If you’ve never been to one of the 70 or so auto shows around the country, you may not realize what a gem the Chicago Auto Show really is. Sure, it's the largest and longest-running, but it has a lot more going for it. Manufacturers  use it to show their entire lineup and some skipped the Detroit show to debut here instead. Held at the peak of auto show season, the Chicago Auto Show benefits from having the latest and greatest of Los Angeles and Detroit debuts on display as well as some world premieres of Chicago’s own.

Among Chicago’s biggest single-day charity events, First Look for Charity – the auto show’s black-tie event – will be held Feb. 11, the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. First Look for Charity is an anticipated event among socialites and car buffs. The black-tie affair allows participants to stroll the show floor amid opulence not present during the public portion of the Chicago Auto Show. Five gourmet "Drive-thru" tasting stations, and a chance to win a Chevrolet Equinox, are among the perks that come with your $225 ticket. 

The Big Three have shined up their latest wares to entice showgoers and make the pitch that there are better days ahead for U.S. automakers.

This particular auto show, 2010, is extra special because it also kicks off a new decade. With the bankruptcy of two of the Big Three domestic manufacturers, the worldwide impact of an American economy in deep recession and the continued volatile nature of fuel prices, it would be hard to have a bright outlook for the short-term future, unless, of course, you are the automotive industry.

As the best attended auto show in the country, the Chicago Auto Show draws the newest and greatest production and concept cars from just about every automaker. That includes the new products shown at recent auto shows, plus some news made exclusively in Chicago. We don’t know what the new vehicles will be yet, but we do know that some cool cars from recent shows will be on hand. While you’re at the show, be sure that you don’t miss out on these, including an up-market Focus, a powerful Cadillac CTS-V and the car you really want - a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with its powerful V8 engine, gull-wing doors and the ability to go from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds.

Ford is going full throttle announcing new product plans and powertrains, and is showing the 2011 Mustang GT to the public at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with an all-new 5.0-liter engine, along with a few other enhancements. In light of the competition from the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang was looking a little shy in the horsepower department, though it still won many comparison tests including one of our own.

While you are waiting for the Chicago Auto Show, slated Feb. 12-21, some of the most popular cars at the Detroit auto show may be giving us an indication of what we'll be driving in the future. Here are five cars that are stealing the show in Detroit this week.