Rolling into the '20s

     The crowds are back at McCormick Place, as the Chicago Auto Show returns for its 112th Edition. The North and South Halls will once again be stuffed to the gills by cars and car enthusiasts, the test tracks will once again attract crowds, and the test drives will once again be popular. But what's new? Ford is premiering the 2021 Mach-E. Volkswagen is offering a Test Track Experience for the very first time. And Wintrust is giving away a supercar! This promises to be another great Auto Show.

Grinding it Out

     There are plenty of unique things here at the show. I may have just found the craziest one. Audi has a whole spread at their exhibit, including merchandise for sale. One of those items is a black piece of plastic that plays a noise like an engine revving up. I'm trying to figure out what it is, and it turns out that the thing is a pepper grinder! Who would've thought? Points to Audi for originality!

 

Win This Car!

     At the Auto Show this year Ford has its usual array of features. Hank the Robot, the Mustang dynamo, and the cars. But this year Ford is also partnering with JDRF. JDRF is a Type 1 Diabetes advocacy group that has been around since 1970. Their mission is to raise awareness of the disease and to generate funding to facilitate research and discovery of a cure. One of those fundraisers is taking place at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. Ford is raffling off a 1973 Mustang Convertible. People can buy tickets with all the proceeds going to JDRF. Winners will be announced at the end of the show, so make sure to buy your raffle tickets now!

 

Hear the Mustang Roar

     The Ford Mustang is one of America's most beloved cars, and one of the most distinctive things about it is the sound of its engines revving up. Ford has brought that experience to the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. They have a Mustang set up on a platform, and once an hour a driver gets in and revs the engines on the car. Obviously, it's quite loud and the noise fills up the whole hall, meaning that no matter where you may be standing, you can hear the roar of an iconic muscle car.

 

Chargers, Chargers, and more Chargers

     In 2018, our mobile tech is more important to us than ever. To that end, taking care of the tech needs of attendees at the auto show is a priority. A dead battery is fun for nobody. Luckily, many automakers have provided benches in their exhibits equipped with usb ports and charging cables, thus allowing guests to hang around at their displays more and see more of what they have to offer. .

     Guests can sit down, relax, and get a phone charge. As we saw with the rise of immersive technology this year, the role of and the catering to technology will only grow in prominence as the years go on

 

Hanging with Hank

     We've already covered the immersive experiences at the auto show. But there is another experience that is something to behold. As part of Ford's exhibit here at the show, guests can check out Hank the Robot. 

     Hank is an animatronic robot that interacts with guests at the show. Some would say that he bears a resemblance to C-3PO from Star Wars(but don't tell Disney's lawyers I said that!) He speaks with a southern drawl that is truly odd. After talking to the guests for a while, he breaks down into a robot dance party. Hank is something that needs to be seen to be believed. Make sure to check him out at the show.

 

 

Awards Aplenty

     This year the auto show is separated into different sections of auto manufacturers. Many of them have displays showing off the awards that their vehicles have received recently.

     Mitsubishi is proudly displaying their awards(as well as the souped-up Model A), ranging from a cars.com honor to a trophy honoring their vehicle as a top safety pick.

     GMC is displaying its array of awards, ranging from honors accorded by the Kelley Blue Book, to a pickup truck of the year award, to honors from cars.com

     Hyundai's selection of safety awards speak to its reputation as a great safety-focused brand, but the other awards on display mean that the company isn't just a one-trick pony.

    Toyota's commitment to excellence is plainly obvious when you look at the size of their trophy case and the numbers of repeat awards they have won over the years. Clearly, this brand is here to stay.

     Jeep is one of America's best known brands and the bevy of awards shows it. Both multiple repeats of the same award and a great diversity of awards indicate that this is a well respected brand.

This Car is Insane!

     Dodge has always been known for their muscle cars, but this time they've outdone themselves. This year Dodge is unveiling the Challenger SRT Demon. Here are just some of the stats:

• It has 840 horsepower under the hood
• It goes from 0-60 in 2.3 seconds
• Not only that, but it's the fastest production vehicle to go from 0-100, outperforming a vehicle that costs $1.6 Million
• It set the 1/4 Mile speed record for a production vehicle
• It gives the highest G-Force of any production vehicle
• It's got a supercharged 6.2 Liter HEMI V8
• It features a 45 square inch hood scoop to constantly supply the engine with air
• The front wheels lift up off of the ground when taking off
• Not only is the acceleration groundbreaking, but so are the breaks, featuring four-piston Brembo brakes with slotted two-piece rotors
• It has drag racing tires
• It has special racing accessories on the inside to make it feel all the more authentic

     And the whole thing is street legal! That's a whole hell of a lot of car! And it starts at just under $85,000. Make sure to save your pennies!

