Toyota Avalon 2016

Stepping up in style and adding more convenience and functionality across the line, the revamped 2016 Toyota Avalon was unveiled in Chicago. Still offered in XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring models with standard V6 power and XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited 4-cylinder AvalonHybrid variants, all benefit from more sophisticated exteriors and interiors coupled with specific content enhancements

Visual changes to the Avalon are focused on its front end. A trimmer upper grille and bolder reshaped lower element impart a bolder character which is complemented by new LED-enhanced headlamps and restyled turn signals. Less pronounced tail tweaks include refined LED rear lamps and a chrome bumper accent. The Avalon XLE and XLE Plus get revised 17-inch alloy wheels while the Touring grade boasts new 18-inch aluminum rims with a dark gray painted finish. The sportiest Avalon also features a more aggressively contoured fascia with full LED lights. Sitting atop the range, the Avalon Limited boasts new 18-inch Super Chrome alloys on the standard model and 17-inch versions on the Hybrid Limited. Less obvious, all 2016 versions of this full-size front-drive 4-door feature retuned suspension systems. The XLE through Limited models have a more compliant ride while the Touring-spec Avalon was reworked to deliver "a more dynamic and responsive driving experience

As for new creature features, the 2016 Avalon XLE and XLE Plus gain premium woodgrain dash accents and a larger 7.0-inch screen for their Entune Audio Plus sound systems. At XLE Premium level, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and Qi Wireless Charging join the expanded roster of standard equipment. On Limited models, Lane Departure Alert is teamed with the existing automatic high-beam headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System that are part of the available Technology Package. The 2016 Toyota Avalon lineup arrives in dealers this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual on-sale date

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Ram Laramie Limited 2015

Raising luxury benchmarks among full-size pickups, the new 2015 Ram Laramie Limited was unveiled in Chicago  the new Laramie Limited matches upscale design elements with exceptional capability. In this case, the visual distinction of this new Ram is focused on sophisticated elegance. Dubbed a "black-tie" alternative to the southwestern-themed Laramie Longhorn, the Laramie Limited will be available in Ram 1500 Crew Cab as well as Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Mega Cab models, rear- or 4-wheel drive and short/long-bed configurations

Highlighting the exterior enhancements on the Laramie Limited is an all-new grille that drops the conventional crosshair theme in favor of a chrome billet port look with a prominent "RAM" logo at its center. Flanking it are distinctive quad projector beam headlamps framed by amber LED parking lights and turn indicators. A bright finish on the side and window moldings, "Limited" etched mirrors and wheel-to-wheel side steps add punch to this ultra-Ram's profile, which also boasts polished/painted 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. At the rear, a massive chrome RAM badge underscored by a chrome accent strip dominates the Limited's redesigned tailgate which is complemented by new LED tail lamps. Buyers who require even more bling can replace body-color bumpers on 1500 Laramie Limited models with optional chrome - which "to address customer demand" will be standard-issue on select-color 2500/3500 models

Premium interior

As might be expected, the passenger compartment of the new Laramie Limited is awash in premium materials and defined by soft-touch surfaces and distinctive detailing. The seats are covered in supple Black Natura Plus leather and carry Graystone leather piping/stitching. As a tasteful counterpoint, Black Argento engineered wood with a subtle silver pinstripe teams with satin chrome, machine-spun aluminum and graphite accents. The Laramie Limited also features custom graphite gray gauge faces with white indicator needles and unique graphics while the seatback map pockets have a stylish buckled flap borrowed from the Laramie Longhorn. Heavy Duty models also replace the dash-mounted rotary transmission controller with a conventional column-style shift lever. In addition to LED ambient lighting in the cabin and footwells, the Ram Laramie Limited lineup introduces new black headliner and pillar trim as well as Black Berber carpet/mats and brushed-silver Ram-branded door-sill plates

To round out the Ram Laramie Limited's upscale character, all versions feature a next-gen 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, wood/leather heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, backup camera, remote start, power-adjustable pedals with memory plus a more-spacious double-stacked center console. Topped by a tambour-style wood sliding cover, it incorporates a new forward bin with a cell phone and tablet holder. Heavy Duty models with a 6-foot, 4-inch bed also come with lockable RamBox stowage. The 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited goes on sale during the second quarter. The 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Laramie Limited versions will arrive in dealer showrooms during the third quarter as 2016 models. Ram plans to release pricing for all models closer to the on-sale dates

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Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV

Making its North American debut, the Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV is being billed as "The Return of a Legend." Originally presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the Concept GC-PHEV represents "a next-generation full-size SUV" that may succeed the Montero last sold here in 2006. Although much of the future-tech found in its lavishly appointed 4-place cabin isn't likely to be hitting the street any time soon, there's a good deal more reality present in the green-leaning hybrid powertrain of the Mitsubishi Grand Cruiser Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle (GC-PHEV)

Motivation for the Concept GC-PHEV comes from a 3.0-liter/335-horsepower supercharged MIVEC V6 gasoline engine that works in concert with a 94-horse electric motor positioned ahead of an 8-speed automatic transmission. The motor is energized by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the rear cargo area while the centrally mounted gas tank sits below the rear seats. Target fuel economy for this concept SUV is 35 mpg while its projected EV cruising range is at least 25 miles on a single charge. To ensure the Concept GC-PHEV has a proper degree of go-anywhere capability regardless of road surfaces, the vehicle also is fitted with Mitsubishi's excellent S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) full-time AWD system

