Los Angeles and Detroit are two of the largest auto shows in North America, but automakers often save some big news for Chicago. From a new little diesel to a Superman sedan, big man van, and Texas-sized truck, there was a lot to see at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, which wrapped up last week. Here are some of the highlights:

2014 Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel
Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI gets company. Chevy is shoving a 2.0-liter diesel engine — which delivers 148 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque — into the compact Cruze. In combination with low-rolling-resistance tires, rear spoiler, and lightweight 17” alloys, the engine enables 42 mpg highway. 0-60 mph arrives in 8.6 seconds. Prices will start at $25,695.

2014 Toyota Tundra
Not to be left behind, Toyota debuted its new Texas-built pickup. Bold exteriors accompany luxurious interiors with available saddle brown leather, JBL audio, Entune infotainment, heated/cooled seats, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Drivers will choose from a V6 and two V8 engines, delivering up to 381 horsepower.

2013 Nissan Nismo Juke
Nissan’s in-house tuner works over the Juke with a race-inspired exterior, sport-tuned suspension, and firmer steering. Interiors feature bolstered suede seats with red stitching. Whether owners choose front- or all-wheel-drive, they’ll enjoy a 197 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. Pricing wasn’t announced, but sales begin in March.

2014 Ram ProMaster
Developed from the Fiat Ducato, this unibody front-drive Ram will become a staple of contractors and delivery services and could give the Ford Transit Connect a run for its hard-earned money. Doors are wide enough for pallets. Under the hood is a 174 hp, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel or 280 hp 3.6-liter V6. Bluetooth, hands-free texting, web access, and navigation aid drivers. Sales begin this fall.

Kia Cross GT Concept
Peter Schreyer’s design studios created another stunner. Penned in Frankfurt, but built in California, it previews a next-generation crossover. Motivation comes from a 400 hp V6 hybrid system with AWD, enabling 20 miles of all-electric range. A hexagonal glass skylight, leather tanned with veggie oil, and walnut trim the interior. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR
Inspired by a ‘70s Beetle of the same name, the GSR will echo its predecessor with yellow paint, black accents, and large rear spoiler. Interiors boast Fender audio, sunroof, alloy pedals, and a stopwatch (!). The 210 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and 19” alloys should deliver peppy performance. A limited allotment of 3500 units arrives this fall, pricing TBD.

2013 Dodge Mopar Dart
Outfitted with Mopar accessories, this special Dart wears black paint with blue stripes, 18” gloss black alloys, spoilers, Katskin blue leather driver’s seat, and industry-first wireless smartphone charging. A lowered suspension, premium brakes, and Fiat-sourced 1.4-liter turbo engine enhance performance. Production is limited to 500 cars.

Ford Fiesta ST Racer
Ford has been a contender in almost every racing series over the decades, and will continue in the Global RallyCross Championship, including five North American events, with a special Fiesta ST that previews the coming launch of a production version. The cars will be expertly driven during 2013 by Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan, and Ken Block.

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid
The Optima Hybrid is already a superhero for Kia sales, but a partnership with DC Entertainment created this special car to help raise money for the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign to alleviate drought and famine in Africa. Widened fenders, adjustable suspension, and Superman color scheme gave the car super powers in Kia’s stand. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

Note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker.

Face it, girls.

You love and are attracted to the butch look, but you really don’t want to get your hands dirty.  You love having a strong vehicle that can really take on rough roads and odd rocks, but you don’t want the ride to spill your caramel macchiato. And you’d love to be able to stand around in circle of men and show them something that will really impress, yet you still want to have enough money to pay your cell phone bill.

You don’t have to admit it, but if you said yes to any of the above fantasies, the 2013 Kia Sportage may be the car for you. Starting at $20K after dealer costs, the Kia Sportage consistently delivers when it goes off-road, even with the standard inline four-cylinder engine. On the road, it’s a nice smooth worry-free ride. While to-die-for is not the best way to describe the vehicle, reliable is, and ultimately that’s the appeal of the 2013 Kia Sportage.

That wasn’t always the case in the 15-year history of the Kia Sportage. Once considered a bargain basement remnant with four wheels, the Sportage has matured into a crossover vehicle, which means that now it’s built on the frame of a car rather than the frame of a roller skate. The 2013 model really is the best Sportage yet, as Kia Motors has gone from being seen as a cheap import to a manufacturer of solid, safe vehicles. How many people do you know who have matured that well in 15 years?

Standard equipment on all four trims (Base, LX, EX and SX, going from base to top tier) now includes Bluetooth and iPod interface, something today considered a necessity rather than a luxury. For 2013, you can access all your audio from controls on the steering wheel. Other standard features of note include a one-touch power window for the driver and leather-wrapped arm rests. As for safety, even the base EX trims get an array of important and effective safety equipment, to include four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and passenger front and side airbags. For 2012, the Sportage was chosen as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Before the snow fell, I took the Kia Sportage SX AWD, the top trim, for a drive in the Rocky Mountains.  As expected, the ride was smooth and the performance was stellar, making it a great car to put to the test should you ever find yourself at a butch event where you need to show your prowess.  Curves and sudden changes in road slope are part of the Rocky Mountain driving experience, and the Sportage handled it with no problem. No surprise there, really.

What really makes the 2013 Sportage shine for me is a big full panoramic sunroof, available only EX and SX trims. This sunroof opens up the entire vehicle like a can of sardines (Remember those? Oops, I’m old). It’s amazing how much better you feel when you open up and let the sunshine in. If you have the credit, I would say this is the best option to get. If you have to cut somewhere, I wouldn’t bother with the navigation. Not that it’s bad, but Google Maps on your  cell phone really is great and just as easy to use.

The bad news – and this has been a consistent problem for the Sportage – is that interior space, especially in the rear seats, is at a premium.  The curving slopes of the European-style roof really stun from the outside.  Yet inside, it can get a little too cozy, even for people of normal size. Should one of your passengers try going Gangnam Style in the backseat, more than a few raw nerves and hot lattes could spill over. If your friends are bears and you’re often the designated driver, you might want to go up a notch and check out the Kia Sedona, which is a minivan, yes, but a snazzy one that looks …. well, butch, really.

