Official Thread: 2009 Chicago Auto Show

[mikeyb]

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Since 1901, fans of motorized four-wheeled transportation have been visiting the Chicago Auto Show, and despite the continued bad news emanating from the world's top automakers and the woeful economic situation in general, the 2009 edition of the annual Windy City event is pressing on as scheduled.

While a bit lighter on sheetmetal than in previous years, the 2009 Chicago Auto Show still has a smattering of interesting debuts, including more from Hyundai, one of the few success stories in recent months. Fresh off its Super Bowl ad blitz, the Korean automaker will showcase its soon-to-arrive Genesis Coupe. Sister automaker Kia also has a fairly big surprise in store.
Suzuki, in an effort to pump up sales of its Equator pickup, is bringing three SEMA-style offerings to the show, and General Motors is rolling out the stars of the next "Transformers" movie, including an updated version of everyone's favorite shape-shifting Camaro -- Bumblebee.

Taking center stage will be Ford, with its U.S.-spec Transit Connect commercial vehicle, a special edition F-150 and a Taurus that will no doubt be the star of the SHO. Dodge is also coming to Chicago with the heavy duty versions of its all-new Ram pickup.

[mikeyb]

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The 2009 TSX revamp saw Acura's entry-level sport sedan increased in width, length, and to its detriment, weight. Roughly three inches of width and height, along with 150 pounds of weight were added to Acura's smallest sedan -- precious pounds considering the car's power came from a relatively modest 172-hp inline-four. While performance was roughly on par with the outgoing model due to minor power tweaks and a revised suspension, the extra weight had somewhat dulled what was a competent sport sedan.
For 2010, Acura has remedied the situation by adding more power. Borrowing the TL's base-level 3.5-liter V-6 endows the 2010 Acura TSX V-6 with 280 horses -- more than enough grunt to overcome its increased mass. Paired to Acura's automatic Sequential SportShift transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Acura is projecting the more powerful TSX as its most serious sports sedan yet. Even the suspension gets a once over, being retuned in more of a performance-oriented manner than the standard car and fitted with 18-in. wheels. How will it stack up against the likes of Audi's A4 and BMW's 3 Series?

[mikeyb]

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When it hits showrooms this week after its latest auto show appearance in final production trim at Chicago, Audi's all-new 2009 Audi Q5 compact luxury crossover will carry a starting price tag of $38,025. Though distinct in amenities, the three available trim levels -- Premium, Premium Plus ($42,325) and Prestige ($49,825) -- are powered by the same 3.2L V-6 engine sending 270 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque to all four-wheels. All prices include a standard $825 destination charge.

Standard on the model are a three-zone climate control, folding and reclinable 40/20/40 rear seats, LED taillights and roof rails for extra cargo capacity. Additionally, enthroning front passengers are twelve-way power seats, while leather and wood lines the cabin. A third-generation Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Navigation plus manages entertainment, communication and navigation duties while on the fly. Customers inclined to pulling trailers will find a standard issue hitch package rated at a segment-leading 4400 lbs capacity. The Q5 is fuel efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined -- a figure Audi claims is class-leading. It can also move out when you put your foot in it, with a 6.7 sec 0-60 time, according to the automaker.

Based on numbers, the 2009 Audi Q5 slips right in with the best of them. According to officials, the Q5's main competitors are the Mercedes-Benz GLK 4MATIC ($35,900, 268 hp/258 lb-ft), BMW X3 xDrive3.0i ($39,700, 260 hp/225 lb-ft) and Lexus RX 350 AWD ($38,200, 270 hp/251 lb-ft).

[ms6acton]

new tsx is ugly ): which is sad cause i liked the old one

[mikeyb]

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After what seems like an eternity since the Camaro Concept's 2006 Detroit Auto Show debut, the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is finally near. Production models will begin rolling off the assembly line on March 16, arriving in dealer -- and customer -- hands shortly thereafter.
The Camaro will initially be offered in three trims -- LS, LT and SS. LS and LT models will be powered by a 300-hp, 273-lb-ft 3.6L V-6 mated to either a six-speed manual or auto at a reasonable asking price of just $22,995 for the LS model. SS models will be offered with either a 422-hp, 408-lb-ft LS3 6.2L V-8 (with a six-speed manual) or 400-hp, 395-lb-ft L99 6.2L V-8 (with a six-speed auto). Based on the LS3, the L99 is equipped with GM's active fuel management to improve fuel economy. The SS will start at $30,995, making it one of the most affordable 400-hp cars on the market.

