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Chicago Auto Show Debuts Are Lackluster To Say The Least

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The Chicago Auto Show is well underway, but it seems that all the exciting news has gone with the wind.

Special Editions, mid-cycle refreshes and concepts are dominating the stages, and although there are a few all-new models that have taken a bow, the majority of the cast looks quite familiar. Even models claimed to have been completely redesigned are actually significantly unimpressive.

Here is what we’ve seen in the Windy City so far:

kia soul trailster concept

Kia Trail’ster Concept

Kia has already made it clear that they will be milking the Soul for all that it’s worth, and the new Trail’ster concept is proof of that. In this edition, you get all-wheel drive and an electric motor, which helps to get the back wheels spinning when needed. Up top there is a fold-up canvas top and some clips for your snowboards. Revolutionary stuff.

2016 Honda Pilot Side New Blue SUV

2016 Honda Pilot

It was arguably one of the most anticipated new vehicles to be unveiled, but keeping with this year’s theme of mundane debuts, the Pilot fell short of expectations. Sure the design is new, but with a look that resembles an extended CR-V, and a complete lack of details about what the will be capable of, we were left wanting more.

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Oh, and we also got our first look at the new Honda Ridgeline design during the reveal of the new Pilot.

2016 chevy equinox grille

2016 Chevy Equinox

Chevy started things off right at their press conference, announcing that the Chevy Bolt EV concept will be making its way into production, but then they had to ruin all of that with the updated 2016 Chevy Equinox, which looks just as terrible as it has in the past. Then they made it even more awkward by calling it expensive.

2016 acura RDX Chicago Auto Show

2016 Acura RDX

The RDX is already coming off of two consecutive record-setting months, and with updates that include slight changes to the front end and subtle tweaks to the V6 engine, the upscale crossover is sure to stay on the path to success. However, we could have went without the confusing talk of ratchetting up the emotional quotient.

2015 ram laramie limited

2015 Ram Laramie Limited

Ram has seen a great deal of succes with their limited edition models, but for some reason, they really wanted us to know that the 2015 Ram Laramie Limited is limited. After countless mentions of the word limited and its synonyms, our interest in the special edition pickup, and our attention span in general, was limited to say the least.

mitsu concept butt

Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Concept

Before Mitsubishi pulled the sheet off of their GC-PHEV (Grand Cruiser Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept, we were really confusedthe robot dancers on stage had a lot to do with that. Then, they unveiled the new concept and we got a look at its gigantic ass. Needless to say, our confusion never really subsided at any point during the debut.

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2016-toyota-avalon

2016 Toyota Avalon

Toyota had the Avalon under a sheet, and as it was allegedly redesigned for the 2016, we expected to see it there. However, not much was really done to change the flagship sedan, which has us wondering why they ever tried to keep it from us in the first place. The debut was about as uneventful as the announcement of the Special Edition Camry and Corolla models.

KeeganC

2016 Ford Police Interceptor

Of all the Windy City debuts, the one for the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor was definitely the most creative. The Blue Oval relied on K-9 dog “Keegan” to help pull the sheet off of the new fleet SUV, and as we already knew exactly what to expect from the new cruiser, it’s really no surprise that Keegan drew more attention than the Interceptor did.

Perhaps its because Detroit was full of so many surprises, but we have yet to be impressed by anything here in Chicago. We’ll keep you posted as the Auto Show debuts continue to take place.

Hopefully something unexpected comes in and blows us away.

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John is a full-time automotive blogger who digs cars, but also spends a disturbing amount of time watching and reading about movies. His first car was a maroon 1993 Buick Skylark which, after a solid seven-year run, was laid to rest in August of 2013. He currently writes for phantomcopy.com.

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The 2024 Dodge Charger Electric Concept is That Car

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dodge charger 2024

If this is the future of electric pony cars, I’m on board. 

We’ve heard rumors of the next iteration of the Dodge Charger. We’ve seen the concept pictures. But after seeing it in person at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, I can say, the electric future is pretty bright at Stellantis (aside from the Ram overkill).

From a design perspective, nobody beats the designers of Dodge cars, in my opinion. The lines on this car pay tribute to Chargers of the past, while also being very modern. Even the triangle-shaped logo, known as a Fratzog, harkens to its Mopar past. 

Where the design gets more modern, without losing us in the new wave is the unique aero hood that is undetectable looking at the front of the car. But a look from around the windshield clearly shows a full scoop at the front of the hood that is unlike anything in the class.

