Autos: Sweet rides blow through Chicago auto show
If Detroit is known for Hollywood-style drama, Chicago is the less-flashy place to unveil significant redesigned production models.
Among other news so unveiled, Chevrolet announced it will build the 200-mile, $30,000 Bolt electric car in Michigan circa 2018, while Honda showed a drawing of the next Ridgeline pickup.
Here are more highlights from the Windy City.
2016 Honda Pilot
Honda has a respected line of crossovers, but the three-row Pilot has fallen behind. Later this year, a sleeker model hits showrooms with 20-inch wheels, LED projector headlamps and LED taillamps. It will be available with a Panoramic glass roof, space for eight, AWD and — praise heaven — no two-screen infotainment. Active safety tech will be available.
2016 Acura RDX
Honda's luxury division freshens its compact crossover with new wheels, redesigned front, sportier stance and the brand's Jewel Eye LED headlamps. Inside, rear climate control and power hatch become standard. There's also a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 and advanced crash avoidance systems. Unfortunately, it's still saddled with Acura's decrepit two-screen infotainment system.
2016 Ram Laramie Limited
FCA's truck brand introduces the Laramie Limited, an urban luxury pickup that flaunts real wood, acres of black leather and flap-closure seatback pouch. Exteriors supplant Ram's crosshairs with a billet port grille, halogen projector beams and 20-inch alloys. Add navigation, backup camera, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel.
Kia Trail'ster Concept
This Soul-based off-roader was created in Kia's Irvine, Calif., studio with a retractable canvas roof, brown interior and Polar Pearl Snowdrift/Terra Bronze paint. A 220-horsepower hybrid drivetrain features a 1.6-liter engine driving the front wheels and lithium-ion batteries/electric motors driving the rear. Ground clearance is raised 2.5 inches over standard Souls.
2016 Chevy Equinox
Equinox posted record sales in 2014, but Chevy is not idled. Updated styling includes projector beams, dual-element rear lamps and sportier wheels. Interiors flash a new color touchscreen and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. A backup camera comes standard. Chevrolet's second-best-selling vehicle should fend off an onslaught of competitors.
2016 Toyota Avalon
Beyond updated styling with a wider front grille, narrow upper grille and refined LED taillights, next year's Avalon will feature new suspensions that focus on comfort for XLE through Limited grades. Touring models will get a sportier feel. Revised Entune infotainment systems and wireless charging for smartphones are part of the deal.
Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Concept
Mitsubishi offered a technological showcase, but also a preview of upcoming SUVs. Muscular styling accompanies a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 335-horsepower supercharged V6, electric motors and AWD. Tactical Table allows passengers to share data on their iThings. The prototype also showcases pedestrian avoidance, auto-braking and rear blind-spot-warning systems.
2016 Ford Explorer Interceptor
If you're in the backseat of this Chicago-built Ford, it's not good. Offered exclusively to police forces, the all-weather crossover is updated with a rear camera with washer as standard. Keeping officers safe is a Surveillance Mode that warns if someone approaches, then it raises windows and locks doors. Departments will choose a 304-horsepower V6 or 365-horsepower turbo-V6.
Contact Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com or on Twitter: @AutoCasey. Check out more car coverage and auto reviews weekly on IndyStar.com.