2018 Chicago Auto Show Sneak Peek Preview

Photo by Megan Green

The Midwest is a sprawling landscape dominated by SUVs and Trucks, and the Chicago Auto Show (running February 10 - 19, 2018) has gained notoriety for showing off these two favorite types of vehicles. It's also called the "largest auto show in America" based on its square footage, and the show boasts longevity as the oldest auto show in America with its historic 1901 debut. Held every February, the auto show is a favorite indoor attraction for Chicago-area's bitterly cold winters. What better time to walk a huge show floor, sitting in cars and dreaming about your next purchase? 

Though it competes with big shows in Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York, Chicago has much to offer as a city that is surrounded by suburban areas where millions of car buyers live. This year, we received a few hints before the pre-show press days regarding some new vehicles and exhibits that will be featured. Read on for the details.

FCA's Focus on Fiat 500

FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group), will put its Chicago Auto Show focus on its FIAT 500 stable of trims. This year, in Chicago, it will showcase both the 2018 FIAT 500L and the 2018 FIAT 500X.

The 4-door 2018 FIAT 500L (shown here) is the longer wheelbase version of the 500 range. New for 2018, both the front and rear have been redesigned and include daytime running lights. Fiat has added a rear camera as standard, and the interior has been completely updated. The 7.0-inch infotainment screen is a welcome improvement as well. 

The 2018 FIAT 500X takes a more rugged direction, competing against the Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3, among others. The bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen is added here as well, and the 500X includes several appearance packages that personalize your funky 500 even further.

Photo by FIAT

Toyota Teases Trail-Ready 4-Wheelers

Toyota sent this photo showing a far-off photo of its Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner looking as though they are sporting off-road packages. Toyota has its TRD Pro Series for the current year vehicles, so we're guessing that this is an update for the 2018 model year. 

Toyota's Chicago presence has always been huge, and this year is no different. Not only will they have more than 50 models on the show floor, but they have an indoor driving track next to the booth where professional drivers will take show-goers on a "Camry Thrill Ride" around a closed course. The course highlights the Camry XSE, a new sport version of the recently redesigned passenger car.

Photo by Toyota

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Dark Cherry Top

Although it was announced last December, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata with available Dark Cherry soft top has not hit the auto show circuit since Mazda decided not to participate in the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. 

The Dark Cherry soft top is one in a series of exterior and interior color changes to the 2018 soft top lineup. Also available is a beautiful Auburn Nappa leather interior, Heated Recaro sport seats, and a Brembo/BBS package.

Photo by Mazda

2019 Volkswagen Arteon

It's been for sale in Europe already, but the 2019 VW Arteon will be announced as the official replacement for the Volkswagen CC going forward. 

According to sources at Volkswagen, the new Arteon is made on the same platform as the Golf, Tiguan and Atlas and features 19.8 cubic feet of cargo with folding seats up. The engine will follow the turbocharge engine trend VW has been heading in for the past few years. More details will be announced at the Chicago Auto Show, but we can see why this larger sedan replaces the smallish, visibility-challenged CC.

Photo by Joni Gray

2019 Ram 1500 and 2018 Jeep Wrangler Get "Moparized"

It's no surprise that FCA (Fiat Chrysler automobiles) would lay a Mopar package on its two hottest properties - the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler and the 2019 RAM 1500, so that's what we'll see at the Chicago Auto Show. 

Mopar typically juices up the engine and appearance packages (and the price) that are used across all brands to customize individual cars with genuine parts from the parent company. The name MOPAR is a combination of the words "Motor" and "Parts," which always make the vehicles faster, louder, flashier and more fun.

Photo by FCA Media

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept

Although it has already made its Global debut one month ago in Detroit, this concept is worth a mention. It will be displayed center stage at the Lexus stand in Chicago for good reason, even the photos look like a master sketch. The goal was to create a futuristic "flagship" out of its best-selling RX line, and Lexus succeeded with the LF-1 Limitless. 

Created at Toyota's Calty Design Center in California, this futuristic concept takes the ever-popular Lexus RX into the future with style. Stand out features include cameras as mirrors, perforated wood interior for a"starlight" effect, and one of the most beautiful, sculptural executions of headlamps and tail lights we've ever seen. Lexus says this one design can house electric, fuel cell, plug-in hybrid or gasoline power, based on customer preference.

Supercars and Exotics of the Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is split into two huge rooms, totaling 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. One room is for mass-market cars, trucks, and SUVs, and the other is all luxury. In one corner of the luxury side is a huge display of supercars and exotics. This year's current models include:

• Acura NSX 
• Aston Martin DB 11
• Aston Martin Rapide S 
• Aston Martin Vanquish S
• Aston Martin Vantage 
• Audi R8 
• BMW i8 
• Chevrolet Corvette 
• Ford GT 
• Lexus LC 
• Lotus Evora 
• Lotus Exige 
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C
• Nissan GT-R
• Porsche 911

Photo by Megan Green

Chicago Show Bonus: The DMV Booth

We think it's worth mentioning that the City of Chicago offers its many show-goers a booth dedicated to DMV services. The Secretary of State exhibit at the show will allow Chicagoans to renews their driver's licenses, state ID cards, vehicle renewal stickers and vehicle title and registrations.

In addition, you can sign up to become an organ donor or even obtain parking placards for Persons with Disabilities. Who knows, you may be able to hit the DMV booth, get your disabilities placard, and go back outside and park in a closer spot! We applaud the Chicago DMV for this innovative auto show idea.