The 2011 Chicago Auto Show has seen the spotlight shift momentarily from hybrids and electric cars to high-performance hardware such as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Dodge Charger SRT8 and sport-tuned Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan. Better fuel mileage is always a good thing, but Chicago is proving that automakers (and car buyers) are ready for some fun too. How else can you explain Dodge’s decision to unveil a macho minivan? Even Volkswagen is getting in on the action, with the Jetta GLI sport sedan making its long-anticipated appearance.
Here are our top vehicle debuts from the 2011 Chicago Auto Show:
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
This is officially the meanest and most powerful Camaro, at least for now. Powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found in the Cadillac CTS-V, the Camaro ZL1 has approximately 550 bhp lurking beneath its raised aluminum hood, which sports a carbon-fiber power dome and heat-extracting vents. A short-throw 6-speed manual transmission helps direct power to the 20-in. rear wheels. An automatic transmission is also likely to be offered. Chevrolet is keeping strangely mum about the ZL1 being the most powerful version of the Camaro when it goes on sale early next year. Makes us think a 600-bhp Z28 model is on the way…
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 makes no secret of its performance potential. Just look at the oversized grille that looks ready to devour anything that gets in its way. Behind the gloss black, MiG 15-mimicking mouth is a new 465-bhp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8—a larger version of the previous SRT8’s 6.1-liter engine. The 5-speed automatic transmission now comes with paddle shifters on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Aluminum accents and sport seats help upgrade the cabin, which is a quantum leap forward from the previous Charger’s dour interior. If the roar of the Hemi isn’t enough to wake the neighbors, crank up the 900-watt 19-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan is most powerful car ever built by the South Korean automaker. And unless you’ve been living on some isolated desert island, you’ll know how far Hyundai has come in terms of style and performance. The entire Genesis lineup receives a mild makeover this year, courtesy of a new front fascia, redesigned headlights and taillights, a new grille and more aggressive rocker panels. The big news for enthusiasts is the 429-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 found in the Genesis R-Spec, which mates to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all 2012 Genesis sedans. Befitting a proper sports sedan, the Genesis R-spec has firmer suspension, larger anti-roll bars, sharper steering and optional summer performance tires (Michelin PS2s) on 19-in. machined-finish alloy wheels.
2012 Acura TL
Acura called it the “Power Plenum,” though most people probably referred to the Japanese luxury brand’s previous grill as “the chromed beak.” The 2012 Acura TL has received a mid-cycle refresh that includes a less polarizing front end. We’d say the design tweaks give the TL a cleaner (and wider) appearance than before. Considering that the TL is Acura’s best-selling model, a less aggressive design could also give a welcome boost to sales. Honda has always built great engines, and the TL continues with two free-revving V-6s. At the top of the range is the TL SH-AWD, with a 305-bhp 3.7-liter combined with all-wheel drive. Honda says the TL’s new 6-speed automatic transmission provides a noticeable boost to both fuel efficiency and performance.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Introduced last year, the initial focus of the 2011 Jetta seemed to be about increasing the popularity of the German sedan through lower pricing. That’s fine, but the overly tame styling and 2.0-liter base engine (as well as the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder) left us wanting something extra special. We’ve finally got it with the 2012 Jetta GLI. The looks remain a touch too conservative, but handsome alloy wheels and a sportier front fascia improve matters, as does independent rear suspension in place of the standard Jetta’s twist-beam rear. The turbocharged 200-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is a gem, mated to either a 6-speed manual or optional DSG transmission with paddle shifters. A base GLI starts at $23,495, with a fully loaded example pushing past $26,000. Better looking, more fun to drive…and still a pretty good value. With the new GLI, VW has finally found the new Jetta’s sweet spot.
2012 Buick Regal eAssist
Not every new car shown in Chicago is about asphalt-chewing burnouts. The 2012 Buick Regal eAssist is a mild hybrid that pushes this handsome compact sedan’s highway economy to 37 mpg. In layman’s terms, eAssist uses a lithium-ion battery and a motor generator to provide a gentle boost (15 hp) to the Regal’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It doesn’t sound like much but, according to Buick’s calculations, the Regal eAssist offers a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy versus the standard 4-cylinder/6-speed automatic. When the car comes to a stop, the engine in the Regal eAssist automatically turns off to save fuel. Revised underbody aerodynamics and economy-oriented tires also work to improve the mpg figures.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T
Having a family shouldn’t mean you’re forced to drive some soulless box on wheels. At least that’s the thinking behind the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T. Sure, the idea of a performance-themed minivan might seem to make as much sense as training a Chihuahua to be a sled dog. But there is no disputing the 86-bhp edge the new 283-bhp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 has over the previous 3.8-liter powerplant. Despite the power increase, fuel economy should remain almost identical. A driver-selectable fuel-economy mode stretches mpg numbers by modifying the shift points of the 5-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, a body-colored grille and 17-in. wheels help alert the P.T.A. that you’re driving a minivan with attitude.
2011 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic
There is nothing green about this performance coupe, apart from its retina-searing paint. Called “Green with Envy,” this wild hue can be ordered with the new Challenger R/T Classic or range-topping SRT8 model. The 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic finished in Green with Envy comes with retro touches such as side stripes in matte-black or white, and 5-spoke alloy wheels modeled after classic Halibrand wheels from the 1960s. Like any proud muscle car, the R/T Classic also gets a performance boost. In this case, a cold-air intake bumps the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 to 375 bhp (up from 370). A sport-tuned suspension helps keep the power under control. Other performance bits include functional hood scoops, revised steering gear, and 3-mode electronic stability control (with a setting to turn it completely off).
2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible
If you like what you see on the Shelby stand here in Chicago, then you better act fast. Shelby plans on building only 350 examples of the 2012 GT350, which is available as a coupe or a convertible. Buyers can choose from a 430-bhp naturally aspirated version or supercharged models delivering 525 and 624 bhp. A short-throw 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with an automatic available for the naturally aspirated model.
Shelby also installs beefier front brakes, a firmer suspension, 19-in. wheels and a wide assortment of cosmetic improvements—including a particularly vicious (but functional) hood scoop. If that’s not enough American performance hardware for you, Shelby offers leather seats with red, white and blue insets.