Snow closed local airports, but not McCormick Place, where the 100th annual Chicago Auto Show was getting underway during the first week of February. Because the convention center is so large, and because the 2008 Chicago Auto Show is the largest of its kind in the region, nearly 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs are on display, but only 13 of them have never been seen before. Here’s a rundown of the major debuts at this year’s show:
2009 Acura RL
Significantly updated for the new model year, the 2009 Acura RL debuts with a revised appearance, a new engine, and innovative technology. An evolutionary change from the previous model, the front fascia features Acura’s new signature look. Under the hood resides an all-new 3.7-liter 6-cylinder powerplant (first featured in the 2008 Acura MDX) rated at 300 hp, coupled to a standard 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Power is routed to all four wheels through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. According to the company, the 2009 Acura RL is the first automobile to offer real-time weather—XM NavWeather—on the vehicle’s navigation system. The 2009 Acura RL is expected to hit showrooms in late 2008.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an all-new crossover SUV with styling inspired by the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Built on the same platform as the Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook, the Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive, with intelligent all-wheel drive available. In addition to a full array of standard safety features, the Traverse offers third-row seating, rear-seat entertainment, turn-by-turn navigation, and standard OnStar and XM satellite radio. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will arrive in late 2008.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8
Fresh off the concept car turntable, the all-new production-ready 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 hits the streets with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine packing 425 hp. A 5-speed AutoStick transmission sends power to the rear wheels launching this coupe to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. While color choices on the retro-look Challenger are limited to black, silver, and Hemi Orange, consumers are offered modern technology in the form of GPS navigation, Keyless Go, and a MyGIG infotainment system. Since fewer than 10,000 units will be available, expect to stand in line when the new Challenger is released for sale in the spring of 2008.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
The 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid employs the same 2-mode technology found under the skin of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, to improve overall fuel economy by 25 percent (city mileage increases by nearly 40 percent), according to the manufacturer. The system combines a traditional 6.0-liter 8-cylinder gasoline engine, a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery system, and GM’s electrically variable transmission (EVT). The Sierra is able to drive up to 30 mph on battery power alone, the maker says. At higher speeds, the gasoline engine utilizes GM’s Active Fuel Management for more efficiency. According to the company, the Sierra has a cruising range of more than 500 miles. The 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid is due in showrooms in late 2008.
2009 Hummer H3T
The 2009 Hummer H3T is a derivative of the popular Hummer H3. Differentiating itself from its siblings, the H3T is a short-bed pickup truck featuring a 5-foot-long bed behind the 4-door crew cab. The new H3T will share its midsize chassis with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks—as do the standard H3 models. Rugged in construction, and built for heavy-duty off-road prowess, it will be offered with both 5- and 8-cylinder powerplant choices with standard full-time 4-wheel drive. General Motors will build the H3T in four trim levels for first deliveries in late 2008.
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
Hyundai has decided to bring back the compact 5-door wagon for 2009. Expanding the Elantra lineup, Hyundai says the Elantra Touring boasts the most interior volume in its class, and it is the first 5-door compact wagon to offer standard electronic stability control. Standard is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. While it is a near mechanical twin to the Elantra sedan (the wheelbase on the Elantra Touring has been stretched two inches), the suspension has been recalibrated and larger sway bars have been fitted to accommodate heavier loads. XM satellite radio will be standard equipment when the Hyundai Elantra Touring hits showrooms in late 2008.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
The facelifted 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with much more than just a revised exterior. For the new model year, Hyundai redesigned the interior, enhanced the suspension, added new technology, and improved the powerplants. The all-new standard engine is Hyundai’s second-generation Theta II, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant rated at 175 hp. The optional 3.3-liter V-6 engine has also been tuned for greater power and efficiency, and is now rated at 249 hp. Hyundai says that the suspension has been recalibrated to increase handling precision and improve the ride. Passengers will also enjoy the new standard dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and MP3/iPod capability. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata appears in showrooms in early 2008.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder and Coupe debut for the new model year with cosmetic changes, mechanical improvements, and new options. Restyled front and rear fascias with prominent black-out panels, a new rear wing, and reshaped headlights offer an assertive and aggressive appearance. Standard models include a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 162 hp, while the GT model is fitted with an enhanced 265-hp, 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with a new dual exhaust system. The Spyder convertible features a power-operated 3-layer fabric top with a heated glass window. Look for both models in showrooms in summer 2008.
2009 Mitsubishi Galant
Revamped for the new model year, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant features a refreshed exterior with new front and rear sheetmetal. Available in four different trim levels, the entry-level DE trim option has been dropped in favor of a new 4-cylinder Sport Edition with 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. All 2009 Galant models come standard with a Sportronic 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission, depending on the engine’s cylinder count. Standard is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 160 hp. The optional 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engines are rated at 230 hp or 258 hp, based on model. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is expected in showrooms in spring 2008.
2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS
The 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS, a bona fide SUV, is fitted with more performance parts than many dedicated sports cars. At the heart of the GTS is a 4.8-liter 8-cylinder engine. Rated at 405 hp, the powerplant is coupled to Porsche’s Tiptronic S electronic automatic, or a 6-speed manual transmission. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, massive 21-inch wheels, high-performance tires, and oversized brakes ensure that handling and stopping are up to the driver’s commands, the automaker says. Featuring a low aggressive stance and distinguishing body panels, the 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS will arrive in showrooms in spring 2008.
2009 Suzuki Equator
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is an all-new midsize pickup truck. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan, the Suzuki Equator is a mechanical twin to the Nissan Frontier. The new Suzuki pickup will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Consumers will be offered a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, and the option of rear-wheel- or 4-wheel-drive configurations. Engine choices include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, or an optional 4.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 261 hp. The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008.
2009 Volkswagen Routan
The 7-passenger Volkswagen Routan minivan is all-new for 2009. A joint venture with Chrysler, the Routan is based on the same platform as the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. The Routan will offer second-row captain’s chairs, touch-screen navigation, dual power sliding doors, and a power liftgate. The standard powerplant will be a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, while a 4.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 251 hp is optional. Either will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 Volkswagen Routan features European-tuned suspension and steering optimized for driving dynamics and handling, according to VW. Look for it in showrooms in late 2008.
Yes! Roadster 3.2
Hand-built in Germany by Funke & Will AG, the 2008 Yes! Roadster is a low-production, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seat sports car offering luxury, technology, safety and performance in one package. Larger than its first-generation predecessor, the vehicle employs a high-strength aluminum space frame to offer high passive safety and low overall vehicle weight, the company says. The Yes! Roadster tips the scales at just over 2000 pounds. With a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 255 hp mounted under the front hood, and with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Yes! Roadster is capable of hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The delivery schedule has not been announced.
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