Chicago Auto Show Preview
By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 8, 2012 8:20PM
For Chicagoist, one of the few bright spots of winter is when we get to head over to McCormick Place and lust after hundreds of the latest cars and trucks for sale. It's kind of like what we did in the Hot Wheels aisle at Toys "R" Us as a kid, but on a much larger scale. And we're not as likely to go home with one at the end of the visit.
The Chicago Auto Show will turn over 1.2 million square feet of McCormick Place into a giant auto showroom, with about 1000 on display. Automakers typically unveil some all new models at the largest auto show in the nation, and 2012 is no different as car makers like Volkswagen, Dodge and Acura pull the covers off their upcoming models. Additionally, dozens of concept cars will be featured as brands show off future designs and gauge visitors' on possible new vehicles.
The Chicago Tribune gives their recommendations for the "don't miss" cars of this year's show, including the 2013 Dodge Dart (which will be built in nearby Belvidere, IL), new entry level cars from Buick and Acura, and small SUV's from Ford and Mazda. What we're looking most forward to is the new Acura NSX concept, as the Japanese automaker considers resurrecting their classic Ferrari-fighter supercar.
The 104th edition of the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public this Friday and runs through Sunday, Feb. 19. The show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on the final day). Tickets cost $11 for adults, $7 for kids and seniors, and are available online or at the show. In the past, we've bought discounted tickets from Groupon, but we've yet to see for sale them this year.
For those who want to learn more about the history of the Chicago Auto Show, shopautoweek.com has released a nifty infographic.
Chicagoist will be checking out the Chicago Auto Show on opening weekend, and share our favorites early next week.