اخبار معارض 2009

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Commercial Trucks, 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 on 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 of 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 length 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 concept 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. 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

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.

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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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show media preview where he called on the industry to dramatically change the way it does business. According to Krafcik, for decades, extravagance has been the name of the game in the car biz - just as it has been in most of corporate America. In the past six months, however, things have started to change, with automakers cutting back on the overblown productions at auto show press conferences and in many cases eliminated such conferences altogether. But Krafcik doesn't think the swing has gone far enough.

That's just one small part of the problem, though. Krafcik acknowledged that the industry as a whole is seen as slow and unresponsive as well as wasteful. He called on voluntary limits to executive compensation that are tied to some multiple of what the average worker gets paid. "What if our industry was the first to exercise a more inclusive form of capitalism that voluntarily restrained executive compensation to a reasonable multiple of average employee salary? And what if our industry adopted a uniform code of conduct regarding gifts, meals and business entertainment?"

Krakcik wants his industry to be more modest and humble. Instead of fighting everything that needs to be done, he believes the auto industry must take the lead in re-shaping corporate America.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO Krafcik calls on auto industry to set example with reform originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Volkswagen

Each year, MotorWeek uses the Chicago Auto Show as an outlet to release its annual Drivers' Choice Awards, and we often have reason to question their rankings. This year, though, Television's Original Automotive Magazine manged to compile a list that mostly meets with our approval. Best of the Year (and, not surprisingly, Best Eco-Friendly) went out to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which makes our compadres at AutoblogGreen wonder if there's any award that the oil-burning German sedan can't walk away with.

Other choices we can't argue with include the Honda Fit as Best Small Car, the Mazda6 as Best Family Sedan, Hyundai Genesis as Best Luxury sedan and the Cadillac CTS as Best Sport Sedan. Affordable supercars like the Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR1 are also represented. In total, 13 vehicles walked away with honors from the TV show, and the next show (check local listings here) starting this Friday will be all about these winners.


[Source: MotorWeek]

Continue reading Chicago 2009: MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Best of the Year Award goes to VW Jetta TDI

Chicago 2009: MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Best of the Year Award goes to VW Jetta TDI 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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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Nissan, Special/Limited Editions

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

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.

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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Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of Mr. Norm's Super Challenger

Along with Barack Obama, the Cubs, Al Capone and the Sears Tower, Chicago is home to the world's most famous Mopar dealer, Mr. Norm's legendary Grand Spaulding Dodge. While Mr. Norm sold the dealership in the late 1970's, the Mopar Hall of Famer has recently made a resurgence, officially introducing the 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart last year in Chicago as well as the Super Cuda and Challenger at SEMA just a few months ago. The Challenger is making an appearance here in Chicago as well, with a slick new two-tone paint scheme and 900 supercharged horsepower underneath the hood. Other features include a carbon fiber front and rear spoiler, Katzkin leather interior, SSBC eight-piston front brakes, and a Hurst pistol grip shifter. Like the Hurst and its HEMI Challenger, Mr. Norm is selling a production version of the car with a a variety of styling options and performance levels ranging from 600 to 900 horsepower.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Mr. Norm's Super Challenger

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Mr. Norm's Super Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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