Media days begin this Thursday, so we check out what will be in store for show visitors to the Windy City gig this year.
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Chicago Auto Show
It's currently the smallest of the big four here in the US (the three others being Los Angeles, Detroit and New York) as far as media coverage is concerned. But in terms of longevity and actual square footage, the Chicago Auto Show, an event that was first held at the Chicago Coliseum in March of 1901, it's number one.
The Chicago Auto show is also the largest public event at the city’s mammoth McCormick Place and 2017 marks the 109th time it's been staged. Having said that, here are just a few of the vehicles that will be unveiled this week:
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2018 Ford Expedition
The all-new Expedition follows its F-Series-based brethren with an all-aluminum body, an updated powertrain and a slew of new technology features. The extreme makeover has been a long time coming, since it's been 20 years since the Expedition was last updated.
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Hyundai must have a thing for Chicago and the Elantra GT. The refreshed 2016 model was unveiled in the Windy City 2 years ago. This year, Chicago will host the North American unveiling of the 3rd generation version (the European version, the i30, made its world debut in Paris last fall). The new Elantra GT boasts edgier styling and a sportier chassis (suspension tuning was carried out on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit).
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2018 Subaru Legacy
Subaru, it seems, also has a thing for the City of Big Shoulders and its Legacy sedan. The 6th generation Legacy made its world debut in 2014 in Chicago, while this year's show will witness the unveiling of a refreshed version of Subi's midsize sedan. Changes include an updated front fascia, new infotainment and safety features, as well as a new interior color and a larger, optional touchscreen.
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2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Dodge is calling the 2018 Durango SRT the "Dodge Charger of the full-size SUV segment." The latest FCA vehicle backs up that claim with a 475 horsepower 392 cubic inch Hemi V8. How does a National Hot Rod Association-certified quarter mile time of 12.9 seconds and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds sound? We thought so.
2018 Toyota Tundra
There's a pattern going on here as it's déjà vu all over again for Toyota's full-size pickup. The last Tundra refresh, for the 2014 model year, was introduced on February 7, 2013, in Chicago. No news yet on how extensive the changes will be. Rumor also has it that Toyota also may be showing new TRD packages for both the Tundra and 2017 Sequoia.
2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition
Mitsubishi's SUVs – the Outlander and Outlander Sport – have literally brought the brand from the edge of extinction. So what better way to celebrate than to add a bit of much-needed bling to the Sport? The Limited Edition model will slot above the base trim, with exterior enhancements that include an alloy fuel door, fog lamps, HID headlamps, black finished outside mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear view camera. Inside, the steering wheel, shift knob, and brake lever are trimmed in red stitching. Aluminum pedals and an infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration round out the package.
Nissan and Chevrolet
In addition, Nissan will be taking the wraps off the 2017 Titan King Cab and unveiling a Titan XD Pro-4X project truck. Rumor also has it that Chevrolet will be making an announcement about a number of Redline special edition models.
Stay tuned
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the introductions that will be taking place in Chicago. Lot Pro will be there, so stay tuned.
