Here's a run down of the most significant introductions from the 2012 NY show.

Makes you cringe, doesn't it?
 

For those not familiar, Equus is Hyundai's attempt to broach the full-size luxury car market. Size and feature wise it competes with vehicles like the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XK, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Rarified air indeed!

As the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Land Rover ever produced, the Evoque is slated to premier at the Paris Motor Show this October.  Bidding farewell to the "bigger is better" attitude, the Evoque's global debut says hello to more than efficiency, luxury, technology and design.  It proudly invites auto aficionados to say "HELLO!" to the 2011 Auto Show Season!

Click for more on the Land Rover Evoque.
 

Honestly, the weather looks perfect and there's no bett]]>Mark BilekFri, 20 Aug 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.chicagoautoshow.com/blogs/blogs.aspx?BlogId=3&PostId=164 Arriving right now in Chicagoland Mazda showrooms is the new Mazda 2. It gives Mazda an entry in the hot subcompact car market, where it faces competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. Mazda is confident that the market for subcompact or "B" cars will [...]Arriving right now in Chicagoland Mazda showrooms is the new Mazda 2. It gives Mazda an entry in the hot subcompact car market, where it faces competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

Mazda is confident that the market for subcompact or "B" cars will double in the next three years. Though most would expect most of this growth to come from Generation Y, the current 22-30 set, Mazda is also fairly certain a lot of small-car sales will come from baby boomers who are flying the coop from large cars into something more practical.

The new 2 is available only as a five-passenger four-door hatchback. Two trim levels are offered, Sport and Touring. Both are powered by a 100 horsepower 1.5-liter four cylinder engine. Prices start at $13,900 and range up to $17,000 for a fully equipped Touring model.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

Here's some video of the new 2012 Boss Mustang... and we like it even before we've turned the key to the "on" position. What wouldn't be to like?! Nostalgia keeps cresting over the hood for guys my age, as we used to salivate over the unique liveries of the Boss.

Gobs of horsepower.  Gobs of torque. Gobs of curb appeal. It's a gobber!  Here's some video to hold you over until we get some seat time of our own. In the meantime, we'll have Ford peeps on Saturday morning to talk Boss from where it was introduced, at Laguna Seca raceway in California.

Nice...  stay tuned!

Pioneered by General Motors and Raytheon and first seen in the 2000 Cadillac deVille and Concours, NightVision utilizes an infrared camera and a dashboard display to paint a fairly well-detailed black & white picture the road ahead. Because it utilizes differences in temperature to define objects, people and animals appear as bright shapes and trees and houses are somewhat subdued.

From behind the wheel, night vision can initially be a little overwhelming. However, drivers quickly learn to process the additional information and night vision then provides a driver with valuable information about the path ahead well in front of the headlamps' illumination range. Cadillac owners raved about the system, but we're put off by the high cost.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

First off, mainstream electrics aren't coming to Chicagoland anytime soon. Though the Chevrolet Volt launches this fall, it's not coming to this market for at least another year. Ditto the Nissan Leaf, which will initially be sold only in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Tennessee.

The reason for this is quite simple; batteries and Chicago's climate don't play nice. Most batteries like to be cool, but not cold. Extreme cold and extreme heat greatly reduce the capacity of a battery, and we have lots of cold and heat here in the Windy City. So an electric vehicle that has an ideal range of 100 miles in 60 degree weather might see practical range drop by 50% when the temperature dips below freezing.

Eventually, the electrics will come. The reason is simple--efficiency.  Even the most fuel frugal gasoline or diesel engine is only about 30% efficient. In other words, a piston engine transforms 30% of the energy in the fuel into forward motion. The other 70% is lost to heat and friction.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

Ford added the meat to the potatoes today at an exclusive media luncheon with the Explorer Chief Nameplate Engineer, Jim Holland.

Despite its slippery new styling and all-wheel-drive system, the first thing Jim pointed out was that Explorer is still an SUV at heart. It has standard seating for seven and can tow up to 5000 pounds. Not only is the 2011 Explorer sleeker, it's also three inches longer and five inches wider than the model it replaces.

Another change is the switch from rear- or four-wheel drive with a transfer case to front- or all-wheel drive. Holland explained that traditional Explorer drivers value traction over extreme off-road capability. The switch to a front-drive-based system not only made Explorer lighter but opened up additional room for passenger and cargo space.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

Mitsubishi just announced that the first i-MiEVs were delivered to its North American press fleet. In other words, you'll begin to start reading reviews of i-MiEV in automotive rags like Car and Driver and AutoWeek (and at DriveChicago.com). The i-MiEV went on sale in Japan in the summer of 2009 and is due in North America in the fall of 2011.

Like the Nissan Leaf, i-MiEV is a full electric vehicle, meaning there's no gas engine to extend range. A small fleet of i-MiEVs made a run from Sacramento to San Francisco to make use of the nation's first hi-speed electric charging station. Watch the video to find out more about i-MiEV and west-coast gauntlet.

Click to watch the i-MiEV in action . . .

FoMoCo is hosting an unprecedented simultaneous nine-city reveal of its new midsize SUV. Seeing as the new Explorer is likely to be built in Ford's Torrence Avenue assembly plant, Chicago is a key market for one of the most-popular SUVs of all time.

