Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495
When Volkswagen first debuted the new-for-2011 Jetta sedan, we were told that a total of four engine choices would be available. The standard Jetta makes use of the naturally aspirated 2.0- and 2.5-liter mills, as well as the much-loved 2.0-liter TDI powerplant. The final engine in this set – Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four – now makes its debut under the hood of the 2012 Jetta GLI, which gets its official reveal at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.
Think of the Jetta GLI as a bigger, fatter GTI. Just like in the smaller hatchback, the 2.0-liter turbo-four produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s DSG automatic. The Jetta GLI uses the same XDS cross differential system that debuted in the GTI, which assists in controlling wheel spin and understeer during cornering.
The Jetta GLI is available in three trim levels – GLI, GLI Autobahn and GLI Autobahn Navigation – priced from $23,495, $25,545 and $26,445, respectively. The base GLI comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillights and a revised front fascia, not to mention enhanced suspension geometry for better engagement out on the road. The GLI Autobahn ups the ante with a set of 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, heated leatherette seats and a new Fender premium audio system. The top-trim GLI Autobahn Navigation adds, well, navigation, as well as push-button start.
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Categories: Auto Show, Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Volkswagen Tags:
Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
Dodge has dropped the Street and Racing Technology motherlode on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show and first out of the gate is the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 – what Eminem should’ve rolled in during the Super Bowl.
As with anything birthed from Chrysler’s in-house tuning division, the Charger SRT8 is all about the engine, so the transformation begins with the new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 putting out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque – a boost of some 80 lb-ft over the old 6.1-liter mill. That torquey wave comes on at 2,900 rpm and Dodge claims that with the fitment of its Fuel Saver tech, allowing the engine to run on four cylinders when its not under load, fuel economy will improve, although Dodge isn’t saying how much.
Chrysler’s W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission backs up the HEMI, and you can select your own gears by either slapping the AutoStick or thumbing the steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
All that adds up to an estimated top speed of 175 mph, a 0-60 mph time in the high fours and a quarter-mile run deep into the 12s.
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Categories: Auto Show, Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Motor Show, Dodge, Sedans/Saloons Tags: Chicago Auto Show, Dodge
Chicago Auto Show 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011
As part of Chrysler’s giant product onslaught for the 2011 model year, The Pentastar has released new R/T trim levels of both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey crossover. Both models make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and while there aren’t any big power boosts, the spruced up exterior and interior designs speak of sportiness.
Both the Grand Caravan and Journey R/T use Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The minivan is only available with front-wheel drive, though an all-wheel-drive variant of the Journey R/T is available.
Outside, the Grand Caravan R/T gets new appearance tweaks like a “dipped” body-colored grille, body-colored side moldings and a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Likewise, the Journey R/T features the same sort of exterior treatment, but rides on larger 19-inch aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish. Inside, both vehicles benefit from upgrades like black seats with red contrast stitching throughout, as well as the latest in Chrysler connectivity and infotainment.
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Categories: Auto Show, Chicago Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Dodge Tags:
Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius C Concept is higher efficiency in a smaller package
The Toyota Prius V may be the newest production-ready addition to the automaker’s hybrid line, but the family of Prius vehicles will continue to grow in the coming years. Toyota gave us a preview of what to expect by showing the Prius C Concept at the Detroit Auto Show – a car that will come to life in the first half of 2012. Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn’t need a plug) and will be the most “value-oriented hybrid” in the United States. You’ve been warned, Honda Insight.
It might look like a cartoon frog from certain angles, but what strikes us as odd is that the smaller C Concept keeps the Prius’ five-door design. We were originally tipped to believe this model would be a coupe or hatchback, but even so, we aren’t too put off by this five-door concept. It’s pretty cute, and once its concept-spec lines are toned down for actual production, we’re sure it’ll fit right in with the rest of the Prius clan.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Motor Show, Hatchback, Hybrids/Alternative, Toyota Tags:
Detroit 2011: Hyundai Curb Concept is a small crossover for the urban scene
Hyundai’s Curb concept moves the automaker’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language in a more youthful direction. While we’ve seen plenty of urbanized concepts and production vehicles that use the traditional box-like design pioneered by the original Scion xB, Hyundai chose to create something substantially more curvaceous and sleek. “We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” Hyundai’s designer, Jason Brown, says.
