The 2007 Chicago Auto Show

The 2007 Chicago Auto Show
Press Days: February 7 & 8
McCormick Place

Ford Focus

Corvette hanging in the air

The Show Floor

Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

Pontiac G8

Show Entertainment: Let the Sunshine In

Wednesday February 7

The day began with the annual M.A.M.A. media breakfast and our new President Dave Boe kicking off the 99^th Chicago Auto Show. As is often the case in Chicago in February the temps weren't exactly ones enjoyed by all. The day before the media preview the city got a few more inches of snow making it difficult, if not impossible for media, manufacturer big-wigs and PR folks from out of town to even get into Chicago.

Having very little effect on the big show inside, the weather couldn't keep away many of the automotive press from the U.S. and abroad. They enthusiastically descended on Chicago to witness the introductions of new and redesigned vehicles, many shown here for the first time.

The featured keynote speaker at this year's MAMA breakfast was Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas. The big news from Ford was the return of the infamous Taurus nameplate. At the expense of possibly confusing the consumer, Ford has decided to re-badge the Ford Five-Hundred as a Taurus and the Freestyle crossover (which not too long ago almost became history) as the Taurus X. Mercury's Montego will again become the Sable. An "icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades," said Fields, Ford believes it's time to return the name to the brand. The 2008 Taurus will go on sale this summer, replacing the Five-Hundred. The new Taurus, resembling the Fusion in styling, will have a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new AWD system and more standard safety features-electronic stability control. It will be quieter, faster and safer, Fields told the Press.

As in years past, Toyota kicked off the festivities with the world premiere of the 2008 Highlander mid-size SUV and the Highlander Hybrid. The first Highlander launched in 2001 offered buyers a choice in the highly competitive mid-size SUV category. The new 2008 Highlander will be larger, roomier and more powerful than the current model, yet fuel efficiency remains the same. A quieter and more versatile vehicle, Highlander will be meeting the needs of customers who had input about what the next generation Highlander would look like.

Don Esmond, TMS Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations for Toyota reviewed for the Press last year's introduction of the all-new Tundra truck, marking the official kick-off of the single most important launch in Toyota's 50-year history.

Esmond also reminded the audience about the fleet of Hybrids from Toyota-Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, the introduction of the FJ Cruiser last year, the 4Runner and Sequoia sport-utility vehicles. In 2006, Toyota's Hybrids accounted for more than 170,000 units, about 67 percent of all hybrids sold in the U.S. It is projected that they will exceed one-quarter million units sold in 2007.

"Smart in, strong out" are the catch words at Toyota; moving away from traditional SUV's (translate tough and rugged) toward "intelligent and advanced." Riding on an all-new platform, Highlander is about four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches longer in the wheelbase. The second row seats slide forward and back, recline and fold. Captain's chairs will convert to a bench seat and the center console will slide forward to make room between seats for movement. The headrests will fold flat to make way for a flat cargo area and the rear glass hatch opens (Sport and Limited models) for quick access. Seven airbags will be provided in the 2008 Highlander, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags in all three rows. Toyota's STAR system will be provided in the Highlander that includes ABS, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and enhanced vehicle stability control with electronic power steering.

Arriving in July 2007, the 2008 Highlander will be offered in Base, Sport and Limited powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower (an increase of 55 horsepower). Two months later, the Highlander Hybrid will follow.

Next up was General Motors Saturn division as shadows morphed into shapes of the current Saturn models-the Sky Roadster, now the "oldest" of the lineup! Troy Clarke, President of GM North America told the crowd about revitalized showrooms for Saturn, great design, affordable technology and quality. The recent revitalization program was started with the Sky Roadster, a huge success; followed by the Aura sedan (North American Car of the Year), the Aura Greenline, Outlook Crossover, New Vue SUV (250 horsepower V6 with six-speed automatic), and Vue Redline. Introduced in Chicago Wednesday was the all-new Saturn Astra, a hit in Europe. Jill Lajdziak, General Manager for Saturn promoted the new Astra with its two models (three-and-five-door), and its 1.3-liter Ecotec engine. Arriving in the fourth quarter of this year, Saturn is also introducing "online chats" (talks with reps from Saturn) and "At-home test-drives." A lot is happening at Saturn. Just as it began to sink in the West, it's making a big comeback.

Cisco Codina, Group Vice President, North American Marketing Sales and Service at Ford continued the Taurus, Taurus X, Sable discussion, followed by information about the new Sable, with All-wheel-drive and Sync radio (Ford's partnership with Microsoft). Expecting to attract WOMEN and techies, the all-new Sable will arrive in the summer of 2007, as will the redesigned and engineered Mercury Milan and Mariner.

