The market for full-size American luxury SUVs is getting seriously heated. Cadillac recently released an all-new Escalade, and now along comes Lincoln with an updated Navigator. Ford’s luxury division has tossed out the previous models’ fuel-guzzling V-8 for a more efficient turbocharged “EcoBoost” V-6 engine. With seating for up to 8 people onboard, and acres of leather and wood trim, the Navigator places a premium on relaxed and comfortable driving. It can look pretty flashy too, especially when riding on optional 22-inch alloy wheels.
The 2014 Chicago Auto Show opens its doors to the media on February 6. We’ll be there, braving whatever wintry weather the Windy City might throw our way, to bring you the latest scoop on five new models that are set to be the show’s biggest news makers.
Fresh off the Journey’s best sales year, Dodge is introducing an edgier-looking new trim level for the 2014 model year. The Dodge Journey Crossroad receives its own toughened-up front and rear fasciae, dark tinted headlights and tail lamps, and a set of very cool 19-inch black-painted alloys. The three row cabin has special leather, accent stitching, and other upgraded materials throughout. We recommend the optional 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V-6 engine. It’s got loads more power and is nearly as fuel efficient as the entry-level 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.
It is basically the top of lineup of the Nissan brand, Nakamura said. Its a halo product, cascading to the whole Nissan design. It has a very emotional front, flowing sides and floating roof that you will see in others more dramatic, communicating what we want to deliver.
Subaru is pushing safety in a big way these days, and the Legacy is available with pretty much everything Subaru’s got, including new front-seat cushion airbags that deploy from the seat bottom to help keep occupants in place in a frontal collision. Electronic aids include hill start assist, blind spot detection, lane change assistant, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, and Subaru’s “EyeSight” system that combines adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
But, theres still room to play on memories; Nakamura also showed IDx concepts with style based on the classic Datsun 510 a car embraced by Americas youth. Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer confirmed in an interview with AutoWeek that at least one will be produced.