Back in the 1970s, Volkswagen thought it was a good idea to release a special-edition model of the popular Beetle with the designation "GSR", which stands for "Gelb Schwarzener Renner".
Translated to English, GSR stands for "Yellow Black Racer.” As the name suggested, that Beetle was dressed in yellow and black though, more importantly, it was far sportier and more exclusive than most Beetles of its kind with only 3,500 units built.
Fast forward to today at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show and Volkswagen thought it was a good idea to release the modern-day version of the Beetle GSR. And true to form, they’re calling it, well, the 2014 Beetle GSR.
Suffice to say, this is a pretty big deal, not only for those old enough to remember the original Beetle GSR, but also for the young bloods out there who can be reminded just how popular and sought after this special-edition model was back in the day.
There’s a lot to like about the new Beetle GSR and for our part, we can’t get enough of it.
UPDATE 05/13/13: Volkswagen has officially been given a sticker price. Click past the jump to see how much it’s going to cost you.
Find out more about the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR after the jump
The Volkswagen Beetle GSR will undoubtedly garner most of the attention at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, but nobody should sleep on another Chicago-bound Beetle.
Just like its brethren, the Beetle Convertible Turbo R-Line comes packed with so many exterior and interior upgrades that spruces up the already fresh-looking Beetle. The exterior offers new bi-xenon headlights matched with LEDs to go with an R-Line badge on the front grille that makes sure everyone knows that this Beetle comes loaded with the program. Aluminum-alloy wheels measuring 19-inches and a new sport-tuned suspension was fitted into the car to further improve its driving characteristics.
As for the interior, Volkswagen went to lengths to give the Beetle a sportier look, highlighted by a "metallic-finish" dash and door trim, a flat-bottom R-Line multi-function leather steering wheel, stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates, aluminum sport pedals, and plenty of leather on the seats. Volkswagen also added a number of tech features, including an RNS 315 navigation system, keyless access with push-button start, and the totally awesome and ear-soothing Fender Premium Audio System.
At the end of the day, the R-Line upgrades are enough to spice up the Beetle Convertible Turbo. Some people might think that there’s not enough to warrant the badge, but for us, these add-ons are well worth your time.
Press days for the 2013 Chicago Auto Show will begin tomorrow, so it’s no surprise that starting today you will be hearing details about the models to be displayed in there. For example, Ford, in collaboration with fifteen52 and Ken Block, will be unveiling a very cool tuning kit based on the Focus ST. In fact, this cooperation will bring three different projects, with the first one being the TrackSTer project.
The new TrackSTer has been specially designed to pay tribute to Ford Racing’s past models, but in the same time, it proves just how far Ford’s performance envelope can be pushed.
The project includes a new short-throw shifter and a performance exhaust system from Ford Racing, which has also provided a Mountune engine build, using forged rods and pistons, a performance intercooler and an upgraded ECU.
From its racing brother, the ST-R, the new TrackSTer borrows the Quaife limited slip differential, the Center Force custom clutch kit and the four-piston front calipers.
With the 2013 Chicago Auto Show being just around the corner, is no surprise that the list of models to be displayed in there is getting bigger by the day. The latest announcement comes from Dodge, which will bring a very cool Challenger R/T Redline Edition to the show.
The new R/T Redline continues from where the Challenger Rallye Redline left off last year and can be built on either R/T or R/T Plus models. While the previous Rallye Redline edition was offered with a V-6 engine, the new version features a V-8 engine under its hood — making it more powerful and faster than the previous Rallye Redline version.
The model will be distinguished by some of the same things that the Rallye version was, but there are some twists added to the R/T version that make it stand out.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline.
This special Dart will be distinguished by a gloss-black finish with a pair of car-length Mopar Blue stripes, plus a very cool aerodynamic kit and an updated interior.
The new Dodge Dart Mopar ’13 will be limited to only 500 units, and will be put into production this spring at the company’s assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Each customer will also get a limited-edition sketch of the vehicle signed by Mark Trostle, Chrysler Group Chief Designer for the Mopar Brand.
Updated 01/31/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Hit the jump to read more about the Mopar ’13 Dodge Dart.
