2004 Chicago Auto Show

February 3, 4: Media Preview
February 5: First Look for Charity
February 6-15: Public Show

BMW 6-Series sedan and convertible

Friday February 6, 2004 the 103^rd 2004 Chicago Auto Show opens its doors to the public. The first Chicago Auto Show debuted in 1901 and in 1935, was taken over by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA). Chicago’s Show has become the biggest consumer automobile show.

If you’re unable to visit in person, you can catch up with what’s being shown here on WomenWithWheels.com, as well as on several other comprehensive web sites, and of course, on most of the local TV and radio stations.

NBC5 Chicago will present an hour-long overview of the show on Saturday Feb. 7 from 6-7 p.m. (replayed 11:05 p.m. Sunday night), and on every NBC Network Owned and Operated station (13 stations) across the country. Cable SuperStation WGN will team up with MotorWeek to bring the Show to some 60 million viewers on Saturday Feb. 7 at noon on WGN. Fox News will broadcast from the Show, and Speed Channel will debut a new series titled “The World’s Greatest Auto Shows in Chicago,” ESPN will be on hand to film a special to run throughout February, and Telemundo will again appeal to the Hispanic market by running a special from 6-7 p.m. on Feb. 7.

CATA announced an expansion of the Auto Show to 1.2 million square feet on one level for the 2005 show. Currently utilizing 840,000 sq. ft. in the South Building, the new configuration will add approximately 369,000 sq. ft.  of the adjoining North Building. To learn more about this news and other developments with the show, sign on at www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Bentley interior

The Media Preview on Wednesday February 4 and Thursday February 5 had lots of goodies in store for the press as they unveiled both concept vehicles and new editions to their lineups.

The kickoff began at the Wednesday morning Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast with speaker Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, who shared with the press BMW’s Premium Brand Strategy. A manufacturer producing three outstanding and unique automobiles: Rolls Royce, Mini and BMW, BMW had its most successful year in 2003, selling more than one million units worldwide.

BMW itself went from a one brand, 10 model automobile manufacturer in 1990 to three brand, 30 models in 2004. In addition to adding models, BMW has put its Oxford plant on a three shift, flexible work system. According to Purves, BMW appeals to the buyer with a “very, very strong sense of self,” like the brand itself. With the 7-Series, new restyled and enlarged 5-Series and 3-Series vehicles, they will add a 6-Series coupe and convertible to sell somewhere in the $69,000 range. Debuting in Chicago is the 760i, a 12-valve, six-speed powerhouse, with active roll stabilization.

Paddy Hopkirk drove the Mini in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rallye.

And for the Mini brand, Purves told the crowd, will come a 40^th Anniversary Edition of which 1,000 will be made. This special edition will commemorate the Mini’s participation in Motorsports (1964), and Paddy Hopkirk’s history making win at the Ralleye Monte Carlo.

When the new Mini and Mini Cooper S came to market here in the U.S., BMW’s target sales were 18,000-the same target number BMW assigned to the Z3 when it was introduced. They went far beyond that number, smiled Purves, selling instead 36,000 cars. Striving to make all their models different, BMW is up against big competition, noted Purves. Therefore, consistency will remain the buzzword, which, Purves assured the audience breeds trust.

Don Esmond, Senior V.P., Corporate Communications greeted the press with a double-world premiere at Chicago’s media preview: The redesigned Camry Solara Convertible and the all-new Tacoma X-Runner pickup. Staging the opening press conference at the Chicago Auto Show for five years, Toyota kicks off the show bringing something new every year. It was in Chicago, said Esmond, that the Solara concept-vehicle (Solara Speedster) was unveiled in Chicago in 1997.

Six months ago, Toyota launched the second generation Solara—the “most American of any Toyota to date”-all the engineering, development and management done here in the U.S. In just 19 months, Toyota developed the new 2004 Solara coupe and convertible as separate vehicles. Structural integrity ride and handling and noise vibration and harshness were all priorities when designing the second-generation Solara convertible. Powered by a 3.3L V6, 225-horsepower engine and five-speed sequential automatic transmission with manual mode, the Solara convertible will be offered in SE or SLE trim levels and will sport 17” wheels and a standard spoiler. Toyota is aiming to attract a younger mix of buyers into the new convertible. Look for a March ’04 arrival. Toyota hopes to double its sales and is passing the savings they reaped by the conversion process onto the buyer.

DaimlerChrysler Crossfire Convertible

Also introduced was the 2005 Tacoma X-Runner sport truck, full-size pickup truck. Fashioned after the FTX concept truck, the new Tacoma will target the “traditional, mainstream consumer,” noted Esmond. A “show and go truck,” the X-Runner is all “performance” as witnessed by its 18” radial tires, six-speed manual transmission as standard, and a four-liter, 240 horsepower V6 engine. The X-Runner, unlike the previous generation Tacoma S-Runner, has an extended wheelbase (by more than five inches), wider track (four inches) and more interior room. The X-Runner, so named for its “X-braced” frame has a lower chassis, firmer/shorter springs and a four-door Access cab. And it’s capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in seven seconds!

