Debuts from the Chicago Auto Show
2009 Acura RL
Showing off a fresh new face for 2009, the key word used during the Chicago launch of Acuras revamped flagship sedan was dynamic as in more dynamic styling, performance and technology throughout. More flair was added mechanically as well, with a bigger, snappier 3.7-liter V-6 and tweaks to the transmission, suspension and steering.
Beyond Acuras high-tech Super Handling All Wheel Drive” system, the RL boasts the AcuraLink navigation system that also gives drivers real-time weather and traffic data. Look for the RLs new styling theme to find its way into updates set for the TL and TSX sedans later this year. -- John Clor (Scott Olson/ Getty Images)
The Chicago auto show bills itself as the largest auto show in the country primarily based on the square footage of its car exhibits. Traditionally, auto makers use the show to announce trucks, SUVs and muscle cars to the automotive press, capitalizing on the show’s Heartland location. Now, more than ever, selling these vehicles is tough in a nation struggling with rising gasoline prices.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
After a 21-month wait for the Dodge Challenger concept to be engineered into a real production car, muscle-car fans are elated to see that very little has been lost in the translation for this modern reincarnation of one of the most iconic American performance street machines ever built. Better still, the first of the 2009 Challengers to see showrooms will be top-of-the-line SRT8 versions tweaked by Dodges Street and Racing Technology program a performance engineering group patterned after Fords once-prolific Special Vehicle Team.
So what would you call a thoroughly modern, 425-horsepower performance coupe capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, a quarter-mile run from a standing start in the mid-13-second range, and a 170 mph top speed all for an MSRP of $37,995? A retro-muscle sellout. -- John Clor (Scott Olson/ Getty Images)
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
With so-called crossovers now clearly the next big thing” in todays auto industry, Chevrolet enters the fray with its all-new 2009 Traverse joining the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave as the fourth family-hauler built off GMs versatile Lambda platform. Promising class-leading fuel economy and horsepower from its direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6, Traverse touts a six-speed automatic, three-row seating for seven or eight, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Styling is inspired by the award-winning Malibu sedan, because, as Chevys Chicago presenter put it, plowing down the road in a vehicle that looks like a rectangle how fun is THAT? (an obvious shot at Fords new squared-off Flex crossover, which is also due out later this year). -- John Clor (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
2009 Volkswagen Routan
In a self-proclaimed effort to reconnect with the American driver,” Volkswagen unveiled what it wants you to believe is the latest descendant of the once-revered minibus, except that its really a thinly disguised VW version of Chryslers new Town & Country minivan which isn’t really a bad thing.
Looking much like a modern Vee-Dub from the front and rear, 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivans will come with a VW-specific interior, a long list of features and creature comforts, either a 3.6- or 4.0-liter V-6, and more Germanic ride and handling all for a starting price of under $25,000. -- John Clor (Jerry Lai/ AP)
2010 Ford Transit Connect
To bolster its hold on some 40 percent of the U.S. commercial vehicle market and compliment its sales leadership in full-size vans, Ford announced it will bring its popular, fuel-efficient, front-drive European delivery van to the States next summer. Having shown how it can serve a variety of small-business applications in the Chicago area, the Transit Connect will come to America with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine instead of the 1.8-liter diesel it uses in Europe, but will still be good for an estimated 19/24 mpg city/highway fuel economy rating.
The compact, tall-roofed van, now assembled in Turkey, can be configured for up to 143 cubic feet of storage space, accessible via sliding side or swing-out rear doors. Pricing was not announced. -- John Clor (Tannen Maury/ EPA)
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid 2-Mode
GMC General Motors second-largest brand (even without a car in its lineup) gets its version of Chevys full-size hybrid pickup with the introduction of the 2009 Sierra Hybrid 2-Mode by the end of the year. Even as the standard Sierra is the segments V-8 fuel-economy leader, the hybrid version provides up to 40 percent better fuel economy in city driving.
The Sierra Hybrids battery pack can get the truck rolling up to 30 mph for about a mile on electricity alone, even while loaded with cargo or towing. Better yet, it is offered in the popular Crew Cab body style and as either a two- or four-wheel drive model. -- John Clor (Scott Olson/ Getty Images)
2009 Hyundai Sonata
With the mid-size family sedan segment a safe bet each year, Hyundai decided it was time to update its Sonata for 2009. It arrives later this month with freshened looks, upgraded interiors and features, as well as improved drivetrains that deliver more power along with better fuel economy.
Already Hyundais best-selling vehicle, Sonatas refinements were meant to broaden the cars appeal with the addition of such crowd-pleasers as iPod inputs, an available navigation system and even a sport-focused SE model. In todays market, thats Sonata bad idea. -- John Clor (Scott Olson/ Getty Images)
2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS
Porsche served up some dessert after hosting auto journalists for breakfast in Chicago with the unveiling of its new-for-2009 Cayenne GTS adding a heaping measure of on-road performance capability to the Cayenne SUV lineup.
Equipped with Porsches Active Suspension Management, the GTS has a lower ride height and a 21-inch wheel-and-tire package to complement its 405-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 and six-speed manual transmission. You can see GTS and its sticker of $69,300 in Porsche dealers near you. -- John Clor (Jerry Lai/ AP)
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi jazzed up the looks of its sporty Eclipse Coupe and Spyder twins for 2009, tweaking the front and rear styling a bit. The GT models also get an all-new (rather large) rear spoiler and snappy high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.
Theres a couple more horses on tap for the 3.8-liter V-6 in the GT, which also gets a new, throatier dual-exhaust system and active stability control standard. The revised Eclipse arrives in dealerships this summer. -- John Clor (Tannen Maury/ EPA)
2009 Hummer H3T
Revealed before the Chicago press days actually started, the 2009 H3T fills an important role in the Hummer lineup as the brands first true functional pickup. Riding on a stretched wheelbase and sporting a usable, five-foot-long bed, H3T is the only mid-size truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and off-road skid plates.
The H3T comes standard with a 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder, and can tow up to 5,900 pounds when equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8. Production of this Hummer Sport Utility Truck, which will also be sold in Europe and the Middle East, is scheduled to begin by the fall. -- John Clor (John Clor/ Special to the Los Angeles Times)