2007 Chicago Auto Show Update 2

I just received my press pass in the mail today for the Chicago Auto Show! Man, this really snuck up on me. I can’t believe the show is only a few days away! With everything ready to go, there are some more cars that will be there that I’m really excited about, and I would like to share a few with you. Please also see my first post on cool cars that will be there.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

The exhilarating 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. With 90 more ponies than before, and teamed to the Tremec 6-speed manual box, the ’08 Viper storms from 0-to-60 in less than 4-seconds. By revising the engine bore 1-millimeter, the V-10 displacement increased from 8.3- to 8.4-liters. Expect to see the arrival of the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 in Dodge showrooms this summer.

Audi R8

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the 5-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular production 2-seat version. As the 1st Audi mid-engined sports car, the 2008 Audi R8 features a 420 horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, aluminum body and Audi Space Frame. The Audi R8 sits wide and low on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off. Behind the doors, a large-surface paint finished ’sideblade’ air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe as well as for cooling. An automatically extending rear spoiler is deployed to assist the R8 in using the wind. Estimated top speed is up to 187 mph, and blast from 0-to-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The totally driver-oriented cockpit of the R8 is pushed far forward. Behind the cabin, is the V8, visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

When I first wrote about the Acura ASC Concept, I did a head-to-head comparison of it and the previous HSC Concept, which I actually like better. Regardless, the replacement for the legendary Acura NSX will be undoubtedly awesome, with the reported V10 and rear-wheel drive.

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

In the past, Honda has only done a decent job at making the Accord stand out against its main rivals, the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. With Toyota and Nissan coming out with new and better versions of each of those cars (especially Nissan,) Honda has to do something. This is certainly a move in the right direction. It’s a great look for the Accord, and it really stands out against the rest, offering a much more sporty appearance and many new features. Check out my post about the new Accord debuting at the Detroit Auto Show for more info.

Scion tC Release Series 3.0

A new model for 2007, the styling cues on the R. S. 3.0 add darkened headlights, and a custom wide intake upper grille with honeycomb insert that matches the lower grille. This package uses Scion Genuine Accessory clear LED taillights accented by unique gray trim. The custom looking black Alcantara (suede-like material) seats are accented by a gray perforated center surface on a white background. A Blizzard Pearl RAZO weighted shift knob with black leather insert is also standard. Cranking out tunes is a Pioneer 6-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power, matched to the standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system that is calibrated specifically for the tC. Individually numbered brushed stainless steel badges are applied to each of the 2,500 units schedule to be built. The Blizzard Pearl package tacks an extra $2,580 over the base tC’s price of $16,400 for the manual shifter and $17,200 for the automatic tranny. My original post on the Scion tC RS 3.0

Chevy Camaro Concept

They seem to be making a bigger deal about the Camaro Convertible, but I like the Hardtop better personally. I saw this last year at the auto show, and I must say pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a beautiful car, and hopefully shows that Chevy’s design team is finally starting to get their head out of their ass.

Backing up the bowtie prototype is a high-performance 400 horsepower, 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 engine, 6-speed manual gearbox and a sophisticated chassis with 4-wheel independent suspension. Vented disc brakes with 14-inch rotors are visible through the flangeless 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels – 21-inch front, and 22-inch rear. Camaro’s 4-passenger black leather cockpit is awash in indirect, orange-glow lighting that radiates from the dash, door panels and center console.

Filed Under: Acura • Audi • Chevy • Chicago Auto Show • Concept cars • Dodge • Events • Honda • Scion