Autoblog

Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Trends, Videos, Carsumer Advocacy

Dutch Mandel from AutoWeek, Terry Rhadigan from GM, John Neff from Autoblog and David Thomas from Kicking Tires (l-r)

It's not often that we report on ourselves, but our own illustrious editor-in-chief, John Neff (third from the left in the snazzy corduroy sport jacket his grandma got him last Christmas), participated in a symposium titled "Engaging the Blogosphere" at this year's Chicago Auto Show. It was a look at what the internet, and blogging in particular, means to the future of automotive journalism and marketing. Anchored by a brief analysis of the power of the internet on new car buyers, the event ended with a panel discussion that included representatives from "traditional media," an OEM, a car buying site and our own little professional blog. While the discussion produced some heated debate, it also helped put some outdated misperceptions of blogging to rest.

Follow the jump to read the whole story and learn what happened to shake up the room during the panel discussion. We've also embedded a video of the panel discussion so you can see for yourself what went down.

NOTE: We deliberately resisted the urge to add speech bubbles to the image above, so feel free to download a copy, add your own and post a link to it in the comments section of this post.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: City of big shoulders... and big smiles

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc.

Click above to view our gallery of booth professionals from Chicago

It was only a matter of time before we got around to posting our beautiful people gallery from the Chicago Auto Show. Models have been pretty scarce at all of the major shows this year, and this year's Chi-town extravaganza was no exception. We've done our level best to search out those who've shown up to give them some screen time. As always, we appreciate the tireless work of the booth professionals who have to stand in heels all day and pretend to be happy to see another camera shoved in their faces. Many have mentioned that they are fans of Autoblog, but we suspect they say that to everyone. Still, we know that many will be viewing this post (with their families in some cases) so please keep your comments to yourself if you don't have anything nice to say.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Booth professionals

Chicago 2009: City of big shoulders... and big smiles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: U.S.-spec Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, Specialty

Click above to view live shots of the Nissan Cube Krom and Krom-less

While we've already told you pretty much everything we know about the new-to-these-shores Nissan Cube, what we haven't shared are many pics. We covered the asymmetrical Cube when it appeared at the LA Auto Show, but based on your comments, more is better in this case. When we saw the special Cube Krom on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show, we figured we could remedy that situation by adding a fistful of new photos to the database.

Whether in blinged out Krom trim or regular old just-Cube form, this is one unique vehicle with an attitude that reminds us of the first-generation Scion xB. It should, as these two vehicles came from the same Japanese market that values quirky, versatile and small in the same package. In addition to the plain white model that was in Los Angeles, Nissan brought along the Krom and another customized version seen here. This green example shows the customization possibilities that Nissan wants to promote in this new model. The body kit, wheel upgrade and rear spoiler really make this Cube shine. You can see our previous post on the Cube for more details, but don't forget to feast your eyes on these live shots from Chicago. Keep your eyes open for the the carpet garden growing out of the dash and the zen ripples on the headliner.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

Chicago 2009: U.S.-spec Nissan Cube and Cube Krom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Alton XUV - Return of the ginormous Ford trucks

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Work, Ford

Click above for our high-res gallery of the Alton F-650 XUV Command Center and its friends

At last year's Chicago Auto Show we found one of the most outrageous trucks we'd ever seen. It was the Alton F-650 XUV and it was enormous. This year, the same company is back with a new project based on the all-new 2009 F-series. The Alton XUV Command Center is an urban assault vehicle of the highest order, with a massive footprint, several huge strobes and a lengthy list of features. If the 660 lb-ft of torque isn't enough to pummel Geos in its path, the extra power boost provided by a tank of nitrous will finish the job. And the inside is just as much fun.

Where last year's project had one massive TV that dropped down inside the tailgate, this version has screens for each passenger, and even provides a unique rear-mounted command post where someone can control that nitrous system among other things. As it was last year, this Alton XUV is parked in an area of the show floor set aside for Ford's work vehicles. Besides the Command Center, there were a number of other work truck concepts and real-world F-Series applications including an F-750-based fire truck, a massive cherry picker and even a Dewalt-themed construction site office. Check out the gallery for live shots of each.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Alton F-650 XUV Command Center and friends

Chicago 2009: Alton XUV - Return of the ginormous Ford trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Suzuki, Lifestyle

Click above for a high-res gallery of the customized Suzuki Equators

At last year's Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki showed off three versions of the ~~Nissan Frontier~~ Equator. Those three concepts were the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, each designed to haul a superbike, a quad and a boat, respectively. Since then, we've driven an Equator and heard that the production truck will sell for $17,995, but we still haven't seen any on the road (Suzuki America's Chris Brown noted that the Equator just started arriving in dealerships). Flash forward to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and we're looking at three more Equator "concept" trucks, as Suzuki tries to prove that this is the most tuner-friendly truck on the planet.