Critics have raved about the new Sportage, how stylish it looks, how clean and solid it stands.  Yeah, sure, it’s all that.  But its best quality, really, is that is a reliable SUV, big enough for Elton John’s family (but not his house staff).

Mileage averages about 20 in the city and anywhere from 25 to 30 on the highway.  You always have to take these numbers with a grain of salt (I will have to learn some 21st century clichés) since, as the commercials say, “individual mileage may vary.” No kidding — especially given the EPA fuel-economy fiasco dogging Kia and its sister, Hyundai. But you can still get quite a bit from the $40 you will put in the tank every week.

Also, the Kia Sportage is definitely a dog car and a great car for children, car seats, and possibly even flower deliveries. Test drives are almost always available at a dealership, just do yourself a favor: walk away after driving and then come back and buy it if you choose.  The one-time-only deal they’re offering will still be there next week, trust me.

Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker.

I know I won’t get much, if any, sympathy when I say that, sometimes, there are letdowns when you review cars. The last car I evaluated was a $100,000, 400hp, German coupe. I’ve now stepped directly from that into a Kia Rio.

I’ll pause for your laughter.

For the price of the super coupe, you can buy 5.4 Kia Rios. Perhaps you could keep that .4 for spare parts.

But don’t let price fool you. Oddly enough, there is something about the way the Kia drives that beats the German car hands down.

If you guessed power, speed or luxury, then you’re either not familiar with these cars, or you’re three martinis into “lunch” at the bar. What the much cheaper Kia does have over the German car is steering feel. The coupe from Deutschland has 262 more horse power, yards and yards of leather, but in the Kia, I actually have some sense of what the front wheels are doing thanks to what I feel through the steering wheel. And I’ll take some feel over none any day.

If driving is something you enjoy, steering feel is pretty useful information to have when zipping through the corners. Even if driving is nothing more than a task for you, it’s nice to know when the front wheels feel like they’re about to lose traction. While no one would ever mistake the Rio for a sporty, corner-carving car, the Rio SX model has a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, and light, responsive steering that, somehow, make this small, underpowered car a little fun to drive.

It’s like a go-kart, only with airbags, a trunk, and room for five passengers. Well, 4.5 anyway.

The main reason I say “a little fun to drive” is because of the 1.6-liter, 138hp four cylinder motor in the Rio. Those hot, 17-inch wheels on this Rio SX might make it look quick, but this hatchback ain’t going anywhere fast. While there is certainly power to be had from this little four-banger, you’ve got to rev the snot out of it to reach that power. Once the tachometer reads 4500-5000 rpm, then you approach something that could be considered acceleration.

In regular, everyday driving, the lack of power isn’t really an issue. You’ll get through the city, and around the highways, just fine. But in some situations, like passing on even a modest incline, you might think twice. As I attempted to scoot by an older, slower Nissan on a slight uphill, the pass happened in such slow fashion that I would’ve had time to say hello to the driver, ask if he was hungry, make a sandwich, and pass it over. Wait, did he want Grey Poupon?

So, we don’t have speed, but that should come as no surprise since this car is intended more for fuel efficiency. The Rio is rated for 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and we observed a 31 mpg average with sporty driving habits and more highway driving than city driving. There is also an “eco” button you can press that reigns in the engine (and transmission shift points) for increased fuel economy.

Even though the fuel economy is fairly good, the tank in the Rio is pretty tiny at 11.3 gallons. If you have a long commute, you’ll still be filling up a lot, but at least you’ll only be pumping in 11 gallons each time.

If you want to know when that tank is about to run dry, it’s not a good idea to rely on the digital, remaining range readout in the gauge cluster. One moment, the Rio SX told me I could drive another 31 miles before I was out of fuel. Less than 5 minutes of regular driving later, it told me I had no range remaining.

Inside the Rio, it’s about what you’d expect in a $18,545 car. A nicely designed, mostly hard plastic interior, but with soft touch material in the right spots and a backup camera. Wait, what? A backup camera in a $18,545 car? Touch-screen nav too? Don’t forget the power fold mirrors. Though, in a car this narrow, I’m not really sure why you’d ever need to fold in the mirrors.

Of those features, it’s the backup camera that is almost a necesity due to the massive blind spots the stylish C-pillars create. Without a rear-facing camera, backing out of a parking spot involves more prayer than driving skill.

Normally, in cars of this price range, the seats suffer when it comes to comfort. Somehow, the chairs in the Rio manage not to do that. They certainly aren’t heavily padded or bosltered seats, but after three hours of wheeling, I was perfectly comfortable, and ready for three more.

Frankly, the best part of the Rio is how fantastic it looks. If you venture back even a few years ago and look at the cars Kia was producing then, you’d never have guessed this company was capable of designing something this good looking.

Not only does the exterior design trump the Scion xB, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa, but it certainly holds its own against the Chevy Sonic and Ford Fiesta as well.

2013 Kia Rio SX 5-door – $17,700
-Carpeted Floor Mats – $95
-Destination – $750
TOTAL – $18,545

Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and Suzuki offer no protections or benefits for their LGBT employees.

There are two ways of looking at that.

On the one hand, you could say that of the 37 car companies Gaywheels has surveyed, a whopping 33 are gay-friendly (at least to some degree). Considering that most of those automakers have added pro-LGBT policies within the past decade, that’s swift progress. Only four lagging behind? Not so shabby.

On the other hand, you could also say that in this day and age — when every single firm on Fortune’s list of Best Companies to Work For has a non-discrimination policy to protect its LGBT employees — it is appalling that any automaker remains so clueless.

We can appreciate both arguments, depending on our mood and caffeine levels.

In an effort to keep Gaywheels’ list of gay-friendly automakers up to date, we’ve contacted Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and Suzuki to see what steps — if any — they’re taking to make their companies more LGBT-friendly. During the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, we even followed up with three of those companies in person. Here’s what we learned.