The launch will take place on Monday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m. in Millennium Park, Chase Promenade South. In attendance will be Bill Ford, Ford executive chairman, Jim Farley, Ford group vice president and Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois.

If you can't be there, you can catch the launch on Facebook. Ford has created a Fan Page on Facebook for the 2011 Ford Explorer that includes images, contests, video and more. [Visit the official 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Page]

Click for the rest of the story . . .

The aptly-named 60-Day Regret Free Purchase Plan is available in lieu of additional customer discounts. In other words, the consumer must choose between cash back or the risk-free plan.

"We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge, consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked ," said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer - Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. "Plus Chrysler Group will make the first two payments for the consumer."

Click for the rest of the story . . .

The American Solar Challenge is a competition to design, build, and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event. Hosted by the Innovators Educational Foundation, the 1100-mile route started in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and combined stops in Topeka, Kansas, Jefferson City, Missouri, and Normal, Illinois. At times the route traced old Route 66.

Sixteen teams set out from Broken Arrow on June 20. Only 13 made it to the end, led by the UofM entry, Infinium, which crossed the line in Naperville, Illinois, at about 2 p.m. Saturday June 26 with a winning time of 28 hours, 14 minutes and 55 seconds.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

Click for the rest of the story and to watch the new Saab ad . . .

General Motor's bowtie brand hopes to change that late this summer with the launch of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Claimed to be the first "global" product in Chevrolet's lineup, Cruze is already a hit in Europe and China. Built in Lordstown, Ohio, Chevrolet says the U.S. spec Cruze will deliver a class-leading EPA highway fuel economy rating of 40 MPG.

Interestingly, that fuel economy rating comes with the more-powerful turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that's offered on the upscale LT and LTZ trim levels. The base LS gets a normally aspirated 1.8-liter four that has the same 138 horsepower as the turbo motor but significantly less torque.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

So, I decided to come up with my own list of infamous TV vehicles. Oh, the list could be a mile long, so I decided to focus on production-based models that made regular appearances each week. Here's what I've got so far:

- 1969 Dodge Charger, the General Lee from "Dukes of Hazzard"
- 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, KITT from "Knight Rider"
- 1983 GMC Vandura from "The A-Team"

Click for the rest of the story . . .

The news is not all bad at Blue Oval HQ in Dearborn, Michigan. FoMoCo plans to add seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles to the Lincoln lineup over the next four years, including the luxury brand's first-ever C-segment vehicle (read luxury compact). In addition, Ford is promising to develop Lincoln-exclusive powertrains including an all-new V6.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

For those of you who might not remember, the Regal is Buick's latest offering. It's slightly smaller than the LaCrosse and aimed at a decidedly younger audience. Developed in Germany, the Regal will be available with either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 220 horsepower. Both engines have a 6-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.

The Regal GS show car sported additional vertical front air intakes, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires, a racing-inspired sport steering wheel, metal pedals, and Recaro high-performance front seats.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

Wash the car: If you are able to, begin with a "do it yourself" hand wash of your vehicle. This will provide you with an opportunity to look the vehicle over carefully. Over the winter chips to paint and glass may have been overlooked. If chips in the paint or glass do exist, consider getting them repaired or touched up in short order. Small chips turn into rust spots quickly, and glass chips can spread into a replacement-sized cracks. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A good undercarriage bath is also recommended to remove salt that could be eating away at the underside of your vehicle. You can use a lawn sprinkler to accomplish this task, however; a professional undercarriage bath at the local car wash is the best method.

Click for the rest of the story . . .

I suppose they're right, although it did sound strange to hear it from the mouth of one of the storied marque's top executives. What they do freely and happily acknowledge is that while no one needs a Jag, it's hard to find anyone who wouldn't want one. And just so you know early on, I'm one of those who has wanted one for a long time, but for one reason or another, one hasn't appeared in my driveway-yet--but in the spirit of any old-time revival, "There is still time, brother!"

The toughest part is that they keep making it more difficult to choose which one I'd select--and I'll be darned if they didn't go ahead and compromise my thought processes about what I'd select as a full size luxo-sedan if I were in that market. Up until last week's trip to LA to preview the new XJ8, I had thought that my choice would be an Audi A8L. Why? Well, it just seemed to do everything correctly and without a lot of fuss, great seats, instrumentation and power. "Oh, come on, Paul! You can find that in a lot of brand offerings, can't you?" you'd write and ask. Well, yes, but there's a certain element that almost defies description or definition that has just made the XJ8 the new leader in the clubhouse. 

Click for the rest of the story and pics . . .

The Delta Wing racer is by far the most innovative and radical of the future Indy Car design concepts. By greatly reducing the vehicle weight and decreasing aerodynamic drag, designers say they can make Delta Wing more affordable and use an engine that makes half of the horsepower compared to the current Dallara chassis. That means the engine can be smaller and more fuel efficient.

Recently the Delta Wing concept that debuted at the Chicago Auto Show was featured going through its paces in the wind tunnel on Discovery Channel Canada. Click on the image below to watch the show.

Only time will tell if Delta Wing is selected by the IZOD Indy Car Series to be the next-generation of Indy Car, but just imagine 33 of these barreling down the front straight of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 to take the green flag . . .