To be fair, these are less concept and more custom, having undergone some restyling and tweaking by the likes of 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin' magazines. The three "Hill/Street Hues" customs are apparently a play on the Hill Street Blues. We don't get it either.

Although the U.S. might not even realize that Suzuki is still in the car and truck business, Brown wanted us to know that they are committed to this market. After all, Suzuki is the 11th largest vehicle maker worldwide, and America does love trucks. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Suzuki shows three Equator customs

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators

Chicago 2009: Suzuki circles the wagons with three customized Equators originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Acura TSX V6

Acura fans have something to rejoice about today as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (most likely a version of the same engine offered in the Honda Accord, though Acura didn't confirm). The package also includes a slightly revised front fascia, retuned suspension system and new 18-inch wheels that are a full inch larger than the ones that come standard on the four-cyliner model. Acura says this new TSX model is a harbinger of good things to come, as the automaker plans to heavily revise all of its models for the upcoming model year. While we wait for that to take place, sales of the new V6 TSX should begin later this summer.

Gallery: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion, Specialty

Click above to view live shots of the Scion tC Release Series 5.0

As we told you last week, Scion is taking advantage of this year's Chicago Auto Show to drop yet another tweaked Scion tC, just like they did last year. This year's example is the 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0, of which 2000 examples or fewer will be built.

One thing that makes this Release Series more interesting than some of its predecessors is the fact that Scion's modifications go beyond new paint and wheels. Besides the gloss black paint and red-lined, matte black, 18-inch wheels, parent company Toyota has added virtually everything in their TRD parts catalog. RS 5.0 gets lowering springs, a rear sway bar, a sport muffler and special badging, and there's also an optional rear lip spoiler.

The interior features the same blacked-out TRD theme, with a leather-covered steering wheel, black seats and TRD-badged floor mats. To keep it from being too dark and depressing, the seats feature red inserts and stitching. Best of all, this TRD-infused package will add just $2,300 to the base price of the standard tC. Expect to see the new tC arriving in dealers beginning in March. The full press release is after the jump and we've added a bunch of live shots to the gallery as well.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Gallery: Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released

Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:23:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Performance, Hyundai, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec live from Chicago

Hyundai has been one of the few companies keeping us busy at the Chicago Auto Show. Besides showing the Rhys Millen drift car and announcing pricing for the Genesis Coupe, the automaker trotted out the R-spec enthusiast model.

While the car they brought to the show is basically a concept, the R-Spec package will be available through dealers and will give performance junkies more in some areas and less in others. The full list of equipment is in the press release after the jump, but the highlights are a 210-hp turbo'd inline-four that returns 30 mpg and a top speed of 137 mph. Available only with the six-speed manual, it comes with stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, 19-inch wheels, Brembos, a Torsen limited-slip differential, a beefier suspension and summer-only Potenzas. To reduce cost and weight, the R-Spec doesn't include Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Basically, the R-spec is packing all the heavy-hitting hardware from the Track model and ditches the frippery that drivers and customizers aren't interested in.

The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be available mid-2010 with a base price of $23,750, or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model. That should allow a lot of extra cash for some tuner bits. Besides the performance tweaks, the R-Spec will only be available in three colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. Good names, good colors, good kit and a good price. We're sold. Check out the press release after the jump and the live gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts

Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 live from Chicago

As we told you last week, the Miata is turning 20 this year and Mazda is celebrating with a little nip and tuck. Sure it's called the MX-5 now, and sure 20 isn't that old in people years, but seeing as how the Mazda3 has already gone loopy with that big goofy grin, it was only a matter of time before the MX-5 had its own makeover. With more than 800,000 of these modern affordable roadsters on the streets, the Miata has cemented itself atop the sports car pantheon. For 2009 Mazda has added more horsepower but not at the expense of fuel economy. The 2.0L engine gets a bump from 166 to 168 hp, with mileage that Mazda has promised will be higher than the 2008 model's 22/27. Not content to leave well enough alone, Mazda even tweaked the MX-5's already crisp suspension. Looks like plenty of reasons to smile to us. Check out the gallery to see live shots of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 from the Chicago Auto Show and hit the jump to read Mazda's press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20

Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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