HYUNDAI/KIA: Still not gay-friendly
We’ve reached out to Hyundai/Kia on several occasions, asking for updates on their LGBT employment policies. To date, our calls and emails have been ignored. In Detroit, on our first visit to the Hyundai/Kia booth, we were told that no one on-site could respond to our queries, but if we stopped by later in the day, they’d have some answers. We did. They didn’t.

Hyundai’s website isn’t any more helpful or encouraging. Under “diversity“, the company says one of its goals is “To hire and retain an executive management and employee staff based on equal participation and opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic [emphasis ours].” Sigh.

That said, we would be very, very surprised if Hyundai/Kia didn’t get on the LGBT equality train very, very quickly. The sisters from South Korea are working overtime to grow market share in the U.S., and if they want to do that, they’re going to need to maintain a workforce that is as diverse and creative as the ones managed by competitors like Toyota, Honda, and Detroit’s Big Three.  Hyundai/Kia won’t add LGBT-protections because it’s “the right thing to do”; they’ll do it because they need the talent of LGBT employees and the bucks of LGBT customers.

Want to make your voice heard? Send a note to Hyundai at consumeraffairs@hmausa.com (Kia doesn’t make it that easy), or call 800-633-5151 (Hyundai) and 800-333-4542 (Kia).

PORSCHE: Still not gay-friendly
When we stopped by the Porsche booth at the Detroit Auto Show, the front desk attendants were all smiles. “Is there someone we could talk to about Porsche’s policies toward its LGBT employees?” we asked. One happily went off in search of an appropriate staffer.

The PR rep who came out to meet us, however, was definitely not eager to chat. In a nutshell, her response was a curt, “We don’t comment on internal policies” — a response she repeated several times. She was kind of like the bouncer at a nightclub telling an intoxicated patron, “I’m sorry, sir, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

We left all right, and much like that drunk, we were not happy about it.

After we’d calmed down a bit, we tried to give the rep the benefit of the doubt. The auto show is a hectic place, after all — maybe she’d just had a bad day. We followed up with her a couple of weeks ago to see if she’d be willing to elaborate. Not surprisingly, we were ignored.

But despite her reluctance to comment on personnel policies, our PR rep and the rest of the Porsche team will likely be dragged kicking and screaming into the era of LGBT equality — and soon. There’s no question that Porsche suffers from a bad case of elitism, but that’s the very attitude that got Porsche in trouble when it recently tried to take over sister company, Volkswagen. Now that VW is running the show, rumor has it that Porsche has begun a slow process of adding LGBT protections, bringing it in line with VW, which landed an impressive score on HRC’s 2012 Corporate Equality Index.

Want to make your voice heard? Porsche has practically no contact information on its website, but you could try reaching out to Nick Twork, Product Communications Manager, at nick.twork@porsche.us or 678-323-6975. (He’s not the right person to hear your grievances, but he’s listed on recent press releases. Better than nothing.) We’d give you the email address of the PR rep we spoke to in Detroit, but that would probably be an exercise in futility. And frustration.

SUZUKI: Still not gay-friendly
As with Hyundai/Kia and Porsche, our queries to Suzuki have gone unanswered, and the company was a no-show in Detroit. Short of sending a letter by registered mail, we don’t know what else to do.

But whatever. Rumor has it that Suzuki isn’t long for the Western World anyway. The Kizashi helped improve the brand’s standing a bit, but it’s has its share of critics, too. (We’d add that if you’re trying to draw attention to your car company with a halo model, betting the farm on a mid-size sedan may not be the way to go.) We wouldn’t be surprised if Suzuki packed up its toys and went home in a couple of years.

Want to make your voice heard? Given the lack of email addresses on Suzuki contact page, we’re guessing the company doesn’t like to communicate that way. (Which might explain why our emails have gone unanswered.) If you feel passionately about Suzuki and want to see it stick around, try calling 800-934-0934.

But what if you love the Hyundai Santa Fe? What if you can’t live without a Porsche 911? Next week, we’ll talk more about these four not-so-gay-friendly brands and what to do if you’re bound and determined to buy a car from one of them.

Has Kia Built the Sexiest Sedan?

Want to impress others with your automotive knowledge, but not give away your age by commenting on car trends dating to the Eisenhower era? Here’s a tip: tell everyone you remember a time when Kia wasn’t sexy. It’s okay, because only a couple years ago the Korean automaker was synonymous with budget-priced vehicles that were good for fuel mileage and incredibly dull to look at.

Then along came cars like the new Kia Optima sedan. Sure, the urban hamsters are having plenty of fun in the cutesy Kia Soul commercials. But anyone looking for a midsize sedan with great looks and low entry-level price should check out the new Optima.

The brand’s new chief designer, Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi, has added a huge dose of German luxury car styling to Kia. This is most evident with the Optima, whose solid stance and bold front and rear end make it stand out in a market crowded with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.

When two parking valets told me my test car was “gorgeous,” I figured Kia was onto something good. Thankfully, the Optima’s driving manners live up to the sleek exterior.

The steering was direct and precise while dicing with New York City traffic, and when blasting down I-95 during a drive to Washington D.C. The suspension is set up for comfort, though the Optima never felt floaty or disconnected from the road.

My test car, an Optima EX, was in mid-range spec. The base LX starts at $19,690 (including destination charge) and comes with a 200-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. My Optima also came with the standard 2.0-liter, but added a 6-speed automatic and luxury items such as panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, navigation, back-up camera and upgraded audio system.

The price was a reasonable $27,440. Economy is also a strong point, with the Optima listed at 24/34-mpg during city and highway driving. Despite lead-footing the Kia to test its performance, the Optima still returned mileage figures pegged right to those EPA estimates. And with a 0 to 60 mph time of approximately 9.0 seconds, the Optima is no slouch. The car held its own when merging onto highways, or when passing slower vehicles.

Inside you won’t find the hard plastic and cheap-looking buttons of previous Kias. My test car came with leather seats and easy-to-read nav screen, along with dark wood trim and metal highlights which could fool you into thinking you’re in an entry-level luxury sedan. There is plenty of room for five adults and the trunk offers a roomy 15.4 cu ft. of cargo space.

