Straightline
Chicago Auto Show
February 19, 2008
Ford will become the second truckmaker, after Nissan, to offer a spray-in bedliner. Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, this Tough Bed spray-in bedliner pretty much fell under the radar of most news outlets, and as such, is just now being reported.
Tough Bed will be an option on 2009 Ford Super Duty pickups, but I would think, will also eventually be offered on F-150s as well. This is such a good idea that I would expect other truckmakers to follow suit, now that Ford has jumped on board...
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February 8, 2008
Okay, this for truckers... Everyone else, take a hike...
International Truck used the Chicago Auto Show to debut their new LoneStar Class 8 rig ( 2008 Chicago Auto Show Preview: International Lone Star Class 8 truck).
Inspired by the International D-Series of some 70 years back, this new hauler is sure to be the envy of those making coast-to-coast runs with 80,000 pounds or more in tow.
Full story here and here at the International LoneStar site.
And if you think that's cool, check out the DMAXX after the jump.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 8, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, Trucks
February 7, 2008
Think in-car tech is just for snowboarders who currently drive a Focus, dream of owning a 3 Series and rock the faux-hawk? Think again. At the Chicago auto show, Ford unveiled some powerful tools for those who take the idea of a work truck very seriously.
One of the most compelling options in the Ford Work Solutions lineup is an in-dash computer that's outfitted with Microsoft software, Garmin navigation, Bluetooth and a wireless printer interface...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody February 7, 2008, 4:11 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Ford
The new must-haves are tech features like navigation, premium audio, satellite radio and live traffic -- many of which the otherwise adequate Hyundai Sonata lacks. Not for long. For 2009 the Sonata gets a nav system, a USB port so you can play music through an iPod or memory stick plus a revised and more interesting XM radio interface including a voice command. Tech geeks will know that both the Accord and Altima have similar options but the voice control for XM is an interesting addition -- that Microsoft Sync system's got 'em all thinkin...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody February 7, 2008, 3:48 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai
As a nice break from all the new cars and concepts, here's a few semi-oldies that have been aged to perfection:
BMW 2002 Tii
Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
Mitsubishi Galant GTO-R73X
New models and new concepts are fine but these three automakers obviously think there's something to be said for heritage. We agree. -- Brian Moody, Road Test Editor
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- Posted by: Brian Moody February 7, 2008, 2:33 PM
- Categories: BMW, Chicago Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi
With the two photos here and the sentence that I am right now writing, we have fulfilled our duty to cover the Nissan GT-R. Good night and fare thee well. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 7, 2008, 11:13 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Nissan
The prospect for actually selling any of these is anybody's guess. If the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid follows the example of GM's hybrid SUVs and is $6 or $7 grand more than the conventional truck, we're not seeing much hope.
The truck buyers who are really serious about fuel economy spend their $6,000 to buy the Duramax diesel. It's an investment in a known quantity...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 10:55 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, GMC, Trucks
OK, you've gotta respect anybody with the engineering pluck to take a front-drive Audi TT and turn it into a proper rear-drive sports car. Funke and Will's young engineers should have mixed in some art appreciation with their technical studies, 'cause the YES! (Young Engineers Sportscar) is dreadful to look at, even by bad-Deutsche-tuner standards.
Three-point-nine seconds to 60 notwithstanding, you'd have to really want "exclusivity" to part with Porsche 911 money for this...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 10:46 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show
Hyundai's been selling a wagon in Europe, but this is the first time the Korean company will offer a wagon based on the current-generation Elantra in the U.S.
Under the hood is a 141-horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
For fun, Hyundai also showed a customized version of the new Elantra wagon done-up by K-Daddyz Kustomz in Bakersfield, California. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 9:25 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai
Two years. That's about as long as we'll have to wait for an entirely new Mitsubishi Galant, which should look a fair amount like the handsome Concept-ZT from the Tokyo auto show. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi offers this 2009 version with new front and rear styling. And we can honestly say the new rear with quasi-Lancer taillight is a genuine improvement...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 7, 2008, 9:10 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Mitsubishi
Having made its world debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show last September, Hyundai's i-Blue fuel-cell concept isn't exactly breaking news at the Chicago auto show.