This past week I was among the first American journalists to get behind the wheel of the Fiesta five-door hatch or four-door sedan. Both models come equipped with either a manual transmission or Ford's North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that will help Fiesta achieve an expected 40 mpg. We also had the chance to experience Fiesta's 15 class-exclusive technologies as well as the safety, connectivity, and performance typically reserved for more expensive vehicles.

I really try to not break embargoed information. It's not fair to the company that's requested it, yet at the same time when you've got good news it's just SO hard to keep a lid on what you're thinking. So, I tend to find alternative ways to convey the message.

This uncomfortable position presented itself again Saturday morning during my WLS Drive Chicago show. I had spent some time during the week with the Ford Folks in San Francisco driving their snappy new Fiestas--sedan and five-door--that are getting close to appearing in dealership showrooms.  The embargo was at midnight last night and I was reminded by my compadre-in-arms, Dave Sloan, that people would be up at that hour, salivating to read what I thought about the newest offering in the Blue Oval stable. So in full disclosure, I wasn't ready to pop this online until 1 pm Sunday, but then went back to double-check the time for release. Glad I did. The folks who invite us to do such things would like the lid on it until midnight TONIGHT, not last night. More teasing of the Fiesta, but an honest mistake, not a come-on!

So I suggested on the radio that while I couldn't break the embargo on my impressions, I was highly recommending that Ford dealers consider adding a few new desks in their dealership showrooms for what might be a strong surge in business. Did I say I loved the Fiesta? You be the judge.

The fact is--now that it's free game time for impressions--Ford is going to have yet another reason why they're doing great with their entire lineup these days. Fiesta is addressing a small car (B-car as it's known in the industry) need let them fully compete in a highly competitive segment.

First off, it's a really sharp design. Angular, great colors (12 from which to choose) that'll tickle anyone's color palette, a base 1.6L 4-cyl engine that's going to deliver up to 40 mpg (with the manual tranny) and still give the owner room for 4 adults. The interiors are well-designed and I particularly liked that they've taken the Synch System for music, multi-media, satellite and iPod inputs into the next step. It's worth stopping by your local Ford store to see everything Synch does, as fully describing it here would take up more room than I have and more time than you have. The highlight for me, though, were the apps that now will allow real-time streaming of Pandora (for music) and Stitcher (for talk radio content). In connectivity terms, Ford's Synch system leads the pack. Others are nice, but this is the stuff.

Driving Fiesta is pleasant, too. Is it a Group B Rally Car with neck-snapping power, 1.4 lateral g-force cornering and brakes big enough to stop Tiger Woods fingers from punching up his next text message? No, but it's darn nice and fully competent. Power is adequate enough to pop you on the expressway (as if any of them are moving over the summer) and not feel like you're waiting for a following wind to accomplish the mission. The suspension and handling team have Fiesta set up to do a little "road analysis" for you, too, which I loved. With roads "crowned" for draining properly, they've figured out a way to electronically take away the nibbles that often make a long trip on the Interstate more work than they should be. This system stabilizes the car and is akin to a TV SteadyCam. Nice! 

We had the opportunity to drive Northern California's wine country mountain twisties and a fair amount of 65 mph freeway, as well. Fiesta stood up to both well. As I said, it's not a full-on performance car, but with a base price of (roughly) $17,000 and (as we drove them equipped (again, roughly) around $19,000, you're going to find comfortable, fuel efficient, quality transportation in the new Fiesta.

So yes, Ford stores will need a few more desks. This is a great segment in which to see a new, smart, comfortable, stylish product from Dearborn. If you drew that conclusion from my comments yesterday on the radio, then that's what you drew from them. From my perspective, I shaved this morning with a clean conscience that I complied with their wish to hold off comments until a particular time. I'm betting, though, that their hearts wouldn't have been broken if I had spilled the beans 12 hours in advance, but that wasn't the deal we signed on for.

Nicely played, Ford. Customers are going to like this car as much as dealers will like selling them.

Next week... the new Jaguar XJ, dahhhhhling.

Took me a while to figure this out, but it's a logical extension of current technology in an automotive application. It means automakers have figured out how to make the automobile an extension of your Smart Phone, opening the door for an unlimited number of enhancements to in-vehicle entertainment and utility.

The two automakers, MINI and Ford, will be offering similar voice-controlled systems in the very near future that utilize the capabilities of a Smart Phone to exponentially expand what you can do behind the wheel. The first integrations are with fairly simple apps (small programs that run on Smart Phones) that allow vehicle occupants to post comments to social applications like Facebook and Twitter or stream Web content to your vehicle's entertainment system.

What's interesting about this approach is that automakers have realized that the opportunities are endless and shouldn't be limited to what we traditionally think a vehicle entertainment system should do--play music or video or even provide directions. Using a Smart Phone as a conduit, the number of applications is limitless and the connection to the Internet is simple.

Imagine you're going out for the night. You get into your car and call up an app that helps you pick a Thai restaurant that is highly rated on Google. Then you download directions directly to the vehicle's navigation system. These directions not only provide the quickest route, but also help you avoid traffic delays. On the way, you make reservations for dinner and buy tickets to a movie over the Internet. As you get close to the restaurant, you are able to search for the least expensive parking in the area. Not once in this process have you had to take your hands off the wheel to push a button or click a mouse.

That's technology that's working for you . . . I think.

