehicles these days, and one vehicle that’s igniting the match is the redesigned-for-2011 Durango. Perhaps it’s fitting, then, that the automaker has just announced the new Heat package for the 2011 Durango, which is basically an R/T minus the Hemi V8 engine.

In place of the brawny V8 beast is a version of the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine boasting 295 horsepower (up five ponies from other V6 Durangos) and 260 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, the main benefit is improved fuel efficiency, with the Heat earning EPA ratings of 16/23 (city/highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 for the all-wheel-drive model. That’s up from 14/20 with the more powerful V8.

Besides the engine, most everything about the Heat matches that of the R/T. Included among the changes over less sporting models is a body kit that includes a monochromatic front fascia with a lower air dam, suspension lowered by 20 millimeters, 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires and a dual exhaust system. Dodge saves a bit of weight by ejecting the third row; the Heat is available as a five-passenger model only.

Pricing for the 2011 Durango Heat begins at $30,295 ($32,295 with all-wheel drive). Want to know more? Click past the break for the full press release.

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat

Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat”

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

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

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

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

Dodge has dropped the Street and Racing Technology motherlode on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show and first out of the gate is the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 – what Eminem should’ve rolled in during the Super Bowl.

As with anything birthed from Chrysler’s in-house tuning division, the Charger SRT8 is all about the engine, so the transformation begins with the new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 putting out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque – a boost of some 80 lb-ft over the old 6.1-liter mill. That torquey wave comes on at 2,900 rpm and Dodge claims that with the fitment of its Fuel Saver tech, allowing the engine to run on four cylinders when its not under load, fuel economy will improve, although Dodge isn’t saying how much.

Chrysler’s W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission backs up the HEMI, and you can select your own gears by either slapping the AutoStick or thumbing the steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

All that adds up to an estimated top speed of 175 mph, a 0-60 mph time in the high fours and a quarter-mile run deep into the 12s.

In addition to the five-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum and polished wheels, the SRT crew saw fit to equip the SRT8 with an adaptive damping suspension with Auto and Sport settings that process speed, steering angle, brake pressure, throttle application and lateral acceleration. Brakes are sized 14.2-inches up front and 13.8-inches in the rear, with a new front fascia, LED taillamps and four-inch dual exhausts rounding out the exterior mods. And naturally, the interior isn’t left out in the cold, with a flat-bottom steering wheel, heavily bolstered seats and a 900-watt, 19-speaker audio system courtesy of Harmon Kardon.

We’ll be on the floor tomorrow to snag live pics of all the SRT-fettled goodies, but in the meantime, peep the gallery below and get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8”

Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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

When Volkswagen first debuted the new-for-2011 Jetta sedan, we were told that a total of four engine choices would be available. The standard Jetta makes use of the naturally aspirated 2.0- and 2.5-liter mills, as well as the much-loved 2.0-liter TDI powerplant. The final engine in this set – Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four – now makes its debut under the hood of the 2012 Jetta GLI, which gets its official reveal at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

Think of the Jetta GLI as a bigger, fatter GTI. Just like in the smaller hatchback, the 2.0-liter turbo-four produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s DSG automatic. The Jetta GLI uses the same XDS cross differential system that debuted in the GTI, which assists in controlling wheel spin and understeer during cornering.

The Jetta GLI is available in three trim levels – GLI, GLI Autobahn and GLI Autobahn Navigation – priced from $23,495, $25,545 and $26,445, respectively. The base GLI comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillights and a revised front fascia, not to mention enhanced suspension geometry for better engagement out on the road. The GLI Autobahn ups the ante with a set of 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, heated leatherette seats and a new Fender premium audio system. The top-trim GLI Autobahn Navigation adds, well, navigation, as well as push-button start.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to hit dealerships in the coming months. For the full details, follow the jump for Volkswagen’s press release, and stay tuned for live impressions direct from the Chicago show floor.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495

Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495”

Chicago 2011: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist live in the Windy City

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Buick, GM

2012 Buick Regal eAssist

2012 Buick Regal eAssist – Click above for high-res image gallery

We received the first details about Buick’s new Regal eAssist earlier today, but we’ve just returned from seeing the car in person before the Chicago Auto Show officially kicks off tomorrow. Visually, the more fuel-efficient Regal looks no different than the standard car, save the addition of eco-friendly 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires.

What’s most important about this car is what’s under the hood – a 15-kilowatt electric motor that offers 15 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque for initial acceleration thrust, matched with Buick’s 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four. Combine that with regenerative braking and a start/stop system for the engine, and the end result is a Regal that’s capable of achieving 26 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg highway.

Buick’s new eAssist system first debuted on the larger LaCrosse sedan, where it will serve as the base powertrain for 2012 model year vehicles. With the Regal, however, the eAssist model will slot just above the base 2.4-liter car and below the Regal Turbo, which uses the automaker’s 220-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four. Pricing will be announced closer to the eAssist’s official launch later this year.

Gallery: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist: Chicago 2011

2012 Buick Regal eAssist

Chicago 2011: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist live in the Windy City originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Chicago 2011: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist live in the Windy City”

Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

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

Toyota will not be having a formal press conference at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, but the automaker will still have something fresh on its stand. The 2011 Matrix hatchback has officially bowed, with a slightly retouched exterior (new wheels, different paint choices, etc.), a touched-up interior with a new steering wheel and seat fabrics, and a new standard brake-override system called Smart Stop.

The 2011 Matrix is only available in two trim levels – base and S – and is powered by either a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter or 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a four- or five-speed automatic, as well as a five-speed manual, and all-wheel drive is available on the Matrix S when paired with the 2.4-liter powerplant.

New sport packages are available for both Matrix trims, with the S Sport Package incorporating things like 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and, of course, ‘S’ badging. Pricing has not been released for the 2011 Matrix as of this writing, but we expect the starting MSRP to be just under $17,000. Follow the jump for the official details.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago”