Chicago Auto Show 2006 - Highlights

Toyota Tundra

The Tundra was unveiled in Chicago as the production version of the super-sized FTX concept that was shown in Detroit two years ago. The Tundra features a graphically similar front end with the same fist-like theme, though the rest of the car does without quite the same visual punch, losing much of the show car's side sculpting.

Inside, the IP theme still carries the driver/passenger break from the FTX, the driver area defined by a silver band also disguising the centre console's width. The smart interior is accessed by four conventionally opening doors instead of the FTX's rear-hinged arrangement. The DLO here stops short of the rear door shutline to define a thick pillar, adding visual strength to the cab from the outside and a cocoon feeling from the inside. Though the Tundra does without the steroidal muscle of the FTX, it is still a strong design with plenty of the concept's attitude and looks set to assert in America the reputation already earned by Toyota pickups in Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

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Toyota FTX concept - Detroit 2004

Dodge Rampage concept

Dodge unveiled to the crowds at the Chicago Auto Show their new pickup concept, the Rampage, described by Chrysler Group Senior Vice-President of Design Trevor Creed as 'Bold, powerful and superbly capable'.

The Rampage's overt cab-forward profile allows a smart crossover between SUV and pickup (SUT), offering four doors within a capsule theme and a five-foot rear deck. This forward stance is accentuated by the long wheelbase and rear axle-to-door distance, and contrasts against a tightly defined front section wrapped around the mechanics. The rear sliding doors include small triangular opera windows, while the high-sided rear cargo bed allows a fold-out ramp to be integrated in the tailgate.

Inside, the key innovation is a central control screen that can be swivelled to either driver or passenger sides. Given the overall architecture and strength of resolution to the design, it's hard not to draw comparison with the Honda Ridgeline: the Rampage concept appears as a stylistic acknowledgement of the threat posed by Asian brands, in a sector that has until recently been resolutely patriotic.

Chevrolet Avalanche

The previous Chevy Avalanche, launched in 2001, was the first to combine the passenger-comfort attributes of an SUV with the cargo capability of a truck. The new 2007 model is based on GM's brand-new, full-size SUV platform which is shared by the Tahoe and Suburban models and features more power, increased interior refinement and improved safety. The front end design was previewed on the new Tahoe launched at Los Angeles last month but the Avalanche gains the open cargo bed with characteristic triangular side buttresses at the rear and a rigid cargo box cover. Both 2WD and 4WD versions will be offered.

The ingenious Midgate folding bulkhead that allows the rear seats to fold and bulky goods to be loaded into the cabin is further refined here. This time the rear glass cassette can be stored in the Midgate structure and the extended cargo bed is 2” longer than before. The cargo mat also features a witty embossed tire tread pattern so that when the Midgate is lowered it even looks like a vehicle has driven right into the cabin.

Lexus ES350

Like the previous ES330, the Lexus ES350 is a reskinned version of the Toyota Camry, utilizing a front wheel drive platform and V6 engines rather than the classical rear wheel drive layout and V8 engines of the larger GS series. The new design adopts a more elegant, less aggressive look than the GS or smaller IS series with a flowing cabin and very fast C-pillar - a treatment not dissimilar to the Volvo S60, for instance. The Camry underpinnings mean the celebrated Lexus L-Finesse design identity and 'long cabin proportion' get a little lost as, in the flesh, the front overhang is quite long. The bodysides are clean and uncluttered however, while the optional panorama glass roof helps give a sophisticated look and to create a feeling of openness for passengers.

The interior carries over colors and textures previewed in the GS series but features a sweeping horse-collar center console that extends up into the top surface of the IP. The ES also offers many features that secure its place at the top end of the entry luxury segment, such as SmartAccess keyless entry, push-to-start ignition and a Mark Levinson audio system including iPod connectivity.

Dodge Nitro concept

The Dodge Nitro is a concept preview of a production Dodge SUV that would compete with the Jeep Cherokee whose platform it shares.

The classic Dodge grille and bold design language give credence to Senior Vice President Chrysler Group Design, Trevor Creed's claim that it is “brimming with character; it evokes emotion through its rugged styling and dominant stance”.

The blacked-out C-pillar and shallow DLO combine with short front overhang and long rear overhang to give a distinctive and dynamic feel. Well integrated forms and details (witness the hood shut line running up the A-pillar, over the doors and down the C-pillar) and well resolved surfacing give the car an unexpected feeling of quality that is slightly let down by the relatively chintzy interior.

Dodge Caliber SRT4

The SRT4 is a performance version of the Dodge Caliber, developed by Chrysler Group's 'Street Race Technology' performance division. The SRT4 echoes the aggressive look of the Charger SRT8, featuring a new hood with air scoops, extended rocker panels, a deeper front bumper and body color 'crosshair' grille. At the rear, a deep rear bumper and large roof spoiler are added but the overall feeling takes the Caliber from being a fresh, hard-edged design into an almost 'brittle' aftermarket look that's a little unrefined.

The SRT spec includes lowered sports suspension, 6-speed manual transmission and a powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with no less than 300 hp, allowing the Caliber SRT4 to reach 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The interior differences extend to sport seats with thick side bolsters, aluminum pedals, a 200-mph speedometer and a turbocharger boost gauge. The Caliber range will also be exported to markets outside the USA, including Europe.

Hyundai Entourage

The Entourage is Hyundai's first entry in the full-size American minivan segment, to allow it to compete with leaders such as the Chrysler Voyager, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest. The recipe is standard minivan: a 7-seat layout and power sliding rear doors, plus a V-6 engine (a new 3.8-liter) but the 118.9-inch wheelbase and a 66.3-inch track width are larger than of any of its competitors, so there's plenty of space on offer.

The recipe extends to the styling too, with generic minivan styling applied throughout. The uninterrupted shoulder line that runs forward beneath the A-pillar is neatly done and gives an almost 'dropped fender' look to the front end but there's very little else that's original here. The large jeweled projector beam front headlights and large single bar grille give a confident, friendly feeling yet it's not an especially memorable or distinctive face and not nearly as distinctive as the new Santa Fe, for instance. However, at $23,795 it's good value and well-equipped and that might just be what family buyers on a budget will want.


Chicago Auto Show website: www.chicagoautoshow.com