SOURCE: Ford's SYNC Applink, MINI's Connected

For parents of teenage drivers, that last statistic is sobering, no doubt. The biggest take-away from is the fact that in fatal teen accidents it was found that 25% had a high blood alcohol level and 58% of them weren't wearing seatbelts. Also noteworthy were the causes of the teen accidents, which were most likely caused by fatigue, driving under the influence, sudden lane departure, reckless driving, speed, overcorrection or cell phone use.

So parents, sit down and show this study to your teenage drivers. The statistics don't lie.

Check out the entire posting at TheAutoInsurance.com.

The warm temperatures also signaled the start of the motorcycle and classic-car season. While this is generally a good thing, there are some drawbacks. At risk of drawing the ire of cyclists and hot-rodders alike, I suggest that Governor Quinn and Illinois' finest look to make up our gaping budget deficit by ticketing un-muffled and illegal vehicle exhaust systems.

• Exhibit A. Cruising Lake Shore Drive on a warm spring day, windows down, listening to DMB or some other suitably jam-friendly band, I was interrupted by the constant blap-blap-blap of a Harley with straight pipes running off my starboard bow. I hate to be an eco-curmudgeon, but it totally ruined the moment--not to mention the fact that it was completely illegal.
• Exhibit B. Teaching a group of Call-of-Duty-generation 10-year-olds the fundamentals of hitting a sphere with a cylindrical tube can be one of the most difficult tasks on Earth. Now, compound that with the staccato rumble of a glasspack '69 Camaro running hot laps through the outfield parking lot and you've entered the outer ring of Dante's seventh circle of hell.

Don't get me wrong. There is a time and a place for everything. Nothing's sweeter than a properly tuned Harley running along the Drive. Same goes for the '69 Camaro. While there's little doubt that the straight pipes emphasize the Harley's V-Twin rumble or that a glasspack silencer enhances the Camaro's V8 vibrato, you have to ask yourself, are they really necessary?

No I say! Not only that, but they are illegal as defined in Section 12-602 of the Illinois Vehicle Code:

"Every motor vehicle driven or operated upon the highways of this State shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler or exhaust system in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. No such muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device. No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this Section."

And, if there isn't enough revenue to be had by enforcing vehicle-noise regulations, then perhaps the fuzz can look at a few other commonly-ignored vehicle regulations. Namely front window tinting, annoying bright blue-hued headlights, drivers texting while driving . . .

The Fiat 500EV powertrain will consist of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market.

All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market--meaning the Nissan Leaf, which would be the only other pure electric mainstream vehicle for sale at that time.

Last year Chrysler announced the company's intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. That vehicle will debut in late 2010; however, the official name has not yet been announced.

"I liked the balloon slide."
Not really a suggestion, but we're glad the cars made such an impression.

"My husband wants more beautiful women modelling next to the cars like at the Fiat 500 :-)"
Your husband has great taste, the Fiat 500 was a hit in Europe.

Bark Buckle UP Founder and Pet Safety Expert Christina Selter presented an astounding ten pet safe vehicle distincti

Shoe goers can vote at the show on touch-screen kiosks and via text message. You can vote as home by going to www.ChciagoAutoShow.com and clicking on the Best of Show link.

Last year, Chicagoans selected the Ford Taurus as the Best All-New Production Vehicle, the Ford Fusion Hybrid the best Green Vehicle, and the Ford display the Best Exhibit. The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray garnered the remaining awards for Best Concept Vehicle and Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway.

Who'll be the winners this year? Only time will tell -- but you have the chance to vote right now at ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Just about every exhibit has at least one interactive display, many have three or four. In addition, exhibitors have contests and giveaways going a

In the weeks leading up to this internship, I was somewhat nervous about covering a press conference. I’d never been to a one and had only written press releases and coverage for a few musicians outside of classes and school projects. We were in pairs this week for each event we covered, and my partner and I made sure to arrive over 20 minutes early for our first conference with Ford. Much of the media had arrived that morning due to plane delays and cancellations from severe winter storms around the nation and were shooting photos and video footage everywhere. Though we sat with the rest of the media for each conference, I’m sure everyone wondered what media outlet had young women our age covering for them!

During our many trips around the show floor in the days before and while it was open to the media, I met people in marketing and public relations for several car companies and had the chance to interview the Product and Technology Public Relations specialist for Mercedes-Benz. Getting the chance to attend the First Look for Charity may be a once in a lifetime thing for me, but by the time we made it to Thursday night we felt as though we owned the place, having seen all the cars, presentations and people several times since we arrived Monday.

It has been the chance of a lifetime, and I have to say none of us are really looking forward to returning to school next week and are ready to head out into the real world instead.

Instead of just jumping in Suzuki is approaching social media by first listening and finding where their active consumers gather on social media. Currently they are reaching out to the surfing community and sponsored a movie called Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D. The trailer is currently on the Suzuki's Facebook page and the movie will open on February 26, 2010 at the Museum of Science and Industry Omnimax Theater.

It is great to see a company think carefully before joining social media channels. I don't mind when companies decide to plug products or their brand on social media as long as it is valuable and not only about them. Hopefully other companies will follow this model of listening and evaluating and reach out to customers more effectively.

