2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The supercharged V8 will crank out 560 horsepower.
In Chevrolet parlance, "ZL1" used to mean a street-legal racing all-aluminum big-block V8 engine with 427 cubic inches, 560-ish horsepower and barrels full of whoopass for drag racers and Can Am road racers alike. Chevy has rekindled the "ZL1" fire after 42 years with the new 2012 Camaro ZL1; an uber-Camaro if ever there was one.The new supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 engine belts out something even headier than 550 hp, while chassis, suspension and braking system reboots make it a track-ready roller coaster ride with license plates. Development is ongoing, so no official performance figures exist yet, but they promise to be shocking.
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
The new Charger's 6.4-liter Hemi develops 465 horsepower.
Launching later this year -- and launching hard with 465 hp -- Dodge’s Charger SRT8 unfurled its flag for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show.Powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi, preliminary power figures of 465 hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque promise acceleration in the low four-second range. The SRT8 is also the first Dodge with paddle shifters for the five-speed automatic, and two-mode adaptive shock absorbers promise sharper handling or a softer ride quality.
The musclebound V8 can also operate in four-cylinder mode, which helps with fuel economy. Huge racing-derived Brembo brakes stop the SRT8 from charging. An Autobahn-league 175-mph estimated top speed turns state borders from hours to minutes away. New front and rear bodywork adorn the SRT8 with a new funky LED taillamp design.
The touchscreen dash display can now show information on steering input, power output and even calculate zero-to-60 mph times, braking distances, lateral g-forces under hard cornering, plus eighth-mile and quarter-mile elapsed times. These so-called "Performance Pages" are sure to warm up your date for the evening.
Shelby GT350 Convertible
The Mustang-based GT350 offers three engine variations (and up to 624 hp).
While Dodge and Chevy were slugging out the musclecar wars with the Camaro ZL1 and the Charger SRT8, the Ford camp was not exactly silent, thanks to Shelby.Shelby American announced the first convertible option for the GT350 since 1970. Two new colors of the limited-production car will be Race Red and Kona Blue. The Mustang-based GT350 is offered in a 430-hp version, a 525-hp supercharged version or a 624-hp supercharged version.
Acura TL
The TL's 3.7-liter V6 makes more than 300 hp.
The automatic transmission adds a gear, now totaling six speeds, and can also downshift two gears at a time when prodded. The standard 3.5-liter, 280-hp V6 engine / front-wheel drive combo improves economy, up from 26 to 29 mpg highway. All-wheel drive is still offered on the 3.7-liter, 305-hp SH model. The TL's navigation now boasts 60 gigabytes' worth of space and a full VGA
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
VW's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine packs a punch.
Volkswagen's Jetta GLI sports sedan will be powered by their lauded 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Rowing through a six-speed manual transmission returns 31 mpg highway, or selecting a DSG twin-clutch automatic returns 32 highway mpg. Also, a more sophisticated independent rear suspension replaces the standard Jetta's simple twist-beam axle, netting far more precise control over bumpy corners and a more sporting ride.The GLI will start at just $24,265 (all prices include $770 destination charge. An Autobahn edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control and an impressive Fender Premium Audio System for $26,315. Add Navigation, push-button start and keyless entry (all packaged together) and you're still only at $27,215. Truly a funhouse bargain.
Hyundai Veloster Rally Racer
A real racing version of Hyundai's two-door.
Having debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster will soon be taken down a different road, or more aptly, a lack of road. Hyundai announced in Chicago that a rally racing version of the little two-door will campaign the 2011 U.S.Rallycross Championship with race car driver Rhys Millen. Millen will fabricate the first 500-hp all-wheel-drive rally Veloster. A second car will be piloted by Marcus Dodd and freestyle motorbike rider Robbie Maddison. Millen and Maddison will also drive the rally cars at the Summer X Games.
Hyundai Genesis R-Spec 5.0
Korea flexes some muscle with a 429-hp V8.
This is Hyundai's first direct-injection engine and despite the additional 44 hp over the standard V8, suffers only 1 mpg in city and highway fuel economy. The new 5.0-liter V8 is coupled to a new Hyundai-developed, eight-speed automatic transmission. Suspension, wheels and brakes are beefed up to match the added performance capabilities of the new engine.
Audi A7 Sportback
Audi's sleek answer to the BMW 5-series GT.
Sized between the large A8 sedan and the mid-sized A6, the A7 Sportback (chic marketing-speak for a hatchback) is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Backing up the V6 is an eight-speed automatic transmission and the latest Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Lexus CT200h Concept by Five Axis
The exception that proves the rule: even green cars hulk up.
The upcoming Lexus CT 200h entry-luxury hybrid, based on the Prius, has been modified by tuning partner Five Axis with large wheels, flared fenders, and an adjustable aftermarket suspension.It was also darkened with black pearlescent paint. The production CT200h will achieve 42 mpg in combined city/highway use and goes on sale in March.
Modified sedans were presented during the show.
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