We’ve saved the rest (not necessarily the best) for last. Here are a few more things that went on in the windy city this year…
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The Korean manufacturer blew into the windy city with three vehicles: an updated model, a new model and something for the future…

2009 Hyundai Sonata

Even though the 2008 Sonata outsold the 2007 model, Hyundai chose to upgrade the heart of their lineup in a number of areas. New front and rear fascias incorporating new headlights, taillights and fog lights have changed the look in a very subtle way. On the inside, small changes have been made to the instrument panel and console, while USB and iPod ports are now standard and a navigation system has been added as an option.

The biggest changes have been to the engine and suspension with horsepower, torque and fuel economy improvements in both the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder and 3.3 liter 6 cylinder engines. Suspension dynamics have been re-tuned for enhanced handling in the GLS and Limited models, while the SE gets even firmer sport tuning.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Based on the Elantra architecture, the Touring has a 2” longer wheelbase and share none of the body panels with its 4 door sibling. The longer wheelbase translates into 1.5 inches more rear seat legroom, while the new roofline gives rear passengers 2 inches of additional headroom and an additional 10 cubic feet of storage behind the seats.

Chassis improvements come in the form of larger front and rear disc brakes, larger wheels and tires and unique sport suspension tuning. Electronic stability control, traction control and ABS with electronic brake force distribution round out the package.

Inside, the Elantra Touring comes standard with USB/iPod inputs and XM Satellite Radio, as well as 6 airbags.

i-Blue Concept

In an effort to help develop mass-produced fuel cell vehicles for the next decade, the i-Blue concept represents Hyundai’s first-ever model designed from the ground up to be a fuel cell vehicle. Equipped with a 100 kW electric motor and fuel cell stack as well as a 115 liter tank, the i-Blue has a range of more than 370 miles and a maximum speed of over 100 miles per hour.

With the unveiling of their latest concept truck, the General gives us a hint of the future direction of truck design…
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Suzuki finds time to introduce a trio of concept vehicles based on their new truck, the Equator…
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While vehicle history reports have helped many used car buyers walk through the minefield of potentially bad used cars, they are not always accurate…
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Stealing some thunder from Detroit, it was in Chicago that Dodge returned to its muscle car roots to introduce the new…

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

And what a good time it was! Dodge even brought in Paul Teutul Sr. and Jr. from the American Chopper TV series to help unveil the latest version of its iconic muscle car.

Although a peek at the car was leaked by Chrysler a week earlier, it hardly did justice to how it looked in person. The lines of the Challenger perfectly evoke the 1970-1974 versions. One change that was made from the concept car that was revealed at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show was the change from the Dodge cross-hair grill to a plain style more reminiscent of the ’70 model.

Other styling cues taken from the older model include the long hood, short rear deck lid look and full width tail lamps. The plain fuel cap of the vintage model has been replaced by a chrome racing-style filler door with the word “fuel” written in black.

With all the styling cues from the muscle car era, Chrysler’s take on the Challenger is reminiscent of Ford’s attempt to revive the Thunderbird nameplate. Unlike Ford, however, Chrysler has backed up the looks of the Challenger with some serious performance parts.

The only available engine is a 6.1 liter Hemi V-8. Producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, it will launch the SRT8 from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and trip the quarter mile timer at 13.3 seconds. Putting this power to the pavement is a 5-speed automatic with “Autostick” that can be driven in normal or driver-selected manual mode. (Currently the only transmission available, Chrysler brass admitted that a manual was under consideration - “stay tuned”). And while the original was known for straight line performance and little more, the new Challenger’s fully independent suspension signals a vehicle that will handle a road course as well as a drag strip.

Stopping this monster will be a set of Brembo 4 piston caliper discs all around with 14.2” rotors up front and 11.26” rotors in the back. Assisting in the job is four wheel anti-lock with traction control, electronic stability control and brake assist as well as brake knockback mitigation. All this technology brings the Challenger to a stop from 60mph in just 110 ft.

Based on the same platform that spawned the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger and Magnum, the Challenger SRT8 has a wheelbase that is 4 inches shorter than its stablemates at 116 inches. Overall length, at 197.7 inches, is almost 1 inch longer than the 300C, but slightly more than 2 inches shorter than the Charger.

Compared to the original Challenger, the SRT8 is 6 inches longer in overall length as well as wheelbase. Overall height is 7 inches taller on the new version while width is down by less than a half inch. More headroom and legroom for the two front passengers is offset by the loss of legroom and headroom in the back compared to the 1970 model.

Preorders of 4,300 on the first day orders were accepted caused Chrysler to increase the original run of 5,500 2008 models to 6,400 (Hey, when you’re hot, you’re hot!) And certainly with the new Challenger, Dodge has a winner on its hands.

The Detroit Auto Show is over, but at LotPro.com we had the chance to attend press preview days at the Chicago Auto Show this year and here is what we saw…
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The shining star for imports at this year’s North American International Auto Show has to be the Audi brand.
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One of the big surprises at this year’s Detroit Auto Show was the Mazda exhibit. The Japanese automaker displayed two concept cars, a hydrogen variant of the Mazda5 micro van as well as an updated version of its venerable RX-8 sports car.
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U.S. News & World Report, in their October 15th issue, ranked the Kia Sorento SUV one of the top 3 in its class
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