Automobiles Review

Tag: 2012 Chicago Auto Show

  • 2013 Nissan 370Z at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

    2013-Nissan-370Z-thumbWe spoke yesterday about Nissan‘s planned presence on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show and how every model will offer a special edition or a revision. Well, the Nissan 370Z wont be an exception. It will be an even leaner, meaner machine designed to carve out the tarmac. With several updates, the 2013 model intends to keep it fresh and hip and hopefully it will be out for sale in June this year. Again, three configurations will be available – Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z

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

    The updates for the new model year are as follows:

    • Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights (does not apply to Nismo configurations)
    • Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover, does not apply to Nismo configurations)
    • Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)
    • New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe
    • Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)
    • Dark-finish fuel gauge trim
    • Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)
    • Two new exterior colors – Magma Red and Midnight Blue (Midnight Blue does not apply to Nismo configurations)

    The 2013 370Z Coupe and 370Z Coupe Touring will both be sold with the same 2012 engine – a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 and customers will have a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic. The same goes for the 370Z Roadster and Roadster Touring with the exception that the former won’t offer a six-speed manual.

    Regardless, the Nismo Z remains the top of the range, motoring nirvana that comes with premium super-light, dark-finish 19-inch wheels and an exclusive Bose® Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. A more technical oriented innovation comes from the GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The exterior, as well as the interior, is sporty and aggressive while the suspension is tuned to match the looks. Power is up to 350 horsepower thanks to the H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control. Only one gearbox seems appropriate for the Nismo Z – a close-ratio 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match® as standard, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting.

    Nissan 370Z (2013)
    Nissan 370Z (2013)
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z
    2013 Nissan 370Z

    Soruce: Nissan

  • Production Acura ILX and Revised RDX on Chicago Auto Show

    Acura-IXL-thumbA ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.

    The 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan is the latest offering from Acura which emits a sleek and sporty essence. The car will be available in three distinct powertrains, including Acura’s first ever hybrid. Inside it will all be about space and cleverness. High value luxuries will be in the form of a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry, an engine start button and Pandora® internet radio. The exterior on the other hand, speaks for itself.

    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept
    Acura ILX Concept

    The 2013 RDX however, will be for those who want to make maximum use from their vehicles . It’s a compact crossover SUV that balances luxury and utility to a fine medium. The powertrain is a V6 with 3.5 liters of displacement that has 33 more horsepower than the previous one. In no way however, that increase has influenced the fuel economy, Acura say. In fact it is set to be the most fuel efficient SUV in its own class. Priority for the RDX is also spaciousness – it will now have larger door openings, more legroom, more headroom, more than ever cargo space (with a power tailgate) and better overall flexibility.

    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype
    2013 Acura RDX Prototype

    Both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago where the auto show is set to step in motion. Photos and more information are yet to come.

    Source: Acura

  • 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser ThumbThe 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will make its first North American appearance on 8th of February at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The legendary vehicle has just celebrated its 60th birthday since its original launch in Japan. Since then it has remained constant in Toyota model lineup.

    The new 2013 Land Cruiser receives an array of new and updated exterior and interior. The exterior has been refreshed and includes an updated front grille and headlamps with HID low-beams. In addition there are also LED Daytime Running Lights, chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and tail lamps. Next to the exterior, the interior has also been refreshed. It is now available in two color choices: Sandstone or Black. Additional refinements include perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument-panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers, and updated meter-cluster lighting. Moreover there are also brand new features included: Multi-terrain Monitor with front, side or rear selectable views; a new Multi-information Display; an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display; a heated steering wheel; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; an additional 12V-DC power outlet at the rear of the center console; and a rear-cargo-deck power outlet that has been changed to AC 120V from AC 115V.

    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

    The good news is that the Land Cruiser will now come with all features as standard equipment! They will also include new driving-performance components, and an array of significant safety and convenience features. Standard performance and safety features for example comprise of five-speed CRAWL control with Off-Road Turn Assist, Multi-Terrain Select, Multi-Terrain Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Trailer Sway Control, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and a retuned suspension. Furthermore, as a standard now come the rear-seat DVD entertainment system, color-keyed rear spoiler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, center-console cooler box, headlamp cleaners, leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-information display, voice and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, leather-trimmed shift lever and heated second row seats. And to all these features, Toyota has also included as a standard Toyota’s Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multi-media system and JBL® audio.

    More importantly, the Land Cruiser has a 5.7-liter V8 DOHC engine, which produces 381 horsepower (280kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. (543 Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Land Cruiser uses regular-grade (87 AKI) gasoline and is ULEV-II certified.

    The 2013 Land Cruiser will be arriving at Toyota dealerships this month.

    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

    Source: Toyota