Key debuts at Chicago auto show
Chevrolet, Kia, Ram and VW showcase new products
The Windy City’s annual auto show traditionally puts a focus on trucks, so it was appropriate the first new vehicle unveiled in Chicago this year was a pickup — the 2014 Toyota Tundra.
But Chevrolet, Kia, Ram and VW also made important introductions. Chevrolet Cruise Diesel
Most North American consumers, especially in the good oil’ U.S.A., have shunned diesel-powered cars, but Chevrolet believes the timing is right to offer buyers on this side of the Atlantic an oil-burning Cruise. While 40 per cent of European Cruze sales are diesels, this 2014 sedan is said to be the first diesel-powered car offered by GM in North America since the 1986 Chevette. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will feature the latest in clean diesel technology plus impressive fuel efficiency — predictions suggest 5.6 litres/100 km or better on the highway. Pricing in the U.S. is expected to be under $26,000.
Chevrolet also announced the roadster version of the Corvette Stingray will be unveiled next month at the Geneva auto show, with availability scheduled for late this year. Kia Forte Five-Door
Kia continued its parade of new products with the debut of the five-door version of the compact Forte. This all-new hatchback is wider, longer and lower than the previous iteration, with styling that has a definite European flavour. The base EX model will be powered by a 2.0L direct-injected four-cylinder pumping out 173 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented SX model gets a new 1.6L turbocharged four that generates 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful Forte ever offered. The Forte 5-Door will go on sale in the fall.
Kia also pulled the cover off a stunning new concept, the hybrid-powered Cross GT, which combines the sleek lines of its GT sedan concept shown a year ago with the functionality of a modern crossover. Ram ProMaster Competition
The commercial van business is heating up with Ram announcing its new line of Fiat-based full-sized vans and chassis cabs. The ProMaster line is the first collaboration with parent Fiat and utilizes the platform and bodies of the Ducato van, a popular commercial vehicle in Europe. The powertrain and suspension have been revised for the North American market; here it will be challenging the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Nissan’s NV lineup.
Volkswagen Beetle GSR
Volkswagen is reviving an old nameplate, the GSR, and sticking it on its new Beetle. The 2014 iteration will feature the same yellow and black paint scheme as the original and, like its predecessor, the production run will be limited to 3,500 cars. In addition to some exterior additions, such as a large rear spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus some interior upgrades, the turbocharged 2.0-litre fourcylinder will pump an extra 10 ponies — 210 in total.