Special-edition 2010 Chevrolet Camaros are becoming the rage these days and if you happen to be making a stop at the Chicago Auto Show, then we invite you to look for a special-edition red 2010 Camaro that pays tribute to the city’s NHL team, the Chicago Blackhawks.
The one-off Camaro was decked with Blackhawks graphics by RealWheels Corporation. These guys really took to painstaking lengths to outfit the Camaro with as much Blackhawks reference as they possibly could. For starters, the Camaro’s hood has the official team logo on it while both sides of the car have hockey stick graphics on them. As if that’s not enough, the team’s name is also neatly emblazoned on the rear of the car, while the Camaro’s interior comes with its own set of Katzkin leather seats with – you guessed it! – the Blackhawks secondary logo embroidered on it.
The one-off Camaro, unfortunately, is not for sale, but if you happen to be attending the Chicago Auto Show, then you can get the chance to win it via a raffle draw that’s set to take place at the conclusion of the event on February 21.
Every now and then, we chance upon a vehicle in one of these auto shows that capture our imaginations for an entirely different purpose. While these types of cars aren’t exactly common items in these type of auto shows, their appearances have no other purpose but to liven up the proceedings.
And on cue, the Chicago Auto Show featured one display that most definitely falls under this billing. Underneath all the cosmetic add-ons is just an ordinary Volkswagen bus. But, as the display proudly shows, it’s also the decked-out ride of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
That’s right. It’s those bandana-wearing, karate-chopping mutant turtles. The display came courtesy of the Volo Auto Museum, which makes you wonder out of all the cars they could have exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show, they had to go with the Turtle Van with a matching five-foot tall Ninja Turtle decked out in full battle gear.
Don’t worry, we’re not complaining. After all, in a show featuring some of the newest cars to come out of the woodwork, you’re going to need some time for comic relief, which you can achieve just by looking at this Turtle Van.
Before the Genesis was flying the flag of affordable luxury, the Hyundai Azera was the up and coming Korean automaker’s upscale model, and although it is no longer their top rung offering, Hyundai is still working hard for the cause as is evident by the new 2011 Azera sedan that was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show with sales slated to begin this spring. Exterior upgrades for the new car include redesigned headlights, tail lamps and fog lights and a new grill as well as revised more aggressive bumper fascias. The side mirrors, window trim, trunk lid and alloy wheels are all new as well.
The 2011 model benefits from two new versions of the Lambda V6 engine with improved power and fuel economy combined with an all new six speed automatic transmission. The 3.3 Liter DOHC Lambda six cylinder produces a total of 260 HP and 233 lb-ft of torque while the larger 3.8 Liter version delivers an estimated 283 HP and 263 lb-ft of twist. Thus adding an extra element of oomph to the and efficiency to the high end Azera.
Press release after the jump.
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After teasing us for quite some time, the Kia Ray Plug-In Hybrid Concept made its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a new creation from the "EcoDynamics" studio, the Korean automaker’s global alternative fuel and power train research program. The concept is built from lightweight and recycled materials and features hexagonal roof top solar cells embedded in the glass roof that provide extra power for the lighting and climate control systems.
The concept is powered by an all aluminum Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4 Liter engine producing 153 HP combined with a 78kw electric motor mated to a permanently engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for increased fuel efficiency. The Ray was designed to have a zero emissions range exceeding 50 miles thanks the efficient electric motor from only a single charge and has been rated to receive an estimated 202 MPG. With a full tank of gas and the batteries topped off, the concept has a range of 746 miles.
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It is not very often that we get excited about a minivan, however Honda’s new Odyssey Concept from the Chicago Auto Show has a few neat features that not only caught our eye, but made us come back for a second glimpse and look forward to the production version that is scheduled to follow this Fall. That is because the new concept features a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with a low slung roof line and a slightly wider stance powered by a fuel efficient i-VTEC V6 with three mode Variable Cylinder Management that is expected to deliver an estimated 19 MPG in the city and as much as 28 MPG on the highway.
"The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan - great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda product planning. "Odyssey then further delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and dynamic nature. The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality."
Press release after the jump.