Nevertheless, the Hyundai concept's aerodynamic form still looks cool enough to post a couple of new photos from the show floor. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 8:54 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Green Tech, Hyundai
"The Porsche RS Spyder was launched in this same Chicago room a year ago," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, "and look at the successful year it had."
But superstition isn't the only reason Porsche decided to unveil its new 2008 Cayenne GTS in the Windy City. As Schwarzenbauer explained, "Chicago is the fifth largest Porsche market in North America, and 50 percent of Porsche sales in Chicago are Cayenne."
Porsche is hoping Chicagoans will embrace the 405-horsepower Cayenne GTS, complete with a Cayenne Turbo front fascia, standard 21-inch tires and sport seats for front and rear passengers.
Two new colors will be exclusive to the Cayenne GTS: Nordic Gold and GTS Red. Unfortunately, we're forced to show you the SUV in everyday silver...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 8:32 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Porsche, SUVs
February 6, 2008
For all those of you who complained that the BMW M3 has become too soft in its current form, have a look-see at this, the coolest car on the Chicago auto show floor: the M3 ALMS racecar.
The Rahal/Letterman team will campaign the car in American Le Mans Series racing in 2009. BMW reckons the V8 makes about 485 horsepower. The car weighs 2,535 pounds and carries 15-inch front and 13.1-inch rear brakes...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 4:46 PM
- Categories: BMW, Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports
Hyundai used the Chicago auto show to unveil its updated 2009 Sonata, touting the fact that the midsize sedan is gaining popularity in a highly competitive segment.
Offered with a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or 249-hp 3.3-liter V6, the Sonata is a nice alternative to your friends' Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
A starting price of $18,795 makes the 2009 Sonata even more attractive. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 6, 2008, 4:00 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai
Here, captured in one mediocre photograph, is the danger to a manufacturer in bringing one of its legendary old cars to provide a boost for a new introduction. Honestly, which car is cooler: The 2002 tii or the Concept 1 Series tii? That's what we thought.
The trim little 2002 makes the 1 Series look, well, pregnant in a very not-good way. We're sure the new one is much faster, if that's any consolation...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 3:43 PM
- Categories: BMW, Chicago Auto Show
If the overwhelming reception to the Mitsubishi Raider is any indication, we expect big things from the Nissan Frontier-based Suzuki Equator, but not really. It goes on sale at the end of this year at which point you could buy one. Maybe you prefer the Suzuki's front grille to the Nissan's. We do. But not that much...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 3:23 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki
Volkswagen of America's President and CEO Stefan Jacoby announced that the Windy City was an appropriate place for the 2009 VW Routan debut as there is a "fresh wind" at VW. Perhaps "winds of change" may have been a more appropriate translation.
Either way, with "Come and Get Your Love" playing in the background, Jacoby and Volkswagen R&D Chief Ulrich Hackenburg posed happily for a photo op with their, er, Chrysler's baby, the Routan minivan.
We say Chrysler's baby, because underneath its shiny VW sheet metal, the Routan is really a Dodge Caravan without the benefit of Chrysler's handy Stow 'n Go seat option...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 6, 2008, 2:43 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Minivans, Volkswagen
Although the 2009 Ford Edge Sport was hyped before the Chicago auto show opened to the media, it apparently didn't make the cut to be included in the actual Ford press conference.
Sure, it's mainly an appearance package and not a real sport package, but in a show that's running low on major debuts, we'd have listened politely to Ford executives detail the Edge's new look.
Not to dis the large front airdam or rocker sill and rear skirts, but the optional 22-inch polished wheels alone would've grabbed our attention for at least a minute or two. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 6, 2008, 2:07 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Ford
So you're GMC. You're selling somewhere around 450,000 professional-grade products (read: trucks) a year. You are the second-best-selling brand in all of General Motors. You're selling like 7,000 Acadias per month...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 1:47 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, GMC
Ford's big announcement in the Windy City this afternoon was its new Transit Connect mini cargo van. Although the vehicle has been around in Europe since 2003, Ford has decided that American small businesses could make use of the Transit Connect's 143 cubic feet of storage space (enough space to hold 45 cases of wine), side sliding doors, and 270-degree opening rear doors.