Dodge's Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President of Product Development talked about the new Avenger, refreshed Magnum and Viper SRT with 600 horsepower! As well as the redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan. The big news though, was the Dodge Dakota which pulled out onto the showroom floor with a pickup bed loaded with Jay's potato chips! It now has bragging rights for the longest bed, a new interior and exterior, more interior space and a 290 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine (60 more horsepower, better fuel economy). The new Dakota is also flexible fuel capable. Dodge introduced the new 2008 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab and 4500 Chassis Cab turbo diesel, both commercial trucks. The first tune-up for these monster trucks is 350,000 miles!

David Goggins of Volkswagen introduced its R32, based on the 2004 Golf. The poster child for VW, the R32 evokes much passion among enthusiasts, Tuners and baby boomers. Only 5,000 R32's were built in 2004,the same number projected to be built for the 2008 version. The new 2008 Jetta and GTI were mentioned, as was the all-new to the brand VW minivan. Diesel will be available in all 50 states. VW hopes to attract a whole new group of people with the refreshed styling and re-engineered vehicles in its lineup.

The 5,000 2008 R32s will go on sale in August. VW expects to sell 2,000 in 2008 and 3,000 in 2007. The online order process will be available at www.vw.com that went live the day of the conference (February 7, 2007). Red, Blue, Gray and White are the colors for the R32. It will have 4-Motion AWD and 18-inch sport wheels. VW invited 32 2004 R32 owners to come to Alabama to drive the new R32. Teaming up with SCCA, VW has put up lots of money to make this partnership work. The GTI Cup will be a new feature in racing and VW hopes to be able to give aspiring talent a chance to compete.

Not much news at BMW. They featured their collaboration with Alpina to produce a beautiful new car for the U.S. market. Some of the specs of the Alpina/BMW vehicle include a 4.4-liter V8 engine, unique Supercharger that spools up to 1,000 rpm; a speedo clocked up to 186 mph, Switchtronic six-speed transmission (0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds), and 21-inch lightweight wheels, to name just a few.

Pontiac/Buick/GMC's John Larson took the Press around Pontiac, sharing news of the brand, including the Solstice GXP introduced in 2006, the G6 sedan, coupe and convertible and the GXP for 2007 with increased performance and RWD. Big news was the all-new G8 for 2008. Introduced by none other than Bob Lutz, the G8 appears to be a replacement for the Grand Prix. A freshened body style and 261 horsepower V6 engine, the G8 and its cousin the Saturn Astra are off the global platform. Rear-wheel-drive, a wider track and body stretched taut over the chassis, the G8 will also be offered in a GT version with 362 horsepower V8 6-liter engine; zero-to-60 mph in under five-and-a-half seconds! Arriving in early 2008, the G8 will be a contender in the midsize sedan market.

Porsche hosted a breakfast early Thursday morning with news of motorsports and racing for the 2007 season. Building the most racecars, Porsche has been around since 1948 and uses race cars as a showcase for its cars. Under wraps was the 2007 Porsche RS Spyder with minor modifications to its chassis and an all-new exterior. During 2006, Porsche ran 4-6 cars in the racing series and in 2007 will start with 10 cars! They are looking to gain a championship, of course and will be competing at Elkhart Lake's Road America this coming August. Bob Carlson of Porsche Cars, North America accepted an award from Motorweek's John Davis for the "Best Dream Machine." Porsche manages to offer super car performance that can be driven everyday which is its appeal. The $1.5 million Spyder comes without spares!

Nissan introduced the 2008 Titan and talked about the 2.1-2.2 million vehicle sales segment. There will be two additions to the Titan for 2008: Crew Cab (longest bed) and the King Cab (commercial/work grade). The wheelbase has been lengthened and tires and wheels will be 20-inches. Nissan has increased the brake system, changed the Titan grille and front bumper, along with some interior changes. The NVH level has been raised for quieter motoring in the "truck." Also introduced was the 2008 Nissan Armada, a more refined, upscale in appearance SUV. Significantly changed in and out, the 2008 Armada gets 20-inch tires and wheels, a roof rack, brand new interior and redesigned instrument panel. The NVH level has been raised and park assist added all over. The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder gets a V8 engine for the first time in 22years, in an attempt to keep pace with the 20 percent of midsize SUV's that are offering a V8 engine. Towing has been increased to 7,000 pounds.

Perhaps not as exciting or blood pumping as in other years, the 2007 Chicago Auto Show had a lot to offer in terms of glitz and glamour. With all the vehicles available today it's hard to choose just one for your own personal driving. Asked many times what is a "good' car to buy, I'm hard pressed to answer with just one or two recommendations. They are all somewhat similar, each with something special to offer, in their own rite. Take a test drive and see for yourself. You too, will find it's a hard choice to make.