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The Toyota Avalon has been a staple of the Japanee automaker’s commitment to quality and comfort ever since it was introduced back in 1994 and has been refreshed for the 2011 model year making its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The face lifted four door features new exterior styling and a few new interior amenities rich with premium materials and practical new technologies. The new Toyota Avalon will go on sale this spring and will be offered in two trim levels including the standard Avalon and a Limited edition.
On the outside, the 2011 Avalon features a wider, more substantial grill along with new headlamps housing halogen high beams with halogen or optional high intensity discharge (HID) low beam units, a reshaped trapezoidal front bumper, redesigned rocker panels and glare resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. Meanwhile under the hood, Toyota has equipped the new Avalon with a 24 Valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5 Liter V6 that produces a maximum output of 268 HP, mated to a multi mode six speed automatic gearbox. The 2011 Toyota Avalon promises to add a few high tech creature comforts and a fresh new face.
Press release after the jump.
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It was back in 1935 when Chevrolet launched the first vehicle to carry the "Suburban" nameplate. In celebration of the full size utility vehicle’s diamond anniversary, General Motors has unveiled the special edition Suburban 75th Anniversary to mark the occasion at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. This special edition Suburban will go on sale early this summer and is limited to just 2,570 units, including 350 destined for our neighbors to the north in Canada as well as other export markets.
The celebratory ’burban is distinguished by a very fitting White Diamond Tricoat exterior finish and an upscale Cashmere interior complete with "Diamond Edition" embroidered headrests and matching etching on the kick plates. Other unique upgrades to celebrate the Suburban’s landmark birthday are a set of bespoke chrome clad 20 inch wheels with matching door pulls and roof rack; but it’s the 75th Anniversary gold and black Suburban Diamond Edition badges both inside and out that will give the celebratory Chevy away to unfamiliar eyes.
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Kia is going full speed ahead with is new image. The Soul is erasing the memories of the soulless Rio, and now the Forte is adding style that the Spectra never had. prices range from $13,695 to $18,495.
The 2010 Forte is being offered in three different trims: EX, LX and SX. Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0 Liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 156 HP and 144 lb-ft of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. The SX features an upgraded 2.4 Liter inline four cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 HP.
Why are we excited about a new little Kia? Well, budget-friendly Kia seems to be starting to turn a corner. Its Euro-only Cee’d has been getting good reviews for style and performance. This Forte looks great inside and out compared to the Spectra it replaces, and so our hopes are high.
Press release after the jump.
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Ford has revealed details about the 2011 Edge crossover, a model that comes with a new exterior redesign, improved materials and interior craftsmanship, class exclusive technology and new power trains. For 2011, the Edge will be offered in three different versions including SEL, Sport and Limited. The 2011 Edge will be offered with a choice of two engines, the first being a 3.5 Liter V6 producing 285 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque, a 3.7 Liter V6 that delivers a maximum output of 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque and in the coming months, the Blue Oval will also offer a turbocharged 2.0 Liter EcoBoost inline four cylinder power plant.
The list of standard technologies includes: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency situations and available segment first Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, which helps reduce speed and automatically preloads the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers come to a stop more quickly when the system detects that a collision is imminent. How’s that for safety!
UPDATE 07/15/2010: Ford has just released an online configurator for the 2011 Ford Edge. Be sure to check it out!
Press release after the jump.
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The fun loving youth oriented Japanese automaker Scion likes to release limited edition versions of their compact vehicles, like the Scion tC Release Series 6.0 that will be unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The special edition Scion tC features a vivid Speedway Blue paint scheme complete with a unique matte black vinyl graphic running the length of the car that features the RS 6.0 logo pasted to the rear quarter panel with the same blue motif continuing on the compact’s interior, dressing up the seat inserts and color matched accent stitching on the leather wrapped steering wheel.
Standard equipment for all 1100 Release Series 6.0 tC’s includes a 4.3 inch touch screen Navigation display, iPod/USB connectivity, 200 Watt sound system with HD Radio and individualized identification plaques mounted at the top of the center stack to let owners know that they are behind the wheel of something special. Prices for the tC Release Series 6.0 will start at $18,620 for a manual version and climb all the way up to $19,420 for an automatic equipped limited edition Speedway Blue Scion tC.
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