The basis for the Curb’s powertrain is Hyundai’s new 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four, though the addition of a turbocharger means output is boosted to around 175 horsepower. Combined with a dual-clutch transmission, the Curb is efficient enough to achieve around 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. That power runs to the ground through a large set of 22-inch five-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin tires with a custom saffron-colored tread pattern. Funky, yes, but definitely fitting for an urban concept car.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, Crossovers/CUVs, Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit 2011: Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan Concepts are visions of a compact future
Honda dusted off concept versions of the ninth generation Civic Coupe and Sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show today, and the automaker says that along with mildly updated exteriors, both vehicles will wear improved interiors compared to the current-generation Civic. Judging from the history of Honda concepts, there’s a good chance that the production versions of both the four and two-door Civics will be very similar to the vehicles you see above. That means that the Civic Coupe will wear styling influenced heavily by the current Accord Coupe.
Meanwhile, four-door buyers can expect an exterior design very similar to the 2011 Civic. Though the sedan’s front-fascia wears a little bit more menace than the current design, the carried-over grille and headlights are more than a little familiar. Out back, new tail lamps and a re-sculpted trunk deck dominate the view.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, coupe, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Motor Show, Honda, Sedans/Saloons Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Pics Aplenty: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept is ready to play dirty
Cars are cool, but we certainly love ourselves some big, bad, hardcore pickups – you know, like the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. General Motors’ conceptual answer to Ford’s desert-blasting pickup is this, the Sierra All Terrain HD concept, which we’ll be seeing for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
GMC’s brutish pickup relies on The General’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 for power – 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque, to be exact – and higher ground clearance, a wider stance and serious suspension upgrades make the All Terrain concept capable of storming through, well, all types of terrain.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Motor Show, GM Tags: Detroit Auto Show
LA 2010: 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition
The people behind Lotus never cease to amaze. Case in point: Roger Becker. The former vehicle engineer ended his 44-year run with the automaker this past February after being instrumental in some of Lotus’ most influential cars. After proving to be a superior engineer and driver, Lotus founder Colin Chapman plucked Becker from the Elan assembly line in the late 1960s and he went on to help create everything from the Esprit to the Elise. His most recent and final masterpiece was the 2+2(ish) Evora, which Becker described as his “finest hour at Lotus.”
To commemorate Becker’s tenure, the automaker is releasing the 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition adorned with the engineer’s signature, the required plaque and packing the 257-horsepower supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from the SC260 – the last time the Toyota-sourced 2ZZ will be used in the Elise and Exige. The RGB will be available in either Elise or Exige guise, with the convertible coming in under $58,000 and the Exige commanding $70,750.
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LA 2010: Porsche pulls the covers off 2011 Cayman R
Porsche has pulled the silk off its all-new 2011 Cayman R, the latest variant of the German automaker’s two-seat coupe. Aside from the obligatory decals and badging designed to differentiate this new flagship Cayman from its siblings, the Cayman R boasts a chassis that has been lightened by about 120 pounds and a handful of other tweaks.
Inside the cabin, the Cayman R features Alcantara and leather upholstery, sport seats, strap door handles and a painted console color-keyed to the exterior. Under the skin, the suspension has been enhanced with shorter, more rigid springs and there are customized anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles (the ride height is about 20 millimeters lower than the Cayman S).
Motivation comes from Porsche’s 3.4-liter flat-six, bumped up slightly to 330 horsepower, while transmission choices include Porsche’s excellent PDK automatic gearbox or a traditional six-speed manual. According to the automaker, the 2,855-pound Cayman R will hit 62 miles per hour in less than five seconds and top out at 175 mph. Look for the Cayman R in dealers wearing a $66,000 price tag before the end of the year.
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Categories: Auto Show, coupe, LA Auto Show, Porsche Tags: LA Auto Show, Porsche
LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept caught in living color
One of the biggest surprises (so far…) of the 2010 LA Auto Show has to be the Subaru Impreza Design Concept that snuck up on us just a few hours ago. Some thought it might be the long-awaited Subota coupe (a close cousin of the Toyobaru, of course), but in reality what we have here is a conceptual sedan that the Japanese automaker claims will heavily influence future models… namely the Impreza, we’d wager.
Yes, there’s a working 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine bolted to a CVT gearbox behind that shapely new front grille and its massive side vents, but it’s the styling we’re really intrigued by. To that end, be sure to take a good, hard look at the live shots in our high-res gallery below.
Categories: Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Subaru Tags: LA Auto Show, Subaru
