Get rolling this weekend with "retro-modern" models at the Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's almost time to start your engines because the Chicago Auto Show returns this weekend!
Doors aren't open yet but CBS 2 is getting an early look inside.
From electric cars to rugged trucks, and even portable scooters you can take for a spin.
If you're looking for what's new from carmakers, you might find something old.
"What they've really car companies have done is embraced their past, but modernized it, and that's what we're seeing across the show floor."
Mark Bilek with the Chicago Auto Show is the expert, and it looks like carmakers are bringing boxy back.
"I think the word I would use is retro-modern," Bilek said.
To be fair, some designs are boxier than others.
Honda's Motocompacto scooter doesn't count, but it looks retro-modern.
"So Ford brought back the Bronco, for example. And it's a very boxy look that happened with the Bronco in the 60s and the 70s," Bilek said.
Toyota is also looking back and bringing back the Land Cruiser.
"You can see that it has a lot of nostalgia with the heritage front grill and with the iconic round headlights," said Toyota Product Specialist Maggie Clark.
"It looks a lot like the Land Cruiser of old, but modern."
Bilek said cars on the showroom floor are also trending more rugged. The cybertruck may be the extreme.
"We're seeing bigger tires and wheels. We're seeing more ground clearance."
And all new cars are loaded with tech, even so-called retro-modern ones.
"The original. There is basically no tech. And there's no crash protection. This car has all of the driver aides that you need nowadays," said Mark Gillies with VW of America.
What's old may be new again and carmakers are working to connect with drivers.
"Consumers are looking not only for value, but they're looking for capability and they're looking for expression."
You can "Shift Gears with CBS 2 next Tuesday with a look at some of the hottest cars. The CBS 2 Chicago Auto Show Special starts at 6:30.
The Chicago Auto Show starts on Saturday, February 10, and runs through February 19th. Doors open daily at 10 a.m.
