As the Chicago Auto Show opened its doors to the public on Saturday, it dazzled spectators with displays of the latest car models and concepts to hit the road. Generation after generation of Chicagoans have trekked to this show since it opened in 1901 (this year marks the 105th annual showing). The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the United States. This year nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display inside the enormous McCormick Place complex. The show will feature indoor ride-and-drives, outdoor test drives, interactive displays, simulators and more.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
One of the biggest attractions for event-goers at this year’s show is the 2014 Corvette Stingray (above). This Corvette marks the seventh generation of “America’s Sport Car.” Under the hood of this beauty is a new 6.2L (376 ci) LT1 V8 engine that pumps out 450 horsepower. They say this engine combines advanced technologies that deliver more power while using less fuel. Consumers will have their choice of a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic or 7-speed manual gearbox with “Active Rev Match.” Performance numbers for the 2014 Corvette Stingray are listed as 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
Another popular attraction at the show is the 2013 SRT Viper (above). This is the first time the car is on display to the public. Nestled under the hood of this fifth generation iconic American supercar is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4L, mid-front V10 overhead-valve engine. They say the SRT-engineered V10 Viper pumps-out a massive 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world! Performance numbers for the 2013 SRT Viper are listed as 0-to-60 mph in three seconds with a top speed of 206 mph. There are six exterior color choices offered, plus two new shades: Stryker Red Tri-Coat Pearl and GTS Blue.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
Also on display at the Chicago Auto Show is the all-new 2013 Jaguar F-Type (above). For 2013 there are three F-types offered: F-Type, F-Type S and the F-Type V8 S, powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3L V6 engine in 340 horsepower and 380 horsepower outputs and a 495 horsepower 5L supercharged V8. Performance numbers for the F-type are listed as 0-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds for the F-Type, 4.8 for the S model and 4.2 for the V8 S. Top track speed is 186 mph.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
Another hot attraction at the show this year is this 2013 Lamborghini Aventador (above). The Chicago Auto Show is calling the car the “most sinister-appearing ultra supercar” on display, meanwhile among event-goers it’s being dubbed the 21st-century Batmobile. The Lamborghini Aventador stands only 3 feet 9 inches tall and is powered by a 6.5L V12 powerplant that produces 700 horsepower. Performance numbers for this “Italian masterpiece” are listed as 0-to-60 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
Also on display at the show this year is this 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible (above). This Camaro comes equipped with the technology advanced ZL1 performance package, making this car track-capable right from the showroom. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2L V8 that generates a roaring 580 horsepower. It comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Performance numbers are listed as 0-to-60 mph in four seconds, and it has an advertised top speed of 184 mph.
Cars On Line photo by Doug Bennett
Don’t forget to check out the Ford Atlas concept truck (above) on display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. The prototype is 238 inches in length, with a 150 in wheelbase. The Atlas concept incorporates many features that give the tuck unique functionality for a variety of jobs. Some examples include an integrated roof carrying system and a tailgate step that turns into a cargo cradle to carry long items. Ford said that a next-generation EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop will power the Atlas, connected with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The Chicago Auto Show will run through Monday, Feb. 18. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for the last day, when it closes at 8 p.m. For more information, please visit the Chicago Auto Show website.
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