Below we've broken
down what made news in the Windy City and why.
Buick Lucerne
Buick is continuing to move upscale as the
replacement for the LeSabre proves. For the first
time in a decade a Buick car will be available with
a V8 engine. In this case, it is a detuned version
of the excellent 4.6-liter Northstar rated at 275hp.
Buick fans will surely notice that the V8 powered
cars sport 4 portholes on each front fender. Inside
is where you will notice the most progress in
Buick's march upwards as the
Lucerne's well-trimmed interior looks premium.
The Lucerne will also be the first Buick available
with GM's Magnetic Ride Control to ensure
controlled, but comfortable ride quality.
Cadillac DTS
The DTS is the last Cadillac to receive the
division's Art & Science design language and we're
not sure it's a complete success but the interior
does see some design improvements. Our uncertainty
focuses mainly on the Escalade grille that simply
looks too large for the car--at least to our eyes.
The interior features real wood trim and more
soft-touch materials and subtle refinements like
increased seat travel.
Dodge Ram Mega Cab
Dodge's answer to those who complain that pickup
trucks don't have enough interior space is the Mega
Cab. The Ram Mega Cab puts a short-bed on a long-bed
chassis and directs the extra space directly to the
cabin. There is so much leg-room in the back seats,
in fact, that they can recline and there is even
storage space behind them. The Mega Cab also debuts
a refreshed look to the Ram lineup including a
modified grille and new headlamps. The Ram Mega Cab
offers 145.2 cubic feet of interior space and more
than 44 inches of rear-seat legroom. Powertrain
configurations remain the same but don't be
surprised if people start calling the Mega Cab the
Maybach of pickup trucks.
Mercury Milan
Detroit saw the debut of the Ford Fusion
midsize sedan and Chicago shows us what a slightly
more sophisticated Fusion would look like. Mercury
calls its version the Milan and all the usual
Mercury design cues are accounted for. There is the
brushed aluminum waterfall grille, the multi-spoke
wheels, the aluminum-look interior trim and a few
added standard features.
The rear of the car is also made distinct from the
Fusion with revised taillamps and large back-up
lights. Improved sound-deadening materials also keep
the Milan quieter than the Fusion, increasing the
comfort level.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota is either trying to change its image as a
company that doesn't take design risks or it
suspects enough people are itching to buy a vehicle
that screams, "I don't care if you think I'm ugly!"
Actually, Toyota claims the FJ Crusier was designed
as, "a basic, capable and affordable off-roader
aimed specifically at young buyers with active
outdoor lifestyles." Whatever the case, we aren't
putting it on our 10 Most Beautiful Cars list
anytime soon. Just in case retro-inspired oddities
are your cup of tea, we'll give you a few more
details. A 245hp 4.0-liter V6 sends power to either
a 5-speed automatic or an available 6-speed manual.
We'll see how the public receives the FJ Cruiser
when it goes on sale in early 2006 as an '07 model.
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