David Sloan, President of CATA and Co-General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, kicked off a brief ceremony this morning recognizing former CATA President Jerry H. Cizek III’s retirement after 37 years with the organization. Because of his extremely long history with the Chicago Auto Show, Cizek accepted a lifetime ticket of admission to the show represented by a one of a kind pin. With great memories of attending the show with his Grandfather, Auto Show Chairman in 1955, I am sure Jerry looks forward to taking his own grandchildren to the show with more time to enjoy the show as a very special guest. Only the sixth general manager of the Chicago Auto Show of the past 109 years, Cizek held the position of President of the CATA for 22 great years. You can tell Jerry has extreme passion for the show with his laid back sense of humor, yet prominent manner in which he presents himself.

“1-2-3,” Cizek counts off as the eight gentlemen cut the official ribbon to start the ignition of this remarkable show. Rev up your engine and attend this fantastic experience at the Chicago Auto Show 2010!

We had the privilege of meeting the Product and Technology Public Relations Specialist, Dan Barile, of Mercedes-Benz.

We learned that one of the most important things in customer service; it’s the basis for building a successful company. Every single Mercedes comes with a roadside assistance package, no matter where a person is in the U.S., if something happens to the car they’ll come pick you up no matter what. Dan started with Mercedes in 2007; he talked about how networking and meeting different people is crucial to a person’s future. He stresses the importance of being outgoing and friendly because you never know who you’ll meet.
At Mercedes there is a three-part public relations department break down. Dan works in the product and technology department. They’re main concern is how the car performs and who’s noticing that performance. Other departments include a corporate department and an “entertainment” based department. One very special and exciting event that Mercedes holds for their press is driving presentations. Mercedes brings in journalists from different countries and has them drive the new vehicle for roughly 300 miles to get a feel; it’s a unique marketing tool that gets journalists buzzing about new Mercedes vehicles.

Rose and I learned that as a PR professional you won’t have all of the answers. Dan said that the important thing is to be prepared and accommodating to the media and public. They are your life support and the same goes for any large automaker. When a new product comes out Mercedes will release a long lead which means the event will be happening in several months. This type of media tool is more suited for large print publications while a short lead is for local events such as a new dealership opening or closing. The fact is Mercedes-Benz is a world-class automaker with offices all around the world. They are dedicated to continually creating luxury vehicles and will remain one of Forbes “100 Best Companies to Work For.” If you have a chance, check out the Mercedes-Benz floor space at the Chicago Auto Show!

Recent examples include the ‘Transformers’ (1 & 2) character Bubble bee which transforms into a Chevrolet Camaro. Also, there is the ‘Twilight’ partner, the Volvo XC60. In the movie ‘Taken’ Audi cars (the A3 and an S8) are driven by Liam Nieson as he speeds down the streets of Paris. It’s almost hard to see where the film begins and the advertisement ends. It seems that slowly movie makers are incorporating more and more product placement into the films we love. Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing I’ll leave it up to you to decide. But, if you want to relive your favorite movie scenes come on down to the Chicago Auto Show!

The show will provide the venue and mic, any thing else that you need -- bring it with you! NBC 5 Chicago will videotape performances between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m on Friday, February 12. Highlights of performances may be recorded and/or edited to be part of a segment on the Auto Show special that airs Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. and other times and other stations around the country. Master of ceremonies will be LeeAnn Trotter, entertainment reporter.

For more information, visit: http://www.nbcchicago.com/around-town/cars/chicago-auto-show-talent-search-83973162.html

Those in the know will be quick to point out that Bridgestone is a huge racing backer. They are the sole tire supplier for America's premier open wheel racing series, the IZOD Indy Racing League (IRL), and the IRL is looking for a new chassis to debut in 2012. Could this be that new chassis?

Quite possibly. The vehicle under wraps in the Bridgestone display is but one proposal for a new IRL chassis. It was developed by Ben Bowlby, Designer and Chief Technology Officer at DeltaWing Racing Cars. Other builders competing for the right to supply the IRL's chassis include Dallara, Swift, and Lola.

Of those, the DeltaWing design is rumored to be the most radical. We'll find out at Bridgestone's press conference tomorrow at around 12:30 Central time. Stay tuned. . .

The scene on the floor is an extravaganza. There are crates, tarps, ladders, cranes and cars everywhere you look. It's amazing to think that the entire show is put together in only four days! The CAS set-up crews are working diligently to make sure that everything is ready by tomorrow night. Here in the media center we've already met some high-profile media such as Charlie Wojociechowski from NBC5 News.

(Check out his report http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/AutoShowFacebook-83830162.html )

We've also been greeted by Dave Sloan (CATA President and Co-Auto Show General Manager) and Jerry Cizek (Co-Auto Show General Manager) from the Chicago Auto Show Executive Board. The entire CAS staff has been extremely helpful and so inviting. This week looks like it will be a lot of hard work but it will be great fun and very rewarding!

Everyone is hard at work getting each exhibit set up for media previews on Wednesday and Thursday. As I walked around the South Hall, trying to stay out of everyone’s way, cars drove as slow as possible down the aisles to get to their destinations. Everyone worked around them until a bright green Lamborghini turned the heads of everyone in the vicinity. I stood in awe as it roared to a stop next to me. This is probably the closest I’ll ever be to a vehicle like that! I asked the man driving how he landed that sort of job. “It wasn’t easy,” he replied. Shame it was only driving at about three miles per hour. I’m sure the driver would have loved to take it for a spin around the city.

