Chicago Auto Show Stars Hit the Road at MAMA Rally
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
This year's Midwest Automotive Media Association's Fall Rally featured a number of 2014 Chicago Auto Show introductions including the BMW 740Ld, Chevrolet City Express, Lincoln Navigator and Subaru Legacy. Each of these vehicles was introduced to the public last February in Chicago and now they are ready for the road.
2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive
Sharing an engine with the diesel variants of the X5, 3-Series and 5-Series the new 740Ld also benefits from BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In the 7-Series diesel, the turbocharged inline six oil burner makes 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are not yet available, however, other models equipped with this engine have seen a 25 - 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over their direct gasoline-powered counterparts. The exhaust gas treatment system is specifically designed to comply with ULEV II emission standards. The 740Ld should start arriving in Chicago-area BMW dealerships in early October and will have a base price of $83,425.
2015 Chevrolet City Express
When the City Express took to the turntables at the Chicago Auto Show, it signaled a change in direction for Chevrolet's truck division. Out was the inefficient V8-powered, rear-drive 1500-Series Express Van and in was a new fuel-efficient, front-drive cargo hauler powered by a four-cylinder engine. Chevy will continue to offer the 2500- and 3500-Series van for heavy-duty applications, but the City Express is sized to offer greater efficiently and maneuverability for light-duty work. The City Express has a 115-inch wheelbase and is 186-inches long overall. Cargo capacity is nearly 123 cubic feet and payload capacity is 1500 pounds. The only bodystyle is a two-seat wagon with twin sliding-side doors and dual wide-opening rear doors. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four that makes 131 horsepower and is connected to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. Chevrolet has not announced pricing, but the City Express should arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.
2015 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln took the wraps off an all-new Navigator at the Chicago Auto Show this past February. Though similar in size to the outgoing model, the 2015 Navigator boasts a more powerful engine, redesigned exterior, updated interior and new customer-focused technologies. The biggest news is the introduction of the turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 as the sole engine. In the Navigator, it makes 380 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear- or all-wheel-drive models will be offered in either 119- or 131-inch wheelbase versions. Exterior design changes are accentuated by the execution of Lincoln's split-wing grille. SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard is standard equipment. The 2015 Navigator will have a starting price of $62,475 when it arrives in Lincoln dealerships later this fall.
2015 Subaru Legacy
The darling of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, Subaru boasts its new sedan is the roomiest Legacy ever and has the largest passenger cabin in the midsize segment. In addition, Subaru claims the Legacy, at 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, will have the best fuel efficiency of any AWD midsize sedan. Buyers can chose between 4- or 6-cylinder boxer engines. Both come standard with a continuously variable automatic and Subaru's trademark all-wheel-drive system. The four makes 175 horsepower and the six has 256 horsepower. A new infotainment system provides AM/FM stereo and HD Radio; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; 6.2-inch multi-function touch screen display; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha Infotainment, Pandora and iHeart Radio; a rear-view camera; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod control capability, USB port and auxiliary input jack. New safety features include blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and the latest EyeSight driver assistance system. It constantly monitors the road ahead and has the ability to bring the Legacy to a complete stop in an effort to avoid an accident. The Legacy is available now at Chicago-area Subaru dealers and has a base price of $21,695.
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