Hyundai releases a video starring the new Elantra GT, a new model unveiled just a few hours ago at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The car is powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp and 177 Nm of torque coupled to a 6-speed transmission, manual or automatic. The Elantra GT weighs only 1,265 kg, rolls 17″ alloys and comes with standard heated front seats, cooled glove box, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, power driver seat and dual-zone climate control with a built-in ionizer, while optional extras include leather upholstery, satellite radio, automatic headlights and sat-nav.

For this model the Korean carmaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100km in urban traffic and 6.0 l/100km when traveling on motorways. If you want to know more about this car, check out the official Press Release after the jump. The 2013 Elantra GT will go on sale this summer.

Continue reading: Hyundai Elantra GT: the video

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South Korean manufacturer Kia releases new official images of the Track’ster concept, a prototype styled at its own Design Studio in California and described as a one-of-a-kind sporty crossover delivering unbelievably high performance. This intriguing model is being introduced to the public right now at the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after models of the event. This concept is supposed to be an anticipation of a future production model that combines sporty aesthetics with some quite original and peculiar technical feature, but for some reason we doubt it will be as cool as this concept.

To start with, its 2-tone Whiteout and Inferno Orange color scheme seems to be absolutely spot-on. The front end has a massive air intake placed right in the middle of the front bumper, full LED fog-lights as well as modern looking head lamps, while its exclusive 19″ alloys are fitted with Michelin performance tyres and Brembo brakes. The grille is quite reminiscent of Kia’s most recent production and the shape of the sides provides the vehicle with a quite athletic feeling. Under the bonnet we have a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox that produces 250 hp, which is a staggering 66% more than the most powerful engine currently available in the production Kia Soul’s line-up.

At the back we have the tail lights that are integrated in the rear window and a grille that retrieves the shape of the one at the front with a pair of mufflers at its sides. The sharp air-outlets on the sides of the car complete the wicked look of this concept. Inside Kia Track’ster Concept there are only two seats, with spare wheel, fire extinguisher and storage bays in place of the rear bench, just like in a rally car. However, the red/white/gray theme continues in the cabin too, and from what we can see the overall look of dashboard, wheel panels and all is just as harmonious and well-thought as the exterior. To find out more about Kia Track’ster Concept, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Kia Track’ster Concept photo gallery

Continue reading: Kia Track'ster Concept unveiled: official info and photo gallery

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Hyundai has introduced the new Elantra GT hatchback and Elantra Coupe at the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show, unleashing at the same time a first lot of official images of the two models on the internet. The pair comes with the same 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that powers the Elantra sedan - delivering 150 hp and 177 Nm of torque - that can be coupled to either a manual or an automatic 6-speed transmission.

The Elantra GT weighs only 1,265 kg, a feature that allows it to be quick and responsive even though the engine is not that performing. It comes with 17″ alloys and a sporty set-up that makes it extremely stable. In the cabin we have heated seats, seven air bags, sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and even a cooled glove compartment. For this model the Korean carmaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100km in urban traffic and 6.0 l/100km when traveling on motorways.

The Elantra Coupe will be available in two versions: the ‘GS’ and the more well-equipped SE. The main features of the former are a set of 16″ wheels and a quite minimal interior with mp3 player and 6 speakers. The SE instead will roll on standard 17″ rims and an optional sat-nav system with a 7″ touch screen and a rear view camera. The Coupe will come in seven different colors - three of which are available for this model exclusively -and black or gray interior finishing. No word on prices yet.

View the full Hyundai Elantra GT photo gallery
View the full Hyundai Elantra Coupe photo gallery

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Nissan will introduce a restyled version of its 370Z at the imminent 2012 Chicago Auto Show (February 10-19) and, as the tradition dictates, the carmaker has just released on the web a large photo gallery starring the new car. The model - firstly introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show - receives some small cosmetic upgrade but no relevant changes to its powertrain, which was excellent in the first place anyway.

The ‘cosmetic upgrades’ of this face-lifted version are the new LED stripes integrated in the front bumper, the addition of new 18″ and 19″ alloys to the previous range and some more color option for the livery, that’s it. Just like the model it is about to replace, the restyled 370Z will be available in both coupe and roadster body types, and will come with its signature 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine credited with an output of 328 hp. This unit can be coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

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A new variant of the Volkswagen Beetle with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is scheduled to debut on the market in the summer, following its official unveiling at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show (February 8-19). This unit is the same one equipping the the Jetta TDI, an iron/aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected Clean Diesel producing 140 hp and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The model will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, but VW will also make a 6-speed ‘dual-clutch’ DSG gearbox available as an option.

The Beetle 2.0 TDI requires 8.1 litres of diesel every 100 km in urban traffic, a figures that goes down to 6 l/100km when traveling on motorways. The standard equipment also includes six airbags, ESP, RCD310 audio system with CD player, Blootooth connectivity and eight speakers. We will be waiting for some news in regard to the European version of the model.

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