Acura unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 RL, a new generation featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine.
The 2009 RL will be powered by a a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves. The engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.
The RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL’s receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system.
The 2009 RL’s new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL’s more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL’s shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans.
Subaru will unveil a special edition Impreza WRX STI at the Chicago Auto Show. It was designed for its factory rally driver Travis Pastrana.
The Pastrana WRX STI come with a stock 305 hp, SPT front strut tower brace and SPT lower chassis brace, BF Goodrich G-Force Super Sport A/S 275/35 ZR18 tires on Work Evolution XD-9 18 x 9-in. wheels in custom satin black.
The rally-bred WRX STI exterior design lights up with custom yellow paint and graphics. The carbon fiber hood and carbon fiber rear wing are unique to the Pastrana’s WRX STI. As on the stock production WRX STI, the functional hood scoop streams outside air to an intercooler. The Sport Mesh Grille is available for all WRX STI owners. Likewise, the STI front chin spoiler and the exhaust finishers are available through Subaru dealers. A set of PIAA 2100 HID driving lights and rally-spec mud flaps underscore the aggressive rally-bred design of the 5-door WRX STI.
The gap between the European Accord and the Acura TSX is getting wider. Although they are basically the same car, the horsepower is very different on the two sides of the pond. The European Accord just came out with a Type-S version that uses a 2.2-liter diesel to make 177 hp, and now the hottest Acura TSX will come with a 280 hp 3.5-liter V6 (gas powered) for the 2010 model year.
The engine will be coupled to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The new V6 engine, which is likely lifted from the North American Accord, puts the TSX within range of the larger TL sedan’s 300 hp 3.7-liter V6.
The TSX V6 will also get its own suspension tuning and five-spoke alloy wheels. Sales should begin this summer.
Lexus announced at the Chicago Auto Show that the F-Sport Performance Accessories line has been expanded to GS sports sedan, IS AWD and the upcoming IS convertible.
These F-Sport accessories (think BMW’s M division) will include performance enhancing parts such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. Parts for these new models will be available as early as June 1, 2009.
Full parts breakdown in the press release after the jump.
Dodge revealed today in Chicago the 2010 Ram pick-up line-up. For 2010, the Crew Cab with six-foot, four-inch box replaces the Quad Cab to meet Heavy-Duty customer needs and focus on overall vehicle refinement and ride comfort.
The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is powered by the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 hp at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1,500 rpm. The engine is mated to either a choice of either a G56 six-speed manual transmission or a 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission.
The other choice for 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty customers is the standard 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 gasoline engine, delivering 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Toyota revealed today in Chicago the 2010 full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine. For 2010 Toyota added two new models: Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck.
The new 4.6-liter V8 engine, available in the 2010 Tundra models, will deliver 310 hp and a peak torque of 327 lb-ft. of torque. Like Tundra’s optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Platinum Package includes a new Limited grade billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, daytime running lamps, door sill protectors with a Platinum logo, and Platinum badging. The Platinum Package will be available in four exterior colors that include Black, Silver, Slate, and Salsa Red.
Yesterday we had a quick preview of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Now Hyundai has given a full release on the hot-rodded Genesis Coupe.
The Genesis R-Spec comes with Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels, performance summer tires, Brembo braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. Powering the coupe will not be the top range 306 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, but rather the 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged four-cylinder unit that delivers 210 hp. As suspected, this was to be more tuner friendly at a lower base cost. Pricing for the Spec-R starts at $23,750, and Hyundai calls the car a "high-performance blank canvas for tuners".
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. The Forte has been on sale in other Markets sine August, and U.S. sales are now slated for this spring.
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 lbs-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.
The concept will be a character called “Sideswipe” in the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie. General Motors says the design is not only influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. “Sideswipe represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives.”
There is no information on the engine because there isn’t one. Right now this retro Stingray is little more than a styling model. But this is obviously cool enough that with a little hope, and a lot of money, my show some of GM’s future.
Hyundai announced today pricing on the 2010 Genesis Coupe. Prices will start from $22,000 for the 2.0T version with Six-Speed Manual gearbox and will go up to $31,000 for the 3.8 version with ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC. The R-Spec version, set to be revealed today in Chicago is priced at $23,750.
The 2010 Genesis Coupe is being offered with a choice of two performance-focused engines – a 212-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-hp, DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine.
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