Chicago Auto Show auto news

Snip-Snip: GM slashing $800M from marketing budget (yes, even Transformers)

When you're forced into a life-and-death situation like General Motors, a lot of tough calls have to be made - yet some are more obvious than others. In this case, The General has made it clear that it plans to slash its North American marketing spending - by some $800 million dollars.

That's an extra $200M on top of the $600M that already GM vowed it would cut by 2010 in a disclosure it made back in December. And it isn't just things like SuperBowl commercials, and print ads - vehicle incentives will also be impacted, something that will doubtlessly affect the already tough sledding that dealers are experiencing.

Another example: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Despite early efforts to tie Chevrolet to the Shia LaBeouf/Megan Fox Paramount sequel with efforts like the Corvette Centennial Concept and "Jolt" Volt unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, trade publication Advertising Age is reporting that GM will not spend much money to co-promote the movie.

For the initial 2007 Transformers movie, GM is said to have spent "tens of millions" of dollars in advertising-related initiatives, but not only can the financially-strapped automaker not afford to do so, it realizes it may also not be a good idea in light of the taxpayer bailout. AdAge is quoting one insider as saying:

"You're not going to see any TV media that I know of. Even though you can make a case for it from a marketing standpoint, it's the kind of thing that might get you roundly criticized in light of today's climate. It's viewed as too risky, sort of like Citibank's deal with the Mets. GM can't afford to do that.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars LIVE

Autoblog Podcast #116

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It's a two man effort for Autoblog Podcast #116, which sees editor Neff returning to fill the host slot. John and Dan kick the ball around about the GM and Chrysler viability plans, wayward efforts to "Engage the Blogosphere" at the Chicago Auto Show, and the new SHO that dropped in Chi-town. The usual suspects return for next week, and we'll pay more attention to your thoughts and questions, so keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks for listening!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #116

Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]

It's not often that we report on ourselves, but our own illustrious editor-in-chief, John Neff (third from the left in the snazzy corduroy sport jacket his grandma got him last Christmas), participated in a symposium titled "Engaging the Blogosphere" at this year's Chicago Auto Show. It was a look at what the internet, and blogging in particular, means to the future of automotive journalism and marketing. Anchored by a brief analysis of the power of the internet on new car buyers, the event ended with a panel discussion that included representatives from "traditional media," an OEM, a car buying site and our own little professional blog. While the discussion produced some heated debate, it also helped put some outdated misperceptions of blogging to rest.

Follow the jump to read the whole story and learn what happened to shake up the room during the panel discussion. We've also embedded a video of the panel discussion so you can see for yourself what went down.

NOTE: We deliberately resisted the urge to add speech bubbles to the image above, so feel free to download a copy, add your own and post a link to it in the comments section of this post.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]

Illinois to offer temporary Barack Obama license plates

The cult of personality (and associated merchandising onslaught) surrounding the 44th President of the United States now extends to Illinois residents' automobiles. For a mere $50, motorists can acquire special-edition temporary license plates that further pledge their allegiance to President Barack Obama (beyond the usual assortment of Hope/Change/Etc. bumper stickers). Proceeds from the sale of the license plates (which you can buy at the Chicago Auto Show next week) benefit the Illinois Library Association.

The tags are valid between February 17 and April 17, 2009, at which point they will undoubtedly appear, en masse, on eBay. Hat tip to Michael D. for the heads-up.

Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast concept

It made its debut over the summer at Pebble Beach. It showed up again in November at SEMA. And finally, we have a set of our own live shots of the CC Gold Coast concept because Volkswagen sent the swanky 4-door to Chi-town.

The Gold Coast is doused in a rich-looking brown finish dubbed "Pepe Pepper" by DuPont, and it adopts a squat, muscular stance riding on a set of KW coilovers. 19-inch wheels fill out the wells nicely, and a full ground effects kit brings the look even closer to the ground. Veedub's 280-horsepower 3.6 FSI V6 sits underhood, mated to a six-speed DSG. Stopping power on this looker is further enhanced with a set of the Audi R8's ceramic discs in front.

While the CC Gold Coast is technically a concept, VW's making sure it gets in front of as many eyes as possible. Hence, we wouldn't be surprised to see the "concept" moniker eventually turn into "special edition" - minus those supercar stoppers.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast

Photos copyright Frank Filipponio/ Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Travis Pastrana Edition

Click above for high-res gallery of the Subaru Travis Pastrana Impreza WRX STI

Tucked away in a corner of McCormick Place was this custom WRX STI built in as part of a cooperative effort between Subaru and Travis Pastrana's race team, Vermont SportsCar. The car commemorates Pastrana's third consecutive Rally America National Championship, and although a one-off, many of the parts on the car can be purchased through your local authorized Subaru dealer.

