Accelerate Mpls

February brings with it a few things each year, my birthday, cold winter nights, and the Chicago Auto Show. Last week I experienced two of these three events.

Like every other show, this one had some great new metal. But it also had some things just make you sad. In all reality, there were not too many major reveals at this years Chicago Auto Show. That isn’t to say it wasn’t a good show, it was just somewhat slow. Let’s dive in.

First up is my favorite new car from the show, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. Jalopnik wrote, “this car looks like an asshole. But the type of asshole you want in your driveway.” I must agree with them. It literally looks menancing. To my eyes, the front looks as if a new 2011 Charger and a 2011 Evo mated. Regardless the entire package is a win. I want one of these, bad.

The 2012 Charger SRT8 features a 6.4-Liter V-8 that is good for 465-horsepower and 465 lb-ft. The power is channeled to the rear wheels through a one choice five-speed automatic transmission. Dodge says this set up is good for a 0-60 run in less than 5 seconds, and a quarter mile run that is deep in the 12′s.

I asked Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles about pricing and his response was, “The Charger SRT8 will be under $50k…” We should see the new Charger SRT8 hit dealerships late this summer or early this fall. Did I mention I want one of these?

Next up is another high octane thrill ride, the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Featuring a 6.2 -Liter supercharged V-8, this pony car has 550-horsepower sent to the rear wheels. It was shown with a six-speed short-throw manual transmission. The ZL1 features a different front clip, hood, and body kit than the regular Camaro. Along with unique forged alloy wheels, and flat bottom steering wheel. Suede inserts are available for the interior. The Camaro ZL1 is a 2012 model and will be in dealerships early next year. Start saving your pennies now kids.

Volkswagen unveiled the new 2012 Jetta GLI with the 2.0-Liter turbo four-cylinder. This will be the Jetta model that has fully independent rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Volkswagen has switched the dashboard to a soft touch material, and it features a Panasonic Fender branded sound system. I must say, the sound system sounded great even when cranked up. Volkswagen and crew made a big deal about how there was no distortion even when cranked to max volume. The GLI will be in dealerships later this year.

Hyundai unveiled the Genesis Sedan R-Spec which features the new 5.0-Liter Tau V-8. This engine is good for 429-horsepower, and is mated to a new in-house built eight-speed automatic transmission. Yes, Hyundai developed its own eight-speed automatic transmission. The exterior of the Genesis sedan has received a slight refresh with a grille that has some Equus in it, and the headlights now have some Sonata/Elantra in them. The rear end looks like the current generation Genesis sedan mated with the Infiniti M. It looks terrific.

Cadillac had a CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition sitting on the show floor. Nick Twork from Cadillac dared me to kiss it…the above picture is the result of this conversation.

I ran into my friend Lightning McQueen on the show floor. He gave me a moment of his time for a photo op.

Now for some WTF. Lexus had a customized RX 450h that had to be the absolute ugliest Lexus RX I have ever seen. It was lowered on airbags, and had some ridiculous camber going on with the wheels. It was painted in some ugly color with murdered out glass. The body kit was something out of a horror show. I asked the Lexus booth people about it, and they kind of cringed. I decided that was enough and left the Lexus booth.

Oh Toyota, you used to try. Toyota had a 2012 Matrix sitting on the show floor. It had a large window sticker on the front windshield proudly stating “The New 2011 Matrix.” I’m not sure if they know this but, it sure looks a lot like the 2010 Matrix. On one of the side windows a large sticker said “Prototype.” The paper next to the Matrix went on about how it now features a four-speed automatic. I at this point walked away disgusted, and went to sit in the new 2012 Ford Focus sitting 20 feet from me.

Overall it was a mixed bag. Most of the major reveals were great, though there weren’t a ton of them. Here’s looking forward to the New York Auto Show in April.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

The midsize sedan segment is one of the most competitive and is the largest volume class of vehicle.  The perennial kings of this segment have for a long time been the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.  The Ford Taurus once played in this segment but then faded away.  The Hyundai Sonata has been making moves and gaining market share for years now.  Each revision getting better and more refined.  Having sold over 1.2 million Sonatas, it is safe to say Hyundai is getting the swing of things.

The U.S. version of the 2011 Sonata was shown at the LA Auto show.  The car is radically different then the current generation.  With a fluid design and crisp lines, the new Sonata looks terrific.  The cars overall shape somewhat mimics the higher end Volkswagen CC four door coupe styling.  An up swept character line runs from behind the front wheel well through the door handles, and through to the top of the taillights.  The car’s overall stance is somewhat sporty and aggressive.  The rear trunk has a slight spoiler built in.  The rear tail lights look like a mash up of a BMW 3 series and the brand new 2011 Infiniti M.

The interior of this new Sonata is going more up scale.  The hvac controls are similar to those found in new Fords and Volvos.  Do not worry about the lower roofline in the rear, rear headroom has decreased by a mere 0.4 inches.  Hyundai worked with the headliner and put the rear seat cushions slightly lower to keep the headroom.  The car is actually 130 pounds lighter then the outgoing model.  Hyundai accomplished this weight decrease with the increased use of aluminum in the frame and high strength steel for some of the body parts.

Three trim levels will be available, GLS, SE, and Limited.  The SE and Limited trim levels will have a chrome grille.  The GLS model will have a body color grille.  The new Sonata will be available at launch with a one choice 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder.  This engine will push out 198 hp and 184 lb-ft to the front wheels through either a six speed automatic or a six speed manual.  Those who opt for the SE model, which is going to be the sportier model, will get dual exhaust along with paddle shifters, and 2 more hp along with 2 more lb-ft of torque.  Hyundai did announce a turbo four cylinder and a hybrid model are both coming but did not release details.  No V6 is being offered (for now).  Hyundai was heard saying the V6 in midsize cars will go the way of the dinosaur.  While final numbers are not in yet, Hyundai expects the Sonata to be rated at 23/35 mpg with the automatic transmission.  That is 2-4 mpg better then the competition.

So what just happened?  Well Hyundai is setting the stage to try and over take the crown from Toyota and Honda in the midsize segment.  With a base price under $20,000, the new Sonata just became the best value and fuel efficient non hybrid in the midsize class. Pretty much, when no one was looking Hyundai got serious.  Your move Toyota and Honda.