Chicago Auto Show auto news

Confirmed: GM confirms discontinued Saturn Outlook parts used in refreshed GMC Acadia

Yesterday, Car and Driver called out GM in a snarky blog post for repurposing parts from the discontinued Saturn Outlook to refresh the GMC Acadia. GM didn't confirm C/D's suspicions at the time, but after we called and asked politely, GMC PR did answer our request.

According to spokesman Joe LaMuraglia, the 2013 Acadia liftgate glass, spoiler, rear quarter panel and rear side glass are all sourced from the Outlook. The hatch is also the same as the Saturn, but that's always been the case, as the old Acadia used the same part.

Now before you rush to judgment here, we suggest you take a good hard look at the new Acadia and tell us you don't think it looks better than the old model. We've always thought the Saturn Outlook was the more attractive of the siblings, so we don't have any issues with GM's parts-sharing tactic, especially considering all these parts are in the rear of the vehicle rather than up front in the all-important "face."

Considering that GM is likely to still be producing service parts for the thousands of Outlooks on the road, this is actually a really good move. Needless spending to refresh the Acadia when this suitable alternative already exists is the kind of smart decision that we hope GM continues to make.

Exclusive: Kia Track'ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul "family"

Expect the next Soul to look something like the Track'ster, with Kia deploying more than one variant.

"If the Soul were to evolve into a family, it would be nice," Schreyer told us.

Kia spokesman Scott McKee repeatedly said the Track'ster was just a concept and not intended to be production feasible, all the while issuing the standard auto company disclaimer, "Every concept car we do is about gathering information from consumers and media."

One of the big pieces of information Kia is likely looking for is whether performance cars from Kia would play with the notoriously cliquish enthusiast community. Even more importantly, however, Kia will be gauging interest in additional body styles for the Soul. Schreyer said he thinks the Soul would be "more substantial" if it were also offered in a two-door version, or in a more performance-oriented flavor. All-wheel drive is a feature Schreyer also specifically mentioned as being on his wish list.

Continue reading Kia Track'ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul "family"

Chicago: Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

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Chicago: Lexus plays us like a fiddle with its LFA quartet

Last we checked, there were fewer than 90 Lexus LFA models in the United States. So imagine our surprise to find not one, not two, but four of the automaker's carbon-fiber exotics parked under the lights in the Lexus booth at the Chicago Auto Show.

Normally, when four of the same models occupy the same stage it's hardly news. However, this quartet of Lexii represents nearly five percent of all LFA models on our shore. Five percent. To put that in perspective, if five percent of Toyota Camry models sold last year were parked in the Toyota booth there would be about 15,000 sedans crammed onto the carpet.

Unexpected appearances aside, the 40-cylinder assembly (with a retail value of more than $1.5 million) gave us the perfect opportunity to see the LFA in red, black and yellow - with an assortment of factory wheels and finishes. And before you make a crack about the LFA not selling, understand these are all customer cars. In fact, one even has an EZPass still in its window. Check out our extensive gallery and let us know which is your next... um, lottery car.

Chicago: 1954 Mercury XM 800 Concept is retro-cool in execution, detail and design

The true jewels of most auto shows are often hidden, requiring a bit more legwork to find. During our third pass of the Chicago Auto Show, we stumbled upon a display from the Classic Car Club of America. Tucked away in a corner behind low aluminum railing, we found a stunning full-size two-door hardtop: the 1954 Mercury XM 800 Concept.

When it was first introduced at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, the XM 800 made quite an impact. Mechanically speaking, it was fitted with a 312 cubic inch engine rated at 270 horsepower. A Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels, was standard. Its design was noted for an expansive greenhouse offering passengers an almost 360-degree outside view. Benson Ford, running the Lincoln-Mercury Division at the time, pushed for the XM-800's basic design to be added to the Mercury lineup. The plan to move forward was only extinguished because the automaker switched gears to work on Edsel.

The fiberglass XM 800 traveled extensively in 1954 and 1955, making appearances at most major car shows and special exhibitions (including the Chicago Auto Show). It even had a featured role in Hollywood, appearing in the 20th Century Fox production Woman's World. In the late 1950s, the concept car was gifted to the University of Michigan's Automotive Engineering Lab to be used for training and design inspiration. Ten years later, the Mercury ended up in storage outside a barn on a farm in central Michigan. Thankfully, the deteriorating concept car caught the eye of an enthusiast who purchased it and began a 20-year frame off, nut-and-bolt restoration.

Today, the 1954 Mercury XM 800 is considered to be one of the most significant concept cars ever produced. It recently sold at the RM Auction for $429,000. Check out the press release for its interesting history and our gallery for some beautiful design.