The concept is also a two-door, which is a deviation from the modern-day Chargers that only came in four-door. Whether the company will release a four-door version still remains to be seen.

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2024 Dodge Charger Engine Specs

While the design is catching many eyes, it’s still Dodge we’re talking about here. People are going to want to know about the power. After all, Dodge making an electric vehicle seems like a clear departure from the gas-guzzling, tire-burning Dodges of the past.

However, the company put out a teaser video with clear messaging that performance will not be lost. With the capability of electric powertrain torque, they are likely leaning on takeoff power, and I’m confident the car will be fast. That being said, there’s no replacing the sound of a traditional hemi engine. But, with the electric revolution, some concessions will need to be made. 

Right now, all we know about is three engine options under the hood for the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric. They are: 

  • 340 with 440 horsepower
  • 440 with 590 horsepower
  • SRT 800 with horsepower not yet released 

2024 Dodge Charger Electric Price

While pricing hasn’t been released, since the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric is still listed as a concept, we have a rough idea of where things could land – within an accepted range of error. 

Our estimates of price of the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric are: 

  • Dodge Charger Electric 340, $55-65,000
  • Dodge Charger Electric 440, $65-75,000
  • Dodge Charger SRT, $90-100,000

No matter how you feel about electric vehicles – especially with Dodge – the world is heading that direction. But with the 2024 Dodge Charger Electric, there is hope.

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2020 Chevy Corvette Details and Images

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The 2020 Corvette is here – and it’s the one we’ve been waiting for. 

Having seen and sat in the car in person, I can confidently say that Chevrolet nailed it with the G8 Corvette that only shares a single part with its predecessor. 

The biggest change is clearly the engine of the car moving from the front to a mid-engine. This has become a high-end performance car staple, but not something Chevrolet has entertained until the release of the newest version for 2020. The mid-engine gives the Corvette better balance and handling dynamics, while it is slightly heavier than the last edition. 

2020 chevy corvette mid-engine

The new Corvette will be available in three trim levels, the 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. There will be a single engine offered initially – the 6.2-liter V8 that produces 495 horsepower paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2020 Corvette Stingray 0-60 time, according to Chevrolet, is 2.8 seconds and it can conquer the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, reaching 122 mph. 

The overall appearance of the Corvette has changed a bit, but it’s still very recognizable as a Corvette, which is key to an evolution that still harkens back to the car’s rich history that began in 1953. The door handles have been hidden and the car has an incredibly sleek and clean look. It retains its convertible option, but has a first-ever production retractable hardtop. It can activate at speeds up to 30 mph.

2020 chevy corvette blue stingray chicago

Inside, the car feels amazingly natural to sit in. You almost become part of the car, which is how you want to feel when navigating a sports car – especially if you are lucky enough to be able to pilot the car around a real track.

2020 chevy stingray interior

There are three seat combinations to choose from, so everyone can find the Corvette that best suits them. There’s even a trunk behind the mid-engine, which the professionals at the Chicago Auto Show were quick to point out “can hold two sets of golf clubs.” While the actual golf bags would have to be pretty small, funnier to me was the assumption that I like golf. 

2020 chevy corvette trunk space

Arriving for sale now, the 2020 Chevy Corvette is sure to impress. It’s already been named the 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year – and I have a feeling the awards will keep coming. 

2020 Chevy Corvette Key Stats

Horsepower495
Torque470 lb-ft
Top Speed194 mph
0-60 Time2.9 seconds
Quarter-Mile11.2 seconds


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Kia Seltos Pricing Leaked. Is It A Value Buy?

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Kia promised the new 2021 Seltos to start under $22,000. And thanks to some leaked Kia Seltos pricing information, the brand appears to have made good on it. Barely. 

The base Seltos LX (and S) from the information that’s out there, appears to be sneaking just under the bar at $21,990. Yes, $10 MSRP does equal a promise fulfilled. 

Yes, we are going to wait until Kia officially gives out the pricing to fully speculate. But for now, it’s up to you to decide if a Kia SUV is in your future. 

2021 Kia Seltos Pricing

ModelPrice
LX AWD$21,990
S FWD$21,990
S AWD$23,490
EX AWD$25,290
S 1.6L Turbo$25,490
SX 1.6L Turbo$27,890
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