Big horsepower creates big attraction at auto show

BY JEFF TAYLOR For Sun-Times Media January 30, 2012 11:32AM

Story Image

Ford Taurus SHO

Updated: February 14, 2012 12:07PM



The auto industry uses the Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 10-19) and its massive, industry-leading attendance to unveil and showcase its heavy hitters.

While “green” technology is important, Chicago drivers still like their cars to pack some heat. So if you favor horsepower over mpg, take comfort in knowing the Chicago Auto Show brings in the big crowds by showcasing the big-power players.

While you’re at the auto show, check out some of these vehicles for some summer Chicago dreaming on such a winter’s day:

• Audi will lead off with a sexy set of sedans in the A6 and hatchback-styled A7 sedan. In addition to fetching styling and the latest in luxury and comfort technology, both cars pack supercharged 3.0-liter 310-horsepower V-6 engines. In the hot A5 line, check out the 4.2 S5 FSI coupe with a 4.2-liter V-8 packing 354 horsepower.

• The folks who make the ultimate driving machine want you to know they like horsepower, too, with I-6 and V-8 engine choices. A new BMW 3.0-liter I-6 will crank out almost 300 horses in the new 6-Series with a 400-horsepowe turbo as the top choice. The performance BMW M5 sedan comes with a 552-horsepower 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 so you can have your luxury fast — if you like.

• Over at Cadillac, the CTS-V coupe, sedan and wagon are the flag wavers for luxury performance. Each CTS-V version comes equipped with a supercharged 556-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 with outstanding handling. A nice twist is that you can opt for a six-speed manual or automatic in all models.

• Not to be outdone, Chevrolet GM’s performance division offers an assortment of engines from a 323-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 Camaro coupe and convertible to a 6.2-liter 426-horsepower V-8 SS model. Chevrolet will display a 45th anniversary edition Camaro and its top-end ZL1 with an incredible 580-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. The ZL1 coupe pricing starts at $54,995. Don’t forget the top Corvette ZR1 with 638 horsepower from a bolstered and supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. All 6.2-liter V-6s and V-8s offer six-speed transmissions; no auto for ZR1 Corvette.

• Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep will have the Mopar crowd salivating as they feature a performance-rich lineup of R/T and SRT8 Challengers, Chargers, Cherokees and 300s. The HEMI line of engines is one of the most recognized names in performance. The 6.4-liter version with 470 ponies, 470 pound-feet of torque is one of the strongest HEMIs produced for the general public. The 6.4-liter is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Also check out the Mopar performance enhancement parts display for Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram owners.

• The Blue Oval folks are pushing performance through the Ford Mustang with a 305-horsepower V-6, 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 GT, 444-horsepower Boss 302 ($41,105) and 550-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 Shelby GT500. The Ford Taurus SHO offers 365 EcoBoost horsepower from a 3.5-liter V-6 and a real backseat and trunk if you need to really haul the family.

• Hyundai Motor America has a freshened Genesis coupe packing I-4 and V-6 engines offering 274 and 348 horsepower respectively. Transmission choices are advanced with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. A hot little Veloster Turbo is also new.

• Mercedes-Benz will have a contingent of V-6 and V-8-powered cars starting with the all-new 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 SLK. Moving up, V-8 offerings go twin-turbo with a 4.6-liter CLS sedan featuring 402 horsepower to go with all the leather, wood trim and electronic comfort amenities. The AMG-massaged cars feature 5.5-liter turbocharged V-8s with 518 or 550 horsepower.

• Wander over to the Subaru display and check out the 2013 BRZ (Scion FR-S), a surprise rear-wheel-drive sports car featuring the I-4 boxer engine with 200 horsepower and six-speed manual. While those horses may seem low, the BRZ only weighs 2,770 pounds and has a weight distribution of 53 percent front, 47 percent rear. It is expected to sticker for around $24,000 when it goes on sale this year.

© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.

Comments  Click here to view or make a comment

You Might Like

From ToDrive.com