Remodeling the Past

     In 1917, the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company released the Model A, the first production series automobile to be built in Japan. The car itself was not very successful, as all the vehicles were assembled by hand, which caused it to lose ground to mass-produced cars. But this year, Mitsubishi is at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show with an updated model of the car. On the outside, it looks like any other classic car, but inside it has all the modern amenities one expects from a 2018 vehicle, such as:

• An all-wheel control system
• Plug-in chargers
• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Smartphone display audio
• And much more

     Kudos to Mitsubishi for bringing the past into the future.

My Dream Car

I'm not the type who typically has dream cars that I want to run out and buy. But even I make an exception every now and then. One of those exceptions is the Polaris Slingshot. It's basically a 3-wheeled motorcycle with an actual body, but no doors to speak of. It gives you the freedom and open air feel of a motorcycle with some of the protection of a car. Polaris is here at the Auto Show with some vehicles. They even have a kids area where the little tykes can wheel around in mini Slingshots.

State Farm at the Show.

     Once again, State Farm is making its presence known at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, with its State Farm Garage. Like always, they are here giving out their ubiquitous bags:

     But they also have some other cool things this year. They have a booth where you can custom-engrave your very own State Farm luggage tag, as well as a photo wall where you can take a picture and put it up on the wall to make a photomosaic. I took a picture of myself, and you can see what it looks like:

The Time Is Now: The Year of Immersive Tech

     One of the big waves of the future is immersive technology. Whether it's virtual reality, 4D Experiences, driving simulators, or augmented reality, people are always excited about the new things we can make people see with technology. Ultimately, the goal is to get somewhere right around here:

     While we're not there yet, we're getting better every year. And the 2018 Chicago Auto Show is latching on to that trend in a big way. There are more immersive experiences this year at the show than I ever remember seeing before. Chevy gives us a good look at things with their 4D Test Track Experience:

     You get to accompany a Chevy test driver on various Chevy proving grounds and test tracks throughout the world. This is an extremely immersive experience, and is easily the most immersive experience I've had. Between the VR goggles and the seat that vibrates and moves depending on the terrain you're crossing, this is a great experience that does what it sets out to do and passes with flying colors. The next one up is Honda, with their augmented reality experience. The best way I can describe augmented reality is like this:

     Honda's layout worked like this: the display took you through a course where you stopped at various locations and looked at different features about their vehicles. It was a very cool experience as well, as you were able to see the directions and presentations projected in front of your while still being able to see everything going on in front of you in the real world as well. That's what I find coolest about augmented reality, and why I still think it has a place in our technological toolbox.

     The other big innovation at the show are simulated driving experiences. Ford leads off the pack with its driving simulator, which is back for another year of fun. It works like this: you go up into a small space with racing seats surrounded by 3 screens giving you an almost 180 degree view. After that, you drive a course and get the feel of what it's like to be in a Ford Performance Vehicle. This is what it looks like:

     Then you have the Hyundai Racing Challenge. As part of the Hyundai exhibit, you can get the chance to race in a Hyundai vehicle, much like the Ford experience described above. But here's the fun part. In this experience, you can compete against your fellow auto show attendees. Several times each day, they have open qualifying rounds, where anyone can come up and drive the course. The top 8 times from the qualifying can then go on to a tournament, where players race head to head for the top price given out, which is a new Xbox.

There's No Biz Like Showbiz!

     At the auto show, there are many radio stations doing live broadcasts. One of those stations broadcasting from the show is B96, coming to us from the middle of the North Hall. Their morning crew is broadcasting live all week from the show floor. One of their people, Showbiz Shelly was there giving pop culture questions to those in attendance. She had a panel of three auto show guests onstage, and she was also giving out bags to the crowd.

     This is just one of many really cool things going down at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned for even more updates!

CAS 18: We're ready to go!

     After a busy opening weekend, Chicago 365 is here to cover, talk about, and report on the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. With a million square feet of exhibit space, 3 test tracks, and multiple interactive experiences, there is a lot to explore. And with the help of the handy Chicago Auto Show mobile app, you can organize your experience right there. Lists of events, promotions, and show floor maps promise to light the way. I'll be reporting back with more as the show goes on, and I'll see you out on the floor here at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show!