Driver assists galore

As might be expected, the Concept GC-PHEV's feature set includes a comprehensive array of safety/connectivity features. Beyond a full suite of conventional items, there's a sophisticated danger-detection system that can warn of and/or automatically respond to various potential traffic threats. Also, an early-detection system advises the driver of a potential failure or malfunction while there's still time to seek pro-active repairs or maintenance. Complementing the Concept GC-PHEV's fully configurable digital dash is a prominent touchscreen display accessible by both front and rear passengers that offers a new level of navigation proficiency as well as in-vehicle infotainment

We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it’s a showcase into our future technology and design themes," noted Mitsubishi Motors North America Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. We won’t have to wait very long to see what that really means. “All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April

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Kia Trail'ster Concept

it's even more impressive in the metal. This born-to-run-anywhere variation on the Soul charts a new path on several levels, starting with its high-profile appearance and unique gasoline/electric powertrain. Beyond that, Tom Kearns who heads the Kia Design Center of America where the Trail'ster was born, confirms this one-off represents "a near-future look at how the production Soul would logically evolve into an AWD-capable version."  And that's something the automaker is extremely interested in making happen, regardless of its specific drivetrain elements.  

Primary motivation for the Trail'ster Concept is provided by a 185-horsepower/1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 185 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. It's supplemented by a 35-horse electric motor/generator mounted on the Trail'ster's rear axle that bolsters off-the-line response and full-throttle acceleration while improving traction on slippery surfaces using torque vectoring. Fed by a 1.2kWh Lithium-ion battery pack under the rear floor that gets replenished when the vehicle is coasting or braking, the motor also keeps the Trail'ster moving ahead at low speeds for 2-3 miles on electric power alone

The gas/electric combo cranks out 220 total horses and 285 lb-ft of torque, which should ensure the Trail'ster remains quite engaging, on or off-road. Further abetted by a Hybrid Starter Generator start/stop system on the engine, Kia projects the setup will return 25-30 percent better overall fuel economy in city driving and a 5-10 percent increase on the city cycle. Given its active-lifestyle orientation, the Trail'ster's chassis also received a makeover, adding over 2.5 inches of ground clearance and replacing the standard shocks with a set of fully-adjustable KSport coilover shocks

Bold styling

Kia also cranks up the Trail'ster's cosmetics. Finished in Polar Pearl Snowdrift set off with Terra Bronze Metallic trim on the roof and lower cladding, this cool Kia features bright fire-red accents on the tow hooks and stylish 19-inch billet aluminum wheels that are wrapped in Pirelli Winter Carving 245/45 snow tires. Fitted with functional aluminum skid plates all around, the Trail'ster is loaded with LED lighting elements, including K900-style projector headlamps and integrated front/rear foglamps. Even the aluminum roof rack features an array of mini-spot lights that help the Trail'ster's driver see and be seen. Inside, the cabin is rendered in brown leather and pillow-embossed textiles with aluminum accents that create a look that recalls "an earthy but upscale environment" inspired by various winter sports gear. A distinctive center console holds the beefy shift lever, AWD controller and prominent red starter button

While Kia has yet to give the Soul Trail'ster an official greenlight for production, we're betting that some form of AWD Soul will be heading to showrooms

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Ford Police Interceptor Utility adds cool tech 2016

the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility stormed onto the show scene in Chicago - the city where it will be built. Already accounting for 55 percent of the law enforcement vehicle market, this updated variation on the theme takes the well-proven formula to a new level. Functional changes were made using input from the Ford Police Advisory Board to ensure it can handle the extreme demands of daily police duty while becoming more user-friendly

The visual remake for the 2016 Interceptor Utility includes Explorer-style fascia treatments including the bolder grille treatment and new lighting elements, which put a more sophisticated spin on the Police-spec package. Ford notes the 2016 Interceptor offers no less than 25 different configurations, adding that all are better integrated to tidy up the design while creating "a stealthier look for patrol duty." Inside, the recast dash that's easier on the eyes and hands has new gauges and a redesigned center stack with a 4.0-inch screen linked to a rearview camera with washer. In addition to an upgraded electrical system that better distributes current loads, the Interceptor Utility introduces an exclusive Surveillance Mode option that warns the driver if someone is approaching and automatically raises the window and locks all the doors

As in the past, the new 2016 Police Interceptor Utility offers the choice of a custom-calibrated 3.7-liter/304-horsepower Ti-VCT V6 or optional 3.5-liter/350-horse EcoBoost V6, both paired with a heavy duty 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Rounding out the mix are an enforcement-optimized suspension, brakes, 18-inch wheel/tire package and heavy duty cooling system. For the ultimate in personalization, over 125 option packages allow the further fitment of everything from reprogrammable steering wheel controls and a red/white dome light toggle to Level III ballistic shields mounted in the doors. Expect to see the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility turn up in a rearview mirror near you starting this summer

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