Our editorial team is headed to the Windy City today, where the weather is just a wee bit better than it was during last year’s apocalyptic blizzard (we survived and we didn’t even need a Chevy Silverado).
While the Chicago Auto Show’s stature has been diminished this year by a resurgent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t looking forward to a few global debuts at McCormick Place.
In fact, this show is among the world’s most important for automakers, since it is the most-visited North American show for members of the public. Once those of us in the media clear out later this week, the flood gates open and visitors from all across the Midwest make their way to the show to check out the industry’s latest and greatest.
There are plenty of things to look forward to seeing, even if you went to the Detroit show in January. Here’s a look at what we expect…
Acura
Acura will take the wraps off of the production versions of its ILX compact and RDX crossover. While both were unveiled as thinly-disguised “concepts” in Detroit, dark window tinting kept us from getting a look at the ILX’s interior (truth be told, Acura put a mock-up interior in the Detroit show car).
Buick
Buick isn’t showing off any new cars in Chicago, but the GM division will confirm at the show that its eAssist mild hybrid technology will become standard on the Regal for 2013. The system is an option for 2012 on the Regal, although it is standard on the larger LaCrosse.
Chrysler
A tricked-out version of Chrysler’s 300 will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the automaker’s Mopar division with black trim and a few blue touches (Mopar’s shade is blue). The car also features a higher final drive ratio to boost its 0-60 sprint to a tick over five seconds, which makes the $49,700 Mopar ’12 300 the fastest non-SRT yet.
Dodge
Dodge debuted its long-anticipated Dart compact in Detroit, but Chrysler’s Mopar division didn’t get a chance to strut its stuff. A two-stage package gives the Dart a new look and uprated performance.
Fiat
Fiat and Mopar are starting to go together as well as Italian food and Chicago (think Giordano’s!), as the Fiat 500 Stinger package designed by Mopar. Like the Moparized Dart, the Stinger package is available in two stages to add either styling or performance upgrades to the 500. Will these packages help the 500′s mediocre sales?
Ford
Chicago might not seem like the best place to unveil a convertible, but that’s just what the Blue Oval is doing. A droptop version of its unveiled-in-Detroit Shelby GT500 probably won’t top 200 mph like its coupe sibling, but it should be plenty quick.
GMC
General Motors’ three-row Lambda platform crossovers are getting a remake for 2013, starting with the GMC Acadia. A revised transmission and a new look with much upgraded infotainment signals the new year for the popular family hauler.
Hyundai
Hyundai’s Elantra range will grow in two directions in Chicago. Look for a more style-oriented two-door coupe to be joined by a new version of the company’s pleasantly practical Elantra Touring.
Jeep
Following in the footsteps of Dodge and Fiat’s collaboration with Mopar, the Jeep Compass True North Concept takes a slightly more off road-oriented approach to the standard Trail Rated-level Compass. The True North has a bit more of a SEMA vibe than we’re used to seeing at major international auto shows, but that might not be a bad thing.
Kia
Unlike most automakers, Kia is using the Windy City to unveil a true concept car. Its Track’ster concept is sort of a sport-oriented two-door version of the Soul. Frankly, it’s the kind of car we typically see at March’s Geneva show, which is the world’s showground for not-for-production concepts.
Mazda
Mazda will mark the 23rd anniversary of when it first unveiled its Miata roadster at Chicago by introducing a new limited-edition package called the MX-5 Miata Special Edition. While there are no performance upgrades, the Special Edition gets a rather unique contrasting-color hardtop.
Nissan
Nissan’s 370Z sports car gets a mid-cycle upgrade with a new look and a few added features, and the automaker is also expected to show off a 12-passenger version of its NV200. Talk about opposite extremes!
Ram
Chrysler’s truck division will show off a tony version of its Ram Laramie. Unlike the Western-themed Laramie Longhorn that was inspired by Fort Worth to Cheyenne and everything in between, the Laramie Limited is for the urban cowboy.
Toyota
Beloved by many but rarely actually purchased, the Toyota Land Cruiser was up for a mid-cycle refresh. A new look brings with it a simplified lineup and a few new features, but more buyers are likely to pony up a little more for the more luxurious Lexus LX 570.
Volkswagen
VW confirmed early on that a diesel engine would make its way into the North American Beetle… and here it is. The Beetle’s shape is apparently less slippery than it looks, so the Beetle TDI nets 39 mpg.
Stay tuned for our live coverage of the Chicago show beginning early tomorrow morning. We’ll provide full coverage here and we’ll also be working live from the show floor to provide exclusive updates to our Facebook fans (join our page here).
