Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner concept 2015

Presented as a concept, the Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner powered by Cummins bowed at the Chicago show loaded with real-world potential. Styled by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California, in conjunction with Nissan Global Design Center in Atsugi, Japan, tis show truck is based on a 2014 Frontier Desert Runner 4x2 pickup. Power for the Frontier Diesel Runner comes from a 2.8-liter/4-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel engine that makes nearly 200 horsepower but over 350 lb-ft of torque and is backed by a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. That pairing allows this fully-engineered design exercise to deliver exceptional performance and up to 35 percent better fuel economy than the current V6 4x2 Frontier

To ensure it won't get lost in a crowded parking lot, the decidedly high-profile exterior of the Nissan Diesel Runner is finished in Arrest Me Red and Matte Silver set off with carbon fiber and carbon-fiber-film accent elements. Highlighting its unique body bits are a deep front splitter, mesh grill insert, aerodynamic bed cover, rear spoiler and a custom hood with a semi-transparent acrylic insert that allows a glimpse of what resides underneath. Culled from a Frontier PRO-4X, the Diesel Runner's 16-inch wheels carry on the look with a two-tone treatment that pairs satin black with Matte Silver on the front rims and Arrest Me Red on the rears

The motif carries over to the cabin where carbon-print leather covers the seats and a carbon film-wrapped dash houses custom red-tinted main gauges. In fact, everything from the steering wheel to the custom floor mats does its color-keyed part to reinforce the distinctive appearance

So will we really see a Cummins-powered Nissan Diesel Runner in the showroom? While remaining understandably non-committal, Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A, Nissan North America, Inc, did concede his company is "definitely looking to explore what is possible for the next-generation Frontier." Similar sentiments were expressed by Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, NNA who noted the organization is "looking to the future and the changing demands of mid-size pickup buyers." And then there's the confirmed fact that Nissan and its technical partner Cummins, which is on tap to supply a new 5.0-liter turbodiesel V8 for the next-gen Titan pickup, are already hard at work on another unnamed "development vehicle that's currently undergoing rigorous real-world testing." Stay tuned

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Dodge Journey Crossroad 2014

Making its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad adds a new level of style and substance to the versatile 7-passenger crossover SUV. Slotting in between the existing SXT and Limited models, this new twist on the theme shares the same basic mechanicals as its other Journey siblings but features a number of unique cosmetic and functional touches

Visual tweaks to the new Journey Crossroad start with revised "performance" fascia treatments. Highlighting the changes are Gloss Black grille and fog lamp surrounds set off with a Platinum Chrome accent element while the rear revamp reprises those themes, matching Gloss Black lamp bezels with a Platinum Chrome-finished faux-skidplate. That subtle brightwork also appears on the Crossroad's roof rails while its unique 19-inch alloy/5-spoke alloy wheels are rendered in Hyper Black

Inside, the new Journey Crossroad gets distinctive trim and enhanced standard features. The seats are done in black leather with sport mesh inserts set off by Light Slate Grey accent stitching while the instrument panel, gauge cluster, center console, door pulls and steering wheel trim boast a unique Liquid Graphite finish. This versatile Dodge hauler also has an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, power front driver's seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat that has a hidden storage compartment under the seat cushion

Like the Journey SXT, the new Crossroad comes standard with the 173-horsepower/2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and offers the 283-horsepower/3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as an option. The former is backed by a 4-speed automatic while the latter is paired with a 6-speed autoshifter. Like the SXT and Limited, it is available in standard front-drive or optional AWD configurations

The 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad arrives at dealers this spring. Pricing will start at $25,990

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BMW 740Ld xDrive

Expanding its portfolio of diesel-powered models in its U.S. lineup, BMW will introduce the 2014 740Ld xDrive Sedan at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Based on the long-wheelbase 7 Series and fitted with the automaker's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this latest addition to the family will share the same 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel inline-6 currently found in the BMW X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle and 535d/535d xDrive Sedans. Here, too, this sophisticated motivator will be tuned to produce 255 horsepower at 4,000 rpm but a stout 413 lb-ft of torque that will be on hand from 1,500 to 3,000 revs

Fitted with a single T-charger that features a variable-vane design to enhance low-end torque while eliminating the need for a separate wastegate, the strong, silky diesel is expected to hustle the 740Ld xDrive Sedan from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.1 seconds while generating about a 25-30 percent improvement in overall fuel economy compared to a comparable 7 Series with a 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Helping that econo cause, the 740Ld xDrive Sedan also gets BMW's Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode as well as an Auto Start/Stop system. To ensure 50-state compliance, the engine will employ a NOx Storage Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system

The 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive will arrive in showrooms this spring. Pricing is set to start at $83,425

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Toyota Corolla 2016

Raising its visual profile while adding the Smart Key System with pushbutton start, the 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition is set to debut in Chicago. Based on a Corolla S Plus variant with a 132-horsepower/4-cylinder engine and paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission, the new Special Edition will be on offer in three exterior colors: Black Sand Pearl, Super White and an exclusive Absolutely Red and be fitted with special 17-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. All versions share the same black interior trim set off with red accents and stitching plus Special Edition floor mats

The 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition will be produced in a limited run of 8,000 units with the build-out period to run from August through December. Key options include Toyota's Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite along with a power moonroof. Corolla Special Edition pricing will be released closer to its on-sale date

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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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