2009 Chicago Auto Show

Just some stuff that caught my eye from the coverage of the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

2010 Acura TSX V6



That's right, Acura is dropping a 3.5L 280HP V6 into it's small sedan, the TSX. It's about time the TSX got a needed HP boost. I'm not particularly a fan of the current model but I did love the first generation. The most common complaint in most of the reviews I've read on the TSX or either generation was that it was lacking in power, particularly torque. The V6 should solve that problem however I was hoping that Honda would put the sweet 240HP turbo 4cyl from the RDX along with the SH-AWD setup. Oh well.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO



I've always loved the original Taurus SHO models with the amazing Yamaha V6 and to see the name resurrected again with some serious power is just fine with me. The new SHO will come with a version of Ford's new Ecoboost twin turbo V6 good for 365HP. All that power will be routed through a 6 speed auto with paddle shifters (no manual trans option....booo) to an all wheel drive Haldex system. Performance should be pretty impressive even though it will be a rather portly car.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec



Hyundai finally released the production version of their Hyundai Genesis Coupe along with pricing info. The most tempting model, due to be released a bit later than the rest of the line, is the R-Spec. This will be more of a no frills tuner/track special that will have the turbo 4cyl 210HP connected to a 6speed manual (only trans available with the R-Spec) and omits things such as Bluetooth, auto headlights, cruise control, trip computer, and steering wheel audio controls. Keeping these options out of the car reduce both cost and weight. Speaking of cost, the R-Spec will start at $23,750. Nice.

Top Concept - Chevy Corvette Stingray Concept



GM rolled out the cars from the upcoming film Transformers 2 - Revenge of the Fallen. Included in that group is the Corvette Stingray Concept, a beautiful modern tribute to the Corvette Stingrays of the '60s. Unfortunately, GM has repeatedly stated that this is not the next Corvette and is simply a design study concept. That sucks, it's beautiful.