“Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities. Driving these R/T models will absolutely leave a smile on their face,” said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles.
Beginning with the 2011 Charger R/T, the sports sedan comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology returning 370 horsepower and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance in less than 6 seconds. It is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The MSRP for the 2011 Charger R/T is $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge).
From this end, we see that the model pictured here is the TL SH-AWD. Compared to the 2011 version of the car pictured below, the facelifted model gains a new bumper with a less fussy design while it also loses the quad exhaust pipes in favor of twin trapezoid-shape outlets. And well, that's about all we can see. Aside from the cosmetic changes, expect to see some minor refinements to the TL's hardware.
“They showed us a photo of it and it's gorgeous,” said Doug Fox, a Hyundai dealer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. “We weren't expecting that.”
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On the outside, the subtle refresh is limited to all-new front and rear bumpers with integrated front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel. The newly designed 16-inch steel wheels and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims plus the introduction of a new Spruce Mica color round off the changes.
"It will be fun," Mr. Reuss told reporters in regards to the Camaro-based model. "I'm not going to give you guys any product information other than what I gave (in the presentation.) I'd ruin the whole show."
Now, the inevitable question that arises is, what are the two models Chevy is planning to introduce in Chicago?
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The new 200 Convertible will make its motorshow premiere at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20, Chrysler confirmed today. Essentially a re-packaged, re-designed and partially re-engineered version of the drop-top Sebring, the 200 Convertible will soon go on sale in the States with a starting price of $27,195, and a choice of two powerplants, a 173HP 2.4-liter four-pot and a new 283HP 3.6-liter V6, both matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Read more »
*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in PicturesThe next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.
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Earlier today at the grand opening of the Chicago Auto Show, General Motors lifted the veil on its latest concept car, the Corvette Stingray that will play the role of 'SIDESWIPE' in the second iteration of the Transformer saga, called "Revenge of the Fallen". Unfortunately for Corvette fans, GM has no intention of building a production version of the concept, which is a pity as with the exception of the 'Batmobile-ish' rear-end, we found the Stingray's design quite sexy. Click through to see live photos of the Vette from the show as well as a video of the concept with GM Design Vice President, 'soft-talking' Ed-Welburn.
The Chicago Auto Show saw Lexus announcing the expansion of its F-Sport performance accessory line on the current generation GS luxury sport sedan, IS all-wheel drive (AWD), and the all-new IS C convertible coupe models. The performance orientated parts will include items such as 18- and 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, chassis braces, exhaust systems and more. Lexus said that the parts for these new models will be available for order at the firm's dealerships as early as June 1, 2009. Follow the jump for more details.F
-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels
The F-Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F-Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit.
F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade
The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe-duty use. The Brake Upgrade features six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors with a patented internal-fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included, and the upgrade can be used with stock or the F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade.
F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade
Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the Rear Brake Upgrade uses four-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.
F-Sport Shock Absorber Set
Developed in cooperation with Bilstein® and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock-absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.
F-Sport Lowering Spring Set
This feature lowers the vehicle approximately one inch in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The sets will be specifically configured for each model and can be used with either the stock or F-Sport Shock Absorber Set.
F-Sport Sway Bar Set
The sway bar set includes larger diameter replacement front-and-rear sway bars that reduce body sway and flatten cornering. Oil-impregnated rubber bushings are also included to replace the original rubber bushings. Each vehicle's sway bar set is specifically configured to achieve the best performance.
F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace
To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear-chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.
F-Sport Performance Exhaust System
This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.
F-Sport Performance Air Intake
This low-restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.
F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Constructed from real carbon fiber, this light-weight, durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover.
F-Sport Performance ClutchSet
The F-Sport Performance Clutch Set, available for the IS 250 and IS 250C equipped with the manual transmission, increases clamping force approximately 16 percent to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.
F-Sport Quick Shifter
Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter for the manual-transmission equipped IS 250 and IS 250C decreases shift throw by approximately 35 percent for quicker and more positive shifting.
F-Sport Shift Knob
Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F-Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape. The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting. Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F-Sport logo.
F-Sport Floor Mats
Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered "F-Sport" logo.
Acura finally decided to add a V6 option to its latest generation TSX model which as you probably already know, is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Unveiled for the first time today at the Chicago Auto Show, the most powerful version of the Acura's premium sports sedan is fitted with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that's coupled to a Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted F1-style paddle shifters. And no, Acura did not equip the TSX V6 with its four-wheel-drive system as it retains the 4-cylinder model's front-wheel drive layout.The V6 powertrain also brought along a sportier suspension tuning along with 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. To distingush it from the 4-cylinder variant, Acura slightly revised the TXS's front fascia and added a V6 badge on the trunk.
