Kia Track'ster concept races into Chicago show

\The Kia Soul is targeted at the young, hip and those who are perhaps a bit quirky. The Track'ster concept takes that a step further--and sportier.

Capped with an inferno-orange roof and curvy white panels, the track-themed concept debuted on Wednesday at the Chicago auto show. It's based on the Soul, though it eschews the four-door setup for a coupe configuration. The tall hatch in back remains.

Power comes from a 250-hp turbo inline four-cylinder engine channeled via all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Design cues include LED lights, a large lower air intake below Kia's tiger grille and an orange carbon-fiber lower valance. It rolls on 19-inch performance tires, and Brembos provide stopping power.

The Track'ster measures 101.2 inches in wheelbase length, which is about an inch longer than the Soul. It's also more than five inches wider, at 75.5 inches, than its production counterpart.

The cabin has orange racing seats, and the steering wheel and door panels are set off in suede. The back seat is replaced with an equipment tray and space for helmets.

The Track'ster was styled at Kia's California design center, and there are no production plans for it.

\\

Hyundai reveals 2013 Elantra coupe and GT at Chicago auto show

\The Elantra is one of Hyundai's strongest launches in recent memory, which is saying something considering that the Sonata and the Genesis have been rather well received in mainstream and enthusiast corners.

With that in mind, Hyundai is extending the Elantra line with a sporty coupe variant and a practical five-door hatch for 2013. The cars were revealed on Wednesday at the Chicago auto show.

The Elantra two-door will fight coupes such as the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte Koup and promises 40 mpg on the highway from a fuel-efficient, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Hyundai is packaging slinky styling and a roomy interior in hopes of capturing young buyers, a common theme for automakers at recent auto shows.

Though it will be hawked as a fun-to-drive option, the front-wheel-drive Elantra coupe will be marketed to a slightly different audience than the more enthusiast-oriented, rear-drive Genesis coupe.

The Elantra coupe will produce as much as 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. It will get up to 29 mpg in the city with the manual and 40 mpg in highway driving. Fuel economy is 28/39 mpg city/highway with the automatic.

The base version checks in at a reasonably lithe 2,687 pounds. The styling continues Hyundai's fluidic sculpture theme with a flowing beltline, prominent headlights and slightly flared wheels.

The coupe continues the momentum started by its sedan sibling, which won North American Car of the Year honors in January.

"It has really surpassed our expectations," Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik said.

The Hyundai Elantra GT is shorter than the Elantra coupe.

So why stop there?

Hyundai is also adding a five-door model, the GT, that will fight the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Golf. The five-door offers the same powertrain choices as the coupe and gets 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The compact hatch is shorter than the coupe.

The Elantra GT also has up to 51 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the rear with the seats folded down. A version of the car, the i30, was revealed for other markets last year in Europe.

\

Infographic: The history of the Chicago auto show

\While you’re busy checking out all of the Chicago auto show coverage here at autoweek.com, it’s worth remembering that this is the largest (at least in terms of square footage)--and the oldest--new-car extravaganza in North America.

To celebrate the 104th Chicago auto show this year, our sister site shopautoweek.com has assembled an infographic showing some of the important (and a few just plain goofy) milestones along the way.

Our favorite? Miss Unsafe Brakes, circa 1939--though 1973’s Human Hood Ornament is a close second.

Check out the complete Chicago auto show infographic at shopautoweek.com here.

\

Mazda MX-5 Miata special edition breaks cover at Chicago auto show

\Mazda is adding a bit of extra mojo to the MX-5 Miata at the Chicago auto show, debuting a limited-run variant with a hardtop and contrasting trim.

The special-edition model starts at $32,020 when equipped with the six-speed manual, and $32,470 for the six-speed-automatic-transmission model. The cars will arrive in showrooms at the end of this month, and Mazda will make 450 copies.

The special edition gets black outside mirrors, body-colored door handles and black trim for the grille surrounds and fog lamps. The exterior comes in red or white. It all rolls on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The cabin gets black upholstery and piano-black panels for the steering-wheel spokes and instrument panel.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 167 hp with the manual, 158 hp for the automatic.

