Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.
No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.
The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.






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Acura to Unveil 2012 TL Sedan at Chicago Auto Show in February

*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in Pictures
The next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.




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2011 BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan

BMW returns legendary ALPINA badge to North America

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 8, 2010... BMW of North America announced today that the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW's North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity.
Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.


ALPINA and BMW. A history of synergy.
ALPINA - a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW - a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.
The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.
By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA's contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company - ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG - that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW's headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.
The B7 is the newest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy - once again based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. Currently, BMW offers ultra-performance models of its 3, 5, 6, X5 and X6 Series developed by BMW M, BMW's own performance subsidiary. For an ultra-performance version of the 7 Series - a vehicle defined by luxury and generous interior space - something other than "M" performance character was called for.
In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. Most appropriately, the new BMW ALPINA B7 applies this philosophy to the newest 7 Series to produce a luxury sedan of stunning performance. "A 7 Series Beyond," one might say.


Powertrain
The B7 sedan is equipped with BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter, all-aluminum, High Precision Direct Injection V-8 engine which has been enhanced by ALPINA and is capable of producing 500 (373kW) horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque. This rear-wheel drive performance/luxury Sedan achieves 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec. With maximum torque available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm, the B7 accelerates effortlessly from virtually any speed.
The two turbochargers operate in parallel, with generously-dimensioned turbine vanes measuring 44mm in diameter. Thorough exploitation of the engine's potential was achieved by means of optimizing the indirect intercooler (air-water/water-air) with its short intake paths and flow-optimized intercooler tracts. All three intercoolers, the low-temperature intercooler integrated into the radiator package, as well as the two near-engine intercoolers are enlarged by approximately 35%, ensuring very high thermodynamic efficiency. High-performance pistons have been specified to withstand the thermodynamic forces created by a 9.2:1 compression and a maximum turbo boost of 1.0 bar. The result is a formidable specific output of 115hp (85kW) per liter, with a maximum average compression of 20.1 bar, a benchmark even amongst established sports cars.
This wide power band coupled with the six-speed sport automatic transmission gives the driver remarkably high levels of power and capability in every driving situation. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC transmission control offers tailored shift characteristics for every driver and situation thanks to its Sport and Manual modes. To manually select the gears of the automatic transmission, the driver may use buttons found on the back of the ALPINA-tailored steering wheel. This results in shifts which take place in a few hundred milliseconds with minimal power interruption.
Ending in two polished double-tailpipes, the stainless-steel ALPINA exhaust system offers up that deep and sonorous yet not intrusive V8 sound that enthusiasts have come to expect from ALPINA.


Chassis & Suspension
The BMW ALPINA B7 builds on the state-of-the-art adaptive suspension technologies of the 7 Series, including tuned Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization, to the demanding requirements of a high performance sedan. Long gone are the days when a purely "hard and sporty" ride was a sought-after attribute of suspension set-ups. Striving for truly neutral handling continues to be the goal, yielding the best of what is technologically feasible. In pursuit of this goal, shorter and uniquely calibrated springs reduce front and rear ride height by 15mm and 10mm respectively. Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization enable the driver to select from three distinct suspension set-ups: Comfort, Normal and Sport. These are intentionally calibrated to provide noticeably different set-ups, influencing the characteristic of the dampers, the Active Roll Stabilization as well as the parameters of the power steering assist, throttle response algorithms and load-reversal damping. The Sport-Plus mode automatically shifts the Dynamic Stability Control system into Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). This allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels and delayed intervention by the traction control system.
Together with the 21" wheel and tire combination, the suspension is at once sensitive to inputs and direct in its feel, yet free from the harshness of a purely sports-oriented suspension. The light-weight 21" wheels, with their new interpretation of the ALPINA CLASSIC wheel design, are shod with a specially selected staggered MICHELIN PS2 tire set-up: 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear.
The result is that the BMW ALPINA B7 captures an agility associated with much smaller sedans, while preserving the ride quality associated with the BMW 7 Series.


Design
The B7 sedan is finished with ALPINA aerodynamic developments, including front and rear spoilers which not only enhance the appearance but also improve stability and performance at high speeds. In true "form-follows-function" fashion, the ALPINA front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The spoilers reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%. The exhaust system's two double tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper. The newest evolution of the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC wheels gives the B7 a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
The interior of the B7 sedan features ALPINA blue illuminated door sill trims, the SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, and the Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA. Exclusive interior luxury wood trim in the form of Myrtle Burl, a knotted burl of the Laurel only found on the Pacific Coast of the United States, provides a warm and traditional ambience. Optional ALPINA Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs, offers a modern alternative.
The full complement of BMW 7 Series exterior colors remains available, in addition to the signature ALPINA Blue metallic paint.
Discreet metal ALPINA emblems adorn the upper seatbacks of the standard leather Comfort seats and are inlayed in the wood trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof. Even the engine bay carries a subtle signature by tidily presenting itself with a newly-designed ALPINA engine cover.


