Chicago Auto Show – Automobiles Review

Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition Celebrates Experimental GT Race Car Prototypes from 1966 at Chicago Auto Show

Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition (2022) - Front Angle View

As a tribute to Alan Mann Racing’s 1966 Ford GT lightweight experimental prototypes, Ford is introducing the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition. The limited-edition vehicle celebrates the role the prototypes played in the history of the development of the Ford GT.

“Whether it’s going like hell at the racetrack or out-innovating the competition, the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition honours the vehicles that helped lead Ford to its wins,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “With its red and gold livery, this Ford GT is inspired by Alan Mann Racing’s contribution to our Le Mans-winning story.”

In 1965-66, Alan Mann Racing used lighter materials to create AM GT-1, along with a second car, based on the GT Mk I. While neither prototype won a major race, the use of lightweight materials was similar to what helped Ford win Le Mans with the GT Mk II in 1966.

This spirit continues in today’s Ford GT supercar, with its lightweight carbon fibre body cloaked as a GT Heritage Edition for 2022 in colors and stripes inspired by the AM GT-1.

Limited-edition run pays tribute to the original

In addition to wearing unique Alan Mann red exterior paint with gold graphics, this limited-edition GT includes a dual over-the-roof racing stripe, Frozen White signature accent stripes and roundels with No. 16 on the doors, hood and underside of the rear wing.

Exposed gloss carbon fibre components are prominent, including on the 20-inch wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers and rear diffuser. Brembo® brake calipers lacquered in black with red graphics, plus black lug nuts further modernise the aesthetic.

Carbon fibre carries into the cabin, appearing on door sills, console and registers. Ebony Alcantara®-wrapped carbon fibre seats feature gold and red accent stitching, while embossed seating surfaces and head restraints carry the GT logo. The instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara.

Gold appliqués on the instrument panel, door register bezels and seat X-brace are paired with the matte carbon fibre registers, door sills, lower A-pillars and console. The steering wheel is finished in Ebony Alcantara with black stitching, while dual-clutch paddle shifters are finished in exterior-matching Alan Mann red.

Honouring early Ford GT racing efforts

Wrapping up its final year of production, the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition pays tribute to Alan Mann Racing and the support the team provided in 1965. Lessons learned from Alan Mann Racing improved the capabilities of the Ford GT40 and led to its third- and fourth-fastest times in the 1966 Le Mans trials.

Ultimately, the Le Mans committee chose to run the heavier and more powerful 7.0-litre V8 race cars for the rest of the 1966 season, which culminated in a 1-2-3 podium sweep for Ford at Le Mans, ending the run of the English team’s lightweight version.

“It’s a great honour for Alan Mann Racing and the Mann family to celebrate the epic motorsports heritage of Ford GT with this fantastic limited-edition car,” said Henry Mann, director, Alan Mann Racing Ltd. “To see the red and gold colours of our team’s livery come back to life, and to debut this new GT alongside one of our original GT40s in Chicago, will be a magical occasion.”

Further building on the Heritage Edition series

The Ford GT Heritage Edition series celebrates the supercar’s landmark moments including, of course, its Le Mans-winning titles. The 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition marks the seventh in the ultra-limited-production series. These include:

2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition honoring GT roots and the earliest five original Ford GT prototypes
2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition honoring No. 98 Ford GT Mk II co-driven by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby to Ford’s 1-2-3-5 domination at Daytona in 1966, kicking off a magical season for the Ford GT40 Mk II
2020 Ford GT ’69 Heritage Edition honoring No. 6 Ford GT40 Mk I that was victorious at Le Mans in 1969
2019 Ford GT ’68 Heritage Edition honoring No. 9 Ford GT40 Mk I that was victorious at Le Mans in 1968
2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage Edition honoring No. 1 Ford GT40 Mk IV that was victorious at Le Mans in 1967
2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition honoring No. 2 Ford GT40 Mk II co-driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at Le Mans in 1966
2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition commemorating GT40’s back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans titles in 1968 and 1969

February 9, 2022

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad Debut In Chicago

The Chicago Auto Show this year will see the coming of a new Dodge Journey Crossroad MY2014. 2013 has been, apparently, the best sales year for the Journey, so Dodge would rather continue the profitable trend. Let’s see what they have in store for us with this one then. First up; the oily bits.