Sure, there is also the 274-hp turbocharged Optima, if you must win every stoplight grand prix. Yet the base engine feels more than adequate, and you’ll save some cash. Kia will also soon offer a hybrid model. All Optimas come standard with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control…and yes, those seductive good looks. Consider me smitten.

Turning heads is what fashion is all about. But, in today’s fiscally restrained environment, fashion must sometimes take a back seat to paying the rent. Every now and again, however, one discovers that odd bargain; the designer coat carelessly tossed into the half-off bin, or the rare Picasso snagged at a garage sale. Style and savings can go hand-in-hand, which is why we’ve selected five cars for around $20,000 that are guaranteed to drop jaws wherever they appear.

1. 2012 Fiat 500 Sport
Although the 500 is new in the U.S., its face is well known in Europe where its goes by the name Cinco. This cute little compact is loaded with style both inside and out. Better yet, the 500 sips fuel with the same restraint as an Italian rationing out his last bottle of fine Chiante. We like the features and content in the Sport trim, but if you really want to save money, you can get into the 500 Pop for around $16,000. The 500’s options sheet is full of colorful and exciting add-ons, and the exterior offers a choice of no less than 14 different colors. Keep in mind that Fiat is still reacquainting itself with the American consumer, so finding a 500 dealership may prove more daunting than picking a color. To see more of the 500 and locate a dealer near you, visit the company’s website at www.fiatusa.com.
Price Range: $15,500-$22,500
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 30/38 (manual), 27/34 (automatic)

2. 2011 Kia Soul
Who says you can’t combine practicality and a pretty face? With the Soul, Kia has created a compact economy wagon with supermodel good looks, a choice of three unique interiors—including one in houndstooth—and probably one of the most watched commercial advertisement’s on YouTube (cute Hamsters with a gangster theme, you’ll love it.) Although the Soul starts around $14,000, we think the Soul  comes nicely equipped yet still manages to remain under our $20,000 target price.
Price Range: $13,300-$22,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: (2.0-liter engine) 24/30 (manual), 24/30 (automatic)

3. 2011 MINI Cooper
Although the MINI Cooper has been around for a few years, it still garners stares as if it had just debuted. Tiny on the outside, the brilliant MINI Cooper can actually accommodate drivers as tall as six-feet five-inches, which means if you gotta lot of leg (are you listening Tina Turner?) you’ve found your ride. Of course, beyond its cool exterior and amazingly detailed interior, the MINI Cooper is a true driver’s car that will have you finding any excuse to get behind the wheel. The base MINI Cooper without options starts right at $20,000, so technically it meets our criteria, but in truth you won’t find a model without options (nor would you want one), so expect a nicely equipped model to push closer to $25,000.
Price Range: $19,400-$32,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 29/37 (manual), 28/36 (automatic)

4. 2011 Nissan Juke SV
Can funky be fashionable? It can be if your idea of funky is a turbocharged compact sedan that is part hot-hatchback and part Baja buggy. The Nissan Juke won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you have a thing for off-beat good looks and big rear ends (think Meryl Streep meets J.Lo), then the Juke may very well find a new home in your garage. Toss in the massive color-keyed center console, available all-wheel drive and cutting-edge features like Bluetooth, navigation, iPod connectivity and a killer Rockford Fosgate stereo, and the Juke proves beauty is more than skin deep.
Price Range: $19,340 – $27,500
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 24/31 (manual, FWD), 27/32 (automatic, FWD)

5. 2012 Ford Focus SEL Sedan
When you think Focus, you think rental car, right? Well, Ford is asking you to jettison that impression and replace it with the alluring, sexy sedan that is the 2012 Ford Focus SEL. The new Focus’ European styling influence is evident inside and out, with radically intriguing sheetmetal, racy alloy wheels, and a modern interior filled with high quality materials and lots and lots of blue lighting. The cherry on the Focus sundae, however, is the suite of available hands-free communication and media devices, such as Ford’s MyTouch configurable display, SYNC Bluetooth and iPod interface, and an available 355-watt Sony sound system.
Price Range: $16,270 – $28,000
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 26/36 (manual), 27/37 (SelectShift automatic)

For the record, the cars selected here have an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) around or below $20,000 and do not include destination fees nor taxes. But, the invoice for all of these cars is well under the $20,000 cutoff, and seriously what self respecting gay or lesbian pays retail these days? To see the invoice prices plus the cost of adding options, we suggest you try using KBB.com’s new car pricing page http://www.kbb.com/new-cars. KBB’s site is clean, easy to navigate and gives invoice pricing not only for the vehicle, but all the options as well. Happy shopping!

If Darth Vader had a Commute (On Wheels, That Is)

They are everywhere, but seldom noticed. Parking lots are full of them, yet they receive nary a nod. Like undocumented domestic help, they are relied on but seldom mentioned publicly. Of course I mean the mid-sized sedan, the embodiment of greige, the unwaxed, unloved, and often unwashed workhorses that take Mr. and Mrs. United States of Generica on their daily commute, often with little thanks or even acknowledgment.

If there were such a thing as a Most Unloved Automobile award, it would go to the mid-size sedan, followed by a loud public yawn. The automotive equivalent of the strip mall, this segment of vehicles primarily exists to fit the tastes of time and cash-strapped commuters, and major rental car companies. While the entries in the segment tend to be competent and reliable choices, they tend to be a bit low on the glam scale. No twelve year old buys a car magazine because there’s a beige Camry on the cover. And the Kia Optima has been trodding along in the middle of the pack- affordable, reliable, neither a penalty box nor a reward- a good car, but way low on the glamour.

Until the advent of Kia 2.0, that is. The latest testament to the design-led transformation of the Kia brand, the former dowager is no longer a wallflower. Transformed from the wheels up, it’s now a standout more suited for Darth Vader than Debbie Downer.