From The Horse's Mouth: CAS 18 is open!

This morning the Chicago Auto Show officially opens it's doors to the public for its 110th edition. The following is a press release announcing the opening:

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW PREPARES TO OPEN ITS DOORS FOR THE 110TH EDITION  
The Nation's Largest Auto Show runs Feb. 10-19

CHICAGO (Feb. 10, 2018) - Automakers, manufacturers and enthusiasts from around the world are revving up for the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. The nation's largest and best-attended auto show, held annually at McCormick Place, opens to the public Saturday, Feb. 10 and runs through Monday, Feb. 19. The show is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day of the show when it closes at 8 p.m.

Dignitaries and show officials are expected to cut the ribbon on the 110th edition of the Chicago Auto Show Saturday, officially opening the longest-running auto show in North America. Consumers will once again be treated to more than one million sq. ft. of exhibit space, appearances from celebrities and sports icons, and interactive displays for the whole family.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show promises visitors exclusive access to nearly 1,000 of the newest and most exciting vehicles, including more than a dozen vehicles that made their global or North American debuts during this week's Media Preview. Those include the much-anticipated 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, Fiat 500, 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon and Edge Titanium Elite, Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra TRD Pro models and Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition. Two winter-themed concept vehicles from Nissan were also unveiled, the Nissan Armada Snow Patrol concept and the 370Zki concept, and Subaru celebrated its 50th anniversary with the release of special edition automobiles across its entire 2018 lineup.

In addition to the latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel. Seven outdoor ride-and-drive experiences hosted by Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition will offer an up-close look into the most recent cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles to hit the market. Three indoor test-driving tracks, including Camp Jeep, Kia's SUV Gym, and Toyota's Camry Thrill Ride, will highlight cutting-edge technologies and vehicle capabilities right from the show floor. New and returning exhibits across the show floor, including numerous driving simulators, offer fans the fun and interactive experiences they've come to expect in Chicago.

"The Chicago Auto Show is a consumer-driven show unlike any other automotive expo in the world," said John Hennessy, 2018 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We offer visitors unfettered access to vehicles and unique, hands-on experiences that enable them to make informed purchase decisions down the road. With new and exciting exhibits from nearly every manufacturer on the show floor, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone."

Media from around the globe gathered at McCormick Place Thursday and Friday for the Media Preview, where they received a first look at the more than a dozen new and updated vehicles making their debut in Chicago. Fans of the Chicago Auto Show's Facebook page were once again able to watch the vehicle revels and news conferences along with their favorite reporters in real time via Facebook Live. Attendees of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show will be among the first in the world to see the latest cars, trucks and SUVs to hit the market, including:

2019 Volkswagen Arteon
Subaru 50th Anniversary Special Edition Vehicles
Nissan Armada Snow Patrol Concept
Nissan 370Zki Concept
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota TRD Pro Package 
2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
Fiat 500
Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition

In addition to the latest production vehicles, Chicago Auto Show visitors will have a front-row seat to some of the most impressive luxury vehicles and supercars, including:

Acura NSX
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Audi R8
Bentley Bentayga
2019 BMW I8
2019 Chevrolet Corvette
Ford GT
Lamborghini Aventador S 
Lotus Evora
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C
Nissan GT-R
Porsche 911
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The Chicago Auto Show continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS18 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops, powered by Cars.com; and ongoing social media contests throughout the show floor, accessible by following the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

In keeping with its tradition of hosting events that capture the attention of an array of consumers, the Chicago Auto Show will host the following events during its 10-day run:

Women's Day: Tuesday, Feb. 13. Women are admitted for $7. Manufacturers present special women-oriented programs on the purchase, lease and maintenance of vehicles. 
Chicago Auto Show Food Drive: Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Friday, Feb. 16. Show patrons who bring three cans of food will receive a coupon for a $7 adult admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation. 
Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Day: Friday, Feb. 16. Manufacturers develop and host Hispanic celebration events throughout the show. 
Family Day: Monday, Feb. 19. The Chicago Auto Show will host family-friendly events on Presidents Day to wrap up the last day of the show. 

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.

As stated above, the Chicago Auto Show runs from now through the 19th. Chicago 365 will be there to provide illuminating coverage and enlightening vignettes. See you out on the show floor!