If you want a chance to win the Prius, you must register for the "The 2010 Chicago Auto Show Prius Giveaway" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chicagolandtoyotadealers.  Between now and February 18, 10 semi-finalists will be selected with the chance to win a Prius on the final day of the Chicago Auto Show, on February 21.  That day, all semi-finalists will meet at the Toyota exhibit and be provided identical envelopes. The envelope containing a picture of the Prius will be named the grand prize winner.

The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents, 18 years of age and older, in the states of Illinois (residing only in the counties of Cook, Dupage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendal, Lake (IL), LaSalle, McHenry and Will) and Indiana (residing only in the counties of Jasper, La Porte, Lake (IN), Newton and Porter).

[Source: Fisker Automotive, Inc.]

The Daytona Pace Car edition adds a Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, and a unique paint scheme with painted wheels, special interior treatment and specially branded lit sill plates to the already fearsome 5.0-liter, 412 horsepower V8 Race Red glass roof coupe. Like a stock Mustang GT, it will also have specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and a pretty decent 25 mpg highway.

To commemorate the occasion, Ford will build 50 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Cars, to be sold to the public. If you want the actual car that touched tires to the Daytona International Speedway, it will be at auction on January 23 at the annual Barrett-Jackson Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. All proceeds over MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We probably won't see the pace car in Chicago (it'll be busy on the speedway,) but we promise that all you pony car fans will have plenty to love at the Chicago Auto Show.

This all-electric version of the lightweight C30 stores power in a lithium-ion battery that plugs into a run-of-the-mill electrical outlet, with a full eight-hour charge providing a 93 mile range. The C30 BEV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds and tops out at 80 mph, well suited for commuters and city drivers (not that Chicago highway driving gets much faster.)  Because the electric motor lives up front and the rest of the car is straight production C30, Volvo says that the electric handles exactly like the original.
 
Volvo still emphasizes the safety of the C30 BEV, as well. The vehicle is packed with the manufacturer's usual laundry list of safety features, but one of their most unusual priorities has been finding the best place to house the battery. Using a combination of virtual and real-life crash tests, Volvo is making sure their battery tech won't add insult to injury by zapping you after a collision. They've found that the safest place to put the battery is in the drive shaft tunnel, though putting it where the fuel tank would be is good too.
Because Volvo has stated that they’re focusing more on plug-in hybrids, this will be a prime opportunity to get a feel for the electric portion of the hybrid they’ll undoubtedly come up with next. This is one car you'll definitely want to check out in Chicago.

[Source]

[Source - NewsNet5]

Kris Marshall's Christmas truck, on the other hand, is a 25-year-old tradition. The central Iowa truck salesman hauls around a generator to power the 3000 lights taped all over the vehicle. While most police officers are pretty understanding, the whole business is not at all street legal and Kris has been ticketed a few times. In any case, nobody will be able to say they didn't see him coming.

[Source - Jalopnik]

Merry Christmas to all of you, we'll catch back up next week.

Available on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles as a $629 MOPAR dealer-installed option, Mobile TV utilizes the in-vehicle entertainment system to stream up to 20 different channels, including live sports, breaking news, kids programs and primetime TV.

The channel lineup includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, and Nickelodeon. Mobile TV is being offered on 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle's roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants. The $695 purchase price includes a one-year subscription and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles.

You'll be able to see Mobile TV for yourself at the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. I wonder if Chrysler will demo Mobile TV in the line for the Jeep Driving Experience?

[Press Release]

Two other special editions have been announced as well. The Vooodoo Edition is a stock ACR painted black, striped silver down the driver's side, and limited to a ten unit production run. The 1:33 edition (of which only 33 will be manufactured) commemorates the car's record-breaking Laguna performance, featuring red and black detailing on the seats, console trim, and instrument cluster. Even more special editions are on the way, so expect a serious Viper showing by February's Chicago Auto Show.

[Chrysler]

[Source: NewScientist via AutoBlog]

[Source: Audi]

With the opening of the Los Angeles show this weekend, we are officially on the march toward Chicago. LA is the first major North American auto show to focus on the 2010 models and is home to nearly a dozen world and North American introductions.

After LA comes Detroit. Traditionally known as the industry show, it falls in early January and grabs the lion's share of new-vehicle introductions. Though Detroit's been down on its luck recently, things are looking up in the Motor City with Ford leading the charge and Chrysler and General Motors ready with a flurry of new-model intros.

Hot on the heals of Detroit is the granddaddy of them all, Chicago. The nation's largest show and the nation's longest-running show, Chicago is well regarded as the "consumer show." Mixing the intros from LA and Detroit with more than a few of its own and stirring in the complete 2010 lineups, Chicago makes the perfect post-holiday cocktail for new-car shoppers.

Over the next two months, we'll make some exciting announcements about the Windy City's auto show and you can be sure they will be posted in this blog. So why not come back every now and then, we promise you won't be disappointed.

[Source]

All ZDX models have a 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 with 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, Acura's "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive," and the world's longest panoramic glass roof. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with a full VGA display and voice recognition, real-time weather, radar maps and traffic with rerouting, a multi-view rear camera, an upgrade to a 415-watt audio system with a built in hard drive, climate control, and keyless entry with push button ignition. The Advance Package does one better, tacking on a new blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigating braking system, IDS active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats, and some upgraded detailing.

