2010 Auto Show Preview

By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 11, 2010 8:30PM

The 2010 Chicago Auto Show opens to the public on Friday, and while it'll once again be a more subdued show than in years past, it remains the largest auto show in North America with over 1,000 cars on display in over 1 million square feet of space at McCormick Place for car fanatics and those in the market for new cars to check out.

Last year's Auto Show was a bit of a downer, given the state of the auto industry at the time. And it's only gotten worse for car makers since, with weak sales helping drive two of the Big Three into bankruptcy while reliability stalwart Toyota has been rocked by a number of high profile recalls. Since last year's show, GM pulled the plug on Pontiac and Saturn while Saab remains on life support and Hummer is being adopted by China. Chrysler had to throw itself at Fiat's feet to stave off liquidation. Toyotas are being recalled by the millions to fix issues with their accelerating and breaking.

But the show must go on, and Chicago's Auto Show will still provide more than enough curves and chrome to put a smile on our faces as we inspect the latest models and concept cars. For those who want to preview the show from the comfort of home, a number of local TV stations will air Auto Show specials over the weekend. We'll be attending the show over the weekend and sharing out thoughts next week.

The show runs through Sunday, February 21, open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. (closing at 8 p.m. on final day). Tickets run $11 for regular adult admission.