[ms6acton]

mmmm mmmmm i love the new camaro

[mikeyb]

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GM's unquestioned star vehicle featured in this summer's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" motion picture is its all-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept (also known as the Corvette Centennial Concept) called Sideswipe. Joining the futuristic 'Vette in the film and on stage are four new characters, all based on Chevrolet models and concepts.
As you can tell, it's a Corvette-based concept that draws heavy inspiration from the 1959 Stingray race car and 1963 Corvette Stingray spit-window coupe. "This thing is all Stingray," says Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. The Stingray also combines many styling cues from contemporary 'Vette designs into one sleek conceptual package. "Sideswipe represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette," Ed Welburn added in a prepared statement. "By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives."

Is it a hint of what Corvette may have in store? Maybe. But just like you, we'll have to wait and see.

[mikeyb]

Bumblebee

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Skids

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Mudflap

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Jolt

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GM's star lineup of vehicles featured in this summer's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" motion picture just made their debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Highlighted on the General's display is the all-new Corvette Stingray concept (also known as the Corvette Centennial Concept) called Sideswipe (see it in the Chicago coverage). Joining the futuristic 'Vette in the film and on stage are four new characters, all based on Chevrolet models and concepts.

Skids and Mudflap: These diminutive twins stay mostly true to their 2007 New York Auto Show concepts, the Beat and Trax, but incorporate a few accessories and color changes. If you haven't heard, the Beat will make it stateside by 2011 as the Spark.

Jolt: It's essentially the 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid but all gussied-up for bigscreen duty.

Bumblebee: The star Autobot reprises his role but unlike in the previous movie where he was based on the Camaro concept car, he's now sporting production model traits from the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Twenty-inch wheels and various SS model cues are donned by the 'bot. He's on display in Chicago as a 17-ft tall statue in Autobot form.

To see them in action, check out Michal Bay's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" when it hits U.S. theaters this June 26.

[mikeyb]

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The 2010 Transit Connect, set to hit Ford dealerships this summer, offers 135 cu. ft. of space and costs $21,475 including the destination charge, a price commercial outfits should find fairly appealing given its mission. To get that much covered cargo space in Ford's lineup, you'd need to step up to the Expedition.

First displayed stateside at last year's Chicago show, the Transit Connect is new to the U.S., but not to Europe, where it won the International Van of the Year award in 2003. Ford says it has sold more than 600,000 Transit Connects to customers in 58 countries.

With a 2.0L Duratec four-cylinder delivering an estimated 136 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive), the Transit Connect takes its time. We imagine buyers might be more interested in maximizing fuel economy -- estimated by Ford to be 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. A final-drive ratio of 4.20 to 1 is designed to give Transit Connect additional pulling power, and it rolls on 15-in. steel rims wrapped in P205/65R-15 rubber.

Like the Ford E-Series commercial vehicle family, Transit Connects will come with the option of various bulkheads, racks, and bins.
If you like the idea of the Transit Connect but want better fuel economy, you'll want to wait for the Transit Connect BEV, a battery electric vehicle with a 100-mile range Ford says it will send to select dealerships in 2010.

[sanblaster]

Other than bumblebee, those are some ugly transformers.

[mikeyb]

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As the successor to the popular though forgettable Spectra, the 2010 Kia Forte seems to bring a new dimension to the Korean automaker's compact entry. The Forte picks up fresh, sporty styling cues and gains about an inch in wheelbase, length, and width. Those dimension increases are backed up with two new, more powerful engines. The base model gets a 2.0-liter 156-hp four-cylinder engine and either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, while the SX trim level affords a 2.4-liter 173-hp I-4 mated to a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic -- the latter being more powerful than the Toyota Corolla XRS and nipping at the heels of Honda's Civic Si.

