Mazda has unveiled a new concept version of its latest MX-5 showing off a new range of aftermarket parts that will be available for the drop top sports car.
Based on the 2016 MX-5, the accessories concept sports number of unique design cues, including an Aero Kit borrowed from the MX-5 Global Cup Car that debuted at SEMA, lightweight Brembo brakes, BBS alloy wheels and a luggage rack made of carbon fiber. Mazda says the high-tech luggage rack weighs less than two-pounds thanks to its carbon fiber construction.

The Mazda Miata has a long history with the Chicago auto show. The roadster was first introduced at the Chicago show in 1989.

“There is so much MX-5 history at the Chicago Auto Show, and we wanted to continue building on that,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “The MX-5 is the soul of our company, and its enthusiast following both inside and outside of Mazda drives us to keep innovating new ideas for it and the rest of our lineup.”

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 will hit the market later this year.

Kia has introduced the Trail’ster concept at the Chicago Motor show.
Based on the Soul, the Trail’ster is primarily powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 185 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. A rear-mounted electric motor rated at 35 horsepower and 100 lb-ft. of torque powers the car’s back wheels when extra traction is needed. Overall, the Trail’ster boasts 220 horsepower and 285 lb-ft. of torque.

Electricity is stored in a compact lithium-ion polymer battery pack located under the cargo compartment. The electric motor can power the Soul by itself for two or three miles at relatively low speeds.

Kia claims that the hybrid drivetrain helps the Trail’ster return 25-30 percent better gas mileage in the city than a regular-production 2015 model powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder. In addition to improving gas mileage, the gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain eliminates the turbo lag that is typically associated with turbocharged engines.

Finished in a two-tone Polar Pearl Snowdrift/Terra Bronze Metallic paint job, the rugged-looking Trail’ster stands out from the Soul thanks to a ground clearance that has been raised by over two and a half inches, a full-width grille, LED headlights and a new bumper inspired by the Track’ster concept that was introduced in Chicago two years ago. Aluminum skid plates protect the underbody from rocks and ice, while a full-length cloth sunroof adds a finishing touch to the adventure-ready look.

Inside, the Trail’ster features seats partially upholstered in brown leather, aluminum trim all around, a grab handle on the center console and a bigger shift lever.

Although Kia has not revealed precisely what the future holds for the Trail’ster concept, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the gas-electric drivetrain make its way to the Soul lineup in the not-too-distant future.

Live images by Brian Williams.

Volkswagen has announced US pricing details for its all-new Golf SportWagen.
The base TSI S trim carries a starting price of $21,395 with a manual transmission, while an automatic gearbox is available for an extra $1,100.

The starting MSRP is $600 higher than the current Jetta SportWagen, but VW suggests a better standard-equipment package actually represents a $700 discount over the previous base price. The new offering also brings better fuel efficiency, a more spacious interior and a lighter curb weight.

Buyers can opt for the higher TSI SI trim, which fetches $26,995, or the range-topping SEL build for $29,345. The latter package features 18-inch wheels, a navigation system and sport seats, among other upgrades.

The entry-level diesel edition can now be purchased for $24,595, representing a $1,600 reduction from the Jetta SportWagen TDI.

The company expects the new Golf SportWagen to outsell all other Golf hatchbacks combined, after it arrives in showrooms this April.

Honda has unveiled the all-new 2016 Pilot at the Chicago Motor Show.
3.5 inches bigger and 300 pounds lighter than the current model, the third-gen Pilot adopts a more streamlined look that borrows styling cues from the smaller CR-V. The Pilot’s front end gains swept-back headlights, a three-slat radiator grille and a more sculpted hood. The crossover’s overall silhouette is a lot less boxy, and its back end is characterized by boomerang-shaped tail lamps that create a less utilitarian look.

