What you see is the 2010 Ford Edge. At the 2010 Chicago Auto Show a refreshed 2011 Edge will make its debut and feature an all new engine.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, introduced last summer in the Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT, will soon get expanded to other vehicle lines. That original 3.5L V6 represents the first of a family of direct injection, turbocharged engines, with a 2.0L I4 up next. The smaller engine will find its way under the hood of the Ford Edge, a medium sized crossover model.

The Importance of EcoBoost

EcoBoost is important for a number of reasons. First of all, the technology squeezes more horsepower and torque out of a smaller engine, giving it the ability to work as efficiently as a larger motor. Secondly, the engine burns cleaner, resulting in fewer harmful emissions. Thirdly, EcoBoost is more fuel efficient, allowing drivers to enjoy the mileage benefits of a smaller engine, while receiving the power of a larger one.

The 2011 Ford Edge will make its bow at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, this model will also be the first to feature the automaker’s MyFord Touch system, an arrangement which replaces most of the standard gauges, switches and knobs with full-color computer screens and sensitive to the touch buttons.

Mid-Cycle Refresh and More

The changes made for the Ford Edge represents a mid-cycle refresh, with the nose, hood, and windshield tweaked accordingly. But underneath the hood, the base 3.0L V6 will be replaced by the 2.0L I4 EcoBoost, offering similar power levels as the engine it replaces but with improved fuel economy. The optional 3.5L V6 remains; but engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Last month, Ford unveiled its refreshed Lincoln MKX, the luxury version of the Ford Edge. It, too, is receiving a significant mid-cycle upgrade, but Ford has not announced whether an EcoBoost engine will be made available for that model when it goes on sale later this year.

Both the Ford and the Lincoln are built at the company’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, with the Edge ranked as the top selling midsize crossover model.

Other Ford Motor News

In other news, Ford’s January 2010 US car sales increased by 25 percent over January 2009, on the strength of fleet sales. Retail sales were actually down for the month, but the fleet sales helped Ford record the best month over month improvement among the Big Six automakers. Ford also replaced Toyota as the second best selling brand in the US as the Japanese automaker saw its sales decline in the face of a recall and sales halt.

“This is the continuation of the reinvention of our Dodge Ram lineup,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep Brands. “Over the past five years, Dodge has gained market share in the heavy-duty pickup segment, and to stay on that track, Dodge keeps innovating. Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups will continue to build on our momentum.”

If you’re in Chicago this week and have a chance to stop in at the Chicago Auto Show, then check out Dodge’s new fleet of crew sized heavy duty pickup trucks. For the first time ever, Dodge is offering a line of ultimate duty pickup trucks for crews, six passenger vehicles which can haul people while carrying a lot of stuff in its bed.

“Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups continue to build on Dodge Ram’s leadership in the Heavy-Duty pickup segment,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. “Our Ram Heavy-Duty pickups reinforce Dodge Ram’s bold and powerful reputation, and provide improved capability in critical areas of the segment.”

The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are designed to deliver a total package:

• Increased Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on 2500 4×4 crew cab diesel models to 9,600 lbs. from 9,000 lbs.
• Increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) on 3500 dually models with diesel, auto transmission and 4.10 rear axle to 25,400 lbs. from 24,000 lbs.
• Increased Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) on 3500 4×2 models to 24,000 lbs. from 23,000 lbs.
• Increased front Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) on several models:
  • To 5,500 lbs. from 5,200 lbs. on diesel 4×4 pickups
  • To 5,000 lbs. from 4,700 lbs. on diesel 4×2 pickups

Suspension upgrades and larger front axle U-joints, combined with increased front GAWR, result in increased front-weight carrying capability – a must for larger snowplows.

“We brought some of the best design cues from our Dodge Ram 1500 to the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, yet we set the 2500 and 3500 pickups apart from our light-duty trucks,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design. “The ‘big-rig’ styling is even more pronounced, with the classic Dodge look that conveys bold, powerful and capable.”

Following are more than 25 safety and security features available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty pickups:

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
• Advanced multi-stage air bags: Uses either an Occupant Classification System or a Low-risk Deployment Air Bag for the front passenger
• BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
• Brake/Park interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
• Child-protection rear door locks: Disables the rear doors’ inside-release handle via a small lever on the door-shut face
• Constant-Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seat belt, and then gradually releases the seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner
• Crumple zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
• Electronic brake force distribution: Adjusts braking pressure front to rear, based on weight distribution of passengers and cargo, to minimize brake dive during hard braking
• Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydro-formed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
• Height-adjustable seat belts: Allows occupants to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat-belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit
• HomeLink universal home security system transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage-door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
• Interior head-impact protection: Interior pillars above the beltline and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures, and shoulder-belt turning loops specifically designed to limit head-impact force
• Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) Child Seat Anchor System: Designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
• Low-risk deployment air bag: Front-passenger air bag that uses unique shape, venting, folding patterns, advanced inflators or a combination of these four technologies to position and inflate the restraint properly for a belted passenger, while also meeting federal safety requirements for out-of-position, small occupants and rear-facing infant seats. Occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seats with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 years old and younger should always be seated in the back seat correctly using an infant or child restraint system, or have the seat belt positioned correctly for their age and weight
• Parksense® Rear Park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of visible (interior lights seen with rearview mirror) and audible warnings for the driver
• Power-adjustable pedals: Allows brake, accelerator and clutch (if equipped) pedals to move toward or away from the driver in order to achieve a safe and comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control
• Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
• Seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, the impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupants’ heads and torsos
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after a few seconds
• Standard side-curtain air bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs
• Supplemental side air bags: Provide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor which autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where the impact occurs. Supplemental side air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat
• Three-point seat belts: Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions in the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty pickups have lap and shoulder belts
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. SLT and Laramie systems display actual tire pressure at each wheel. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system (2500 only)
• uconnect phone: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Source: Chrysler LLC