Today In Auto Show History

     One of the more compelling, yet peaceful exhibits at the show every year is the Auto Show History display. If you take some time to read the displays, you can learn some pretty cool facts. For instance:

• In 1968 Oldsmobile had a 'cowgirl' riding on its stripped down Cutlass display to show off its functions.
• All the way back in 1923, the admission was only 75 cents(versus the $12 it costs to get in this year), but that was including a 'War Tax'. Which is interesting considering there was no war on at that point. Maybe it was just a veiled attempt to generate more profit.
• Many different celebrities have made appearances over the years, ranging from Sammy Davis Jr. in 1959, to the Dodge Fever Girl in 1969, and even Arnold Palmer appearing with Jesse Owens in 1970. But clearly the most compelling example came in 1977, when an automaker hired Walter Payton to talk about their displays. When Sweetness appeared, seemingly the entire show gravitated to him.
• In 1968 there was an airline strike right around the time of the show. With no airplanes in the air, what was a hard-working stewardess to do? How about hand out literature for Dodge at the Chicago Auto Show, which is precisely what several of them did that year.
• Concept cars have always been an integral part of the show, and while there have been some truly outlandish displays over the years, one of the most interesting is also the most normal looking. In 1978, American Motors Corporation displayed a revolutionary concept: a minivan. For some reason, executives decided not to pursue the concept, and minivans wouldn't truly make a splash until 1984 with Chrysler.
• In 1976 a woman appeared on stage and invited the audience to make her laugh. After many attempts(including a man sticking his tongue out), she remained unmoved. 

Star Wars: A New Nissan

     As we have previously seen, Nissan isn't afraid to promote their Star Wars tie-in aggressively. This is no different when it comes to their Auto Show exhibit. Hanging prominently above all of it is a giant inflatable Death Star. If that isn't enough to grab people's attention, the exhibit also features a custom-designed Nissan vehicle made to look like an X-Wing Fighter(imagine taking that on your daily commute). Other than that, we also have a special photo experience where people can get their pictures superimposed by a Stormtrooper, props from the movie, and also special appearances from Stormtroopers on select days. All of that from a galaxy far, far away straight to the North Hall of McCormick Place.

Driving the ABC7 Newsteam

     ABC7 is beamed into more than 3 Million households in the Chicagoland area. All of that award-winning news has to get produced somehow, and news teams can't always go running back to the studio to make their stories just perfect. That's where the ABC7 Mobile Fleet comes in, allowing the newsmakers to go where the news is. 2 of those vehicles were even on display here at the Chicago Auto Show. First up is the main mobile unit, which is a refitted Nissan cargo van. Inside are all the tools the news crew needs to report on the news. Outside are plug-ins for cameras and other peripherals. And up top is a 50+ foot tall broadcasting mast that beams the signal to the Sears Tower for dissemination amongst the greater Chicagoland area. Also present was the mobile weather unit. While not as big as the other vehicle on display, this is impressive nonetheless, with its own satellite dish and everything. Together, these two vehicles help deliver invaluable reports to millions of viewers, a worthy mission if there ever was one.

KIA's Land of Fun!

Many of the exhibitors at the Auto Show have kitschy, interactive displays that you HAVE to be there to experience. KIA is no exception. Upon walking up to their main stage, you see a commercial playing on their screen. A commercial that has to be seen to be believed:

You saw that correctly, that is Bo Jackson playing Tecmo Football. Then he gets tired of running around and decides to run out and grab his trusty KIA Sorento. Roaring back into the stadium, he evades the defenders with ease and scores the touchdown.

     But that's not the only bit of fun to be had with KIA. You know the famous KIA hamsters, right:

Well they were there, LIVE and in person posing for pictures at the exhibit. Yours truly even got a picture with them. Altogether, very much worth the price of admission.

Heroes Drive with Chevy

     The Chevrolet exhibit at the 2017 Auto Show has all of the things that you would expect from a premier automobile brand. Cars, displays of their earned awards, turntable exhibts with spokespeople.  But this year they have something more. Something almost...heroic. Maybe it's the Giant Lego wall with the Batman mini-figure climbing the wall as the Bat Signal morphs into the Chevy logo. Maybe it's the full-size Batmobile built out of Legos. Perhaps it is the building station where kids can build their own Lego Batman models to take home. Or maybe it's a green screen where guests can be photographed and transported into the shoes of some of their favorite sports heroes. But maybe, just maybe, the extra difference is the fact that Batman himself is wandering the space offering to take selfies. All I know is that walking around the Chevy exhibit today I feel safer than you would riding in one of their cars.