Underneath the Forte, the standard Spectra fare is largely intact. MacPherson struts up front and torsion beams in the rear make up the Forte's suspension, though the front brakes have been increased in size with new 11.8-in. discs. The base Spectra also comes loaded with standard features including a power driver's seat, four-speaker stereo with auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity, electronic stability control, and a traction control system. Add 26/36 mpg fuel economy into the mix with the five-speed manual and the optional Fuel Economy Package.

[mikeyb]

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When it goes on sale in early May, the 2009 Cube will come in four trim levels -- Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S, Cube 1.8 SL and the just announced Cube 1.8 Krom. The Krom (think chrome), designed by Nissan North America's Specialty Vehicles Group, is essentially a tarted-up Cube adorned with a number of unique exterior and interior features.
The Cube Krom starts off as a Cube S and is powered by the same 122-horsepower 1.8L DOHC inline four cylinder (projected fuel economy is around 30 mpg highway) mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission as the rest of the Cube lineup. The exterior Kromization includes a three-bar chrome grille, two-bar chrome front bumper grille, and integrated front and rear fascias. The exterior flourishes also include special body side sills, a unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum alloys, and of course, a Krom rear emblem.

Inside, the Cube Krom comes with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, special interior fabrics, a six speaker sound system with a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, titanium-look accents, aluminum trimmed pedals, and a 20-color interior illumination system.

[mikeyb]

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Its been over seven years since Pontiac first showed the Solstice Coupe in concept form at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, the first concept commissioned by Bob Lutz in his role as GM's product chief. At last, the production Solstice Coupe, which first broke cover last year at the New York Auto show, is finally close to arriving in dealer showrooms.

Like the roadster, the targa-roofed Solstice Coupe will be offered in base and GXP form, the former powered by a 173-hp, 167-lb-ft 2.4L I-4, the latter by the now-famous 260-hp, 260-lb-ft 2.0L ecotec turbo-four, both versions offered with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. And, despite the extra glass and fixed roof, GM says that the Coupe weighs just 22 lbs. more than the roadster.

[mikeyb]

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Essentially a tC dressed up in Toyota Racing Development parts, the 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 will go on sale in March starting at $19,970 including destination.

Only 2000 tC RS 5.0's will be built, each in gloss black and wearing matte black TRD 18-in. wheels accented with red trim. Underneath, handling will be improved with TRD lowering springs and a TRD rear anti-roll bar. Performance and sound will be amped up courtesy of a TRD sport muffler. TRD badges come standard, though a rear lip spoiler is a $285 option (not including installation).

Inside, the tC RS 5.0 will be trimmed with a black leather steering wheel with red stitching, black seats with red accents and floor mats with the TRD logo. Each car will come with a cargo mat and individually numbered badging.

[mikeyb]

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To commemorate Travis Pastrana's third consecutive win in the Rally America national championship, Subaru is displaying a WRX STI themed after the rally-driver and X Games participant at the Chicago show. Created by the team behind Subaru's North American rally efforts, Vermont SportsCars, the "199 Pastrana" wears a bevy of aftermarket goodies, flashy paint and, of course, Pastrana's racing number.

The special STI received Subaru's full SPT treatment, including a strut tower brace, chassis brace, sport grille, aluminum oil cap and even an aluminum battery hold-down. Outfitted parts you won't find in the SPT catalogue consist of a carbon fiber rear wing and hood, a new ECU, boost gauge and downpipe. For grip, Vermont SportsCars added black 18-in Work Evolution wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force 275/35 tires.

The interior, shod in blue Alcantara upholstery, features embroidered "199 Pastrana" logos. There's a full Kicker audio sound system, with amplifiers, speakers and subwoofer, and an Eclipse navigation/DVD/MP3 head unit. An Xbox 360 sits under the passenger seat with color-matched controllers attached for good measure.

