Top 2016 Chicago Auto Show Debuts
This year’s Chicago Auto Show promises more than the usual array of high-performance, exotic dream cars from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and McLaren: It also offers a look at some lower-priced sexy speedsters — many of which we’ve decided to include among our list of top debuts and displays.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE
A new 1LE package will be offered later this year on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS V-8 with a manual transmission. The package adds-on electronic limited slip differential, a FE4 suspension system with magnetic ride control, and bigger brakes, larger tires with better grip, and an optional Performance Data Recorder. Apart from a general boost in performance (and style), the new 455-horsepower track-ready Camaro SS should — as a result — exceed 1G in lateral acceleration, according to Chevy.
2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
The German carmaker’s sleek new SL roadster was also on display at the show. The 2017 model ranges from the SL450 trim to the SL550, AMG SL63 and AMG SL65. That last one is particularly interesting, as it’s fitted to a V-12 engine that’s good for 621 horses and 738 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, and top speed is 155 mph.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster also benefits from several quality materials, features and technologies.
2017 Bentley Bentayga
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The new 2017 Bentley Bentayga was showcased for the first time in the Windy City. Although it’s not your typical sports car (it’s actually a sports utility vehicle), the model is worth mentioning for its 600-hp 6.0-liter W12 twin turbo TSI engine, maximum speed of 187 miles per hour, and zero-to-60 acceleration time of only 4.0-seconds — and all from a 5,400-pound SUV priced from approximately $229,100.
2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT
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Finally, no auto show is complete without at least one Aston Martin, and in this case, the British manufacturer sent over the 2016 DB9 GT coupe. Why? Perhaps because this sweet-looking beast is powered by a 5.9-liter V-12 engine developing 540 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed transmission, and capable of reaching a top speed of 183 mph, it would be hard not to appreciate the iconic coupe. Oh, and the DB9 GT can sprint to the 60 mph marker in 4.4 seconds. It’s starting price, based on the model at the event, is $198,250.
The auto show runs from February 13-21, 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
