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Corvettes from the past and present meet eye to eye.
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review and commentary by Ed Vincent
This is a good year for the United States auto industry, things are on the come back and now General Motors is again the world's biggest car maker.
I 'm not sure how big the lead is but we have all got smarter and cut back on some of our dumbest moves of the past, like having 32 different sheet metal thickness to make our cars when the Japanese had about 7-and their steel industry was also supported with funds from their government while the United States paid for the defense of their nation since World War II and never billed them for it. We did help out General Motors too and they still went bankrupt, yet they're winning today and that's good for workers at home.
This is a good year for the United States auto industry, things are on the come back and now General Motors is again the world's biggest car maker.
I 'm not sure how big the lead is but we have all got smarter and cut back on some of our dumbest moves of the past, like having 32 different sheet metal thickness to make our cars when the Japanese had about 7-and their steel industry was also supported with funds from their government while the United States paid for the defense of their nation since World War II and never billed them for it. We did help out General Motors too and they still went bankrupt, yet they're winning today and that's good for workers at home.
Ford professionals are using their latest Virtual Reality system for analyzing new car designs.
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This
Ford engineer is demonstrating the use of the computer systems that
designers use to see if the mirrors on new car creations have blind
spots, or if side windows give adequate views of the drivers
environment. When a designer using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design
and computer-aided manufacturing) has created a new vehicle, be it car
or truck, the design can be loaded into this virtual reality system
which lets people get a feel for its strengths and weaknesses.
Designs have been changed without going into production to find the
errors.
Ford has a driving experience where a persons gets to race through a Formula 1 styled track.
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© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. video
The 2012 Chrysler 300 is beautiful inside and out, roomy and practical.
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A
very smart and stylish design, it even resembles a Bentley somewhat and
if you get the Chrysler instead you can also get a nice house with the
leftover funds.
"The Motor City's Heart Comes in Two Sizes: V6 and V8."
"Power,
efficiency and control all add up in the 2012 Chrysler 300. The 3.6L
Pentastar® V6 with 8-speed automatic produces 292 horsepower and a
powerfully efficient 19 city / 31 highway mpg+. The Chrysler 300C 5.7L
HEMI® V8 delivers a road-gripping 363 horsepower with a gas-sipping 16
city / 25 highway mpg+ — with that power wielded most precisely by the
advanced 300C all-wheel-drive system. And with a host of standard
control offerings for all trim levels, the Chrysler 300 is built to
exceed expectations and do donuts around compromise."
Taking the new Chevy VOLT 2101 for a test drive...WOW.
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Getting
to drive the VOLT on the open road was a big thrill. We were
driving on only pure electrical power, without any gasoline being used
and the silent get up and go was fantastic. It would probably be
great for speeding in the city since the common sound of a gas engine
accelerating is heard from all over the place and even if you were
listening for it you would hear it and catch your attention, and if
your a member of the police that might cause you to get your ticket
book out. I would love a VOLT in my garage but the cost of some
$41,000.00 plus dollars does not make sense until the price of gas goes
to $10.00 a gallon. I dislike the oil companies and their
monopoly on gas and it sure feels like price fixing to me too.
However to go 35 miles in the VOLT with an electric charge is now about
$1.55 and with a gas engine getting 20 miles per gallon the cost is
$7.00 at $4.00 per gallon. Your better spending your money on a
car with close to 40 mpg and at a cost of $18,000.
If I won the lotto though I would get one just to say "bite me" to the oil giants, and that would be fun.
If I won the lotto though I would get one just to say "bite me" to the oil giants, and that would be fun.
(1)
Based on EPA estimates. Actual range varies with conditions. (2)
EPA-estimated 94 MPGe (electric); 35 MPG city/40 hwy (gas). Actual
range varies with conditions.
Above is the Chevy version of the 2.4 liter Ecotech with eAssist and below it is the
Buick verion with each getting great highway milelage of 36 mpg and with a larger
car driving it, not some toy sized waste.
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago Inc. photosBuick verion with each getting great highway milelage of 36 mpg and with a larger
car driving it, not some toy sized waste.
This
new combination of the eAssist with the 2.4 liter Ecotec will power the
Mailbu and Buick Regal, as well as some other vehicles of similar size
and they should do very well on the road. There is nothing wrong
with a small car, but if you are buying one for the mpg and would like
to have some friends with you for the 4 mpg advantage of a toy car you
could have one with the 2.4 liter Ecotech with eAssist.
The 2012 Buick Regal lineup consists of:
Regal, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway
All-new Regal with eAssist light electrification technology, which delivers EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway
All-new Regal with eAssist light electrification technology, which delivers EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway
Regal
Turbo, which takes on competitors such as the Acura TSX, Volvo S60 and
Volkswagen CC. The Regal Turbo makes 220 horsepower (164 kW).
All-new
Regal GS, a responsive, high-output turbo performance touring sedan
with 270 horsepower (201 kW), 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque and
standard Interactive Drive Control System.
A test race and ride in the Fiat 500 with a mere 101 horsepower and an attractive driver.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos
This
is a very cute toy car and faster than you might think, even with the
slower less powerful engine. It comes with a Turbo version having
more muscle to it. If you compare this little car with the BMW
Midget you'll find the cost for the fun in the corner of the
Fiat. Apples to Apples the Fiat is the clear winner.
32-38 mpg highway, depending on model.