More Photos

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Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Acura TSX V-6 Debuts

In what Acura describes as the first in a series of enhancements the company will make to its lineup this year, a V-6-powered 2010 TSX sedan makes its debut at the Chicago auto show. Positioned to fill the gap between the new 2009 TSX four-cylinder and the similarly fresh TL mid-size sedan, the more powerful, front-wheel-drive TSX will go on sale this summer.


Powering the new TSX, which is sold as the Honda Accord in Europe, will be the same 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 found in the standard TL; all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD models use a 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6, with a manual transmission option coming in 2010. The six-cylinder TSX, however, will only be available with a five-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel paddle shifters and shift-hold control. While the added grunt of the V-6 surely will benefit straight-line speed compared with the 201-hp TSX four-cylinder, we’re holding judgment until we experience how the TSX’s lively handling is impacted by the bigger, heavier engine.


To go along with the 79-hp boost, V-6 TSXs also will be equipped with sportier suspension tuning and unique 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot all-season rubber. Other than the new wheels, aesthetic changes are limited to a revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk. As with lesser TSXs, the V-6 version will come with a host of standard features, including leather seating, a power sunroof, a seven-speaker audio system with XM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Options will include a technology package with GPS navigation and a rear-view camera, as well as an Acura/ELS premium audio system upgrade.


Although the less powerful four-cylinder TSX is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, don’t expect the V-6 to affect fuel economy too much, as the larger TL with the same powertrain gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. Acura says pricing and additional details will be available closer to the car’s launch, so stay tuned for updates and initial drive reviews.
More Photos



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HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES 2010 GENESIS COUPE PRICING

Today, Hyundai announced the pricing for its 2010 Genesis Coupe. The Genesis coupe, which will go on sale later this month, is available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.8-liter V-6.


The 2.0T has an available Premium, while the 3.8 also come in a Grand Touring Model. Both engine models have an available factory-tuned Track edition which upgrades the brakes, wheels, and suspension for more performance-oriented driving.


The Genesis Coupe 2.0T starts at $22,000 with the six-speed manual transmission, and $23,250 with the five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8 V-6 starts at $25,000, and goes for $26,500 with the six-speed automatic.


The 2.0T Premium costs $24,250 in manual, and $25,500 in automatic. The 3.8 Grand Touring is $27,500 in manual, and $29,000 in automatic.


The 2.0 Track model costs $26,750, and is only available with the six-speed manual transmission. The 3.8 Track model costs $29,500 in manual, and $31,000 in automatic.


The Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec will be available mid-year, and will cost $23,750.

more detail. ...



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Subaru Designs Custom Impreza WRX STI for Rally Champ Travis Pastrana

Subaru of America, Inc. will show a one-of-a-kind Subaru Impreza WRX STI designed for its factory rally driver Travis Pastrana at the Chicago Auto Show, February 13-22 in McCormick Place. Subaru worked with Pastrana to create a brilliant yellow '199' liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive Rally America National Championship. Pastrana is scheduled to appear at the Chicago Auto Show to sign autographs in the Subaru booth February 14th and 15th.
more detail. ...



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Chicago Auto Show : Autobots Headed

We usually know what vehicles an automaker will debut at a major auto show the weekend before, but General Motors has kept us in the dark about its plans for the Chicago Auto Show next week. As such, we're not expecting any major product reveals, but today we learned that GM will be introducing us to the new Bumblebee from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.


He's the same Bumblebee from the first film, but the Camaro into which he transforms has been spiffed up for the sequel with a new front bumper, chin spoiler, hood scoop and different wheels. Whereas the first Bumblebee was based on the Camaro Concept, it appears that the new one is based on the actual production car.


Joining the orange Camaro in Chicago will be other characters from the film in their car forms. New additions to the sequel brandishing a GM badge include a 2010 Chevy Volt called Jolt, a Chevy Spark called Skids and a Trax concept called Mudflat (together known as the Twins), and a character called Sideswipe based on the still-yet-to-be-revealed Corvette Centennial Concept. GM didn't specify in its press release (included after the jump) which characters are accompanying Bumblebee to Chicago, but the venue at McCormick Place is one of the largest exposition centers in the world, so the more Transformers the merrier.
via autoblog



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Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events

Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.

Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.

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