Honda Pilot
If the new Pilot is any indication, boxy is back. Just as Isuzu bows out of the light-duty market in the U.S., we're getting a Trooper lookalike from the company that used to rebadge Troopers (and Rodeos). Little else has been revealed, but we expect the eight-seater's redesigned cabin to offer an improved third row, more versatility, and more space. Also expect more power and better fuel efficiency. Click here for more photos!
International Maxxpro
The LoneStar, International's ultracool retro flagship big-rig, caused a lot of buzz at the show, as did the DMaxx retro rod. What you may not know about is International's line of military vehicles, such as the MaxxPro, which was on display at the Chicago show. This troop carrier, bearing thick armor, has an undercarriage specially designed to protect those on board from mines. Powered by an 8.7-liter turbodiesel (with 1200 pound-feet of torque), the MaxxPro has Rockwell axles, bead locks, a pintle hook, and a 15,000-pound winch.
GLK-Class 2.2-Liter TD
Whether or not you like the looks of the all-new GLK-Class, what was most interesting about this future compact luxury SUV is what lies under the hood. When on display in Detroit, both concept versions used a 2.2-liter Bluetec turbodiesel I-4 with 170 horsepower and-are you sitting down?-369 pound-feet of torque. Click here for more photos!
Hummer Hx
This concept is just plain awesome! If Hummer builds this concept, it'll be the closest you can get to buying a Baja race buggy off the showroom floor. It's built for open-air off-roading-the fender flares, doors, and roof are easy to remove. It has full-time 4WD and independent suspension, and seats four-all in buckets with racing harnesses. The gauges can be reconfigured for highway or off-road use. The Hx, smaller than a Hummer H3, is powered by a 3.6-liter E85 FlexFuel V-6. Click here for more photos!
H3T Off-Road Adventure
As off-road capable as the H3 is, the Hummer H3T takes the H3's ability even further. The optional Off-Road Adventure package includes 33-inch tires, 4.03:1 gearing and up to a 68.9:1 crawl ratio, special shocks, and locking front and rear diffs (it's the only midsize truck to offer this). If Jeep is going to put out a pickup, it's got some serious competition to beat. Click here for more photos!
Volkswagen Routan
This van is based on the same platform as the Town and Country/Grand Caravan, yet Volkswagen has made it its own. The Routan (a play on the name of VW's European-market "Touran" subcompact van) is a seven-passenger minivan with a VW-designed interior, choice of 3.8- or 4.0-liter V-6 engines, and VW-tuned suspension and steering. With better looks than either Chrysler product and a plan to go on sale at less than $25,000, the Routan could be a serious player in the segment. And, who knows? Westfalia could make a really cool special-edition Routan with a pop-up roof. Click here for more photos!
Ford Work Solutions
Tested on job sites, Ford Work Solutions is a suite of on-board systems that helps small-business owners work from the road. The systems include communications, navigation, and fleet management-it can also track your tools and equipment, ensuring nothing's been stolen. You monitor and control it through the nav screen-it's like having a laptop in the center console. You can even create spreadsheets, connect to the Internet, download shop manuals, and connect a printer through a wireless interface. It'll be available on the 2009 E- and F-Series and the 2010 Transit Connect.
Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet introduced its crossover based on the Acadia/Enclave/Outlook platform. Donning an oversize Malibu front end, the Traverse seats up to eight, tows 4500 pounds, and uses a 281-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 backed by a six-speed automatic. Cabin amenities include a SmartSlide second row, nav, and DVD entertainment, all optional. The Traverse should come in at a lower price than the Outlook, making it the best value of the bunch. Click here for more photos!
Announcements
Edge Sport-In fall 2008, the Ford Edge will be available with a sport package, which includes standard 20-inch wheels (22s optional) with 40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, an eight-piece body kit, and minor interior tweaks.Sierra Hybrid-No surprise here: A Sierra hybrid is coming. It gets the same 2-Mode Hybrid system as in the Tahoe, Escalade, and Silverado. This truck uses a 6.0-liter V-8 and can tow 6100 pounds. City fuel economy increases by 40 percent (highway increase is 25 percent).Tundra Warrior-Toyota may be considering a new option package for the Tundra. Displayed in Chicago, the Warrior was all black inside and out and bore TRD wheels and a dual exhaust system. 4Runner Urban Runner-Toyota's newest addition to the 4Runner line is the Sport Edition Urban Runner Package. The $1760 cost gets you 18-inch six-spoke wheels, chrome tip, and black tubular side steps and roof rack with crossbars. The cabin has a unique audio system with integrated Tom Tom portable nav.More on Baby Cummins-It still looks like Dodge is on track to offer a V-6 Cummins turbodiesel in the Ram 1500 after 2009. The engine is said to be around 4.8 liters and 50-state legal.