KEY ATTRIBUTES: with the ABARTH package
+ 1.4L 16v Multi Air TURBO Engine
+ 5-speed Manual Transmision
Driving the fastest car of the day for us was this attractive young woman from Kenya who studied aviation, and is a pilot.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos
This car (
5.7L HEMI® V8 with 370-horsepower and Fuel Saver Technology giving 31
mpg on the highway) was a monster and with great fuel mileage it is
wonderful to see some innovative engineering coming out of Detroit. Many of the car makers are getting similar results, each with their own way of doing it.
wonderful to see some innovative engineering coming out of Detroit. Many of the car makers are getting similar results, each with their own way of doing it.
A wild ride with a fireman from Arkansas took us every angle you can think of in a Jeep.
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There
were numerous rides featuring different Jeep models on series of tracks
and climbs that may be well beyond your normal driving
experience. All of the drivers were fun folk and the time was a
thrill. Since there will be a lot of people at these events and
no one yet has thought of handling folks like they do Disneyland, you
should come early-because most people will not and that is why you
should.
The Indy open wheeled beauty and the crotch rocket were a plus and worth a look, but the rest of the Honda exhibit was no big deal.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
I
have had many and still have two Honda motorcycles and they are
great. On the other hand some of their hybrids look like old gym
shoes found in an alley.
Toyota has fallen to number 2, could it be because they have Japanese characters on their driving displays....how clever?
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
104th Chicago Auto Show to Open Feb. 10-19
at McCormick Place
When it comes to events that every year stir the emotions, spark the imagination and push the pure fun buttons of Chicagoans and Midwesterners alike, nothing compares to the allure of the nation’s biggest auto show every February at McCormick Place. This year, the Chicago Auto Show returns for its 104th edition Feb. 10-19 and promises to deliver even more of the elements that have made it a favorite for both those in the market for a new car and those just out to enjoy the fantasy of what the industry has to offer.
“It also serves as one of the best ways to accomplish a comparison shopping expedition for their new vehicle,” continued Foley. “Instead of spending a day in the cold of going from dealership to dealership, shoppers can take a leisurely stroll around the show floor and get excellent advice and information from every manufacturer’s display and product specialists. And don’t be surprised if the specialist from “Brand A” doesn’t know everything about “Brand B” if they’re competing in the same segment. Everyone is very well schooled in helping potential customers make informed decisions. We’ve said for years that the best customer for any product is one who is well-informed. What better place to gather information than at the show?”
With the most spacious show floor in the nation, the Chicago Auto Show gives everyone a great chance to enjoy the breathtaking displays constructed by exhibiting manufacturers to show off their wares in the best light.
When it comes to events that every year stir the emotions, spark the imagination and push the pure fun buttons of Chicagoans and Midwesterners alike, nothing compares to the allure of the nation’s biggest auto show every February at McCormick Place. This year, the Chicago Auto Show returns for its 104th edition Feb. 10-19 and promises to deliver even more of the elements that have made it a favorite for both those in the market for a new car and those just out to enjoy the fantasy of what the industry has to offer.
“This show delivers on so many different
levels,” says 2012 auto show
Chairman Steve Foley Jr. “If a family is looking for an entertainment bargain
or a young couple is searching for a great date, the Chicago Auto Show fits
the bill. Over the years we’ve lost count of the number of married couples
who tell us that their first date was coming to the auto show. We like that,
but what we like even more is that years later, they still look forward to
coming to the show.
Chairman Steve Foley Jr. “If a family is looking for an entertainment bargain
or a young couple is searching for a great date, the Chicago Auto Show fits
the bill. Over the years we’ve lost count of the number of married couples
who tell us that their first date was coming to the auto show. We like that,
but what we like even more is that years later, they still look forward to
coming to the show.
“It also serves as one of the best ways to accomplish a comparison shopping expedition for their new vehicle,” continued Foley. “Instead of spending a day in the cold of going from dealership to dealership, shoppers can take a leisurely stroll around the show floor and get excellent advice and information from every manufacturer’s display and product specialists. And don’t be surprised if the specialist from “Brand A” doesn’t know everything about “Brand B” if they’re competing in the same segment. Everyone is very well schooled in helping potential customers make informed decisions. We’ve said for years that the best customer for any product is one who is well-informed. What better place to gather information than at the show?”
With the most spacious show floor in the nation, the Chicago Auto Show gives everyone a great chance to enjoy the breathtaking displays constructed by exhibiting manufacturers to show off their wares in the best light.
In addition to the static displays at the show, this year’s Chicago Auto Show will feature no fewer than four indoor experiential “test tracks” where—without leaving the building—fans will be able to get some seat time to better demonstrate the features of the vehicles on display.
“The first to embrace this concept was Chrysler and the Camp Jeep display about six years ago,” said 2012 Chicago Auto Show Co-chairman Michael Ettleson. “It didn’t take long for other manufacturers to catch on to the tremendous attraction and crowds it drew, and now it’s grown to where Camp Jeep will continue with its challenging steep ramps up and even more steep coming-down thrills, while Ram, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands will also be offering seat time in their vehicles to give a taste of what consumers will find in their neighborhood dealerships. We used to chuckle at how people would sprint through the hall to get in line for the Camp Jeep experience, but now they’re faced with a tough decision as to which they’ll head for first!” Additionally, five outdoor ride-and-drive tests will be offered by manufacturers who will give quick on-and-off access to the show floor in order to better display and demonstrate their newest tech.
“We try to improve the show as much as possible every year,” said Ettleson. “It’s great that we have such a cooperative group of exhibitors who are all looking for ways to draw more and more people to the show to enjoy the world’s most exciting industry.
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published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.