Getting Ready For The Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO (WWJ) This year's Chicago Auto Show is putting a premium on performance.
Most of the major new product introduction's came at the recent shows in Detroit and Los Angeles. The automakers saving performance variants of existing products for the Chicago Show. WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert is in Chicago, and will keep you up to date on all of the breaking news and new product introductions.
One star could be a new, high powered version of the Chevy Camaro. GM won't confirm it, but there have been persistent rumors of a Camaro with the power, or more power, than a Corvette.
Analysts say it would be a nice way to keep the Camaro lineup fresh, as the convertible version is starting to hit dealerships in warm weather states. Adding a performance variant to the lineup would be a good way to keep the momentum going in the sales race between Camaro and the Ford Mustang.
Chrysler has confirmed that it will have an R/T version of the Dodge Caravan minivan. Details to come, but Dodge Brand Chief Ralph Gilles hinted at that, when he spoke to WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert at November's LA Auto Show.
"I've got a man van coming, an R/T," Gilles said. "This is a performance version, first time we've ever done that. We think as originator of the concept, why not?"
Dodge saying the Caravan R/T will have a more mach interior, an improved suspension and a high end sound system.
The Chicago Auto Show will also mark the public debut of the convertible version of the Chrysler 200 mid size car.
Hyundai is also putting a little extra power into one of its more important vehicles. It will introduce a performance version of the Genesis sport sedan, with a 5-liter V-8.
In addition to the performance vehicles, fuel economy is a big theme in Chicago, and just about every auto show these days. General Motors is going to introduce a mild-hybrid version of its Regal mid size car, with a system called e-Assist. The same system will be available on the Buick LaCrosse full size car.
"Buick's eAssist technology means customers don't have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing, in a statement released by GM. "We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans."
GM says the Regal with eAssist will get 26 miles per gallon in the city, 37 on the highway. That's a twenty five per cent improvement over the current regal, with a technology that's not as expensive as a full hybrid.
Ford doesn't have a new product introduction at this year's Chicago Auto Show. But, it will be giving journalists an opportunity to ride in the Taxi version of the Transit Connect Van, that was introduced last year. Ford marketing chief Jim Farley will also be the keynote speaker to begin the auto show Wednesday morning. He's expected to discuss Ford's use of social media to launch products.
Social media will be in full force on Thursday, what would ordinarily be the second day of press previews. This year, Chicago Auto Show organizers will have special sessions for bloggers and others who are not members of the traditional automotive media.
"It's not an exercise in chaos, but rather the experiment we have chosen to initiate where we find out what happens when marketing, public relations and the social media intersect," said a statement from the show, which referred to the day as "an informal matrix of events."
Unlike Cobo Center in Detroit, space is not at a premium in Chicago's McCormick place. So, during public days, there will be several tracks where people can experience the vehicles. That includes "Camp Jeep," which has become a regular part of the Chicago Auto Show, and a special track where people can get a ride in the new Chevy Volt.
The Chicago Auto Show is planning to webcast many of Wednesday's product introductions. They are available by following this link.
Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter @jefferygilbert