\

Nissan NV200 compact van debuts at Chicago auto show

The Nissan NV200 compact cargo van made its North American debut at the 2012 Chicago auto show on Wednesday. The smaller utility van will go on sale in early 2013, following the full-size NV cargo van that hits dealerships this spring.

Nissan was looking for a right-size van to bring to market, with a low entry point and a low cost of ownership. The company says the NV200 is just that.

The NV200 currently sees duty in 40 countries around the world. A passenger version was chosen by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission as the Taxi of Tomorrow.

The van has a DOHC, 2.0-liter engine with Nissan's continuously variable transmission.

The NV200 has 123 cubic feet of cargo space, with a relatively small footprint measuring 186.2 inches long and 68.1 inches wide. The body was extended nearly eight inches for the U.S. market. It has a payload rating of 1,500 pounds. The cargo hold will fit a standard 40-inch-by-48-inch pallet and is available with floor-mounted cargo hooks and a 12-volt power point.

The cockpit has a six-way adjustable driver's seat with a manual lumbar adjuster. The center console has a spot for laptops, file folders, CDs and beverages. The instrument panel has more storage spaces, while the passenger seat can fold down to serve as a desktop.

Power windows are standard, along with a 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel. A CD player with auxiliary music input is also standard, with two door-mounted speakers.

Two trims will be offered, S and SV. The SV model adds heated outside mirrors, power locks, keyless entry and a few other goodies. Optional equipment includes navigation, Bluetooth wireless communications, satellite radio, rearview monitor and prewiring for the Nissan Fleet Tracker.

The NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and will be available through Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers.

 

Shelby GT500 convertible, Kia Track'ster among Chicago highlights: Autoweek TV

Also in this episode: Debuts of the GMC Acadia, the Hyundai Elantra coupe and the Acura ILX and RDX.

TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the 2012 Chicago auto show. I'm Greg and this is Autoweek TV for Wednesday. We've got a big show lined up for you today--all of the reveals, all of the new sheetmetal, lots of new engines, lots of new technology.

This is one of the largest consumer auto shows in the nation, so buckle up and we're going to have a walk around the floor.

--

Let's start off with the car that is probably the best in show. Autoweek doesn't actually give that award here in Chicago, but if we did, this is probably it. It's the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible. Power comes on to the tune of a whopping 650 hp with a top speed of more than 200 mph. It gets Brembo brakes, and it's 3.5 seconds faster around Sebring.

--

And on the other end of the spectrum is the GMC Acadia. This is a three-row crossover with a lot of space and plenty of room for your Labrador. So what's new? GMC updated the appearance for the first time since 2007. Power still comes from the V6 that makes 288 hp.

--

Now Hyundai is growing the Elantra lineup with a coupe and a GT. Both come with four-cylinder engines making 148 hp, and they're going to get about 40 mpg. Now, the coupe is the sportier version and it's going to be a Honda Civic and Nissan Altima fighter. The GT, that's the hatchback.

--

While Hyundai went with substance, Kia rolled out style. The Track'ster concept is based on the Kia Soul, and it makes 250 hp and runs with all-wheel drive. Now this is probably just a concept, but it would be a nice addition for enthusiasts to the Soul lineup.

--

And Acura finally showed us the production version of the ILX and the RDX. These are two really important vehicles for the brand because they are expected to be strong sellers.

Now the ILX is a Civic-based car, and it's going to be an entry-level luxury product. It also gets Acura's--get this--first hybrid.

Now the RDX gets a V6 instead of the turbo four, and it's a bit lighter than last year's model.

--

That's it for Autoweek TV on Wednesday, and that's it from the Chicago auto show. Stay connected 24 hours a day at autoweek.com for all of the latest car and racing news and the latest here from Chicago. For Autoweek magazine, I'm Greg Migliore.

Get more car news, reviews and opinion every day: Sign up to have the Autoweek Daily Drive delivered right to your inbox.