MSRP on the ZDX is $45,495 ($49,995 with the Technology Package, $56,045 with the Advance Package) and it gets an EPA estimated 16/23 miles to the gallon. Look for it at Acura dealerships on December 15, or check it out at the Chicago Auto Show starting February 12.

[Source]

Already on sale in Europe, the Evora is the first all-new Lotus in nearly 15 years. Compared Lotus’s Elise and Exige, which are smaller and powered by four-cylinder engines, the V6-powered Evora is actually a 2+2 and promises to offer more refinement with a contemporary, hand-crafted and elegantly trimmed cabin and an equipment list including such high-tech features as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system incorporating a state-of-the-art Alpine satellite navigation and audio system.

At the heart of the US-spec Evora will is a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 that makes 276-horsepower. That engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission and is claimed to be capable of pushing the Evora from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.9 seconds. Though EPA numbers have not yet been released, the Evora is expected to average 30 mph in the highway cycle.

Price for Evora will be $73,500 and that includes antilock brakes, HID headlamps, air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, power windows and locks, and Alpine audio system with iPod dock.

Lotus USA has just embarked on a 44-dealer open house tour with the Evora scheduled to make an appearance on January 4-5 at Fox Valley Motorcars in Chicago, Illinois, and on January 6-9 at Lake Forest Sportscars in Lake Bluff, Illinois. It’s hoped that Lotus will have an Evora at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

[Lotus Press Release]

This week we journey to the Old Country where the cars are beautiful, the people are well-built, and the cuisine is top-notch. Hang on to your fedora!

Around the World in 80 Seconds 02.mp3

According a report out of Japan, Toyota is planning to produce a larger version of its popular Prius hybrid  by the end of next year. The new model will be either a station wagon, crossover, or SUV and sport a lithium-ion battery pack.

Though Toyota officially declined to comment, it is well known that the Japanese automaker has been working on auto-specific lithium-ion batteries for years, and has a joint venture with Japanese electronics maker Panasonic Corporation to develop them for cars.

Similar to the batteries used in cell phones and laptop computers. Lithium-ion batteries can store more energy than the nickel-metal hydride batteries currently used in hybrid vehicles. Automakers and battery companies have been working fast and furious to reduce costs and solve overheating issues as they rush these more efficient batteries to market.

According to the report in the nationally-circulated Yomiuri newspaper, this larger hybrid would sell for about 2 million yen ($22,000) and could be branded Prius as Toyota looks to expand on the popularity of its strong-selling hybrid.

[Source]

Pipas thinks that small vehicles are the next big thing, and expects them to dominate the U.S. market by 2013. He downplayed the role of gas prices in the predicion, suggesting instead that the Millenial generation prefers the smaller vehicles (80% of Millenial first time car buyers went small), and that Baby Boomers with now empty nests will scale down their auto purchases.

Unfortunately, Ford is sorely lacking in small cars. Ford has only one small car model compared to Toyota's six, and accounts for only 7% of the small car segment to Toyota's 25%. According to Pipas, Ford plans to up their B and C cars globally, moving 2 million units of 10 models from their new C platform, and 1 million from a new B platform.

The Cadillac Converj concept at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Note, GM Vice   Chairman Bob Lutz in the background.

According to a report in the Detroit News, General Motors has given the green light to a Cadillac version of the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt. The vehicle is rumored to be very similar in size and shape to the Cadillac Converj concept, which appeared at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

The unnamed vehicle would be Cadillac's second gas-electric vehicle, following the critically lauded Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and would be introduced sometime after the Chevrolet Volt makes its debut in late 2010. According to General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, "if the Converj was approved, the production model would resemble the concept, likening it to the Chevrolet Camaro's evolution from concept to production."

Like the Volt, upon which it would be based, the new Caddy hybrid would allows drivers to travel up to 40 miles solely on electric power. Then a gasoline engine kicks in to sustain the battery's remaining charge and keep the car running for several hundred miles. Unlike current gas-electric hybrids, the Volt is driven by electric motors. This makes the Volt unique among hybrid vehicles and a logical bridge to a mass-market all-electric vehicle.

[Source]

From the Chicago Auto Show's "You might not know this" files:  Did you know that the auto show's media director, Paul Brian, has been the host of a weekly automotive radio show heard every Saturday morning on the legendary WLS AM890 in Chicago? Yup! Every week for the past 14 years from 8-9 a.m. he's there talking to industry representatives--everyone from manufacturer CEOs and executives to listeners who like to hear Paul's impressions of whatever might be in either his driveway that week--or his impression of a new vehicle he got while on a launch trip. It's pretty darn fun radio, that's very "listenable" to car geeks and non-geeks alike. You can even download podcasts (subscribe to them, too, if you like!) or listen via Internet streaming via www.WLSAM.com  Paul's a serious commentator with a fairly non-serious, yet informative approach.

So with the next Chicago Auto Show looming large on the horizon, Paul thought it'd be apropos to get a more global (if not a little twisted in our own special way) perspective of what's going on in the world of "stuff with wheels." To that end: Every week we'll go somewhere around the world and get that added, special perspective. Remember, you heard it here first--and will come back from more every week after our Drive Chicago Radio show on WLS AM890 every Saturday morning at 8. Nowhere do you get coverage like this, we promise you!

