Windy City Winners: Chicago Auto Show Highlights

Coming in the wake of the all-important North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Chicago Auto Show seems almost subdued, with far fewer new vehicles being unveiled for the first time. Still, some important new models are taking the stage in the Windy City.

Below we highlight the world-debuting production and concept vehicles of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, open to the public Feb. 8-17 following two media preview days.

2009 Acura RL
On sale: Spring 2008
Base price: Around $47,000

A refreshed version of the current-generation RL, the 2009 model features enhanced performance, updated looks, and new technology. At the heart of the upgrade is a new 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower. All RLs will be equipped with this engine, said to be the most powerful ever in an Acura sedan. The transmission has been revised and now features paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Changes to the standard all-wheel-drive system, a firmer suspension, and larger wheels and tires will all improve handling.

On the outside, a new grille gains prominence with a painted silver and satin chrome finish; the hood is new as are the headlights and front bumper. A larger satin bar between the reworked taillights continues the theme.

On models with navigation systems, AcuraLink Weather debuts and offers real-time weather maps and forecasts. The system updates every two minutes and gives the forecast for the car's immediate vicinity. It also takes weather into account along with real-time traffic info when planning route guidance.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse
On sale: Fall 2008
Base price: N/A

Chevrolet contributes another product to the crossover-utility-vehicle (CUV) craze with the 2009 Traverse. CUVs blend elements of SUVs, wagons, and minivans. The Traverse is General Motors' fourth variation on a successful vehicle platform (called “Lambda” internally) already being used on the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.

These CUVs have been recognized for their efficient use of space and excellent on-road driving dynamics. The new Chevrolet Traverse will be no different, other than its exterior and interior styling.

The Traverse and its brethren are designed to replace GM’s poor-selling minivans, which are no longer available. As a result, they seat up to eight adults in three rows, while still leaving useful cargo area.

The second and third row fold flat for large loads. Front or all-wheel drive will be available. The same 3.6-liter V6 used in the Acadia, Enclave, and Outlook also provides motivation for the Traverse. Some safety highlights include standard stability control for better traction on slick surfaces, and a full complement of air bags, including side-curtain airbags to protect occupants’ heads in all three rows.

Styling borrowed from the award-winning Malibu sets off the Chevrolet Traverse. Three trim lines, LS, LT, and LTZ will be available and include ascending levels of amenities.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
On sale: May 2008
Base price: $37,995

Following up on the world introduction of the Challenger concept car at the 2006 Detroit auto show, a limited run of 6,400 Challenger SRT8’s will hit showrooms this summer. Dealers began taking orders in December and 4,300 were sold on the first day. The very first production Challenger was auctioned off for charity last month and brought $400,000.

Based on the same platform as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, the ’08 Challenger coupe will share the same 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission available in the SRT8 versions of those sedans. The 2008 Challenger SRT8 will be available in only three colors: black, silver, and “Hemi orange.”

The short run of 2008 Challenger SRT8s will be followed by a tamer 2009 lineup to include a six-cylinder base model and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 R/T model. Though its interior is different, the production Challenger looks nearly identical to the concept car on the outside. The concept car was directly inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger.

GMC Denali XT concept

The GMC Denali XT concept showcases an idea of a stylish fuel-saving vehicle with the functionality of a pickup truck. Much like Toyota’s A-BAT concept that debuted at the 2008 Detroit auto show, the four-door, four-seat Denali XT combines a weight-saving “unibody” structure with a hybrid powertrain and adds a 55-inch cargo bed for hauling stuff. A “midgate” behind the rear seats — like on the Chevrolet Avalanche — folds down to expand cargo capacity.

With huge 23-inch wheels and a low roofline, the GMC Denali XT looks sort of like a “chopped-top” hot rod. An adjustable air suspension lowers the ride height to amplify the low-slung visual effect and improve aerodynamics.

The interior is trimmed in saddle leather and features billet metal accents. It was conceived and built by GM’s Holden subsidiary in Australia, where vehicles like this — essentially a car with a pickup truck bed — are more popular.

This marks the first time GM has combined its new “two-mode” hybrid system with a smaller, 4.9-liter direct injection V8 engine that’s also E85 capable. The engine features Active Fuel Management, which switches off four cylinders when cruising, to save fuel. GM says the Denali XT would achieve 50 percent better fuel economy than a small pickup, and be able to haul 1,100 pounds or tow 3,500 pounds.

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
On sale: Fall 2008
Base price: N/A

GM introduces another application of its new two-mode hybrid system with the debut of the 2009 Sierra Hybrid. This full-size pickup is GMC’s version of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid that debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles auto show.

The Sierra Hybrid promises 25 percent better overall fuel economy than the non-hybrid full-size Sierra pickup, and up to 40 percent better mileage in city driving. It will be available with either rear- or four-wheel drive, but only in a “Crew Cab” body style, which means it will have four doors and two rows of seats.