Local Chicago businesses, including My Chef Catering and Schaefer's wine shop were given Transit Connect's to outfit for their transportation needs.
Lucky for us, the press conference quickly disintegrated into a food-and-drink-laden party...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 6, 2008, 1:01 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Ford
The award for the most-hokey-yet-somehow-endearing press conference goes to...Chevrolet and its unveil of the utterly predictable but still attractive Traverse three-row crossover ute.
Sue Wilson, Vehicle Line Executive for the roughly $30,000 ute, was convinced (or compelled or cajoled) into bringing her actual family to help introduce the vehicle. It's a family vehicle, you see. Three of her kids and her old man rode along as Wilson drove the Traverse onto center stage and then recited some scripted jokes...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 11:58 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Chicago Auto Show, General Motors
We're open to offers on both watermelon rinds. Mint condition. Chewed on by an actual Inside Line staffer. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 11:38 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Dodge
Perhaps you've heard that Chrysler is producing this muscle car called the Dodge Challenger.
And you know what? It actually kicks ass. Yes, even after the years of buildup...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 10:41 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Dodge
Because Acura was the only manufacturer that refused to give us early information on what it was showing in Chicago, one might have anticipated big news. But Acura's debut turned out to be less than its super secrecy might have indicated.
Acura pulled the wraps off its 2009 RL, which to the naked eye, looks much like the current model. While the Japanese automaker is positioning it as a redesign, we prefer the term "refresh" for this one...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 6, 2008, 10:20 AM
- Categories: Acura, Chicago Auto Show
Comparing the efforts of automakers to sell you a vehicle to presidential candidates seeking your vote, Troy Clarke, General Motors Corp. group vice president and president, GM North America, says, “Let there be no doubt – General Motors wants your vote.”
Every candidate must have a platform, and sure enough, GM has one: “Energy Solutions.”
Clarke opened media days at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show by saying GM knows how important fuel-efficiency and environmental sustainability are to customers, so the company is going all-out with fuel-efficient technology that will lead to vehicles that provide those energy solutions.
Clarke says GM knows it must produce “what people want to buy, not what we may want to sell them.”
Sounds like a plan.
Technology will be crucial for future stuff, sure, but Clarke takes the time to reiterate what we expect to a recurring GM theme for the next several years: Ethanol is the best, most immediate way to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported oil...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 6, 2008, 9:24 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chicago Auto Show, General Motors
Well, you're not here, literally. But Inside Line is here. And that's exactly like being here at the Chicago auto show -- without the face-blistering cold.
Surviving in the shadow of that auto-show bully Detroit, Chicago is a bit, um, quiet...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 9:00 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, General Motors
February 5, 2008
Well, here you have it folks: VW's Town and Country, er, Grand Caravan, er, Routan...
Power comes from a 197 hp 3.8L V6 or a 251 hp 4.0 V6. The tranny is a 6-speed automatic. Biggest selling point?..
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February 4, 2008
GMC will be showing this flex-fuel, 2-mode hybrid 4.9L V8 pickup concept at the Chicago auto show.
As we all know SUVs have been getting serious makeover in that many (most!) are now adapting many car-like engineering features (IRS, etc.), and now we're starting to see this occurring also on pickups. Well, concept pickups that is—but, if you read between the lines here, you just know it won't be too long before some of these ideas will hit the showroom. In fact one already has: the Honda Ridgeline—and I expect more to follow...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 4, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, GMC, Trucks
Mitsubishi will use the Chicago Auto Show to introduce their "freshened" 2009 Eclipse. The 3.8 V6 engine gets bumped up to 265 horsepower / 262 pound-feet of torque, as well as getting a few other tweaks. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic with manual shift control.
I'm sure it's all well and good, but I find it a bit ironic that Mitsubishi's "sport coupe" to be less exciting than their EVO "sedan." Anyone else agree?