Longer, lower, and significantly wider, the car that Kia describes as the “antidote for sedandom” is a totally new product based on a platform shared with the Hyundai Sonata. But that’s where the similarity ends, as Kia has an aggressive and unique exterior that shares no panels with its Hyundai brethren. The streamlined design features an angularity which gives the car a purposeful look. From certain angles I detect the influence of European sedans such as Saab and Alfa Romeo 164. The new Kia signature tabbed grille has an aggressive texture and a matching lower grille encapsulates the fog lamps giving the car a Darth Vader-like smile. The shape of the grille is reflected in the upper windshield line, a thoughtful touch. Flared fenders, a nicely integrated rear spoiler, and four different wheel choices (including two factory 18″ choices) all add up to make one very aggressive looking sedan.

The transformation continues into the interior. The center stack of the console has been angled 15 degrees toward the driver for a sporty cockpit feel. The interior materials are significantly upgraded, with attractive and comfortable leather seating standard in the uplevel EX and SX models. All models include a standard power driver’s seat, trip computer, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with Sirius Satellite Radio, USB input, power windows and locks, and even a cooled glove box. Optional features include navigation, Infinity audio, and an enormous panorama sunroof with full power shade. Kia’s hands-free UVO system, similar to Ford’s SYNC, will be available mid-year.

The Optima utilizes Kia’s own 200 HP Theta 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant and the 274 HP Theta II 2.0-liter four cylinder. Both engines are shared with the all new Sportage I drove last month. Independent front and multilink rear-suspension is used on all models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base LX with a six-speed automatic as an option. The automatic is standard on the EX and SX models. Fuel economy numbers are impressive, with the 2.4-liter engine achieving a rating of 24/35 mpg with a manual transmission and 24/34 mpg with the automatic, and the turbo coming in at 22/34 with its standard automatic.

We spent a day driving through the Temecula wine country. Our test car was the EX trim with the 2.4-liter engine and premium package. My initial impression is that the Optima is smooth, stable, and confident. The ride is equal to the best cars in the class and the drivetrain is smooth and competent, although sporting drivers will no doubt prefer the 2.0 turbo to give the car a sporting character that lives up to its styling. Yes, the electric power steering is a bit numb but that’s a bit the nature of the beast. The overall road manners are quite competent and it is high praise to Kia that the Optima behaved very similarly to the leaders of the class- Accord, Camry and Malibu- cars they simply were not able to compete with in the past. The gap has been closed and the Optima is a serious contender worth consideration. I was particularly impressed with the optional panorama sunroof, it provided a light and airy-feeling cabin, yet could be fully closed with a power shade, not just a screen.

So, all-in-all, Kia has come up with a very competent car that offers standout styling and a fantastic panoramic sunroof to brighten your commute. Pricing is yet to be released but the base LX is expected to be around $18,000. If Kia achieves residual values with Optima anywhere similar to what they achieved with the redesigned Sportage, they could become a player in the all-important lease market. So, if you’re after a mid-size sedan, the 2011 Kia Optima might be worth checking out. Tell ‘em Darth sent you.

By Jeff Stork

KIA showed off their new 2011 Sportage in San Francisco last week.
It’s the fifth all new product in just under two years, following on the
heels of the Soul, the subcompact Forte sedan, the two door derivative
Koup, and the Sorrento SUV.

It’s the third generation of Sportage, and this one looks like
it came from Extreme Makeover: Kia Edition. It has a much larger
footptrint — wider and longer, with expressive exterior styling in the
flavor of a miniaturized Audi Q7 (no surprise to learn it was penned by
former Audi stylist Peter Schreyer) and giant 18″ wheels (standard on
EX) which are worthy of the coolest Tonka trucks. Did I mention that the
target audience is single and male? It’s a stylish and playful look
which has a MUCH more upmarket look than its predecessors. Status
seekers might consider swiping a set of interlocking rings for the
grille. I think the Sportage could carry it off.

A much more upmarket execution permeates the interior as well. I
called it a manpurse inside: a black-on-black compartment with
comfortable, well-tailored leather seats, an Infinity Audio System with
Bluetooth, USB ,Sirius Satellite Radio heated and cooled driver’s seat,
and a ginormous Panorama sunroof. Yes, it’s a lot of black but so is a
Coach bag, and I found the interior much more pleasing and honest than fake wood
or fake aluminum or the fake carbon fibre Europeans love so much
these days. (Didn’t they malign us for our fake wood in the 70′s?
All fashion comes back, I guess.) The storage console is larger now,
the glove box is cooled (Evian, anyone?), and the door pockets are roomy.
All in all, a well designed manpurse, and the rear seat will be more
than comfy for taking the French Bulldogs to Palm Springs for the
weekend. Coming later in the year is Kia’s handsfree UVO system,
developed by Microsoft and bearing more than a few similarities to Ford’s Sync. But
more of that when it comes on stream.

Power comes from the 2.4 litre Theta four-cylinder engine. In this
guise, it produces 176 hp, earning 22 mpg in the city and 31 highway.
Compared to the last gen’s V6, it has a bit more power, a bit less
torque, and quite a bit better highway fuel economy. For those who need
more go, a 270 hp turbo will be introduced mid-year.

Driving impressions are favorable. The Theta engine idles very
smoothly and is quite adequate for the car’s needs, although I think the turbo will be more suitable for sporting drivers. While not a sports
car, the Sportage handled quite nicely on the twisting roads of Half
Moon Bay: the increased width made it feel quite stable, and the ride
was quite pleasant for a vehicle of this wheelbase. Again, a big
improvement over past generations and in no way a “penalty box.”

Possibly the biggest improvement is invisible to the naked
eye: residual value. In the retail biz, the better the residual, the
lower the lease payment and traditionally Kia has not been blessed with
high residuals. However, one of the benefits of Kia’s reinvention has
been an improvement in the residual values that lenders have assigned to
Kia models. In the case of Sportage, the improvement has been dramatic.
A 36 month residual value of 61% has been assigned to the base
Sportage, up twenty-two percentage points over the 2010 model. This is
as dramatic of an improvement as I have ever seen in one year, and 
combined with the price point of the car ($18,990 base and fully
equipped in upper twenties), it should result in a very compelling
affordability story. Perhaps I should have mentioned that first.

