Official 2007 Chicago Auto Show Thread

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=180 background=/images/site/news_left_bg.gif><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left background=/images/site/news_left_bg.gif><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=8 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Volkswagen R32

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 at the Chicago Auto Show. First introduced in 2004 to an enthusiastic reception, the R32 delivers the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners.

The R32’s power comes from a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine. With 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque, the R32 is all muscle. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system transfers at least 75 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen’s acclaimed DSG transmission allows for seamless gear changes and accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 6.4 seconds.

With a fully independent multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling, the R32 flaunts its authority both inside and out. Twin chrome exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, a uniquely shaped front grille and R32 badging distinguish this car from anything else on the road. A rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look.

The R32 boasts a long list of safety features, including Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels; and a confidence-inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Brake Assist boosts brake pressure in emergency braking situations and the state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes based on road and driving conditions.

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Inside, the R32 takes it cues from racing with aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. Features such as automatic climate control (Climatronic™), ten-speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven champ.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. anticipates significant consumer demand for its sporty new R32 performance model, debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show. The new R32 is a reprise of the 2004 edition, which sold out its entire United States allocation of 5,000 shortly after its market debut.

The new edition, limited to a quantity of 5,000, is expected to appeal to previous and current R32 enthusiasts, owners of the sporty GTI who are looking for “something more” and to the larger automotive enthusiast community. To satisfy those customers with the strongest R32 ownership aspirations, Volkswagen has established an order reservation process. Current GTI and R32 owners will be notified of the opening of an R32 micro-site on www.vw.com, concurrent with today’s introduction. An R32 prospect will complete a purchase interest form, thereby generating an R32 Certificate. The first 850 people who present an R32 Certificate along with a deposit to an authorized Volkswagen dealer, will be able to secure one of the first R32 vehicles to be delivered in August 2007.

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The R32 features an exclusive combination of high performance components, such as a narrow-angle 3.2L V6 producing 250 horsepower mated to a six speed dual clutch DSG transmission, with steering wheel mounted shift controls. It features a full compliment of comfort, convenience and performance features, as well as unique R32 interior and exterior design cues.


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mikeyb said:
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Sounds like a whole lotta tech going into that little road rocket. I just feel that this is what the MS3 should have been. Granted this thing probably weighs more and costs a good bit more but I like the styling, the motor, and AWD. I like it a lot!

But overall I think I like the looks of the last gen one better. It looked meaner, more planted. Less cute

vw_golf.jpg
 
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Donas64 said:
You know I really like the Rondo SX. The headlights could do with some jazzing up but the stance is perfect and it looks killer in black like that. coupled with the 192 ponies, I'd probably take one of thoose over a mazda5.

Kia's really stepping up its game.

I can't wait to see the new offering from Hyundai too especially the Tiburon replacement and their new halo car. They seem to be hitting their stride.

I think its areally cool car but I would rather have a Mazda5. Mazda where is the Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda5??
 
Kansei said:
oh jeeze those are both hideous.. can't scion hire some decent designers??
What you don't like the idea of every car toyota makes looking like a camry? C'mon where's originality??!

Toyota says :flip: to those who don't like it :P
 
The wonders of the aftermarket. Lowered, with those rims and in that color it doesn't look half bad, I would still NEVER EVER buy one though. I like funky but not that funky.

2070208.008.mini19L.jpg


As for the tC: Its still a bloated, poser celica wannabe! No thanks! BRING BACK THE CELICA!!!! (and make it RWD!)
 
ok I take that back about the new scions.. the new xB does look pretty cool from a lot of angles, I still don't care for the interior though. Amazing what a drop and a nice wheel/tire package will do for the look of a car.

The proportions are so much nicer on the new xB, and it's over a foot longer so it actually has some utility now. cool!

my fav shot:
2070208.008.mini20L.jpg
 
Kansei said:
ok I take that back about the new scions.. the new xB does look pretty cool from a lot of angles, I still don't care for the interior though. Amazing what a drop and a nice wheel/tire package will do for the look of a car.