The exterior features custom yellow paint, a carbon fiber hood and rear spoiler, front chin spoiler, and a set of PIAA 2100 HID driving lights. Handling is improved thanks to an SPT strut tower brace, lower chassis brace, and super-sticky BFGoodrich G-Force Super Sport A/S tires wrapped over satin black Work Evolution XD-9 wheels.

Under the hood, the 2.5-liter boxer engine gets an upgraded ECU and custom downpipe, while the interior now sports custom blue Alcantara seats with yellow piping, short-throw shifter, Kicker sound system and... an XBox 360. Full details in the press release after the break, and high-res photos from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Subaru Travis Pastrana Impreza WRX STI

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Travis Pastrana Edition

Chicago 2009: Volkswagen Passat CC Gold Coast concept

It made its debut over the summer at Pebble Beach. It showed up again in November at SEMA. And finally, we have a set of our own live shots of the CC Gold Coast concept because Volkswagen sent the swanky 4-door to Chi-town.

The Gold Coast is doused in a rich-looking brown finish dubbed "Pepe Pepper" by DuPont, and it adopts a squat, muscular stance riding on a set of KW coilovers. 19-inch wheels fill out the wells nicely, and a full ground effects kit brings the look even closer to the ground. Veedub's 280-horsepower 3.6 FSI V6 sits underhood, mated to a six-speed DSG. Stopping power on this looker is further enhanced with a set of the Audi R8's ceramic discs in front.

While the CC Gold Coast is technically a concept, VW's making sure it gets in front of as many eyes as possible. Hence, we wouldn't be surprised to see the "concept" moniker eventually turn into "special edition" - minus those supercar stoppers.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast

Photos copyright Frank Filipponio/ Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: City of big shoulders... and big smiles

It was only a matter of time before we got around to posting our beautiful people gallery from the Chicago Auto Show. Models have been pretty scarce at all of the major shows this year, and this year's Chi-town extravaganza was no exception. We've done our level best to search out those who've shown up to give them some screen time. As always, we appreciate the tireless work of the booth professionals who have to stand in heels all day and pretend to be happy to see another camera shoved in their faces. Many have mentioned that they are fans of Autoblog, but we suspect they say that to everyone. Still, we know that many will be viewing this post (with their families in some cases) so please keep your comments to yourself if you don't have anything nice to say.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Booth professionals

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.

Chicago 2009: Dodge Ram 3500HD

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500HD

When it comes to consumer loyalty, you'd be hard pressed to find a more dedicated group of fans outside the heavy-duty pickup segment. Recognizing this, Dodge has brought a slew of full-size trucks to the Chicago Auto Show in the form of the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 HD Chassis Cabs.

Dodge started the heavy-duty retrofit with the highly-competent 1500 model introduced last year, then proceeded to create a crew cab variant that's claimed to be packing the most room in its class. Both regular and Mega Cab variants will be offered, along with two bed sizes (six-foot, four-inch or eight-foot) and five trim levels: ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon.

Pickup aficionados will notice the new bumper treatment, larger grille (with chrome, black or body-colored trim), wider fenders for the dually models and the subtle tailgate lip to improve aerodynamics.

The HD comes standard with Dodge's HEMI 5.7-liter V8, putting out 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque through a beefed-up 545RFE five-speed automatic. However, with a take-rate of over 90% for the diesel engine on HD models, Dodge is offering the optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six that channels 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to a 68RFE six-speed automatic featuring low-speed "creeper" mode and Electronic Range Select, allowing the driver to limit which high gear is used while towing. Two 4x4 models will be offered, along with four different axle ratios, and on the topic of towing, the Ram 3500 HD, equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel, dual rear wheels, 4x4 system and a 4.10 rear axle ratio can handle a maximum payload of 5,110 pounds and a towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. Sales will begin this fall and all the details can be found in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Dodge Ram 3500HD

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Dodge Ram 3500HD

Chicago 2009: This show is for the dogs

For the second year in a row, the Chicago Auto Show has been invaded by our furry, four-legged friends as the Bark Buckle UP campaign announces its Pet Safe Choice Awards. We moseyed on down to the show floor to spend some quality time with the dozen or so K9s in attendance after they'd graduated from the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. program. More to the point, here are the winners of the Pet Safe Awards:

• Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice: GMC Acadia
• Pet Safe Hotel of Choice: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
• Pet Safe Airline of Choice: American Airlines
• Pet Safe Retailer of Choice: PetSmart

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Bark Buckle UP dogs