The Chicago Auto Show is considered the smallest among the five North American auto shows but the largest in terms of square area. It is among the oldest auto shows as well, with over a century of showcasing motoring excellence since 1901. The halls of McCormick Place in the windy city of Chicago saw a total of 18 major production debuts and launches this year and while it seems the recently concluded Detroit auto show overshadows the Chicago version, there were some interesting highlights to be noted there. These are some of the new cars that the American buying public welcomed during the event.
BMW 3-Series – This was BMW’s major attraction and the all-new 6th generation 3-Series debuts as a 2012 model that would hit the US showrooms on the same month. It comes with 3 trims – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Sporting a restyled and yet iconic BMW kidney designed grille, it features a more athletic overall profile and engine. The new Twin Power Turbo technology also means it is more fuel efficient, matching either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. Speaking of green, BMW also showcased its ActiveHybrid 5 that mates its powerful 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with a synchronous electric motor integrated into the housing of the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The combined electric and gas powered engine puts out 340 horsepower that propels the ActiveHybrid 5 from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and be driven on electric power alone for zero emissions up to 37 mph.
Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible 427 – Chevrolet introduced the fastest and best performing convertible Corvette ever by showcasing this model. Its LS7 427 cubic inch engine is only available in 6-speed manual transmission and is fitted with carbon-fiber components to bring down its curb weight, propelling the car from 0-60 performance in just 3.8 seconds. Collectors will quickly snap up this year’s Corvette model which will be available with a 60th Anniversary package, including exclusive Arctic White exterior with Pearl Silver Blue racing stripes, Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior, and appropriate 60th Anniversary logos.
Mini Cooper Roadster – The all-new Roadster comes in Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, depending on the size of one’s wallet and appetite for performance. The two-seat soft-top Roadsters are quick, agile and a boon to sun seekers that are cleverly packaged with Cold Weather and other technology packages and trims. The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works edition has an engine that’s tuned to 208 horsepower and yet manages to do about 35 mpg on highway driving.
Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible – Unlike Detroit, Chicago was the venue of choice for the unveiling of Ford’s flagship convertible much to the delight of Mustang fans. Ford also made this car the celebratory model for Ford’s 20th anniversary of its SVT division (Special Vehicle Team) which debuted in 1992 with its 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. An example of the 1993 Cobra was also displayed in the Ford pavilion. The Shelby GT500 is equipped with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine that produces 650 horsepower and it claims to be the most powerful production V8 engine as of date. This new convertible ably took out 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared previous Shelby Mustang models.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo – The ever-growing popularity of this Korean sports coupe is further enhanced by fitting the Veloster with a turbocharger that produces a little over 200 horsepower with a sports tuned intake and exhaust that gives out a nice throaty response. It also has more aggressive-looking trims and custom wheels that Hyundai is poising to capture the fickle and young tuner car enthusiast market.
Lexus GS – The all-new 4th generation GS comes in rear-wheel only or all-wheel platforms and comes in premium, luxury or F sport trims. Aligning it with Lexus’ new design philosophy, it sports its signature spindle grille and promises a higher level of precision handling and driving dynamics. Its 3.5-liter, 306 horsepower V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic and comes with paddle shifters.
Mazda CX-5 – This compact crossover SUV is the smallest among Mazda’s CX siblings but it is the first to fully incorporate the full suite of its SKYACTIV technologies. It comes in CX-5 Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, with each model available in front-wheel or all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive systems. The CX-5 boasts a segment-leading 106.3-inch wheelbase, comfortably seating five passengers.
Subaru BRZ – Subaru’s all-new, rear-wheel sports car made its debut in homeland Tokyo last year and US Subaru fans can now look forward to BRZ’s arriving in dealerships this spring. With its low-slung body and boxer engine, it keeps a low center of gravity and a profile that combines a swept-back roofline, short overhangs and pronounced rear that promises an elegant and enjoyable 2+2 sports car experience. Its new and naturally aspirated 2 liter four-cylinder boxer engine produces 200 horsepower and comes with a new 6-speed manual gearbox or optional paddle-shift 6-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Camry – Toyota’s all-new, 7th generation Camry offers a leaner and fresh look with the usual trim levels – including L, LE, SE, XLE and a hybrid variant. The front-wheel drive engine choices are a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5 liter V6 and a hybrid 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine with its latest Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.
Chevrolet Sonic Boom Concept – The name of this concept vehicle has made its design intentions quite literal as Chevrolet worked with popular audio system maker Kicker to mount specially fitted Kicker speakers on its rear hatch and is laid out like a set of jet engines facing rearward. The concept Kicker system delivers 4,000 total Watts of speaker power and is fitted with a customized interior.
Lexus LF LC Concept – This caused a stir in this year’s show and is a product of Lexus’ Calty design studio in California, featuring a 2+2 hybrid sports car with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive that delivers both performance and fuel economy. Its sensual body curves and the sleekly powerful silhouette offers all the looks of a stunning performer. The signature Lexus spindle grille and the taillights was said to have been inspired by a jet afterburner at take-off, using inner lighting to create a remarkable sense of depth.
Toyota NS4 Concept – The futuristic NS4 advance hybrid concept distinguishes itself as a separate model from the Prius family, showcasing a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system that promises reductions in component size and weight with matching improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.
Story by Alvin Uy / Photos by Kyle Matthew Uy
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