Greening of the Chicago Auto Show
By Todd Kaho
There have been one hundred auto shows in Chicago. Except for a hiatus during WWII, Chicago has hosted one of the most significant and successful car shows in the world since the birth of the automobile. The first show at the old Chicago Coliseum in 1901 was commemorated this year with a special 100th anniversary showcase that highlighted many of the vehicles that were breaking new ground at the turn of the 20th century.
That’s quite fitting since 107 years later we are still facing many of the same fuel and energy challenges we did then. In the early 1900s, gasoline wasn’t widely available and other alternatives including electricity and even steam were being explored. In fact, of the 500 cars displayed in Chicago in 1914, 75 manufacturers were selling gasoline powered cars and 10 were promoting electric powertrains.
Troy Clarke, president of General Motors North America, set the tone for the show during his opening media day keynote remarks that addressed how consumer choice is driving the market. Greener choices were a central theme of his comments.
“A great example here is the ‘green’ space. Concern for climate change, high gas prices, government regulation, the need to import more and more oil … there are a lot of issues and a number of ways to go about tackling them. For GM, the solution involves developing multiple solutions to give the customer choice. Because, just like there are a variety of ways to meet customer needs, there are a variety of ways to get at fuel economy and emissions. And, I want to be clear on this: that’s the main driver for General Motors. We want to stay ahead of the game to bring our best technological solutions to market for our customers. We believe -- as always -- they will decide which technologies best meet their needs.”
Chicago offered several world and North American debuts of both production and concept car varieties. Here are the highlights.
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
Chevrolet division has a version of the popular GM crossover platform that already includes the Buick Enclave, GMC Arcadia, and Saturn Outlook. Like its siblings, the Chevy Traverse is a three row unibody crossover targeted at minivan owners looking for more utility and SUV owners who want something less truck-like. EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available for the Traverse, but GM says that it will get better mileage than anything else in this class. That’s not bad considering the Outlook delivers 16 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. It’s no slouch power wise either, thanks to a direct injected 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 286 horsepower that’s mated to a six speed automatic.
DODGE DAKOTA FFV
Drivers will now be able to operate the mid-size Dodge Dakota pickup on E85 ethanol in the near future. Dodge announced that the freshened 2008 Dakota will be available with a new 4.7-liter High Output V-8 that offers flexible fuel capability. The flexible fuel engine delivers a 25 percent improvement in horsepower -- up to 290 hp -- and 320 lbs-ft of torque, a 10-percent improvement. Expect the FFV Dakota in Dodge dealerships this August.
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
Chicago is a favorite for new truck launches and Ford didn’t disappoint with the announcement it will bring the European Transit van to America in 2009. A very efficient cargo hauler, Ford is estimating fuel economy of 19 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway. Power comes from a 2.0-liter transversely mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. Ideal for small business delivery duty, the Transit Connect is a much more efficient alternative to traditional full-size vans.
GMC DENALI XT HYBRID
Certainly the most stunning concept vehicle unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto show was the wild GMC Denali XT Hybrid. This is one concept we hope makes it to production. Aggressive yet purposeful lines are backed up by an innovative hybrid powertrain that delivers a combined gas-electric output of 326 horsepower. Exact fuel economy numbers weren’t offered, but GMC is saying they should be 50 percent better than comparable small pickups, which should put it in the upper 20 mpg range. Other green credentials include cylinder deactivation technology and E85 capability.
GM SIERRA TWO MODE HYBRID
This one was obvious. GMC announced that GM’s truck division will have a full-size pickup version of the two mode hybrid powertrain that debuted at the L.A. Auto Show in the Chevy Silverado last November. With fuel economy in the low 20 mpg range, the Sierra Hybrid can tow up to 6100 pounds and offers a cruising range of more than 500 miles on the standard 26 gallon tank. Performance with two mode electric drive assisting the 6.0-liter V-8 is exceptional. Like the Tahoe, Yukon, and Silverado Hybrids, the Sierra will be able to accelerate up to 30 mph on electric power alone.
TOYOTA 1/X
Toyota unveiled the
1/X concept at the Tokyo Motor Show and selected Chicago for the North American debut of the company’s lightweight technologies. The 1/X hybrid concept is one-third the weight of the current production Prius, tipping the scales at just 926 pounds. The 1/X (pronounced 1/Xth, as in a fraction) highlights ultra light weight materials like bio-plastics and advanced technologies to provide low fuel consumption and emissions that aim toward a sustainable future. The internal combustion engine displaces just 500cc and when combined with plug-in hybrid system, the powertrain is one quarter the weight of the Prius powertrain.
VW ROUTAN
Volkswagen pulled the wraps off its new fuel efficient family hauler in Chicago. The VW Routan competes in the minivan segment and will carry a base price under $25,000. With the Routan, VW intends to bring German driving dynamics to this typically unexciting segment. Standard power is a 197 hp 3.7-liter V-6 with a 250 hp 4.0-liter 250 V-6 optional. Both engines are paired with a standard six speed automatic transmission.
Want to know more about the greening of recent auto shows? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
2008 Washington DC Auto Show
15 Hot Green Cars in Detroit
L.A. Auto Show Promotes Green Cars
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