Chevy hangs out at the Chicago Auto Show
Chevy at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show!
2013 CHEVROLET SPARK: Chevrolet’s newest mini car, the 2013 Spark will be on public display during the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. A sporty four-passenger, five-door hatchback, the redesigned Chevy Spark is geared towards first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling, affordability, safety features, fuel efficiency and maneuverability. When it goes on sale mid-year, the Spark will be equipped with a fuel-sipping 1.2-liter four-cylinder that delivers 85 horsepower. The dual-overhead cam engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Though compact, Spark offers a comfortable four-passenger cabin, or when rear seating is down, an impressive 31.2 cu. ft. of cargo room. Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio, will be offered on 1LT and 2LT models, as is OnStar safety and security system. Styling enhancements include a fresh grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified head and taillights. Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels. Take note of how the designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional hues.
CHEVROLET TRU 140S CONCEPT: An exciting new “dream car” on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is the Chevrolet Tru 140S, a front-wheel-drive, “affordable exotic” sporty coupe. The three-door hatchback concept is finished in an all-new matte white with 21-inch Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems. Designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast, the Chevy Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display are part of the 2+2-passenger cockpit. Under the hood is an Ecotec turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder with start-stop technology. This compact engine develops 150 horsepower and 148 lb. ft. of torque, and designed to be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain is expected to deliver 40 MPG highway and a production price range in the low $20,000’s.
2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO: One of America’s most popular sporty cars, the retro Chevrolet Camaro, is now in its third year and available in four rear-wheel-drive models – LS, LT, SS and ZL1. The 2012 LS and LT come fitted with a more powerful and efficient version of the 3.6-liter direct-injected V6. The new engine is 20.5 pounds lighter than previous V6s, delivers 323 horsepower–11 horses more than last year, yet, offers an estimated 30 mpg on the highway. A 6.2-liter V8, with up to 410 hp is standard in the SS coupe and convertible. Engines can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. For the ultra-performance enthusiast, Chevy now offers the ‘barely street legal’ Camaro ZL1, which was introduced at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. It packs a 580-horsepower version of the 6.2-liter V8, boosted by an intercooled Eaton supercharger and is mated to either a 6-speed automatic or manual. The ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. For collectors, a special 45th Anniversary package will be available on 2LT and 2SS models, all standard in Carbon Flash Metallic (black) with unique red and silver rally stripe, 45th Anniversary graphics, special fender emblems, new 20-inch wheel design in deep silver and special-trimmed four-passenger cockpit.
2012 CHEVROLET SONIC: The newest small car from the ‘Bowtie’ to hit the American market, is the front-wheel drive 2012 Chevy Sonic. Available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, Sonic is produced in Michigan and the only subcompact currently built in the USA. Exterior styling incorporates raked body lines, motorcycle-inspired round head and taillights, rear door handles in the C-pillars (5-door) and wheels-at-the-corners proportions for distinctive appearance. Power is supplied by two Ecotec four-cylinder engines, both generating 138 horsepower. The 1.4-liter turbo comes with a six-speed manual, while the 1.8-liter is obtainable with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. To handle the broad range of driving conditions in North America, GM engineers who also worked the Sonic ride and handling using Corvette inspiration and giving it more direct feel. All Sonic models seat five passengers and come equipped with OnStar that uses GPS and cellular phone technology. Cargo volume on the sedan is 14 cubic feet, while thee is a maximum of 30.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat on the five-door. Options include remote start, heated front seats and sunroof.
