The GMC Acadia began its history back in 2007 when the standard model was first introduced to the market. In 2010, GMC added the Denali version and just one year later, in 2011, the model had the best sales in its five-year history. Wanting to keep the momentum going, GMC is offering some refreshing updates to the 2013 model year for both the standard and Denali versions, which it introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin in late 2012.
"With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC’s ’never say never’ attitude," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. "For 2013, our engineers and designers applied that same attitude to developing the new Acadia."
Changes for the 2013 GMC Acadia include a new exterior design highlighted by signature LED lighting, plus a refined interior with soft-touch materials, accent stitching, and ambient lighting. As for power, GMC has kept the usual 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine under the hood.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 GMC Acadia.
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After revealing the ILX Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January, Acura has quickly followed it up with the production version at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Carrying the same ILX name, the new sedan will be offered with a choice of two different engines, as well as a Hybrid version for those with a particular love for the environment.
The Acura ILX addresses the young buyers that are looking for their first luxury vehicle. Acura has promised the ILX will be a cheaper alternative to models like the Buick Verano and the Audi A3.
"First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that’s what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Acura ILX.
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Last year, Hyundai unveiled the new generation Elantra sedan - a model that featured an impressive exterior design language and a new 1.8-liter inline-four that producing 148 HP and 131 pound-feet of torque. Now, Hyundai has to unveil a new Coupe variant at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which the company hopes will compete with the Honda Civic Coupe model.
Just like the sedan, the new Elantra Coupe will be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this engine delivers a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
The new model will be distinguished by a unique "Fluidic Sculpture" two-door coupe design language that includes a hexagonal front fascia with jeweled swept-back headlights, a blacked-out rear diffuser, and much more.
UPDATE 02/08/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
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The Nissan Pathfinder entered the market in 1986 and is currently only in its third generation (which began in 2005). With seven years under its belt, it’s high time for this SUV to enter the next chapter of its life and Nissan is prepping that with its first concept version unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.
The concept’s exterior will mostly be remained untouched in the production version and includes a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights.
The new Pathfinder Concept is powered by a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that ensure a fuel economy increase of over 25%.
"Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned."
UPDATE 01/09/12: This review has been updated with the official details and images.
If you end up trying to pick up your jaws from the floor after checking out this stunning Ferrari 458 Italia, don’t be embarrassed.
It happened to us, too.
Very rarely do you see a joint project between two esteemed aftermarket companies. But this project for the 458 Italia, called the ’Design 5ive’ SR Project Kiluminat - "The Contempo Renaissance" is what happens when the minds of SR Auto Group and PUR Wheels collaborate to work on a supercar as amazing as the 458 Italia.
It’s no secret that Ferrari tuning programs hold a certain flair, but the Project Kiluminati 458 Italia plays the unconventional and bold direction, dressing up the Italian supercar in a fancy chrome paint finish that fully compliments the new set of fancy three-spoke wheels from PUR Wheels.
Despite not carrying a lot more aerodynamic enhancements than what we’re used to when it comes to the 458 Italia, SR Auto Group and PUR Wheels’ work on Design 5ive Project Kiluminati is the stuff that makes these guys two of the best in the business.