So if your taste runs toward the tailored Audi look but budget
constraints preclude such a reality, you might take a look at the
Sportage. I was quite favorably impressed.

• Kia is NOT a gay-friendly
  company
• Get a gay-friendly
  insurance quote
• Get a free
  price quote for a 2011 Kia Sportage
  
• Find
  a Kia
  dealer near you

We posted teasers to five automotive-related car commercials prior to the 44th NFL Superbowl. Now that it is over and Bourbon street is rocking, we picked the Top 3 automotive commercials aired during the game.
For the record, we think Toyota should have gone with this one.
Our favorite is from VW. It is an awesome follow up to their “We Found Sluggy” campaign.

Second place goes to Kia. I have to be honest, I didn’t want to like this. Those life-sized toys really freaked me out in the teaser – especially the ribbed thing with arms. But the ending was good and it made my nephew laugh.

A VERY close third place goes to Dodge. The product is not new but the campaign speaks DIRECTLY to the target market and it made both my 50+ year old brothers laugh hard.

Ahhh, the Superbowl. America’s annual excuse to party on a Sunday afternoon and pretend to be interested in a bunch of grown men wearing really tight pants running into each other while carrying a leather ball.  Hold up, on second thought, that sounds kind of hot. 

I don’t know where to start…Kia has two teasers out right now featuring life-size creatures from a kid’s program (I had to ask) in an ad for the new Kia Sorrento. The car is barely in the shot but the music is catchy and the creatures are weird enough to make you want to know more. Just don’t get me started on that tall, ribbed, rubber thingy…..


Click on the brand logos below to see their respective commercials/teasers for the big game.

Joe Tralongo – 2010 Kia Soul

In the wake of Wall Street’s melt down, living within your means has not only become fashionable, it’s become a necessity. But a tiny paycheck doesn’t have to put the kibosh on your good time, because for around $16K, you can still roll up to the club in a stylish little number called the Soul. iPod integration, Bluetooth for your cell phone and even speakers that match the beat of your music with pulsating red LED lighting are all features that belie this car’s miniscule price point. Match the Alien Green paint to the black and sand Houndstooth cloth interior, and you’re rolling in the modern day equivalent of your Grand Daddy’s Cadillac Eldorado. Now that’s Pimpin’ Korean style.

Nick Kurczewski – Bentley Continental Supersports

It’s not often you can justify 621-horsepower with Earth-friendly credentials. The Continental Supersports is the most powerful Bentley road car, ever! That’s saying quite a lot. Now as if that fun factoid wasn’t enough, this $267,000 supercar also happens to be the first Bentley capable of running on clean-burning bio-fuels, such as E85 ethanol. Will anyone really buy this car for its green image? Absolutely not. But I still love it.

Casey Williams – 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS

When the current Mercedes SL debuted in 2003, my partner and I cruised through Dallas’ Oak Lawn area with the top down. A hot young homo shouted in his best Texas accent, “That shit is pimp!” That shit was indeed pimp. But, the new SLS with its chrome Lonestar grille, long hood, and short rear deck is even more pimp. When you and your guest pop open the gullwing doors at the valet stand, I promise red carpets. Nothing makes an entrance like this Mercedes-Benz.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Lincoln MKT

A club car to me is one that can fit you and your friends in comfort, blasts music to get the group in the mood and has looks to get attention when you pull up to the front of the line. The 2010 Lincoln MKT looks like nothing else on the road, features seating for 6 in limo-like comfort, an AMAZING THX stereo system and an optional refrigerator to keep certain beverages cold for the ride. Choose the Lincoln MKT with the twin-turbo EcoBoost engine – the 355 horsepower will outrun the paparazzi in no time!

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

In Kia vs. The World, My Money is on the Koreans

By Joe Tralongo
Is there really room in the crowded mid-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market for another contender? Well, if that contender touts an all-new unit-body design, class leading marks for interior room, power, creature comforts and warranty; and does it all for thousands less than the competition, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”

The 2011 Sorento competes head-on with the likes of the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox and about a dozen other quasi mid-size/full-size/pint-size CUVs. Like so many others in the class, Kia says the Sorento is targeted at younger buyers with “Active Lifestyles,” or some variation on the theme. Truth is, while some may load on mountain bikes and snowboards as part of their weekly ritual, most people gravitate toward this class of vehicle for its ability to haul loads of stuff, the high seating position and the security of all-wheel-drive. Built in a new $1 billion facility based in Georgia, the Sorento exhibits an attention to detail not found in its predecessor. From the tight fitting exterior panels, to the well aligned interior parts, to the handsome choice of fabrics and trim, the Sorento has finally traded in its second-hand brown loafers for nice pair of Berlutis. And while there are sill some hard plastic surfaces on the dash and door panels, we can’t single out Kia for starting this trend. Wrap your knuckles on the dashboards found in the Subaru Forester or Ford Escape, and you’ll find the same unpleasant feeling.

More impressive than the Sorento’s new duds are its impressive engine and transmission pairings. Available with either a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 273-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, in a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive and with two six-speed transmission choices (a manual six-speed is available only on the base model), the Sorento has all the bases covered. On our short test drive we found the four-cylinder teamed to the six-speed auto more than adequate for daily commutes. The driveline is as smooth and refined as any we’ve tested, and fuel economy figures of 21 city and 28 highway are nothing to sneeze at. For those who prefer the passing power of a V6, the 3.5-liter engine is well worth the extra cost and returns fuel economy nearly identical to the less powerful four-cylinder. At highway speeds we found the Sorento felt stable and easily controlled, with responsive steering, good brakes and minimal body roll. Extensive sound deadening steps help quiet the cabin from road and wind noise.
Inside, Kia provides comfortable seating for five with an available third-row seat for two more little ones. There is a good amount of head and leg room in the first and second row, but the low, nearly horizontal front passenger seat cushion is annoying to the long legged and needs some type of adjustable rake added. The Sorento’s rear seat backs recline for improved passenger comfort and when required, the second and third row seats fold flush to create a large, level cargo floor.