Stop back every week. Share with your friends. Let them know how you know you're SO inside the auto game. Never lose another game of Automotive Trivial Pursuit again. With information like this at your fingertips, you'll never be at a loss--and who'd argue with your answer?!

Around the World in 80 Seconds (Germany)

[Download - Around the World in 80 Seconds (Germany)]

The Chrysler Plainsman stood out from its peers in more ways than one. First of all, it was arguably the only wagon concept ever showcased by an American automaker in the '50s and '60s. The eight-passenger body fuses two disparate roof sections around the massive B-pillars. Actually, they look like they came from two different cars and give the overall impression of a two-headed monster.

Equipped with a motorized hatch and a backward-facing third-row bench seat, the Plainsman could almost be considered as the pioneer of modern SUVs. It was penned by Virgil Exner as a bold expression of the suburban trends in American living. That explains, among other things, the gold-colored Texas Longhorn medallions on the car.

Built on a Plymouth chassis by Italian coachbuilder Ghia, it's now estimated to be worth somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000.

[Source]

Chromed Crew Cab: "Deep Water Blue" 2010 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 with a 2-inch lift kit and 35-inch tires. Featuring brighter B-pillar trim, dark slate-colored Katzkin leather seating, a backup camera, rear-seat entertainment system, and chromed tube steps, door-sill guards, tailgate bezel, and fuel door.

Ultimate Tow Machine: "Bright White" 2010 Ram 3500 Mega Cab 4x4 that can tow up to 16,450 lbs and carry a maximum payload of 5,150 lbs. Sports a gooseneck hitch mounted directly to the frame rails, a retractable bed step, rust-proof running boards, heavy-duty splash guards, slush mats, and uconnect Web WiFi hotspot technology.

Work Truck: "Inferno Crystal Red" 2010 Ram 2500 ST 4x2 with a utility rail tie-down system and fold-in stake tie downs, diamond-plated sliding toolbox, a retractable bed step, drop-in bed liner, black powder-coated aluminum tubular side steps, and slush mats.

We're sure to see these customized Rams and others at the Chrysler display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

[Source]

The R-Spec adds track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance tires, Brembo braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. To reduce both cost and weight, the R-Spec eliminates Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents, and steering wheel audio controls. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model.

The first production Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec will make its world debut at the Hyundai booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center early this November.

In addition to the passionate paint, Plum Crazy models feature dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white, "Challenger" fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage "R/T" badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.

MSRP for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44.

[Source]

For the full voting results and judging commentary, check out the source link at the bottom.

[Source]

500 will be produced, each with a hefty $375,000 price tag. They're expected to reach buyers by early 2011. Follow the source link at the bottom for more photos.

[Source+Pictures]

Entries are open until 9 p.m. on November 1st, so if you're a hardcore tuner, hit the SEMA link at the bottom for the entry form. The winner will be announced on November 4 in Rain Nightclub at the Palms Casino Resort.

http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2009/42/make-your-car-a-part-of-video-game-greatness

All flocked together for a common interest, the press conference “Engaging the Blogosphere,” the attendees were greeted with a presentation from J.D. Power & Associates’ Gene Cameron, vice president, and Chance Parker, executive director. . . .

Sure there's likely to be a shakeout and a few brands will cease to exist, but doesn't history tell us that brands come and go. Remember Studebaker, Hudson, Packard, AMC, Oldsmobile, and, of course, Edsel.

The problem is most people in the media have very short memories. Sales of new vehicles are cyclical. They ebb and flow with the frequency of the tides. Up until last year, automakers have been riding a wave of unprecedented sales, peaking at more than 17 million units per year. But things haven't always been so rosy in the auto industry.

Chicago Automobile Trade Association staff, as well as the 10 Chicago Auto Show interns, will post frequently from the show. Of course we'll still have our blog, but if you're looking for the quick version, all you have to do is search the hash tag #CAS09 to follow the tweets!

The Chicago Auto Show has teamed up with Chicago Restaurant Partners and Phil Stefani Restaurants to make sure show patrons are well fed. Each weekday, there will be family meal deals available in the Tailgate Café . . .

There are numerous ways to receive free and/or discounted tickets to February’s show. And, since we’re not taking any excuses, I’ve provided below the many ways for you to receive a free or discounted ticket.

That's right.

If you buy a new 2008 Hyundai and signup for the no-charge Assurance program, Hyundai allow you to return the vehicle if you find yourself out of work.

It seems these days you can't go to a movie without breaking the bank. A bucket of popcorn and a drink can be as pricey as $15 (+)--and that's not including the movie ticket. Paul Brian was shocked at this phenomenon when he recently went to see the Quantum of Solace flick.

After years of hosting one of the most Byzantine and user-unfriendly Web sites, the fine folks at NHTSA have finally cleaned things up and come to the realization that people want two things from its site: crash test results and recall information.

Now that gas prices have dropped to 2005-levels, public outcry for fuel efficiency has faded and the automakers, many of whom scrambled to redefine model lineups with more efficient cars and SUVs, are left to bear the brunt of buyer's fickle preferences.