2006 Chicago Auto Show Preview

 

 

2006 Detroit Auto Show: Last Words by TCC Team (1/16/2006)
Best new concepts, worst press conferences, and other pithy observations.

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

The Chicago Auto Show begins this week for the media and the public. And among the introductions you'll see here starting Wednesday on TheCarConnection are cars and trucks like this Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, details of which we'll bring you in our coverage of the show. Stay tuned all this week for more from Chicago, but until then keep your browsers set for more on the following new vehicles:

 

 

Dodge Nitro Blows into Chicago

 

This week’s Chicago auto show will host the production-version launch of the 2007 Dodge Nitro sport-ute. Based on the Jeep Liberty platform, the Nitro gets full-size options for its mid-size ute body, including a choice of V-6 engines, 20-inch wheels and sport suspension. Available in three models — base, SLT, and R/T — the Nitro comes standard with a 3.7-liter V-6 with 210 hp. The performance R/T edition gets a new 4.0-liter V-6 with 255 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. And standard on the R/T, optional on the SLT, is a suspension-and-wheels package with 20-inch rims and more tightly tuned ride motions. The standard gearbox on base vehicles is a six-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic is an option; the SLT gets the four-speed standard, while the R/T gets a standard five-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is offered on all models. A new Load ‘N Go floor slides 18 inches to and fro for easier loading of the cargo area and it’s capable of holding up to 400 pounds (or three Eva Longorias and some change, if you must). ABS, ESP, and side curtain airbags are standard, while a navigation system, CD changer, DVD entertainment system and Sirius are options.

 

 

New Avalanche Falling on Chicago

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

GM continues the rollout of its new full-size trucks and SUVs at the Chicago show with the launch of the Avalanche. Chevrolet says that the new vehicle will have more power, segment-leading fuel economy and flex-fuel capability, and a better interior. The new 'Lanche goes on sale in the second quarter of this year. GM also will celebrate the 10th anniversary of OnStar at the Chicago show.

 

 

 

Hyundai Hopes for Tuner Magic with Three-Door Accent

 

Though Hyundai showed its 2007 Accent three-door at SEMA, official pricing and on-sale info comes out this week at McCormick Place. The '07 model features a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter four that will also appeal to the growing market for fuel-efficient vehicles. On the safety side, the three-door will come with six standard airbags, as well as four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Company officials hint the three-door will likely be positioned as a price leader, starting a bit under the $11,500 base for the four-door Accent. Look for a spring 2006 debut.

 

 

Tundra Gets Bigger for America

Prototypes of Toyota's next-generation Tundra pickup are currently undergoing final cold-weather testing in North America before the new model's launch for the 2007 model year - and an appearance Feb. 9 at the Chicago show.The Tundra came first on the market in 1999, and the new model to come will be a new truck from the ground up. The 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful, and will offer new styling and engine configurations, Toyota promises.

 

Spy Shots: ’07 Toyota Tundra by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image (1/30/2006)
The first pictures, ahead of Chicago’s launch.

 

Lexus ES330 Rolling Into Chicago

The Toyota product juggernaut rolls on at the Chicago auto show next month as Lexus unveils a new ES350 sedan. The fifth-generation sedan gets a new body style and presumably, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

 

ALSO COMING: Hyundai Entourage...Dodge concept....Ford production vehicle..intros from Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Subaru...and the latest International mega-truck!