As standard, the Journey comes with a 2.4-liter four-pot that produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and delivers 26 mpg on the highway. It’s OK but uninspiring.

The optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, on the other hand, sounds like the one to go for. It has 283 hp in store and 260 lb-ft of torque. The accompanying transmission is a six-speed automatic. Thus, returns almost exactly the same amount of mpg as the 2.4-liter: 25 on the highway.

If you want the Journey to be all-wheel-driven, you’ll have to specify it on the options list. The system is pretty clever, engaging all the wheels only when grip starts running out. It also works on proper pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph – should help cornering. It’s all very cleverly engineered really: the AWD is managed by the electronic stability control (ESC) system which in turn also governs the electronically controlled coupling (ECC).

On the outside, the Journey sports a new front and rear fascia, chrome patterns on them and chrome roof rails, gloss black grille, fog lamp surrounds and tail light bezels. The 19-inch aluminum wheels also come in a Hyper Black five-spoke design.

Standard features to appeal to the occupants inside include a 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, power front seat and a front passenger fold-flat seat with hidden storage bin under the seat cushion. There are also power heated and foldaway mirrors, seven air bags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless

Enter ‘n Go with push-button start and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. It’s pretty spacious too. Fold flat the second- and third-row seats and you create 67.6 cu. ft. of cargo space – best in class, apparently.

Source: Dodge

January 31, 2014

2014 Toyota Tundra at the Chicago Auto Show

Toyota has presented the new 2014 Tundra at the Chicago Auto Show. It is designed, engineered and built in the U.S. The Pick-up truck has a powerful front image and chiseled overall appearance.

Outside, it features a muscular front view that signifies its “pulling power” through a wider, taller grille. There are also big headlamps that interlock with the rest of the front fascia. The front hood is raised by 1.6” contributing to the bolder appearance. The big bed has sculpted character lines all the way down the side leading to a new gate. There is also an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” embossed directly into the sheet metal creating a rugged high-tech look. The front bumper is also different compared to the previous model.

The interior is more driver-centric thanks to moving the center stack 2.6” closer for easier access. There is a new gauge cluster with distinctive styling, which is easier to view.

To satisfy the growing number of premium, full-size truck buyers, the redesigned Tundra will offer five distinct grades each with a “unique flavor” that is immediately recognizable — including a different front grille for each rather than just an equipment build up from grade to grade.

The SR grade is our entry-level Tundra designed primarily for the work-use buyer who will value its excellent utility on the job.

Although work-focused. the SR includes convenience features like Display Audio with integrated Backup Camera and Bluetooth as standard features.

The SR5 will continue to be our volume model with a great mix of style and capability.

SR5:

chrome grille surround,
fog lights,
satellite radio,
and optional 18” alloy wheels.

Limited trim level:

a unique grille insert,
chrome accents,
and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside heated leather bucket seats with power driver controls, wood grain trim and Display Audio with navigation and Entune add to the Limited’s well-appointed character.

TRD Off-Road Package:

unique 18-inch wheels,
dedicated off-road tires,
and performance springs and shocks.

Platinum trim level:

black premium leather seats and double stitching on the seats, doors and instrument panel inserts – along with chrome trim and brushed metallic accents

Source: Toyota

February 8, 2013

Kia Track’ster Revealed

Kia-Trackster-Concept-thumb The Kia Track’ster concept is out of the box. Attenders at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday had the privilege to witness the rather dramatic revealing. And now when the Track’ster is open to the public, we do are not sure from where to start.

