Your Guide to the Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is back for its 111th exhibition. The vehicles may have changed but the goals of the event are the same, to deliver an experience of what’s next in the world of cars.

At the show, enthusiasts, drivers, and industry experts will be able to look at nearly 1,000 different vehicles. This year, multiple manufacturers will debut new models, with lots of new looks to greet attendees. With more than one million square feet available through the McCormick Place complex, there is not much that cannot be found at the show.

No matter what you love about cars and driving, there is an opportunity for all to have fun.

“The Chicago Auto Show has something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in purchasing a new vehicle, checking out the hottest concept cars, experiencing interactive displays, or just taking the family out for a fun day, there’s so much to see and do at the 2019 show,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Ray Scarpelli.

Here is what to expect and experience at the 2019 show, which runs through Feb. 18.

Indoor Test Tracks

How durable is that SUV or truck? Attendees can find out by getting inside of one at the indoor test tracks exhibitions. Camp Jeep is celebrating its 15th year at the Chicago Auto Show and offers a ride along with a professional driver. For pickup truck enthusiasts, try out the Ram Truck Territory, where drivers navigate through a course in a Ram 1500.

Kia and Land Rover also have indoor test track opportunities.

Outdoor Ride-and-Drives

Several manufacturers will also offer outdoor ride-and-drives so that car fans can see what it is like behind the wheel. Participants include Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Win Entry into the Super Car Garage

The Chicago Auto Show has a social media challenge for attendees with the prize being access to the Super Car Garage. There are multiple ways to win with Facebook Live streams, hashtag buzz, and following the event on social media. The event’s social media team pays close attention to what guests are posting.

“Our social media team takes advantage of this focus group to identify trends that set the stage not just for Chicago, but for the whole nation,” David Sloan, Chicago Auto Show General Manager said.

Model Debuts

This year’s festivities will welcome almost 20 new models to viewers’ eyes. See everything from the 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia to the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, which is incidentally the model’s 35th-anniversary edition. Along with these new models, there will also be concept and exotic cars to feed attendees’ imaginations.

Hot Trends

Those in attendance should keep an eye out for some hot new features on displayed cars. The rear camera mirror in particular has already shown up on some GMC vehicles. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has also implemented the technology.

Tailgates are another feature being reinvented. GMC has the MultiPro Tailgate, which allows drivers to fold and maneuver the tailgate into six configurations. Ram also has a multifunction tailgate that opens like French doors. As far as aesthetics go, it is hard to miss all those massive grilles. Both the 2020 Toyota Tacoma and 2019 Ram 1500 are standouts here.

On to the technical side of things, Hyundai is debuting Rear Seat Notification. This displays a visible reminder to check back seats before leaving the vehicle. Also of note, the Dodge Ram is showing off a new 12-inch touchscreen, which allows for screen-splitting and more. Super Cruise from Cadillac is another tech-heavy option, delivering a hands-free driving experience.

Meet Chicago Legends

The event also brings together many of the city’s legends. There are guest appearances by members of the Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks. Each day has multiple events with certain days being focused on specific drivers including a Women’s Day on Feb. 12 and a Hispanic Heritage Day on Feb. 15.

Stay tuned to MarketScale for videos, articles and podcasts about the Chicago Auto Show all week!

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