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Preview: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
January 29, 2008
The car manufacturer Funke & Will AG, headquartered near Dresden, Germany, will be bringing over their stunning YES! 3.2 roadster.
Now imagine a 2200 pound roadster powered by a VW 3.2L V6, both naturally aspirated and in turbo formats, and you too will scream YES!
The base model will be generating 255hp and go 0 – 60 mph in 4.8s. The Turbo gets another 100hp, and will do 0 – 60 mph in 3.8s, despite gaining 40kg (88lb) in the process...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 29, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, Sports Cars
January 28, 2008
In the latest episode of embargo-gate, there is now an image of the new Frontier-based Suzuki Equator up on the Net. The image was first provided by Truck Trend, and is now all over the Internet. An even better image arrived today thanks to Mike Levine over at PickupTruck.com.
As much as I hate badge-engineered vehicles, I have to say from the front this looks pretty good...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 28, 2008, 3:22 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, Nissan, Suzuki, Trucks
January 25, 2008
Although it’s scheduled to debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we can bring you the goods on the 2009 Hummer H3T now. As expected, it’s essentially a standard H3 with a utility bed out back. A 22-inch-longer wheelbase helps to accommodate the bed without sacrificing interior passenger room. The cargo box itself will offer GM’s bed rail accessory system, so although it’s only 5 feet long it should prove more useful than your typical SUT add-on.
Everything else about the H3T is identical to the standard SUV model. Base models get the 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder while the H3T Alpha gets the 5.3-liter V8. Hard-core off-roaders will appreciate the fact that the optional off-road package adds front and rear differential lockers along with lower transfer case gears and 33-inch tires. No word on whether the standard H3 will offer the same upgrades for 2009. Production of the 2009 Hummer H3T starts in the third quarter of this year, so expect to see it in dealers by August. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 25, 2008, 2:56 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, HUMMER, SUVs, Trucks
January 17, 2008
VW has announced that their new Routan minivan will debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
Never heard of a "Routan," you say? Well, it's a byproduct of a VW-Chrysler get together. Chrysler's done the heavy lifting here, with VW sprinkling some people's car fairy dust upon it...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 17, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, Minivans, Volkswagen
December 10, 2007
Found this image first over at Chrysler Weblog and shortly thereafter over at PickupTruck.com here, and it's now up on other sites as well. It originally made its way on to the Net via DodgeTalk.com. Since nothing is known about the image, there has been some question as to whether it is real or Photoshopped.
My gut says it's real—in fact I'm willing to bet my first-born on it, as it pretty much agrees with everything that I've read to date about the new Ram...
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December 7, 2007
No, the picture above is not it, but rather a Suzuki Grand Vitara-based concept that Suzuki showed in Tokyo a few years ago.
Anyway, Suzuki is going to show a new pickup at the Chicago Auto Show, and it's expected to wear the Equator name tag.
It had been long rumored that Suzuki partnered with Nissan to do a pickup, and it was to be spun off the Frontier. Now as many folks here know I'm no fan of badge-engineered vehicles; never have been, never will be...
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August 10, 2007
These are the latest and greatest shots of the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Caught roaming the streets of suburban Detroit, this prototype wears the usual front and rear camouflage along with a set of blacked out, five spoke wheels. A small peek through the front end cover shows a set of headlights that look very similar to those used on the concept. It also looks as though the B-pillars shown in previous shots of the Challenger's body shell are in fact headed for production...
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June 21, 2007
It's no secret that the Detroit auto show leaves something to be desired. Cobo Hall is old—and more important is really showing its age. The area hotels and restaurants could be better, as well. Auto journalists and industry types have complained about this for some time now. And most recently Porsche stated that they would no longer display at the Detroit show, as they sell few vehicle in Michigan.
Other factors coming into play are the other major U.S. auto shows, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, are making headway in terms of prestige. Each of these other shows out-Detroit in any number of ways. Even so, Detroit seems to holding its own, at least for the short term.
Full story here.
Read what others are saying after the jump.