The only visible differences on the outside are aerodynamic modifications to the front air dam and the addition of a cargo-bed cover, both of which help the sizeable Sierra slip more efficiently through the air. At the heart of the two-mode hybrid powertrain is a 6.0-liter V8 engine coupled with an electrically variable transmission that features four fixed mechanical gear ratios and two electric motors but, amazingly, is about the size of a conventional automatic transmission.

A 300-volt battery pack located under the rear seat powers the electric motors. The Sierra Hybrid can drive up to 30 mph on electric power alone. In situations of high demand, such as when towing, V8 power can be delivered straight to the wheels like on a traditional heavy-duty pickup truck, which is a big difference between this hybrid and others out there that lack this capability and therefore can’t tow as much. In normal driving conditions, electric and gasoline power work together for greatest efficiency. To save more fuel the gas engine shuts off when at a stop and features Active Fuel Management, which allows it to run on four cylinders when possible.

The Sierra Hybrid’s two-mode powertrain is also used in GM’s full-size SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, and GMC Yukon Hybrid.

Ford Work Solutions
On sale: Later this year
Price: N/A

For its business and commercial customers, Ford announced a new feature called Work Solutions. It is based around a new on-board computer system that will be available on Ford trucks.

For those who need a true mobile office, Ford's in-dash computer is up to the rigors of heavy-duty use. It has a touch-screen interface in addition to a wireless keyboard, and a USB port and SD memory card slot are there to back up or upload files. Web access is offered through the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and will allow users to connect with office servers to download files and check email. A wireless printer will be optional. Additionally, a Bluetooth-enabled phone and Garmin navigation system are built in.

Furthermore, a system called Tool Link (created in part by toolmaker DeWalt) allows drivers to track their trucks' cargo. Radio-frequency tags can be attached to tools (or any other objects), and users can create tool inventories to make sure they have everything for a particular job. Then they can check again when the workday is over to make sure they don’t forget anything at the jobsite.

Finally, a product called Crew Chief uses tracking devices mounted on all trucks in a fleet so their location, speed, and idle times can be tracked from an in-dash computer, or any computer with web access. Tool Link can also be used with Crew Chief when dispatching trucks in the field to make sure they have all the necessary tools with them.

Ford Work Solutions will be available on 2009 pickups and E-series vans, and on the Transit Connect.

Ford Transit Connect
On sale: Summer 2009
Base price: N/A

Ford announced plans to bring its Transit Connect, a car-sized cargo van sold in Europe since 2003, to the U.S. in 2009. The Transit Connect is front-wheel drive and will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This type of vehicle is already popular overseas, and the U.S. launch is aimed towards small business owners in urban environments, where a smaller, more economical, and maneuverable vehicle may prove more manageable than current commercial offerings.

Specifications of the U.S.-bound Transit Connect are incomplete, but what we do know is that it will have sliding doors on both sides and a split-door configuration in the rear. The high roof helps the cargo volume reach an impressive 130.7 cubic feet. Though we expect it to be less expensive, we see its nearest homeland competition as the Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van.

Ford also suggested the Transit Connect's uniqueness in the U.S. could prompt a customization craze. We won’t speculate on that just yet, but for the Chicago Auto Show, Ford outfitted Transit Connects for three Chicago-area businesses and a blues band to showcase the vehicle’s visual flexibility.

2009 Hummer H3T
On sale: September 2008
Base Price: N/A

Just when you thought you would never use the words "Hummer" and "practical" in the same sentence, here comes the Hummer H3T. Based on the H3 SUV, the H3T swaps the enclosed rear cargo hold with an open pickup bed. Like the H3 SUV, the H3T can seat up to five.

The Hummer H3T measures in as a midsize truck, slotting somewhere between the Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota, though it’s wider than both.

The cargo bed is thoughtfully protected with a standard bed liner that extends up the sides and tailgate. A rail system in the bed can accommodate myriad cargo-managing accessories, like nets and straps that have been exclusively designed for it.

Engine options are the same as for the H3: a base 3.7-liter five-cylinder, or a 5.3-liter V8 in the Alpha model. The Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds. Hummer promises the same level of off-road prowess that we’ve come to expect, especially with the Adventure package that features larger tires and a heavy-duty transfer case designed for crawling over extreme terrain.

2009 Hyundai Sonata
On sale: First quarter 2008
Base price: $18,795

Already in production with a release date later this month, the refreshed 2009 Hyundai Sonata features a new grille and front bumper, as well as reworked headlights and taillights. Four-cylinder models have an improved 2.4-liter engine called the “Theta II” with an output that has been raised from 162 to 175 horsepower. Fuel economy is also up, to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission. The four-cylinder Sonata achieves a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating for the first time.

The 3.3-liter “Lambda” V6 picks up 15 hp this year, for a total of 234, and sees a slight improvement in fuel economy, getting 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Steering and suspension systems have been recalibrated for a firmer ride and better handling. SE models offer new 17-inch alloy wheels and performance tires.

