Chicago Auto Show Straightline Archives

We know all about the historical precedents of wacky, crazy colors on muscle and/or pony cars. But really, is it necessary to offer colors inspired by bass boats and nail polish? No sir, it is not.

To each their own, we guess. But, which is the more hideous of the two new colors, the Furious Fuchsia on the Dodge Challenger? Only 400 fuchsia Challenger SRT8s will be made and there will be a limited supply of fuchsia R/Ts. Or is the more terrible of the two new pony-car colors the metallic-flake green that has turned this Camaro into quite a silly-looking car?

Your vote?

Categories: Chevrolet,Chicago Auto Show,Coupes,Dodge,Ford

We admit we were a bit down on the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. It's been a little sleepy. But then we saw perhaps the most complete collection of modified hardware of any maker at the show. Over by the Hyundai stand (naturally) was the Cook County Jail's stand and its stunning collection of handmade prison shanks.

Let us interrupt to mention that we are in no way making this up. And let us interrupt this interruption to clear up a bit of a syntax discrepancy. According to the very nice woman at the booth, who walked us through Cook County's stunning collection of shanks, "shank" is a noun meaning makeshift weapon. Contrary to Wikipedia, "shiv" is the verb, as in: "I shivved that gentleman."

Anyway, have a look at the impressive array of bespoke items. And keep in mind that writing "WITH LOVE" on the pajama-wrapped handle of your latest shank shows class. We're not sure the homemade smoking pipes really fit in with the rest of the collection, but we give credit to the Cook County people for trying to show the breadth of its collection.

Remember kids, you don't want to go to jail.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Daewoo,Tuners and Modifications

We're as surprised as you probably will be that we're about to say this, but...thank goodness for Kia.

You see, this year's Chicago show is a little thin on product introductions. And concept cars? Forget about it. And no, we don't really count the disguised production Odyssey that Honda called a concept to be a, you know, concept.

Then there was Kia acting like the big fish in this little pond. The company that once sold a car called the Sephia actually put the show business in the auto-show business this year. There were tuner versions of its production cars. There was a live band playing Bad Company and Lady Gaga. There were those vaguely creepy, life-size toy figurines from the company's Super Bowl commercial. There was a designer pretending to do sketches on stage. There was heavily scripted levity.

Oh, and Kia was the only car company to unveil a real concept car at Chicago. And not just a concept car but a concept car that apparently is capable of extending its tail at high speed for aerodynamic efficiency. And -- why not? -- it is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain (at least in theory). It has a glass hood and front "grille." And Kia is making pretty outrageous performance claims (202 mpg anyone?). It is, then, a proper concept car. The basic shape of the thing isn't too bad, either. But this is one of those times when we wish we could see it without all the auto-show dressing.

But then we suppose it wouldn't be a show without it, right?

Full story: Kia Ray Concept

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Concept Vehicles,Hybrids,Kia

Top: The DeltaWing concept racecar for a new style of IndyCar, powered by a 300-horsepower engine (in theory) and capable of a top speed of 230 mph.

Bottom: GM Firebird I Motorama Dream Car from 1954 powered by a 370-hp Whirlfire Turbo Power gas turbine engine.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Concept Vehicles,Motorsports

We were standing, transfixed, at the Kia stand (Hey, it can happen!) unable to take our eyes off the milk-chocolate-colored wheels paired with sky-blue calipers on a modified Soul.

From behind, we hear this (presumably) in regards to the wheel/caliper combo: "Oh, that is very Pottery Barn!"

Spell broken, we moved on.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Kia,Tuners and Modifications

Yes, that easily makes the Chevrolet Suburban the longest running single nameplate in history. Born as the Suburban Carryall in 1935, the ultimate family hauler has been around in various configurations ever since.

The 75th-anniversary model introduced today is a very typical special edition. By that we mean it's not all that different from a standard Suburban. In this case, all 2,570 anniversary editions will be painted in White Diamond Tricoat matched with a tan interior. A set of 20-inch chrome wheels and a roof rack will be standard as well. Other than that, they're equipped like any other LTZ Suburban, which is already a pretty nice setup. Sales begin early this summer.

Categories: Chevrolet,Chicago Auto Show,SUVs

That's how Chevrolet described its new heavy-duty 2500HD and 3500HD Silverado trucks. Beyond that itdidn't reveal anything that we didn't already lay out in our full story on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD.

Basically, Chevrolet focused this refresh on increased capabilities, so most of the updates are to the frame, suspension and power train. As usual, Chevrolet claims the Silverado HD now has class-leading towing and hauling capabilities. Of course, Ford has yet to reveal final ratings for its 2011 Super Duty trucks, so expect some challenges to Chevrolet's claim soon enough.

Then again, does it really matter if one truck can tow 20,000 pounds and the other can pull 20,100 pounds? Obviously to Chevy and Ford it does.

More pics after the jump.

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Categories: Chevrolet,Chicago Auto Show,Trucks

After Bob Carter was done addressing that whole recall thing, he moved on to the mildly refreshed 2011 Toyota Avalon. No doubt Bob would have liked to talk about the Avalon right from the start, but it's probably better that he didn't, as there isn't much to say.

As you can see, the 2011 Avalon is not a full redesign, more like a minor styling update. The grille was reworked a little and the headlights updated to include "light pipes" to give the Avalon a more recognizable look at night. Extra chrome was added down the side, along with redesigned rocker panels that give it a slightly different profile. Out back, the taillights get light pipes just like the front, along with a reshaped bumper.
 
