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Nissan back on for Chicago Auto Show, still avoiding Detroit

Friday, November 28th, 2008

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Nissan

That was short lived. Just a few days after announcing that it would be pulling out of both the Detroit Auto Show and the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan has changed its mind. Sort of. The Japanese automaker will indeed have a presence in the Windy City thanks to the support of its local dealerships, which will be manning the show in lieu of an official factory effort. This being the case, don’t expect a particularly showy display, but at least attendees will get the chance to see the new 370Z, Cube and Infiniti G37 Convertible that were all unveiled across the country at the LA Auto Show. According to Nissan, there’s next to no chance that the situation for Detroit will change.

To recap, Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce have all pulled out of the International Auto Show in Detroit. All’s not lost, though, as room is now available for a couple of Chinese upstarts to show their wares at the big boy table upstairs.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Nissan back on for Chicago Auto Show, still avoiding Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posted in Uncategorized, Nissan, detroit auto show, DetroitAutoShow, chicago auto show, ChicagoAutoShow, chicago, detroit 2009, Detroit2009, chicago 2009, Chicago2009, nissan chicago auto show, nissan detroit auto show, NissanChicagoAutoShow, NissanDetroitAutoShow | No Comments »

Chicago Auto Show: GM RWD fans can rejoice, for the Pontiac G8 has arrived (w/ VIDEO!)

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac

click on the above image for a bunch of high-res shots showing the new Pontiac G8

The last decade has been difficult for General Motors enthusiasts who desired an affordable V8 RWD sedan (we love the V-series Cadillacs, but alas, they’re not exactly budget rides). With the introduction of the Pontiac G8, however, all is forgiven, for this muscular four-door appears poised to offer a blend of attitude and sophistication appropriate for the brand that claims to build excitement.

This Poncho is based upon GM’s new Zeta platform, and the base model offers up a 261-hp, DOHC 3.6L V6. GT models get the 362-hp, L98 OHV 6.0L V8 with Displacement on Demand. No bonus points will be awarded for correctly guessing which we’d pick. The V6 will come with a five-speed slushbox, while the V8 will initially be backed with GM’s new 6L80 six-speed auto, and a row-your-own manual with a half-dozen ratios will follow at a yet-undetermined later date. Naturally, the GT gets a bigger wheel/tire package and larger brakes, and a sport package will be offered for either engine type. Under the skin lies a McPherson strut suspension arrangement in the front and multi-link in the rear, with the full array of adjustments available at each corner.

Elements of the show car that won’t make it to production include the big brakes, lowered ride height, 20″ wheels, and custom interior trim. Note the new badge design; what we’re seeing here is a concept version of a new Pontiac logo that eschews the traditional red coloration for a metallic sheen.

Click on the photo above for a gallery of Pontiac G8 live photos and studio shots! Also, check out the exclusive VIDEO of the G8 and Bob Lutz introducing the new rear-wheel drive sedan after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: GM RWD fans can rejoice, for the Pontiac G8 has arrived (w/ VIDEO!)

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Posted in Uncategorized, g6, pontiac, Commodore, Holden, auto show, chicago, g8, GenIV, grand prix, l98, ls2, six speed, SixSpeed | No Comments »

Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Economy, Hatchbacks, Saturn

Click above image to view a high-resolution gallery of the new Saturn Astra

Saturn just rolled out the new Astra to the crowd at the Chicago Auto Show, with the automaker claiming that the compact will help fulfill the brand’s promise to bring “appropriate and affordable technology”, “great design”, and “quality without compromise” to customers.

The Astra survives its overseas excursion largely unchanged, with the most major differences being a set of cupholders and tires that allow it to meet GM’s standards for foul weather performance (a result of Americans’ lack of awareness or complete apathy when it comes to the use of proper snow tires). Yet another variation on the Ecotec architecture, displacing 1.8L and producing 140 hp, drives the front wheels. The sporty intentions of the three-door model are made evident by the quicker ratio rack in its electrohydraulic steering system, larger wheels with more aggressive performance rubber, and standard stability control.

The long wheelbase and wide stance lend a roomy feel to both the three- and five-door model, and rear storage appears to be rather generous. Need we say the rest of the interior is far better than the vehicle it replaces? We are getting a bit tired of silver paint and oversized trip computer displays, but otherwise, there is little to offend inside the Astra (and kudos to GM for installing a decent set of bolstered seats in the three-door).

We’ve included plenty of live shots and official press pics of the 2008 Saturn Astra here. You can find the complete press release from Saturn after the jump, and we’ve also produced a nice video of the introduction with live-action views of the new Astra.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra