CGD News – Chicago Auto Show Edition

Another month, another Auto Show. This time it’s the Miami of Canada, Chicago. While it is far from being the biggest auto show in North America, it is the one that supposedly gets the most traffic, perhaps because chitowners often spend so much time in traffic. Because of this traffic auto manufacturers decided to show off a lot of new models here.

Once again we were NOT at the show and therefore missed out on the free food, corporate swag and drinks with company VPs. However, via the magic of interwebs we are bringing you some pictures, important details, and justified opinion on the cars that are at the show.

.

.

Ford builds on a legendary nameplate:

Last year, Ford announced that another Shelby Mustang would hit the market, and this time the legendary GT350 nameplate was involved. Due to changes in the Mustang’s engine choices during the 2011 model year, Ford sold fewer GT350s than expected, and they were only available in white with blue stripes. Well that’s all about to change for the 2012 model year, as they will now be offering 2 new color choices, Race Red and Kona Blue. Also, for the first time since 1970, a GT350 will be available as a convertible. Other than numerous classic styling cues, the GT350 comes with your choice of a naturally aspirated 430 HP V8 and two supercharged V8s capable of either 525 HP or a monstrous 624 HP. Each engine is available with a 6-speed manual with a short throw and an automatic transmission is available only available for the 430 HP V8, for those who like looking like they they can go fast.

The Shelby GT350 packages start at $26,995 for the NA V8 and $33,995 for the supercharged V8s, but of course you have to supply them with the Mustang GT first, and only 350 2012 GT350s will be built. Pricey? Yes! Worth it? Only if you think the Shelby name actually means something on any car built after 1970.

Dodge adds more power, insanity to the Charger:

As we’ve reported here, the entire Chrysler lineup has been going through a much needed refresh, including a stylish and powerful Charger. But if the 5.7L HEMI V8 didn’t have enough power for you, Dodge’s Street and Race Technology (SRT) division has got something just for you; the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. With radical styling and a 6.4L HEMI V8 good for 465 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque, this is one family sedan that truly means business. Dodge is expecting the SRT8 to be capable of a 0-60 MPH sprint in the high 4 second range, a blast down the 1320 in the 12 second range, and a top-speed of 175 MPH. Of course, power is useless without control, which is why the SRT8 sports an adaptive suspension with an “Auto” (comfot) and a “Sport” mode as well as huge Brembo brakes. Do want.

Interior amenities include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a sporty flattened bottom that also sports the standard paddle shifters that control the 5-speed automatic transmission – the only transmission available right now. Other luxuries like keyless entry and a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system are available. The first SRT8s will make their way to showroom floors Fall of this year, pricing isn’t available yet.

Hyundai adds muscle to luxury:

For those who also thought that the top-of-the-line Hyundai Genesis sedan wasn’t fast enough with its 385 HP 4.6L V8, well Hyundai also has some news for you. New for the 2012 model year is the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan with a new 5.0L V8 good for 429 HP and 376 lb-ft of torque mounted to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission (don’t worry, a manual shift mode is also standard). Larger brakes, sportier suspension and steering tunes are also part of the package. Each Genesis R-Spec will be offered in 3 menacing exterior colors with black interior leather as the only choice.

So far no word on when it’s expected to roll into showrooms or the price, but it’s a Hyundai, so don’t expect it to bankrupt you anytime soon. We’re still not sure who will buy this car, it is now a Lexus trying to be a BMW for half the price.

Chevrolet’s most powerful Camaro:

Proving once again that the Muscle Car war is still going strong, Chevrolet has revealed their new top of the line Camaro ZL1, the most powerful and technologically advanced Camaro ever made. This is the Camaro many people thought would be called the Z28, but Chevy has decided to resurrect the ZL1 moniker instead, which was the name given to just sixty-nine 1969 Camaros that sported technology from the Grand Am Camaro racecars. Living up to its name, this new ZL1 has a supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 expected to produce 550 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque mounted to a 6-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch (fancy, won’t pop your knee cap).

The tech that makes this the most “advanced” Camaro ever include a Magnetic Ride Control (see: Corvette) with settings for optimal comfort on the street and a “Sport” mode for those “trust me, I know what I’m doing” moments. To end those moments of overconfidence quickly, huge Brembo brakes (14.6 front /14.4 rear) are also standard. Extensive tuning was done with the suspension and chassis so drivers brave enough can take advantage of the superb balance and track-ready handling this Camaro has to offer.

Chevy says the new ZL1 will hit showroom floors early 2012 and will be available in every color offered on the Camaro. Pricing will come later this year, but don’t expect it to be cheap. Also, we nowhere in tech spec did it say how much this hi-po ‘mero weights.

Volkswagen’s turbocharged Jetta GLI:

The newly updated VW Jetta is getting an evil twin of its own in the form of the 2012 Jetta GLI. Powering the front wheels is VW’s popular gasoline-powered 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 200 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque at just 1,700 rpm. Bye-bye turbo lag.  A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard and the 6-speed DSG (dual clutch) paddle-shift automatic is optional (it even has rev-matched downshifts!). GLIs with the 6MT are expected to deliver 31 mpg on the highway, or 32 mpg with the DSG. Get the DSG, it’s OMGtehAWESOMESNESS!!!11!one!!

Interior equipment includes Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, navigation, and dual climate zones. The “Autobahn” edition even comes with a Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen to help you shake your rump.

Perhaps the best part is that this performance-derived Jetta is priced affordably at just $23,495, or $25,545 for the “Autobahn” package and $26,445 for the Autobahn with navigation and other goodies. This little monster will go on sale later this year.

Acura gets the TL right:

All new in 2009, the Acura TL was not met with warmth from either the automotive media or the buying public. It wasn’t because there was anything wrong the car, but rather it it was mostly its new design. The 2009 was a chunky looking model which had little similarities to the handsome 2004-2008 TL it replaced.

Perhaps not son enough, Acura realized the problem and went back to the drawing board. For 2012 the TL features more modern lines reminiscent of the popular model it replaced. Simple changes such as shorter overhangs and less garnish made big differences. Inside is a new entertainment system (hopefully with fewer buttons too) and new heated and cooled seats. Engines were also massaged for a few more MPGs, and the automatic transmission grew another gear. Of note to enthusiasts is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission on the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ version.