[coolmazda5]

Ford Transit: clever, it seems that least enjoyable to drive, and very practical
Nissan Cube Krom: WTF? Too late for the boxy market trend IMO
Solstice: looks OK
Corvette Stingray: sexy, except the 28 exhaust tips
KIA Forte: not bad at all (especially compared to what it is replacing). Interior gray plastics are meh though. Oh, and the current Mazda3 says it wants its gauges back
Subaru WRX STI 199 Pastrana: LOL

[LASERBLUE135]

I have to say the new Camero in base trim like that looks HORRID. Gastly even. wtf? u g l y. I'll take a 1990 body style please. Quite possibly one of the ulgiest cars I've ever seen. I pity the fool who buys the base model.

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dear Lord! Look at those lines. Vomit. and the stance with those wheels and tall tires? What is that the off-road edition?

[Olestra]

I have to say the new Camero in base trim like that looks HORRID. Gastly even. wtf? u g l y. I'll take a 1990 body style please. Quite possibly one of the ulgiest cars I've ever seen. I pity the fool who buys the base model.

dear Lord! Look at those lines. Vomit. and the stance with those wheels and tall tires? What is that the off-road edition?

Agreed. Reminds me of the Dodge Charger. Ugly and cheap looking.

[Kain]

Is it too much to ask American automakers to not make their sporty cars the size of Crown Vics and the wrong side of 2 tons? It's bad enough that the extent of innovation is "gee, Ford has a hit with the retro Mustang. Let's follow their lead!", but wouldn't these 300+ hp muscle cars be better suited in a more streamlined, athletic body? Makes me more nostalgic for a fox body Mustang by the day.

[Olestra]

I always thought the Camaro was going to be awesome. They do have nice engine choices but that pic makes me think not-awesome.

I guess the bulkiness comes from the idea that a bulky car will make it a muscular muscle car. Too bad. =(

[mikeyb]

I always thought the Camaro was going to be awesome. They do have nice engine choices but that pic makes me think not-awesome.

I guess the bulkiness comes from the idea that a bulky car will make it a muscular muscle car. Too bad. =(

All muscle cars are big brutes.

[jred321]

that is one ugly camaro. i think it's the wheels with the tires with enormous sidewalls. if you try to picture it without those it looks like the rest of the camaros we've all seen pictures of. i think. it is tough to get over those wheels though.

[Mazda3]

I think its just the base model. It does look vary plain and boring. I have liked the pics of the juiced up models I've seen. This car obviously needs the nicer wheels, spoiler, different hood, etc. to finish it off. The SRT8 Charger looks a million times better than the base, I think it will be the same deal here. People that only want the V6 Camaro will have accessorize.

[andrew.savage]

I just looked at all the photos and spec for those vehicles posted and I was not impressed with any of them. Maybe the Sti but it is still ugly as sin. I hope there are some other vehicles we can see from this auto show.

[mikeyb]

You guys realize that Camaro is the base model without sport package.

[seanmcsean]

Is it too much to ask American automakers to not make their sporty cars the size of Crown Vics and the wrong side of 2 tons? It's bad enough that the extent of innovation is "gee, Ford has a hit with the retro Mustang. Let's follow their lead!", but wouldn't these 300+ hp muscle cars be better suited in a more streamlined, athletic body? Makes me more nostalgic for a fox body Mustang by the day.

While I agree with you, a streamlined athletic body isn't really in the true spirit of the car. Were the muscle cars of old sleek athletic machines? Heck no. They were solid pieces of steel with gigantic engines!

[jred321]

You guys realize that Camaro is the base model without sport package.
aka the model we're going to see the most of

[Kain]

While I agree with you, a streamlined athletic body isn't really in the true spirit of the car. Were the muscle cars of old sleek athletic machines? Heck no. They were solid pieces of steel with gigantic engines!

Ooh, can't wait to see pics of the 4-barrel carburetors then! Because, y'know, that's the true spirit of the car. :)

[mikeyb]

aka the model we're going to see the most of

Thats because its affordable. I would buy a V6 model with the aero and sport packages.

[Mazda3]

Thats because its affordable. I would buy a V6 model with the aero and sport packages.

With 300 HP alot of people will buy that package. Very affordable performance.

[jred321]

secretary's car

[coolmazda5]

Ooh, can't wait to see pics of the 4-barrel carburetors then! Because, y'know, that's the true spirit of the car. :)

Vroom, Vroom, welcome to 1976! ;)