The 2019 Chicago Auto Show brought some pretty interesting new cars and trucks. For some reason, it also brought out a number of truly eye-catching special editions and paint options. So, we decided to count down the top 5 stand-out cars from this year’s event.
5) Dodge Challenger/Charger Sublime
The classic Sublime paint color makes its return to both the Challenger and Charger lineup. Sublime joins B5 Blue, Go Mango, F8 Green, Plum Crazy and TorRed as another option from Dodge’s ‘high-impact’ color pallet.
This one is really just a different paint option. Though, you should know it is still available on any of the many Challenger or Charger models including Hellcats, 392 Scat Packs, or even the SXT Base trim.
4) Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia
The 4C Spider Italia is by far the most limited car on this list with just a 15 unit production run scheduled. These special edition Alfa roadsters come with Misano blue paint with piano black air intakes and a piano black rear diffuser. You also get “4C Spider Italia” graphics with the Italian flag tri-color logo on the sides. On the inside, more 4C Spider Italia logos appear. Each car also has an individually numbered plaque on the center console.
From a powertrain perspective, nothing has changed. This is still a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster. It still houses a 1,750cc (1.7-liter) turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Since it’s light, weighing in at just over 2,300 pounds, the 4C Spider sprints from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.
It won’e be cheap, either. Alfa is going to charge $5,000 above MSRP – a standard Alfa Romeo 4C Spider runs for $67,495 before options. All said, it could cost over $72,500.
3) Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series
This is yet another very limited production run. Lexus plans to build just 100 LC 500 Inspiration Series. They all come with Flare Yellow paint, Standard 21-inch wheels and tires, a carbon fiber roof and lower grille insert, plus yellow interior trim (Alcantara door cards, stitching).
Again, no powertrain upgrades. You get the same engine as the standard model. That is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine with 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Prices will start at $107,235
2) Volkswagen Jetta GLI
We finally get a high-performance version of the Mk7 Jetta, the GLI. This borrows lots of performance goodies from the Golf GTI to make VWs sporty compact sedan.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder from the GTI. It makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
In addition to the bigger engine, the GLI also gets Golf R Brakes, a mechanical limited slip diff, multi-link rear suspension (the normal Jetta has a torsion beam in the rear) plus, unique 18-inch wheels.
Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing, though the GLI is set to go on sale in the spring of 2019.
1) Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition
Finally at number one is a 3,000 unit limited edition run of the 30th anniversary edition Miata. This Miata comes exclusively in Racing Orange paint. Plus, Mazda have thrown this orange on the brake calipers, seat trim, air vents, and dash stitching.
In addition to the paint, you get Rays ZE40 RS30 forged aluminum wheels, Recaro seats, Bilstein dampers (on manual models), and a Bose sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Under the hood is the same 181 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the standard MX-5, with your choice of manual or automatic transmissions powering the rear wheels.
Pricing does feel a bit steep, starting at $34,995. That’s for the manual soft-top version, while the RF starts at $37,595. If you want an automatic transmission, it will cost between $400 (soft-top) and $500 (RF) more.
Bonus) TRD Pro Lineup
Toyota gave a mild refresh for the whole 2020 TRD Pro Lineup, new grilles, LED headlights, new black wheels, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa, Push-button start Panoramic View Monitor + Multi-Terrain Monitor, a 360-degree camera system. There’s also a new color for the range: Army Green. Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic are also still available.
However, Toyota also added a couple entirely new TRD models. First is the Sequoia TRD Pro. This is a Sequoia with better Fox suspension, different wheels and the classic TRD Pro styling queues. Then, you also have the Toyota Rav4 TRD Off-Road. Again, with upgraded suspension, better tires and styling details to look the TRD part.
There you go, those are some of the most eye-catching stand-out cars from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. To find out which ones we liked the best, go ahead and watch the full video above!
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for the latest news, views & real-world reviews and more good coverage from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