Continue reading 1954 Mercury XM 800 Concept is retro-cool in execution, detail and design

Chicago: Hyundai adds more spunk to Veloster Turbo with graphics package

Hyundai debuted the 2013 Veloster Turbo at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, adding some more oomph and a more aggressive look to the funky three-door hatch. We felt that an additional 63 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque was just what the little Hyundai needed, and we were especially digging the available matte gray paint once the Veloster hits showrooms this summer.

Here at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show Hyundai is offering a completely different take on the Veloster Turbo with a special graphics package. The decals feature a gray and yellow stripe running the length of the car, yellow trim on the front spoiler, side skirts and rear fascia, as well as a checkered flag theme on the side and roof spoiler. It's definitely over the top, but still tastefully done.

So will this graphics package make it to production? Hyundai says 'no' for this particular look, although they are working other (likely more subtle) graphics that will be available to customers.

You can see the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo with the graphics package in detail in the gallery above.

Chicago: We Obsessively Covered the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Media days at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show have come and gone, and the results of our efforts can be seen below. It's not the biggest show of the circuit, with 18 total vehicles covered, but there's still plenty of interesting machinery to be seen. A bit later, we'll share our picks for the top five debuts of Chicago. In the meantime, check out everything in all its glory in the table below.

1993 Ford SVT Cobra	2013 Toyota Land Cruiser	2012 Kia Optima SX L
2013 Shelby GT500 Conv	2013 Nissan NV200	2013 Mopar 300
Kia Track'ster Concept	2012 Ram Laramie Limited	2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
2012 Mopar Compass	2013 VW Beetle TDI	2013 GMC Acadia
2013 Nissan 370Z	2013 Acura RDX	2013 Acura ILX
2013 Elantra Coupe	2012 Fiat 500 Stinger	2013 Mazda MX-5 SE

Exclusive: Why did Honda kill its best performance engine?

The performance profile of the turbo four may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history.

The 2.3-liter turbo was a variation of the 2.4-liter four used in the Honda Accord and the Acura TSX. Rated at 240 horsepower, it was the 260 lb-ft of torque that made things special. Honda's traditional approach to engine design had favored high-revving, small displacement engines that made generous power thanks to variable valve timing technologies - but at the expense of torque output. So when Honda announced that it would be producing a turbocharged engine for the first time, it seemed to herald the next wave of Honda performance. Finally, some torque to match the howling VTEC power. But sadly, it was the performance profile of the turbo four that may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history.

Continue reading Why did Honda kill its best performance engine?

GM appears to repurpose Saturn Outlook parts on new Acadia

General Motors unveiled the company's refreshed GMC Acadia at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show yesterday, and if you were paying attention, you may have noticed something curious about the vehicle. While the new Acadia looks considerably better than its predecessor, a few components of the design looked more than a little familiar. Upon closer observation, it appears that GM has simply repurposed elements of the now defunct Saturn Outlook crossover on the 2013 Acadia. Both vehicles seem to share the same wrap-around rear glass, back hatch, tail light openings and exaggerated, squared-off fender arches.

While the vehicles are differentiated by badging, tail lamps and a rear valance, there's no denying the similarities toward the vehicle's rear. Up front, both share similar fenders, though adjustments have been made for the varying headlight designs.

That's good news if you just can't imagine life without the Saturn Outlook.

GM isn't the only automaker to pull something similar. Parts sharing is a smart way to keep costs as low as possible, and recouping the design and manufacturing costs the automaker poured into the Outlook is a smart way to keep GM's earnings headed in the right direction. For example, Chrysler famously reused Dodge Grand Caravan tail lights in the first-generation Dodge Durango. We just aren't accustomed to seeing this sort of recycling on such a grand scale or after so much time has elapsed.

Chicago: 2012 Ram Laramie Limited is one fancy truck

The Chicago Auto Show was commonly known for years as a truck show, with automakers using the McCormick Place to show off their sport-utility vehicles and pickups. And while trends have indeed shifted in the automotive world (SUV is a dirty word these days), some companies still take time to debut a special truck or two here in the Windy City. Ram, Chrysler's pickup truck arm, has brought its new 2012 Laramie Limited to Chicago, offering full-size truck buyers a host of upscale standard amenities in a decidedly classy package.

The Ram Laramie Limited's exterior is attended to with the addition of big alloy wheels and chrome accents, while inside, there's a smattering of leather upholstery with contrast stitching, deep berber carpets, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, unique gauges, LED ambient lighting and navigation, among other amenities.

The Laramie Limited is available in 1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD configurations, and will hit dealerships later this year.

Continue reading 2012 Ram Laramie Limited is one fancy truck