Inside, Honda’s biggest crossover continues to offer space for up to eight passengers. The Pilot gains clean, modern-looking dashboard dominated by an eight-inch touch screen that runs a new Android-based infotainment system and a strip of black trim. Notably, the outgoing model’s bulky console-mounted shift lever has been replaced by a series of switches located on the center console and a digital speedometer replaces the old Pilot’s analog unit.

The Pilot can be ordered with a number of high-end features including with a Blu-ray player, a nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system, leather-upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, a first in the nameplate’s history. Additionally, buyers can replace the second-row bench with individual seats at an extra cost.

Power for the new Pilot comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that features cylinder deactivation technology. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and Honda’s first-ever nine-speed automatic unit is available as an option. Buyers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive.

Performance and fuel economy figures will be published at a later date.

The new Pilot will be available with a long list of electronic driving aids including LaneWatch display, Blind Spot Indicators, a standard Multi-Angle Rear View Camera, and available Collision Mitigation Braking System and Honda’s new Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system.

Penned at Honda’s Los Angeles design studio and developed in Raymond, Ohio, the 2016 Honda Pilot will be built in Lincoln, Alabama.

Live images by Brian Williams.

Chevrolet has revealed the 2015 Silverado Custom ahead of its debut at the Chicago Motor Show that will open its doors to the press later today.
Based on the Silverado LS, the Custom model gains 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, a body-colored cap on the front bumper as well as chrome trim on both bumpers, the radiator grille, the door handles and the mirror caps. The Silverado Custom is exclusively available as a double cab.

Inside, the Custom boasts a 40/20/40 cloth-upholstered front seat, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows and locks, 4G LTE WiFi capability and a 4.2-inch touch screen that runs Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system.

The Custom comes standard with a 4.3-liter EcoTec V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers who need more grunt can order a 5.3-liter V8 mill that is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of twist, but the Corvette-derived 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine is not available on the Custom.

A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard regardless of how many cylinders are under the hood. Both two- and four-wheel drive are offered.

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Custom is scheduled to go on sale across the nation later this month. Pricing starts at $33,820 for the V8-powered two-wheel drive model equipped with optional color-keyed carpeting and $37,800 for a similarly-equipped four-wheel drive model.

Stay tuned to Leftlane for live images of the Silverado Custom straight from the show floor in Chicago starting later today.

Subaru has introduced a new option package that is exclusively available on the 2015 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium hatchback.
Called simply Option Package 16 (OP16), the package bundles popular optional features like a power tilt/sliding moonroof, a seven-inch color touch screen that runs the latest generation of Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system and a full suite of electronic driving aids called EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Subaru’s well-regarded EyeSight technology is centered around a pair of stereoscopic cameras that are integrated into the rear-view mirror. The system enables functions like adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning and pre-collision braking.

The package does not bring any mechanical modifications. The Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that generates 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s famed symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Gas mileage checks in at 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, though buyers looking for better mileage can order the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Option Package 16 will be available in the coming weeks. It will retail for $2,295, bumping the total price of the 2015 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium to $24,290.

Mazda is reportedly preparing to resurrect the iconic RX-7 nameplate before the end of the decade.
The company is said to be using the new MX-5 Miata platform, outfitted with a rotary engine. It will likely remain a two-seat roadster, rather than stretching to accommodate two rear-seat passengers, according to an Autocar report.

The two-seat layout is expected to be the reasoning for reviving the RX-7 name, or potentially RX-6, as the term RX-9 could be conceived as the same size as the four-door RX-8.

Mazda’s European research-and-development VP, Kenichiro Saruwatari, has confirmed that the company maintains dozens of engineers dedicated to rotary-engine development. Progress is said to have been made through partnerships with Japanese universities and NASA, which has helped pick a suitable material for the wear-prone rotor tips.

The report suggests Mazda is confident that it has made significant improvements to rotary-engine technology. Previous reports suggest the naturally-aspirated engine will be capable of producing more than 300 horsepower.

The automaker is said to be eyeing a 2020 launch to coincide with its 100th anniversary.