After being teased for a few weeks, the new Kia Cross GT Concept made its world debut at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The concept features a design inspired by nature and previews a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento.
The concept has been built on a 122.0 inches wheelbase - 15.7 inches longer than the Sorento and measures 192.8 inches long - 8.4 inches greater than Sorento and 79.1-inch wide - or 4.9 inches wider than Sorento. Still, the concept is 65.3 inches tall - or 1.6 inches shorter that the Sorento.
On the exterior the new Cross GT concept will adopt Kia’s signature grille, headlamps with LED lights and "suicide" doors. The light arrive into the cabin through a multi-paneled sky light with hexagonal glass inserts. On the interior it offers enough space for four passengers and their luggage and features bucket seats wrapped in Almond-Terra-colored leather. There are also features like HVAC, telematics and entertainment that are accessed via an easy-to-use touch screen and central mouse control technology.
Under the hood the new Cross GT concept combines a 3.8-liter V6 engine with a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and the 8-speed automatic transmission. This system delivers a total of 500 pound-feet of torque and 400 horsepower, while delivering an all-electric autonomy of 20-miles.
What we can tell you for sure at this point is that Kia is a huge fan of cartoon superheroes. Until now, we have seen models inspired by Batman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg and Green Lantern, and as you can see, there is someone missing on this list. Yes, you are right: Superman!
This doesn’t mean that Kia forgot about him. The most likely reason is that the automaker couldn’t find an auto show to unveil the superman-inspired Optima. Well, the wait is over, as the Superman-inspired Optima Hybrid made its debut at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show debut.
The car has been designed in cooperation with Super Street magazine, but except an aggressive body kit and the Superman-inspired coloration we see nothing "super" about this Optima. It gets customer fenders that make it a little bit wider, a beveled front grille resembling Superman’s belt and red headlights. The concept is painted in a very cool blue combined with Superman’s unmistakable chest emblem on the hood and red elements added on the trunk.
The interior features the same blue and red color combination and gets Superman’s iconic "S" shield integrated into the seats and steering wheel.
And that’s pretty much all the super stuffs added in the new Superman-inspired Kia Optima. Was it worth? Most likely not, but is always good to discover your inner-child.
Sitting alongside the Elantra Coupe, at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is Hyundai’s competitor for models like the Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Golf. The Elantra GT is the third vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months), next to the the Veloster Turbo and the refreshed Genesis Coupe.
The new Elantra GT features the same 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque as the sedan and the coupe variants. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and delivers a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
The Elantra GT features the same "Fluidic Sculpture" which includes an aggressive profile and low overall height, as well as sleek side mirrors. The interior offers comfortable seating for five people or can accommodate four passengers with long items such as golf clubs or snowboards.
UPDATE 06/13/2012: Hyundai has announced prices for the 2013 Elantra GT that will arrive in dealerships later this month. The new Elantra GT equipped with a manual transmission will be priced at $18,395 and the automatic version will be priced at $19,395. Hit the jump for the full pricing list.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT.
Leaving the other debuts of the Chicago Auto Show in the dust is the brand-spanking new Camaro ZL1 - the most powerful Camaro ever. This beautiful beast is powered by a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that provides enough juice to get our hearts racing and our fingers twitching to grab the wheel.
"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be distinguished by a new front fascia, hood with air extractors, and a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber rendered in satin black finish. Completing the look is a set of 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips with ZL1 badge on the grille, hood, and brake calipers.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Not many of us can just hop on a plane and show up to whatever auto show is happening in some part of the world. That’s why the Internet has become the best friend of everybody because you can live through and see what’s happening somewhere around the world from the comforts of your own home.
The 2012 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public for a few more days, but for those that don’t have the means to travel to Chicago, YouTube member ShotSavvy has your back, courtesy of a six-minute-and-something time-lapse video of all the happenings that were taking place in Chicago.
With the 2012 Geneva Motor Show clearly in our sights, taking a look back at everything that transpired at Chicago should be the perfect way to get us all geeked up at what lies ahead on one of the biggest auto shows in the world.
