5 Of The Top Debuts From The 2015 Chicago Auto Show
Feb 13, 2015
-
- Image Credit: Kia
5 Of The Top Debuts At The 2015 Chicago Auto Show
While it may not be as big as rival auto shows from Detroit, Los Angeles or New York, there are always several interesting new vehicle debuts worth noting at the annual Chicago Auto Show in February. This year is no different.
From concept cars that offer a glimpse at where the auto industry may be heading in years to come, to new luxury cars, pickup trucks and SUVs, there's something for all automobile lovers at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.
Click on the image above to see the Top 5 Debuts From Chicago. -
- Image Credit: Toyota
5. 2016 Toyota Avalon
It may not be the most interesting car to debut in Chicago – certainly not for enthusiasts – but the refreshed Avalon could well be Toyota's most quintessentially American sedan, and it's fully competitive with the cars it competes with, such as the Buick Lacrosse and Ford Taurus. Here's how Toyota itself describes its new 2016 Avalon sedan:
"Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda's challenge to create cars that spark people's emotions.
"Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers.
"Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited." -
- Image Credit: Honda
4. 2016 Honda Pilot
.Crossovers are huge sellers in the United States, and the Pilot is Honda's midsize three-row competitor. Here's what Honda has to say about its latest Pilot.
"With looks that command attention and the powerful presence of true functionality, the 2016 Pilot sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV class with an unmatched combination of sophistication and utility," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager.
"This means the all-new Pilot will comfort, entertain and assist active families in all aspects of their lives, whether it's an evening out for two, a road trip adventure for all or just the chores of everyday life." -
- Image Credit: Acura
3. 2016 Acura RDX
The American car-buying public has responded very well to the Acura RDX. Sales shot from under 30,000 units in 2012 to nearly 45,000 in 2013. In other words, Acura is counting on this redesign to keep the RDX at the forefront of its segment.
"The RDX ended on a high note in 2014, posting its best sales year ever, but at Acura, we are not content in resting on our laurels," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura.
"The 2016 RDX gets a major infusion of Acura brand DNA including enhancements to styling, driving performance, and exciting new luxury feature-content, further solidifying its place as the one to beat in the entry luxury SUV segment." -
- Image Credit: Ram
2. 2015 Ram Laramie Limited
Fullsize trucks are big business, and, while still in third place behind Chevrolet and Ford, Ram has been steadily gaining on its fellow Americans in recent years. Luxury models like this new Laramie Limited further strengthen Ram's position.
“Among Ram Truck’s greatest strengths is our ability to quickly react to customer demand,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand — FCA US LLC.
“The new Laramie Limited trim is a perfect example of how Ram directly responds to customer input with the highest level of luxury available in pickups. The Laramie Limited trim exceeds the high expectations of affluent truck buyers by combining capability with refinement.”
“Today’s high-end Ram pickups have more features than select luxury sedans,” added Hegbloom. “We will continue to strive for the highest levels of sophistication, while keeping the core needs of a truck owner top of mind.” -
- Image Credit: Kia
1. Kia Trail'ster Concept
The Kia Trail'ster sure is cute, in an angry sort of way. We like its butch, Bulldog stance, and, though it's currently just a concept, we think it could make an excellent competitor to brand-new entry-level crossovers like the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X.
"The Trail'ster concept is a near-future look at how the production Kia Soul would logically evolve into an AWD-capable version that's built to escape the city streets and roam into the mountain wilderness," said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center of America (KDCA)."
"It takes the go-anywhere capability of an SUV and reimagines it within a compact and sporty package with an expressive design to match."