The 2011 Kia Sorento comes nicely equipped with such standard features as four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control. Creature comforts include air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite stereo with steering wheel mounted audio controls and a standard USB input port. Safety features include front, front side and side-curtain airbags. Some of the more impressive features on the available equipment list include a voice-activated navigation system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear seat DVD entertainment, push button start, leather interior trim, rear backup camera, rear sonar assist, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof and a 550-watt Infinity 7.1 Surround Sound audio system with 12 speakers and subwoofer,
Expect pricing to start under $20,000 for the base trim and run into the low $30K range for a fully loaded V6. The 2011 Kia Sorento arrives in dealership in January of 2010.

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Read other Kia reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

by Joe LaMuraglia
If you were following me on Twitter yesterday, you saw that I was busy updating my followers on my observations of the 2010 Kia Forte as we drove in and around Seattle, WA. (If you aren’t following me on Twitter yet, click HERE) Normally, I have a RSS reader embedded in the site that provides our readers instant updates as I Tweet away but I encountered numerous technical difficulties and had to resort to getting screen grabs of my “conversation” and posting them here.
The Tweets appear in reverse chronological order to read from the bottom up to get an idea of our day with the new Kia Forte. Photos courtesy of Kia are posted at the bottom of the post after all the Tweets. Enjoy.

All images are courtesy of Kia Motor America

Kia is not a gay-friendly company.
Get a free insurance quote for a 2010 Kia Soul
Find a Kia dealer near you!

by Joe LaMuraglia
I remember countless hours spent as a child playing in a box. Yes, a standard-issue cardboard box. If it was raining or too cold outside, my mother would pull out a box from the closet and the fun ensued. To add context to this story, our TV was B&W, there were only three channels and computers and video games were things of the distant future. So if there was nothing suitable on TV and Mother couldn’t send us outside to play (or lock us in the dog pen – true story), we had to entertain ourselves and, gasp(!), we used our imaginations.
My favorite model of box was large enough for me to sit in with enough room for my legs to extend in front of me. I would modify said cardboard plaything with a old 45 from my brother’s record collection taped to the center cylinder of a paper towel roll for, you guessed it, my own steering wheel. I would then spend hours driving in my mind; or at least until one of my nine siblings decided I was having too much fun and would fabricate a massive crash and destroy my paperboard play toy.
These memories came flooding back recently when I experienced three box-like vehicles in a row: The Scion xB, the Kia Soul and the Nissan Cube. All three are funky entries into the entry-level segment and give new meaning to “Econo-box”. This triad is similar in price point (under $15), powertrain choices (4-cylinder with either a 5-speed manual or automatic) and intended target market (the ever-elusive “youth” market). But like the products housed in the myriad of cardboard containers at your Big Box store, the shape alone doesn’t indicate what’s inside. Each vehicle is as distinct as the myriad of products that come wrapped in Georgia Pacific’s best.

2009 Scion xB

2010 Kia Soul

2009 Nissan Cube

The Entertainment Center
The 2009 Kia Soul isn’t exactly a box in the same vein as the Scion xB and Nissan Cube but the price point, target market and unconventional look make it a natural competitor to those more square in nature. It is technically a “two box” design like the xB and Cube but its design is the most sporty and aggressive of the bunch. It is also the most conventional of the three, which in this group isn’t that hard to do.
Don’t get me wrong, the Kia Soul is far from “normal” when it comes to affordable transportation. Like its competitors, its design and customization options allow owner’s to create their individual Soul but in my opinion, the shape, size and driving characteristics have more of a broad appeal than the Scion or Nissan.
The Soul is the only one with a choice of two engines; a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120 horsepower or a 2.0-liter four cylinder with 140 horsepower. The smaller engine is on the base Soul and only comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The 140-horse engine can be matched with either a 5-speed manual or four-speed automatic in the Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport. Kia estimates MPG for both engines at 30 on the highway.
I spent a day in the Soul driving around Miami, FL and from that short amount of seat time I was very impressed with overall quality and design of the Soul. It rides like a sedan and while not a sports car by any means, it has enough pep to merge onto the highway and dart around the city. There was some criticism of the 5-speed manual being sloppy but in my opinion, for the price point and target customer, it is just fine. The ride is considerably more composed than the xB but not as comfort-oriented as the Cube. I’ll have to pass final judgment after spending a week with it but first impressions are positive.
Of the three, I’m referring to the Soul as the box that the entertainment center came in. You can’t help but smile when you approach the car and with color choices like “Alien” and “Motlen” it is evident that the designers and product planners had fun creating it. Once you get behind the wheel you notice that the fun continues on the inside as well. The design is cohesive and entertaining without trying too hard. Even the seat fabric and patterns are fun with designs ranging from black with glow-in-the-dark “Soul” inserts to an available houndstooth pattern
Available in four trims (Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport). The base Soul starts at $13,300, the Soul+, which includes standard keyless entry remote, solar glass and 16-inch alloy wheels, will start at $14,9501 and top out at $17,100 when options including the Audio Package and power moonroof are included. Enhancing to the Soul! will add the power moonroof, fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels and will be priced beginning at $16,9501 and peak at $17,900 with all available options included. The Soul sport, includes side sills, a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and unique front and rear fascias, and will start at $16,9501 and end at $18,600 with all available options included.

2009 Scion xB

2009 Nissan Cube

Kia is not a gay-friendly company.
Get a free insurance quote for a 2010 Kia Soul
Find a Kia dealer near you!

by Joe LaMuraglia

Miami, FL – I am at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami attending the launch of the 2010 Kia Soul. Designed in the U.S. for the “young and young at heart”, the 2010 Kia Soul is the Korean brand’s answer to Scion’s xB and based on our initial impression, a better looking offering.
Starting at $13,300 for the base vehicle with a 1.6L engine and manual transmission and nicely equipped for under $17,000 with a 2.0L wrapped in a sexy design, the newest Kia may put the Soul back into owning an economy car (I couldn’t help myself).
If you’ve been reading our posts lately, you know the drill: I’ll be updating via Twitter during the drive today. If you want to get the Tweets on the fly, folllow us on Twitter HERE. Remember, Tweets are posted in reverse chronological order.

