Chrises Cars

The Chicago Auto show will be opening their doors to the public on the 12th of this month and heres a look at some of the concept cars that will be on display.

CADILLAC XTS PLATINUM CONCEPT

This Cadillac features a 3.6 liter direct injection V-6 engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system that combines to produce 350 horsepower. All wheel drive distributes the output where needed to 20-inch wheels, which are guided by Magnetic Ride Control. Inside tech features abound with an Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays replacing traditional gauges and screens. The display screen is blended into the instrument panel resulting in a minimum of buttons and switches. A layered and detailed interior features premium leather and suede.

CHEVROLET AVEO RS SHOW CAR

Powering the front wheels on this hot hatch is a turbocharged 1.4 liter engine that kicks out 138 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed manual. It also has 19-inch wheels.

GMC GRANITE CONCEPT

Power for the Granite concept comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, matched with a 6-speed transmission. There’s no pillar between the front and rear doors, making the Granite easier to enter, exit and load, even with bulky items. Among the most functional elements of the Granite concept are reconfigurable seats that can flip up and fold in toward the center console, creating a long, unobstructed storage space.

HYUNDAI BLUE-WILL CONCEPT

This compact 4-door sedan is a test bed of new ideas including panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries, a thermal generator which converts hot exhaust gases into electricity, drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batters and touch screen controls. Blue-Will promises an EV driving range up to 40 miles on a charge and an economy rating up to 100 mpg. Helping to achieve those numbers is a direct injection 1.6 liter engine that produces 152hp, a CVT and a 100kw electric motor.

TOYOTA FT-CH CONCEPT

This basic concept is to provide the spirit, functionality and nimbleness of a car that thrives in the inner city, yet provides comfort and room for its passengers. It can go from 13 to 60 miles in the EV mode before the hybrid system kicks in. Production is likely but styling may be revised from the concept.

VOLVO C30 BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Looking much like the production C30 4-passenger hatchback, the BEV features similar safety, handling, and 20.2 cu. ft. of cargo room, but it is powered solely by electricity. The electric motor is housed under the hood in place of the conventional power plant. Driving range is about 93 miles and top speed is about 80 mph. A lithium/iron battery takes eight hours to charge on household current. Volvo is building 50 Electric C30s for study, and committing to a new hybrid model for 2012.