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FUTURAMA  |
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No place is better to get a bird’s eye view of what’s hot and what’s up and coming than one of the Auto Shows – and while the LA Auto Show was outstanding – the biggest in the country is the Chicago Auto Show – held Feb 8-17. And we were there to check out what we want and what we think you’ll like for now and what’s possible (even a bit outrageous) for the future.
At the top of our wish list – and strictly a concept vehicle was the unexpectedly delightful Toyota POD – that’s Personalization On
Demand (photo 2). At first glance it looks like a glowing love-bug. But it’s not. Developed jointly
between Toyota and Sony, it explores the
possibilities for communication between
drivers and their vehicles. For example, the “mood” lighting (yes, it’s neon) changes based on the mood of the driver – or the vehicle. If your pod is having a good day, it will glow
yellow, sleepy - it turns greenish; when sad it turns...blue, of course. But if you experience road rage, your pod will glow red, and slow down, eventually stopping and giving you a “time-out.” And the interior is loaded with touch-screens which enable you to talk to your pod and your pod to talk to you. Now that takes interacting to an all new place! If you make your pod happy by filling it with gas or refilling the windshield washer fluid, its tail will wag. Nope, no joke. In fact if you’re driving along and your pod comes across another pod – the two can talk with each other! Nice concepts to consider – and some that would make sense for big trucks as well!
Toyota also introduced its new concept Tundra Step Side Sport Truck – a full-size pickup truck that will be exclusively US-built, featuring a sport suspension, dual exhaust and suicide doors. It is scheduled for release this fall (photo on Contents - page 7). Big things are happening from the folks at Dodge – the introductions of new motors to
accommodate the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup owner. The new 5.7 liter HEMI Magnum will be the standard engine.
Producing 345 hp at 5,600 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, it provides more towing capability and acceleration, while improving fuel economy. And the all-new 5.9 liter, inline six, High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine (photo 5) is the most powerful turbo diesel
engine available – producing 305 hp at 2,900 rpm and 555 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm.
Now for those of you who are Ford fans, the next incarnation of the Harley-Davidson F150 was nothing to sneeze at. It’s tough – and good looking – and provides the perfect bed to carry your Harley (or you can always tow it
behind). But you’ll travel in comfort and style while you’re going there. Of course, if hot
gearing is what you’re after, the SVT Mustang Cobra will give you what you’re looking for – great pony styling and even more power with a production supercharger. And if bigger means better, then you’ll need to check out the F-350 Tonka Truck Concept (photo 1). Nothing short of amazing – and almost the size of your average Class 8 (quick, where’s the ladder?).
At General Motors, the Chevy Silverado and GMC
Sierra have new looks which bring them closer to the
styling of the very popular
Avalanche and Trailblazer. They’re big, they’re roomy, and they get the job done – whatever the job needs to be. Of course if you’re already a fan of the Avalanche (and we
certainly are), you’ll also be impressed with the Cadillac Escalade. Cut from the same mold – just more upscale – and certainly suitable for the Super Bowl MVP as well as much of the
NBA – you’ll find this to be the epitome of luxury in a pickup/SUV blend.
If the urge to travel with the wind in your hair comes upon you, you might want to look at the new Chevy Bel Air or the Pontiac Solstice (photo 3). With a look back to yesterday and the styling of tomorrow, these sleek and sporty rides should give you plenty to smile about. Saturn debuted a new concept called Sky – and it will take you there and back again (photo 4). Not to be left out, Mitsubishi’s 2003 Eclipse Spyder is more than nice – it delivers looks and performance wrapped in a dynamite package.
Or if a full-size convertible is what you’re after, the Mercury Marauder could be just what you’re looking for. Recalling those big autos of the 1970’s, the Marauder (still a concept but poised for production) will seat 5 full-size adults comfortably – 6 is do-able and it looks like you’ll be flying in elegant comfort.
Obviously, we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s coming and what’s already here. For more info, visit the Chicago Auto Show’s website at www.chicagoautoshow.com or look at any one of the manufacturer’s websites. They have lots to offer and will give you plenty to dream about. As always, we wish you Safe Journeys, wherever your road takes you. |