Friday, March 13, 2009 – We finished up the day with the 2010 Kia Soul as winners of the Kia Soul Florida kitsch photo contest. They challenged us to take a picture of the Soul in a typical Florida setting that brought out the character of the car. What you see above is our entry and the winner of the Grand Prize: a set of Infinity speakers. We call it “Soul Punch”.
Driving a car for 6 hours isn’t really enough time to pass judgment but the initial impression was a good one. The Soul is fun, spunky, functional and efficient. It won’t win any drag races, especially with the 4-speed automatic, but it is an interesting alternative to a standard economy car. Stating with a base price of under $14K that includes power windows, satellite radio and bluetooth, the newest Kia Soul has a lot going for it.
Check out the commercial for the Kia Soul below.

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors America

Get pricing and specifications for a 2010 Kia Soul from our research partner vLane.com

Kia is not a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2010 Kia Soul

Find a Kia Dealer Near You

Read other Kia reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

Get gay-friendly financing ]]> http://gaywheels.com/2009/03/2010_kia_soul_preview/feed/ 0 http://gaywheels.com/2009/02/2009_chicago_auto_show/ http://gaywheels.com/2009/02/2009_chicago_auto_show/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:23:08 +0000 Joseph LaMuraglia http://tentall.com/wordpress/?p=440

Vehicles Vetted Vicariously

by Joe LaMuraglia via Marty Padgett via TheCarConnection.com
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I am not attending 2009 Chicago Auto show media days this year. It is a result of belt tightening here at Gaywheels.com and the fact that we aren’t on “the list” of invitees that the Chicago show flies in every year.
Rather than just read press releases and regurgitate their content, I’ve asked my good friends from TheCarConnection.com if I could re-purpose their reporting and post highlights here with links back to their full insight. Enjoy.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO
• What is it: A twin-turbo version of the 2010 Ford Taurus, bringing back the old “SHO” tag
• Key facts: 365-hp V-6 is the most powerful “EcoBoost” Ford will offer; paddle-shifted automatic should add to sporting feel; Ford’s SYNC system is standard
• On sale: Summer 2009
• Price: $37,995
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO marks its return to the blue-oval lineup this week with a world debut at the 2009 Chicago auto show.
The reborn SHO–the favorite of enthusiasts everywhere since it first was introduced on the first-generation Taurus–completes the new Taurus lineup with twin turbos, a tuned suspension, and some of the visual flair that made the original hotted-up Taurus a hit when it took its bow in 1989.
Read more……

2010 Kia Forte
• What is it: Kia’s new compact sedan, replacing the Spectra
• Key facts: It’s four doors only this time; SX models get larger four-cylinder engine; Bluetooth and Sirius are standard
• On sale: Summer 2009
• Price: $15,000 (est.)
The 2010 Kia Forte takes a bow at the 2009 Chicago auto show today. Replacing the Spectra in Kia’s lineup, the Forte makes the trip to reality in four-door form only, leaving the buyers of the old five-door Spectra wanting, at least for now. The Forte is the first product overseen in its entirety by Peter Schreyer, the wunderkind hired by Kia to remake the lineup in a more modern vein. Schreyer’s touch shows in a more sophisticated shape, though no one will mistake the Forte for the daring Honda Civic (or the kludgy Ford Focus, for that matter).
The Forte’s basics are the stuff economy cars do best: simple independent suspensions, four-cylinder engines, manual and automatic transmissions. Base cars have a 153-hp four, and five-speed manual and four-speed automatic trannies. The SX edition spools up 173 hp with a 2.4-liter four, and teams it to a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Read more…..

2009 Dodge Ram HD
According to Dodge, the heavy-duty segment contains about one-third of all full-size truck sales in the U.S. And buyers in the segment are said to be the most brand-loyal in the industry. So Dodge is taking aim at Chevy and Ford with its new Dodge Ram HD, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show and fortified heavily from winch to tailgate.
Based on the new-for-’09 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, the burly tow/haul monsters finally bring a true crew cab to the Dodge Ram HD domain. The crew cab is said to be the highest-volume segment of the heavy-duty pickup arena (approx. 50 percent of HD pickup sales). Regular cab and Mega Cab models will be offered, as will two box sizes (6’4″ or 8′ even), and five distinct trim levels (ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie, and Power Wagon). Read more…….

2009 Scion tC Series 5.0
Scion yesterday announced a special edition of its sports coupe, the tC, which will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show from February 11-22. This 2009 tC RS 5.0 features unique styling elements draped on a lowered suspension with 18-inch alloys. Numerous mechanical enhancements also give the vehicle a more aggressive driving demeanor.
Outside, the aforementioned 18-inch multi-spoke alloys (matte black with red accents) are supported by lowered springs from TRD to give this bespoke tC aggressive curbside swagger. The vehiclel is bathed in gloss black, and an available rear lip spoiler adds some attitude at the rear.
On the inside, the black and red theme continues. A black leather steering wheel with red stitching continues the color theme inside, as do black seats with red inserts and TRD floor. Read more…..

2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
• What is it: A dolled-up version of Ford’s new full-size truck
• The Basics: A standard Ford F-150 SuperCrew with Harley trim; includes interior leather, colorful add-ons, and plenty of chrome and enamel badges
• On Sale: Shortly
• Price: $40,000 (est.)
Flames and chrome and a big badge on its chest: is it time for a new Harley-Davidson F-150 again, or a superhero we missed on the comics stand somehow?
For those of you who veer away from Tim Gunn’s style tips and toward Dog the Bounty Hunter’s wardrobe, Ford offers up the latest in a long string of Harley-badged trucks. Fourteen of them, to be exact, dating back to 2000. This year’s edition is actually next year’s edition—the new SuperCrew in Harley drag is a 2010 model, making its debut this week for crowds at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Read more…..

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