The proportions are so much nicer on the new xB, and it's over a foot longer so it actually has some utility now. cool!

my fav shot:
2070208.008.mini20L.jpg

That what I was saying. I saw the stock one and I was like: NO THANKS! but those aftermarket ones look kinda cool. But seriously: How often will you see your car from that angle? I like I angle better!(headbang)
 
Mopar 8.4L V10

viper-8.4l-v10-%28450%29-1.jpg


The Dodge Viper's V10 might sound like a garbage truck at idle, but who cares when it delivers 600 horsepower with emissions certification and a warranty? Still, for some, that's just not enough power, and so the Mopar guys have come through with some parts to take the new McLaren-engineered 8.4L up to 650 HP. We're going to take a closer look at some of these components.




Extracting more power from a 2-valve pushrod engine that already makes nearly 75 HP/L is no easy feat. So how did the Mopar boys pull off this daunting task?



One of the most striking features of the stand-mounted engine is the set of massive tubular headers.



The five individual equal-length primary tubes meet at a set of intermediate collectors, with air flow from the front three and rear two cylinders combining into larger-diameter secondaries before joining into the huge collectors. This is commonly refered to a a "tri-Y" design, and generally favors broad powerband instead of maximum peak horsepower.



A pair of electronically-controlled throttle bodies, each with its own actuator, control airflow into the intake plenum. They look just about big enough to swallow a Cornish game hen. To achieve the hp increase over the stock engine, the incoming airflow is routed through a Mopar cold-air induction tract.



The intake manifold is said to be a "prototype" version of the production item, with a highly-polished upper half, and black powdercoat applied to the lower. From the outside, we can't see any obvious differences compared to the production item, but we wouldn't be surprised if the internal surfaces were massaged somewhat.



Black crinkle-finish valve covers and carbon-fiber fuel injector rail covers do nothing to improve power output, but they sure look menacing.

Also note that the massive oil pan ties into the bellhousing for maximum rigidity.



Note that the indirect (port) injector is now located in the cylinder head (unlike the older versions of the Viper V10 that placed the injector in the intake manifold). The exact reasons for doing this are unknown, but the change was obviously aimed at improving charge distribution across the rev range.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
 
I'm sorry, but the scion still looks like crap imo. Looks like a chevy hhr, yuk.
 
mikeyb said:
Mopar 8.4L V10

viper-8.4l-v10-%28450%29-1.jpg


The Dodge Viper's V10 might sound like a garbage truck at idle, but who cares when it delivers 600 horsepower with emissions certification and a warranty? Still, for some, that's just not enough power, and so the Mopar guys have come through with some parts to take the new McLaren-engineered 8.4L up to 650 HP. We're going to take a closer look at some of these components.




Extracting more power from a 2-valve pushrod engine that already makes nearly 75 HP/L is no easy feat. So how did the Mopar boys pull off this daunting task?



One of the most striking features of the stand-mounted engine is the set of massive tubular headers.



The five individual equal-length primary tubes meet at a set of intermediate collectors, with air flow from the front three and rear two cylinders combining into larger-diameter secondaries before joining into the huge collectors. This is commonly refered to a a "tri-Y" design, and generally favors broad powerband instead of maximum peak horsepower.



A pair of electronically-controlled throttle bodies, each with its own actuator, control airflow into the intake plenum. They look just about big enough to swallow a Cornish game hen. To achieve the hp increase over the stock engine, the incoming airflow is routed through a Mopar cold-air induction tract.



The intake manifold is said to be a "prototype" version of the production item, with a highly-polished upper half, and black powdercoat applied to the lower. From the outside, we can't see any obvious differences compared to the production item, but we wouldn't be surprised if the internal surfaces were massaged somewhat.



Black crinkle-finish valve covers and carbon-fiber fuel injector rail covers do nothing to improve power output, but they sure look menacing.

Also note that the massive oil pan ties into the bellhousing for maximum rigidity.



Note that the indirect (port) injector is now located in the cylinder head (unlike the older versions of the Viper V10 that placed the injector in the intake manifold). The exact reasons for doing this are unknown, but the change was obviously aimed at improving charge distribution across the rev range.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

(bowdown) (headbang) (burnout) (drive2) (omg)
 

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