Touted by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association as the nation's largest auto show, the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 9 -18, is held within the vast expanse of the McCormick Place complex's 1.3 million square-feet. The event premieres several world and North American vehicle model introductions throughout the week.
While the majority of the auto show floor space is allocated to featuring new model lineups for the world's manufacturers, there are plenty of sneak-peek opportunities available for 2008 models and beyond.
There will be more than 1,000 vehicles, add-on accessories, auto-related exhibits and competition, antique and collector cars on display. While the experimental and concept vehicles often give a glimpse into the future possibilities forthcoming in the industry, more and more "concept" vehicles on display are hitting the streets 18 months later in much the same skin they displayed at the auto show.
Two of the biggest trends that will be highly visible at this year's show will be the continued expansion of the crossover vehicle category and the amazing technological advancements in hybrid and alternative power.
Be sure to include diesel fuel in that alternative power classification. As far as Americans go, diesel has been relegated to the ranks of pickup trucks and some high-end luxury cars. Several manufacturers are taking diesel fuel power plants to the next level in North America, where demand has been lukewarm at best.
Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of diesel power technology, and the German manufacturer sells more of them worldwide than any other manufacturer. For my tastes, the best example of diesel's new image is the Audi Q7 diesel. This is a fabulous luxury crossover featuring a "whispering" diesel fuel engine.
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit marked the unveiling of the Chevrolet Volt, a General Motors concept that is a "must see" at the Chicago Auto Show. Not only is this real technology -- not just a pipe dream -- but this plug-in-and-go system is also steeped in a seductive exterior design package that is part Cadillac "edginess" and part Malibu redesign. With Toyota firmly in the lead on hybrids, the technology featured in the Volt legitimizes much of what Robert Lutz, chairman of GM North America, has said GM has been working on during the last three years.
Something GM, and the rest of the industry (sans Chrysler), have not been working on is growing their minivan markets. Most industry experts say the decline of the minivan is going to progress, with crossover vehicles getting the largest portion of those buyers. While minivan owners might enjoy seeing some of the newest designs in the minivan standards, it is the original Chrysler minivan that will have many Chicago Auto Show visitors talking. Featuring an interior design innovation called Swivel 'n Go, Chrysler and Dodge minivans have one of the major curiosities at this year's show. The second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. A table can be placed between the two to create a functional space more like a conversion van than any minivan on the standard lot.
Another sure-fire hit at the Chicago Auto Show will be the Camaro Coupe Convertible concept. For pony car enthusiasts, waiting for the Camaro has been the biggest news since, well, the death of the Camaro in 2002. The Camaro Convertible concept will whet the whistle of both enthusiasts and common admirers.
For those enthusiasts and the just plain curious, the two-week run of the Chicago Auto Show does offer several special days designated for discounted admission. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 13, Women's Day offers half off adult admission to all the females in attendance; the Chicago Auto Show Food Drive will offer half off adult admission to any person donating three or more cans of food Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14 -16.
