Volkswagen presents the Beetle GSR Limited Edition in Chicago

This Limited edition, with only 3500 produced, was presented at the Chicago Auto Show and is based on the 40 year old Beetle 1303 S which was the sportiest series production Beetle at that time. The Beetle GSR, just like its predecessor, has a yellow/black paint making it easily recognizable.

While the original model had a 50hp engine, the new version is equipped with an engine that produces 210hp (155kW) and 280Nm (207lb/ft) from 1700rpm, making it capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 7.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 229km/h (130mph) but an average consumption of just 7.3l/100km.

Regardless of where you buy it, it is available with an automatic six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission.

Inside we also have R-Line racing track sports seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching; US version in black leather), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (it also has the contrasting yellow stitching) with the R-Line logo and a limited edition badge with the special edition number (1 to 3,500).

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Kia Cross GT concept CUV for the Chicago Auto Show

Kia already announced they were going to show a new concept at the Chicago Auto Show, but at that time they only released one (bad) image. Today more images and information was revealed to the public. And like most concepts this one serves as a hint for the brands future design language.

At least it will be the base for the brands larger vehicles, and with 4897mm (192.8inches) it is big. Compared with the Sorento it is longer, wider and lower, making look more aggressive.

The powertrain used by the Cross GT is a 3.8 liter V6 hybrid drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Combined, the petrol engine and the electric motor produce over 400hp and 677Nm (500lb/ft), while the batteries have a range of 32km (20miles).

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Kia Forte Hatchback will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show [Video]

While the Forte Hatchback was designed in Seoul with the supervision of Kia's global chief of design, Peter Schreyer, it clearly had in mind the European tastes even if it is based in a model that for now isn't available in Europe, the Forte Sedan.

The car looks sportier, with the big headlights that includes DRL LEDs, a smaller version of the characteristic tiger nose grille, while on the back taillights also have LEDs and a double chrome exhaust tips.

It will be available with two engines choices. The weaker one will be the 2.0liter GDI producing 173hp @ 6500rpm and 209Nm (154lb/ft) of torque, while the other is the four cylinder 1.6liter turbocharged GDI with 201hp @ 6000rpm and 264Nm (195lb/ft). You can choose between a six speed manual or automatic transmission.

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Kia will show a new concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show

In less than one week the 2013 Chicago Auto Show will open its doors for the media and KIA will reveal their concept, the Cross GT, that should not be confused with Volskwagens CrossBlue, specially because they might end up has competitors, since it will be bigger that the Sorento. All we know for now is that this concept is a hint at what will be the brands new design language.

Source: Kia

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