By Dave Boe
DriveChicago.com
While strolling this magnificent
single-floor showroom today, take
special note of these newly revamped
offerings, one or two of which just
may end up in your driveway later
this year. Enjoy the ride.
Segment innovator retools,
renames
– Chrysler retires the Town
& Country ID and reintroduces
Pacifica, a name not long ago
gracing the brand’s large crossover.
This all-new 2017 front-drive
Pacifica minivan features exterior
conveniences including hands-
free operating side doors and rear
hatchback. Its naturally-aspired
V-6 delivers a class-leading 287
horsepower. Inside, easy-tilt access
seating allows seamless entry to
row three while dual 10-inch, high
definition second row screens
allow internet surfing and portable
electronic connection, helping
occupy young, curious minds.
From teasing to pleasing
– Lexus
goes from teasing us to pleasing
us with the production version
newly minted as the 2017 LC 500.
Toyota’s luxury division aspires
more of a performance tinge and
this flagship coupe makes the case.
This rear-drive two-door motivates
from a 5.0-liter V-8 teamed with
a 10-speed dual clutch automatic
transmission and low center of
gravity. Starting price hints at under
$100,000. The cockpit-like interior
incorporates elegant touches, but its
exterior statements which sets this
rear-wheel-drive 467 horsepower
fire-breather apart from other Lexus
siblings. Expect it to reach dealers in
about a year.
Merging versatility with comfort
– Honda’s Ridgeline dances to a
different beat, opting for a car-like
uni-body platform while bypassing the traditional body-
on-frame truck architecture, thus delivering car-like
handling. The cargo region features a dual-action, dual
hinged tailgate folding down flat or opening from the
side. A popular, lockable under-bed trunk returns in this
second-generation effort. New to the cargo region: an in-
bedded audio system for ultimate tailgating. Measuring
5 feet from side-to-side, it’s the segment’s widest with
5 feet 4 inches of length, easily
swallowing traditionally-sized
plywood or drywall.
Memorable name returns
– The 2017 full-size Lincoln
Continental’s smooth side panels
are sans traditional pull straps or
handles. Instead, an E-latch door
release discreetly blends within
the character line framing side
windows. Front bucket seats offer
30 adjustment tweaks for optimal
support and comfort, including
split thigh extensions which jet out
from bottom seat cushions. Rear
passengers also enjoy optional
massaging and reclining seats. Tiny
cameras mounted on the grille,
rear deck lid and side-view mirrors
provide a 360 view of surroundings,
all fed into the center multi-function
screen. Expect 2017 Continentals in
dealer lots by the fall.
Silence is golden
– The 2017
Chevrolet Bolt checks in as a pure
electric vehicle promising 200
miles of driving between plug-
in recharges. This represents a
significant driving range boost as
current mass market electric vehicles
deliver about half that estimate.
Expect pricing in the low $30,000
range after available tax-friendly
discounts/rebates. The all-electric
five-door Bolt hatchback seats five
and promises an 80 percent charge
capacity within one hour through an
available ‘Fast Charge’ system.
More Than100 , 000 Veh i c l es Jus t A Cl i ck Away…Dr i veCh i cago. com
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2016
GAME CHANGERS –
5 All-New Vehicles That Impress
12
