Friday, February 12, 2010 8:00AM - By Chris Weiss
Chevy revealed its newest Silverado Heavy Duty this week at the Chicago Auto Show and followed up with some video of the new truck. The new Silverado HD line-up has expanded to include 11 2500HD models and 8 3500 HD models.
The trucks begin with a new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel connected to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic. A gasoline 6.0-liter Vortec V8 is also available. The new HD is capable of hauling up to 20,000 lbs. and includes a new exhaust braking system that delivers better feel and control to the driver while limiting wear on brakes during descents. Other features that will help the 2011 Silverado HD perform better than ever are trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control and hill start assist.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010 8:00AM - By Chris Weiss
We don’t ordinarily step over into the race car realm, but this one was just so striking and outlandish there’s no way we’d let it slip by without a quick post. The machine above is a new concept designed by Indy execs and positioned to show the potential future of IndyCar. The Delta Wing promises a top speed around 235 mph, and it promises to do it while cutting fuel consumption by about 50 percent over what other cars are doing now.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:52PM - By Chris Weiss
Ford debuted its updated Edge at the Chicago Auto Show. Exterior highlights include a new grille, refashioned lighting, modified bumpers and chrome exhaust tips. The SEL and Limited trim feature 18-inch wheels while the Sport gets 22s.
Ford gives potential buyers three engine options. The 3.5-liter V6 provides drivers access to 285 horses and 253 lb-ft courtesy of a Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing. The Edge Sport packs a little extra power thanks to a 3.7-liter V6 worth 305 hp and 280 lb-ft. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine will join those two options later down the line, allowing the new Edge a 15 percent consumption cut over the current generation.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010 4:00PM - By Chris Weiss
From the land of Italian beef and thick pizza pie, the Kia Ray brings a stylish and futuristic look usually not associated with the Kia name. Showing that you don’t have to sacrifice intriguing looks to save the environment one drop at a time, Kia has packed a variety of eco-friendly features into this Chicago concept.
The plug-in hybrid is based on the platform of the Forte sedan and features a combination of 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 78 kW motor. According to Kia, the concept boasts a 50-mile electric-only range and economy of 202 mpg.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:00AM - By Chris Weiss
Ford kicked off a brigade of upcoming electric models with its brand new electric-version Transit Connect commercial van at the Chicago Auto Show. The van is positioned for fleet owners that drive predictable distances and have a reliable place to juice the batteries.
The BEV features a 28kWh liquid-cooled lithium ion battery pack funneling power to a 3-phase AC induction motor. Battery power is controlled through throttle input provided by the driver. Ford teamed up with Azure Dynamics (powertrain) and Johnson Controls-Saft (lithium ion battery) for the build.
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Monday, February 8, 2010 2:30PM - By Chris Weiss
We got a sneak preview of the new Shelby GT500 last week and today Ford made it official. The new Mustang features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that produces 550 hp and 510 lb-ft. The extra 10 horses over last year’s version are derived from a re-tuned exhaust. Weight savings are garnered from the aluminum-block engine (102 lbs.) and other measures like composite coating for the cylinder bores.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010 8:00AM - By Chris Weiss
An electric version of the Ford’s Transit Connect commercial van will officially make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The EV swaps out the engine for a high-voltage electric motor wired to a battery pack. The pack can be charged in either 120- or 240-volt outlets. The van is designed as an urban commuter. The Transit Connect will kick off a series of electric vehicles from Ford. Next in line is the Ford Focus BEV, scheduled for next year.
Previous specs had put the range for the Transit Connect BEV at up to 100 miles and the top speed at 70 mph.
Early this year, the standard Transit Connect took home the honor of North American Truck of the Year. [via egmCarTech]
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:40PM - By Chris Weiss
On its way to the U.S., the 2011 Alpina B7 will carry a base price tag of $122,875. The long wheelbase version will tack on around $4,000 for a starting price of $126,775.
The top-end 7-Series sedan will feature a twin-turbocharged direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 with modifications providing a total output of 500 hp and 516 lb-ft. The engine will be mated to a six-speed sport automatic transmission. The speedometer will point to 60 in 4.5 seconds.
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