 

Nissan rolls out refreshed 370Z for Chicago show

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Nissan introduced the 2013 370Z on Tuesday, ahead of the press days at the Chicago auto show. The sports coupe gets a refreshed front and rear fascia, new wheel packages and new hues of red and blue paint.

The 3.7-liter V6 engine carries over for 2013 with 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The coupe and coupe touring get a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. The roadster and roadster touring will have the same engine, but the six-speed manual is only offered with the Touring model.

The Sports package will add revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers and Euro-tuned shock absorbers.

"Since the original 1970 Z was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager of Nissan North America. "The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its appearance."

For the tuner crowd, the Nissan 370Z will once again have a Nismo option. The Nismo 370Z gets a slight bump in horsepower, to 350, and 6 lb-ft more of torque. The suspension is tuned up and sits on superlightweight forged-alloy wheels. The exhaust is switched to an H configuration, and the engine-control unit is programmed for greater performance. The only transmission available is a six-speed manual with Nissan's SynchroRev rev matching.

The Nismo package also includes a Bose audio system with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. The Nismo won't have the new front and rear fascia, Euro-tuned shocks or new blue exterior color.

Pricing and more information will be available closer to the June on-sale date.

Autoweek loves passionate comments and debate, but remember that you're part of a diverse community. Above all: be respectful. Critique statements, not people; talk about the automotive world, but skip the political rhetoric, hate speech, and obscenities. While we can't read every post, this site is moderated and Autoweek will remove comments as we see fit. Questions? Read our Terms of Use or email moderator@autoweek.com.

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2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI heads for Chicago auto show

After a six-year absence, a diesel Beetle is returning for Volkswagen.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is set to be revealed next week at the Chicago auto show, and it will join the naturally aspirated and turbo-powered gasoline variants in the lineup. The 2.0-liter direct-injection diesel is rated at 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and it’s estimated to get 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The unit will work with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing will be announced closer to the summer launch. VW sold diesel Beetles stateside from 1998 to 2006, and they used a 1.9-liter turbo four-cylinder.

The new model offers a sunroof, an audio upgrade and a navigation feature as options.

Acura ILX production sedan debuts at Chicago auto show

Acura unveiled the production version of the 2013 ILX compact sedan at the Chicago auto show on Wednesday, saying the vehicle will be an entry point into Honda's luxury brand.

The five-passenger sedan will offer three engine choices, including Acura's first gasoline-electric hybrid.

The base ILX will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is a five-speed automatic. Fuel economy in that model is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Upgraded models will get a 2.4-liter engine with 201 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. A six-speed manual will be an option on the upgraded model. Fuel economy decreases a tad, to 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Acura's first hybrid model will use Honda's 1.5-liter engine with its Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. It will be paired with a continuously variable transmission, returning an estimated 38 mpg on the highway. Together, the gasoline and electric motors can produce 111 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The ILX hybrid features regenerative braking and stop/start technology to save fuel and replenish the battery.

The ILX uses MacPherson struts in front with a multilink setup in the rear. The car includes Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two modes to provide comfort when cruising and precision handling when needed. The ILX will use an adaptive electric power-steering system.

Like all Acura models, the ILX will come well equipped from the factory. Both Technology and Premium packages will be offered, along with a long list of safety features.

The ILX is built at the company's Greensburg, Ind., plant and will go on sale in spring. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Acura said the ILX will start at less than $30,000.

Ford peels top off Mustang Shelby GT 500 at Chicago show

Ford gave the Mustang Shelby GT500 a major power boost for the 2013 model year with a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 that pumps out 650 hp. After unveiling the coupe at the Los Angeles auto show in November, Ford is using the Chicago auto show to reveal the convertible counterpart.

The car's performance is enhanced with the optional Performance Package that adds Bilstein electronic adjustable shock absorbers, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a Brembo brake package. Ford says the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the Performance Package is nearly 3.5 seconds faster around Sebring International Raceway than the 2012 model.

The driver can choose between normal and sport modes for the suspension. Normal mode softens the ride for more comfortable cruising.

