The show, which prides itself as being the largest in the country, is expected to include about a dozen debuts – from the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy to special niche vehicles like the Toyota's new off-road lineup and Dodge Journey Crossroad.
CHICAGO, IL- Ford Mustang pinball machines and a fleet of new and updated vehicle models are expected to bring some fun to the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.
The show, which prides itself as being the largest in the country, is expected to include about a dozen debuts – from the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy to special niche vehicles like the Toyota's new off-road lineup and Dodge Journey Crossroad.
“It’s important because it’s such a big consumer show,” said Karl Brauer, Kelley Blue Book senior analyst. “That’s how it manages to pull some weight with the manufacturers.”
The Chicago Auto Show – positioned between the North American International Auto Show and New York International Auto Show heavyweights -- is traditionally a very consumer-focused show.
Here’s a look at 10 vehicles to watch out for at this year’s show, which opens to the public Saturday.
10. Surprise concepts? Every so often an automaker will sneak in a special concept for an auto show. If not, there were enough unveiled in Detroit to provide Chicago Auto Show attendees show fun.
9. CNG-powered Chevy Silverado HD: General Motors Co. is expanding its CNG-capable 6.0-liter engine to all 2500HD and 3500HD cab styles.
A separate CNG fuel tank enables the driver to switch between fuels at the flip of a switch. When the CNG tank is depleted, the system automatically switches to gasoline. The vehicles range is up to 650 miles.
Chicago Auto Show expected debuts: 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad (courtesy image)
8. Dodge Journey: The new three-row, seven-passenger crossover features distinctive new front and rear fascias, chrome side sills and unique 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, among other tweaks.
7. VW Beetle: A special trim package for the VW Beetle is expected to be unveiled at the show, according to KBB.
6. BMW X3 xDrive28d: The vehicle, according to BMW, will deliver 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque with a 2.0-liter, TwinPower turbo diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says this version can get to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.
5. Chevy City Express: The delivery van is basically a rebadged Nissan NV200, but it will allow GM to rapidly enter the growing city van market.
The City Express goes on sale this fall, offering 122.7 cubic feet (3,474 liters) of customizable cargo space, a tight turning diameter of only 36.7 feet (11.2 m) and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
4. Kia Soul EV: Another niche vehicle introduction that is guaranteed to provide some excitement is the new all-electric version of its Soul compact.
Other than the vehicle achieving an UL Environment validation for bio-based organic carbon content for 10 percent of its interior materials, Kia has released little about the vehicle.
Chicago Auto Show expected debuts: Toyota will unveil its latest lineup of new, off-road ready family of models known as the TRD Pro Series
3. Toyota off-road: After arguably stealing the world debut of the 2014 Toyota Tundra at last year’s show, the Japanese automaker will unveil its latest lineup of new, off-road ready family of models known as the TRD Pro Series.
Based on teaser photos posted on the company’s Facebook page, at least the 4Runner and Tundra will get a full off-road makeover.
2. 2015 Lincoln Navigator: The full-size luxury sport utility vehicle features nearly 24 updates, including interior and exterior enhancements and a smaller fuel-efficient engine.
Replacing the 5.4-liter V8 that has powered Navigator for years is a more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, according to Ford.
1. 2015 Subaru Legacy: Subaru unveiled a concept version of the Legacy at the 2013 LA Auto Show in November alongside the all-new 2015 WRX. If the actual production Legacy is similar to the concept, it will arguably turn some heads.
The concept featured a prominent grille coupe-like silhouette; 21-inch wheels; smooth lines; and “hawk eye" headlamp design
The show is open to the public from Feb. 8-17 at Chicago’s massive McCormick Place conference center.
Tickets to the show are $6 for senior citizens and children between 7-12 years old; $12 for adults; and free for children 6 and under. For more information on tickets, visit chicagoautoshow.com.
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