The Chicago Auto Show will be opening to the public beginning this weekend and is featuring a number of new cars and concept vehicles.

Among the newest models making their debut at this year’s show is the 2010 Acura TSX V-6, car with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and many other enhancements.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

The Best Selling TSX

Redesigned last year, the TSX has been well received by automotive press and customers alike, beating Acura sales records to become one of its best selling sedans ever. The standard I4 model is admired for its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance, something that the V6 model will offer and more.

The V6 TSX powertrain features a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC(R) valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be paired to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with smart features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. Upon driver demand, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1(R)-style paddle shifters.

Loaded With Standard Safety Features

The V6 TSX V-6 includes a number of standard safety features and is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA) and independent (IIHS) crash testing. Acura expects that the TSX will receive the IIHS’ top safety pick as well.

Inside, the new TSX will feature top level standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moon roof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.

On Sale Summer 2009

Additional details about the V6 Acura TSX including its sticker price will be released just before the new model goes on sale this summer.

Source: Acura

It can really be difficult to be in the automotive selling business these days, especially if you operate a dealership. Sales are down for the year, profit margins have been greatly reduced, and in the case of Chrysler and GM dealers, you have to wonder if the automakers will end up scrooging you this Christmas season.

News that Nissan/Infiniti would not have a significant presence at either the Detroit or Chicago auto shows has been difficult for some people to swallow, especially dealers who count on show floor exposure (and automaker support) to sell cars. Upon receiving the bitter news, dealers in the Chicago area howled and Nissan has reversed course, agreeing to show up in Chicago this February after all.

“After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times,” the company said in a statement Thursday.

Though Nissan has agreed to appear in Chicago, the automaker maintains that they will continue with its plans to not appear in Detroit, one of seven automakers staying away from the Motor City (Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Land Rover, and Porsche are the others). Nissan originally said that not having new products to introduce in either market was one of the reasons for curtailing its involvement, having just introduced three new vehicles at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

But, it looks like the power of friendly dealer persuasion has caused Nissan to reverse course when it comes to the Windy City, a move that will help bolster the morale of area dealers.

In addition to unveiling the 2009 Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, and Infiniti G37, the automaker has also rolled out a $9990 model, the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6, a car that was recently undercut in price by the Hyundai Accent by just twenty dollars.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)

Finding a special deal to attend a public event is where its at these days, especially as cash crunched consumers find it increasingly difficult to come up with the funds to pay their own way.

Drink Pepsi, Save Five Bucks

In Chicagoland, consumers are getting some help, in the form of discounts to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, an event that will be held from February 13-22, 2009 at McCormick Place. More than 20 million cans of Pepsi are being released around Chicago which will feature a five dollar discount for weekday admission to the show – half the price normally charged.

“This is huge for auto show fans,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Mark Scarpelli. “Not only will they get a nice discount ticket for the show, but they’ll also get to enjoy a Pepsi — and you’ve got to love that!”

“Just bring a Pepsi can with the Chicago Auto Show ‘promotion coupon’ printed on it to McCormick Place and head for the ticket redemption booth,” said Jerry Cizek, General Manager of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association . “Each marked can is good for one discount ticket on our weekdays. Our ticket takers will exchange the can — which will be recycled — and give the bearer a ticket for half off the regular $10 admission price.”

Available Throughout The Upper Midwest

The specially marked cans of Pepsi are valid for discounted show admission Feb. 13 and Feb. 16-20 only. Customers can find them in Pepsi retailers in the Upper Midwest Division of PepsiAmericas, that includes Chicagoland, plus Aurora, Elk Grove and Kankakee, Ill.; Munster, Ind.; and Milwaukee, Beloit, Oshkosh, Kenosha and Beaver Dam, Wisc.

Of course, if you are rabid Coke fan, there isn’t anything that will get you to drink a Pepsi just so that you can save five bucks. Instead, dumpster diving for empty cans is in order, especially behind bars, clubs, and restaurants in the greater Chicago area. Just bring a pair of surgical gloves and hip boots!

(Source: Chicago Auto Show)