Other equipment in the Shelby GT500 convertible includes driver-adjustable steering effort and launch control programming for the powertrain. The car's supercharged V8 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Ford is also using the debut of the Shelby GT500 convertible to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the SVT performance group. The Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible gets lighted sill plates with a commemorative emblem. Ford's Special Vehicle Team has helped produce more than 210,000 vehicles in its two decades.

SVT now works with Ford's RS team in Europe to develop high-performance versions of Ford vehicles. The groups collaborated to create the forthcoming Focus ST and Fiesta ST.

Kia Track'ster coupe concept headed for Chicago auto show

Kia is exploring what might happen if you turbocharged the dancing Hamstars with the Track'ster concept car for next week's Chicago auto show.

The Track'ster is based on the Soul. Changes include bigger wheels and a narrower, sporty window opening along the side.

Kia says it could see a 247-hp engine under the hood. That compares with 164 hp from the production Soul's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Kia also let drop that it is still considering putting the Soul'ster convertible into production.

 

Hyundai reveals Elantra coupe and GT at Chicago auto show

The Elantra is one of Hyundai's strongest launches in recent memory, which is saying something considering that the Sonata and the Genesis have been rather well-received in mainstream and enthusiast corners.

With that in mind, Hyundai is extending the Elantra line with a sporty coupe variant and a practical five-door hatch. The cars are being revealed on Wednesday at the Chicago auto show.

The Elantra two-door will fight coupes such as the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte Koup and promises 40 mpg on the highway from a fuel-efficient, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Hyundai is packaging slinky styling and a roomy interior in hopes of capturing young buyers, a common theme for automakers at recent auto shows.

Though it will be hawked as a fun-to-drive option, the front-wheel-drive Elantra coupe will be marketed to a slightly different audience than the more enthusiast-oriented, rear-drive Genesis coupe.

The Elantra coupe will produce as much as 148 hp and 131-lb-ft of torque. It will get up to 29 mpg in the city with the manual and 40 mpg in highway driving. Fuel economy is 28/39 mpg city/highway with the automatic.

The base version checks in at a reasonably lithe 2,687 pounds. The styling continues Hyundai's fluidic sculpture theme with a flowing beltline, prominent headlights and slightly flared wheels.

The coupe continues the momentum started by its sedan sibling, which won North American Car of the Year honors in January.

"It has really surpassed our expectations," Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik said.

The Hyundai Elantra GT is shorter than the Elantra coupe.

So why stop there?

Hyundai is also adding a five-door model, the GT, that will fight the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Golf. The five-door offers the same powertrain choices as the coupe and gets 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The compact hatch is shorter than the coupe.

The Elantra GT also has up to 51 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the rear with the seats folded down. A version of the car, the i30, was revealed for other markets last year in Europe.

 

Nissan rolls out refreshed 370Z for Chicago show

Nissan introduced the 2013 370Z on Tuesday, ahead of the press days at the Chicago auto show. The sports coupe gets a refreshed front and rear fascia, new wheel packages and new hues of red and blue paint.

The 3.7-liter V6 engine carries over for 2013 with 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The coupe and coupe touring get a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. The roadster and roadster touring will have the same engine, but the six-speed manual is only offered with the Touring model.

The Sports package will add revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers and Euro-tuned shock absorbers.

"Since the original 1970 Z was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager of Nissan North America. "The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its appearance."

For the tuner crowd, the Nissan 370Z will once again have a Nismo option. The Nismo 370Z gets a slight bump in horsepower, to 350, and 6 lb-ft more of torque. The suspension is tuned up and sits on superlightweight forged-alloy wheels. The exhaust is switched to an H configuration, and the engine-control unit is programmed for greater performance. The only transmission available is a six-speed manual with Nissan's SynchroRev rev matching.

The Nismo package also includes a Bose audio system with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. The Nismo won't have the new front and rear fascia, Euro-tuned shocks or new blue exterior color.

Pricing and more information will be available closer to the June on-sale date.