Most of the changes to the interior are upgrades rather than redesigns. Higher-quality materials and a few new finishes are the only things you're likely to notice. Toyota says it increased the size of the seating ventilation area and quality of the stitching, too, if you're into that kind of stuff. Most of the electronics were updated, too. Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod connection and a USB port are now standard, while the optional navigation system was updated to include more detailed maps and full keyboard for inputting destinations. A rearview camera is also standard even if you don't get the navigation system.
 
Nothing changes under the hood, so all Avalons will continue to feature Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Sales of the 2011 Avalon will begin this spring, and yes, it will have the redesigned gas pedal.

More pics after the jump.

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Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Sedans,Toyota

Are you a Minivan Hesitator? Well, Honda knows you're out there and it's got its sights on you. Also, is Hesitator a word?

Are you the type of person who really wants and needs a minivan but can't bring yourself to be seen in something so prosaic as a minivan? Well, first off, grow up. But Honda loves you, you shallow refuse-to-acknowledge-your-age goof. The company thinks a lower, wider, less-boxy minivan is going to help you get over your insecurities. Hence the Honda Odyssey Concept, which the company believes looks cooler than your average minivan.

That's between you and the man in the mirror. What is more likely to convince a potential Odyssey buyer is that the 2011 production Odyssey (which will look essentially like this "concept") will have a more spacious interior without adding length to the vehicle. One might also be swayed by the fact that the 2011 model will be able to accommodate three child-safety seats in the third row, compared to only two in the current Odyssey. That, at least one version of the production model should return 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, according to Honda's estimates, is also attractive. All Odysseys will be powered by the same size V6, so the trim line that achieves that figure might have more gears in the transmission or be powered by fairy dust. Probably one or the other. 

Read Inside Line's full story on the Honda Odyssey Concept.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Concept Vehicles,Honda,Minivans

Yes, you know what the GT500 looks like, sounds like and pretty much everything else you could want to know about the 550-horse pony.

And now you know what it looks like in black. And with the dark-finish Performance package wheels, it looks pretty tough. Oh, and there's an option-delete on the stripes.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Coupes,Ford

In the middle of this scrum is Bob Carter, head of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. He's attempting to answer the tidal wave of questions from reporters regarding Toyota's "issues" after the company's press conference here in Chicago.

During the press conference, Carter jumped right into the subject, saying that his dealers were working around the clock to fix the sticky pedal issue. "Our dealers are currently fixing cars at a rate of 50,000 cars per day," Carter said.

Carter even acknowledged that Toyota considered foregoing today's press conference to focus on the company's problems. Instead, he came out, addressed the fixes and moved on to the refreshed 2011 Avalon, noting that "customers always want to see new products, so we're continuing to deliver."

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Toyota,Toyota Recalls

While unveiling the face-lifted-for-2011 Edge, Ford also dropped a little nugget of quasi-news. (That's no small thing these days of over-rehersed speeches and blaring music).

We've reported before that the new Exlplorer, which according to Mark Fields "will redefine the SUV for the modern era," will offer an EcoBoost motor. What wasn't totally clear until today was that at least the base-level EcoBoost will be the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that will also be available by the end of this year in the 2011 Edge.

Although if you or we were paying attention, you/we would realize that the Ford Explorer America concept that the company unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show was claimed to have a 275-hp 2.0-liter, direct-injection, turbo four-cylinder and a 340-hp 3.5-liter turbo V6. Not so much a concept as a preview then.

Ford has yet to provide any estimated output numbers for the new production motor, but we're going to take a wild stab hear and say somewhere around 275. The Explorer will go on sale by the end of the year.

Read Inside Line's  full story on the 2011 Ford Edge.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Ford,SUVs

Well, it won't officially debut until tomorrow, but the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD is out now for all to see. Unfortunately, there isn't much to see, as this truck doesn't look much different from the current model. If you must know, the grille, hood and wheels are the only major exterior differences.

Underneath it's a different story as the new Silverado HD gets an all new frame, upgraded suspension and revised towing and hauling ratings that put it back on top of the heavy-duty truck world.

For the full rundown, check out Inside Line's story on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD.

Categories: Chevrolet,Chicago Auto Show,Trucks

Ford chose Chicago's Science and Industry Museum to unveil its Transit Connect Electric and Transit Connect Taxi models. Get it, Electric vehicle the science museum? Oh forget it.

The Electric will hit the market this year and will be sold primarily to fleet customers for whom the Electric's projected 80-mile range would suffice. And for whom the idea of owning a delivery van is enticing. With a lithium-ion battery...whoa, wait a second is that the Spirit of America land-speed record car back there? Nice.

The Taxi version of the Transit Connect can be outfitted to run on propane or natural gas and is really very yellow...Man, 526.28 mph. Holy crap! And that was 46 years ago that Craig Breedlove made his record run at Bonneville in the jet-powered, land-bound missile. Damn, that thing is cool!

Read Inside Line's News story on the Ford Transit Connect Electric and the Transit Connect Taxi.

Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Ford,Minivans

Today Nissan sent us some more photos of the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, including some shots of it frolicking on the racetrack with a 1970 240Z. Thought you might like to see them.

The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a "40th Graphite" exterior color and red leather interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and a 40th Anniversary badge on the rear hatch and front shock tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatbacks with debossed logo, floormat logo embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and interior 40th commemorative plaque. Every 40th Anniversary Z also comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

Price is $38,860.

"Throughout the history of the automobile, a rare handful of cars stand apart as vehicles that not only capture the imagination of the world but also embody the essence of the automaker's brand, engineering and ideals.  The Z is just such a vehicle," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

You said it Al.

Go to the next page to see five more images.

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Categories: Chicago Auto Show,Classic Cars,Coupes,Hatchbacks,Nissan,Sports Cars