Although it is based on the current Soul, in essence it is an entirely different car. The Track’ster is simply exciting to look at thanks to those air-gulping, carbon grille installations across the front and the massive auxiliary LED lights that complement them. The headlights themselves are impressive enough with that flowing figure that seems to be reaching for the fenders. And can you not notice the color of the whole thing? It’s white and orange as if it’s a pair of trainers – The roof and lower front, side and back valances are in, what Kia calls, an ‘inferno’ shade. That burning hue can be noticed as a motive also on the mirrors and at the front air-scooping slit and inside. To do the honor of the overall sculptured body lines of the Track’ster, Kia have fitted four HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels. Ideal tires would be 245/40-19-inch for the front wheels and a stunningly wide and low pair of 285/35-19′s at the back.

More features that set the Track’ster apart from the Soul include the dimensions – 101.2-inches of wheelbase length make the concept almost an inch longer than its production parent. And most certainly, the 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled brake discs at the front and 13.6-inch ones at the back, gripped by six and four-piston calipers respectively, do not come as standard on a Soul but they are present in Track’ster. Such suspension attention on a concept car seems redundant but when we realize that the Track’ster hides a 2.0-liter, straight four turbocharged power plant that develops 250 hp things start to make sense. What also makes sense is the power being channeled trough an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system in order to prevent any torquesteer, understeer or oversteer tendencies. The transmission is a six-speed, short-ratio manual controlled by a stubby gear stick found on the center console (naturally).

Speaking of the center console, the inside of the car is certainly a place where we or any other car enthusiast might like to spend a great deal of time. The two bucket seats at the front are dressed in gray and orange (inferno) leather. The dashboard, door panels and center console have the same motives with added white patterns. There are standalone gauges on top of the dashboard that indicate things like oil pressure, temperature and battery voltage. Just bellow is a touch-screen interface which deals with the navigation, ventilation and entertainment system. The start button on the other hand, might just be the most exciting feature of all (for a 10 year old).

A part of the Track’ster‘s “street” appeal is lost when we look at the back where, on a normal Soul, one would find rear seats. The Track’ster however stands by its name and occupies the rear space with a section for tools, a sport’s gear compartment, a place for a spare tire and other track-friendly items. It all sounds like a car enthusiast’s dream really. Except one problem – Kia are not thinking of actually making it. It is said that the Track’ster is more of a test for the company’s engineers and their creativity and ability to make perfect, road going, performance superminis. Point taken.

Source: Kia

February 9, 2012

2013 Nissan 370Z at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

We 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.

Soruce: Nissan

February 8, 2012

20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

SVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20^th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013) — Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.

Source: Ford

February 8, 2012

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

At the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge has unleashed its 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, the latest addition to the well known Dodge SRT high-performance lineup. (more…)

February 15, 2011

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The newly presented Chevy Camaro ZL1 is the latest addition by Chevrolet and most powerful series 2012 Camaro ever. Premiered at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is scheduled for market launch in early 2012, featuring high-end technology and performance. (more…)

February 15, 2011

2012 Acura TL

At the upcoming Chicago Auto Show which will take place from 9-20 February, Acura will premiere its latest, refined ride – the 2012 Acura TL. (more…)

January 26, 2011

Chevrolet revealed the 2011 Silverado HD at Chicago

Chevrolet has unwrapped the Silverado HD line-up for model year 2011 at the Chicago Auto Show. (more…)

February 16, 2010

Chicago premiere for the luxurious sedan Suzuki Kizashi

With the all-new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”) leading the charge, American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show prepared to amaze show goers with its multitalented lineup of performance- and value-packed cars and trucks. The media-acclaimed Kizashi, which arrived in dealer showrooms last December, delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, and provides a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more typical of the near-luxury sport sedan segment. (more…)

February 8, 2010

Chicago premiere for Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid

At the Chicago Auto Show in February, the eco-friendly Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid will make its official Chicago premiere. (more…)

January 29, 2010

Tag: Chicago Auto Show

Limited-edition run pays tribute to the original

Honouring early Ford GT racing efforts

Further building on the Heritage Edition series