Thread: Chicago motor show: show report and picture gallery

New metal from Kia, Nissan and Volkswagen. Its not the worlds biggest car show but the influence of the Chicago Auto Show is growing, and this year Kia used the event to unveil its new Cross GT concept, a larger crossover that the firm is using to gauge opinion on a new vehicle that would sit above the Sorento.
Designed in the US, the Cross GT is 4897mm long, 2000m wide and 1658mm tall making it longer, wider and lower than a Sorento.
Powered by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 3. 8-litre V6 and an electric motor sited under the rear floor, the Cross GT produces 400bhp and 500lb ft, with an electric-only range of 20 miles. Its four-wheel drive, with an eight-speed automatic box. Kia also wheeled out a Superman-themed Optima styled in collaboration with DC Entertainments.
Volkswagen revealed a limited-edition Beetle, resurrecting a 1973 special called the GSR. The 2012 GSR uses a 210hp turbocharged 2. 0-litre with a six-speed manual or a DSG gearbox, and will reach 60mph in 6. 6sec, making it more than just a styling exercise. VW also had a limited-edition run-out Golf GTi, called Drivers Edition, with extra kit and unique wheels.
Nissan gave the Juke Nismo its US launch and updated the US-only 370Z Nismo with some light cosmetic upgrades. The Nismo-tuned 370Z has more power (350bhp) than the standard car, with stiffer suspension and comes with a set of bespoke 19in alloys.
The firm also showed the GT-R Track Edition, a stripped-out (no back seats) track-focused GT-R with new suspension and carbonfibre aero kit.
The US domestic manufacturers restricted their efforts to a new diesel Cruze from Chevrolet, with a 2. 0-litre 148hp four-pot, and a Ford Fiesta race car that will be driven by Ken Block in the Global RallyCross. Dodge launched a new option package for the Challenger and a range of Ram-badged vans based on the Fiat Ducato, along with lower-priced SRT Challenger and Charger models.