Inside, some firsts for Sonata include an available navigation system in a new center console, and blue lighting for the gauges and controls. Dual-zone climate control is also new, as are two-stage seat warmers. The stereo has a USB auxiliary input, and will also recharge your iPod. Bluetooth capability is also offered.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eclipse Spyder
On sale: Summer 2008
Base price: N/A

Both the Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder see some subtle revisions for 2009. Three new colors are offered and the interior fabrics are new. Front and rear bumpers have been changed, the grille has lost its center vertical bar, and six-cylinder GT models get a blacked out two-tone look that more resembles the Lancer Evolution. Front ends on the four-cylinder GS model are a single color.

The more luxurious GT models get a few more upgrades. Active Stability control comes standard now, and a new dual exhaust produces a more aggressive sound and squeezes out a few more horsepower. Eclipse GTs also get a new rear spoiler and HID headlights.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant
On sale: First quarter 2008
Base price: $21,099

For 2009, the Mitsubishi Galant gets an updated look with new front and rear treatments, and a revision of model lines and available option packages. The new hood, grille, headlights, and bumper present a more conservative look up front, mellowing out the prominent character lines of the old hood. The rear has a new trunk lid, rear window, bumper, and wider taillights of a more contemporary design.

Gone are the DE and GTS models — they have been replaced by the Sport Edition and Sport V6. A sunroof package for both includes a new interior fabric, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a number of other appearance and convenience items. The base ES line soldiers on, dressed up with color-matched door handles and mirrors, and increased option availability. Top-end Ralliart models continue with a new two-tone leather interior with beige thread replacing red.

On the technology front, all models get an iPod adapter. The Ralliart has a new DVD-based navigation system with 7-inch screen. Bluetooth and a rear-view camera will be available this summer.

2009 Suzuki Equator
On sale: Fall 2008
Base price: N/A

Suzuki says tens of thousands of owners of its motorcycles also own pickup trucks, often using them to haul their bikes. So now the automaker wants to cash in with a pickup model, designed especially for riders and other motorsport enthusiasts, called the Equator. The company also wants to broaden its product line in America, where it has reported three years of record sales.

The Suzuki Equator will be built by Nissan and based on the Frontier, and available as an extended cab or four-door crew cab. The Equator will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter six-cylinder, and four-wheel drive will be offered.

Three dressed-up Equator concept trucks were shown in Chicago, each highlighting a non-automotive Suzuki product. The extended-cab "Quay" was hitched to a boat. It is the most conservative-looking of the three with a custom paint job matching the Suzuki marine vehicle in tow. The "RMZ-4" featured bright yellow paint and graphics, just like the Suzuki dirt bike strapped in the cargo bed. And the matte-green "Quad" was lifted and accessorized for rugged off-road duty, and was hauling a Suzuki all-terrain vehicle.

2009 Volkswagen Routan
On sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base price: $25,000

Volkswagen's U.S. minivan sales have been rather spotty since the venerable Microbus bowed out long ago, so VW has employed a new strategy to get a reasonably priced offering in its showrooms. A joint venture with Chrysler, the new VW Routan seven-passenger minivan will share platforms and engines with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. It will be built in the same plant in Windsor, Ontario.

Although the family resemblance is there, VW has added its own styling cues. The grille is recognizably VW and the headlights taper into points, as opposed to the squared-off Chrysler units. The rear window and hatch are unique to the Routan, as are the rear side windows. Taillights are wide and set high, evoking other VW models, instead of the tall, narrow lenses on the Chryslers. All in all, these features do favorably stylize the look of the more upright and conservative Chrysler models.

The Routan will have its own interior trim, and while some of the essential controls are recognizable, the instrument panel features a more organic shape, flowing out from the center stack.

YES! Roadster 3.2
On sale: Late 2008
Base price: $78,000

An upstart German engineering firm that has been hand-building limited-production roadsters and racing cars since 2000 is now bringing its second-generation vehicles to the U.S. Already sold in some dozen countries, the YES! Roadster 3.2 and 3.2 Turbo are rear-wheel-drive sports cars powered by a 3.2-liter V6 made by Volkswagen/Audi.

The base engine cranks out 255 horsepower for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 158 miles per hour. The turbocharged engine puts out 355 hp and propels the lightweight car to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 174 mph.

That’s insanely fast, but for those who crave even more speed, a power upgrade to 415 hp will also be available. The transmission is a six-speed manual; a five-speed automatic is available on the base Roadster 3.2. Both transmissions are sourced from VW/Audi.

The YES! Roadster’s engine is positioned just ahead of the rear wheels in what is called a “mid-engine” layout. This setup improves weight distribution for better driving dynamics and is used on sports cars like the Ferrari F430, Porsche Boxster and Cayman, as well as on racing cars.

The YES! Roadster’s composite body is built on an aluminum frame and weighs a little more than 2,000 pounds.

Though it’s a bare-bones sports car in base trim — even air conditioning costs extra — the interior is trimmed in leather and high-quality materials. Luxury options include a navigation system, upgraded stereo, heated seats, and a removable hard top.