Introducing an all-new sport-utility-vehicle, Hyundai showed its Tucson, fresh on the heels of Hyundai’s best sales year ever in 2003. With sales over 400,000, Hyundai projects 2004 will be the fourth straight record year of sales. Now the fourth leading import brand in the U. S., Hyundai is gearing up to undertake a top-bottom overhaul of all of its product line, introduce a new product every six months until 2007, and expand into three new segments. Pretty ambitious. They still offer the best warranty in the industry and with their “Fast Forward Attitude” said Ed Bradley, VP of National Sales, will appeal to the active young adult and to those who “put a premium on their play time, and at a moment’s notice are ready to pack up and head out of town.”

The new 2005 Hyundai Tucson will compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV, offer two engines, 2L, 4-cylinder CVT and 2.7L V6, all have four-wheel-drive, and be available in three trim levels. Hyundai expects the Tucson to be priced around $17,000-$22,000, to sell 18,000 in 2004. The introduction of the Tucson will push Santa Fe up a notch (offered with two V6’s in the future), and bring more Hyundai buyers into the brand. Another great offering from one of our favorites Hyundai.  For more about the new Tucson, go to www.HyundaiTucson.com.

Gary Cowger and Bob Lutz of General Motors debuted the soon-to-come Buick LaCrosse. A very important car for the brand, said Cowger, the LaCrosse will move into the Regal/Century slot, and offer what Buick has always been known for: “upward, refined, premium and quiet.” The LaCrosse will offer much that’s new, including laminated windows and side dash, special exhaust tuning, electronic throttle control and something called “Quiet Tuning” to reduce NVH. According to Cowger, GM is prepared to spend $3 billion to create a new Buick portfolio. No word when LaCrosse will hit showrooms, but it will be added to other new models of late: Rainier, Rendevous and Rendevous Ultra.

Dodge concept vehicle: Sling Shot

New vehicles from Chevrolet include the 2005 Chevy Equinox, a cross over vehicle in the SUV segment, the 2004 Aveo, an entry-level sedan with a European design, and the 2005 Uplander SUV. The 2004 Saturn L-Series sedans and wagons are redesigned. GMC offers the 2005 Sierra Crew Cab Denali and Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali.

On display was Pontiac’s 2005 G6, the replacement for the Grand AM, a good looking sports sedan, and the 2005 Montana SV6 SUV.

Also offering a new truck is Dodge. A midsize, light truck, the new 2005 Dodge Dakota has an all-new frame for stiffness and durability, new safety features, more interior storage space, is 3.7 inches and 2.7 inches wider than the previous Dakota, and now boasts “Best in Class” interior room. The only four-door truck with seating for six, the ’05 Dakota will offer a standard V6 engine with 210-horsepower, an optional V8, have 16 inch wheels, standard manual transmission, and the only high output engine in the midsize or compact truck class. Dakota will also offer several firsts for a pickup: heated cloth seats, the lowest NVH in the industry, the most space between wheel wells and will be beefed up to follow in the footsteps of the Dodge Ram. Joe Eberhart, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at DaimlerChrysler announced that the Viper-powered Dodge Ram is now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest production vehicle.

Lincoln-Mercury will introduce 11 new vehicles in the next four years, six of them in new segments. The all-new 2005 Mercury Montego will be built here in Chicago as Ford adds some 5000 new jobs in Chicago’s Ford plant. Together with Mayor Richard Daley, Ford President Bill Ford announced Ford’s teaming with Illinois/Chicago to bring jobs here and to improve Ford’s automotive plants making them more flexible. For 2005, Ford will offer the Mercury Montego, the Ford Freestyle and 500. Introduced in September were the all-new Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. And Ford’s redesigned F-Series trucks have received 19 awards to date and in the first five months of 2004, have sold in the double digits. Chicago will be the “Epicenter of Ford’s Year of the Car,” Jim Padilla announced to the press.

Lincoln Mark X concept vehicle

LM displayed some fascinating concept cars at this year’s show including the Lincoln Mark LT, a pickup with power and elegance. Covered in chrome, the Mark LT will move from concept to production vehicle making its debut early in 2005. Featuring a dominant chrome grille with an 8-by-2 inch Lincoln star, chrome bodyside cladding and customized 20-inch chrome-plated wheels, this is one luxo-boat. The next generation Lincoln Aviator is also at Chicago’s show and if the production vehicle looks anything like this concept, well, I can’t wait. Sporting an aircraft feel, the Aviator features aeronautical vents and map lights, leather-trimmed laptop tables and four captain’s chairs that recline.

Our favorite concept from LM though, is the Mark X (ten) convertible roadster that debuted at the 2004 North American International, Auto Show in Detroit in January. The first Lincoln to feature a full glass roof, the Mark X is reminiscent of Lincoln convertibles of the past. Based on the Ford Thunderbird platform, the roof folds into the rear-deck.

On a roll and climbing ever higher, Kia Motors announced the addition of a $30 million R&D center and quality department in Irvine, CA, and the building of a $50 million proving ground in CA, as well as new vehicles to come. Selling more than 40,000 Sorento’s in 2003, Kia also sold 34,681 Optima’s, and in the fourth quarter of 2003, launched the Amati sedan. Coming in March ’04 is an all-new Spectra sedan, and a five-door Spectra in May ’04. The sedan starts at $12,620, is available in two trim levels, and has full length side curtains-a first in its segment. KIA will finish ’04 with an all-new Sportage SUV. There are now 640 KIA dealers, 50 percent exclusively KIA. In its first year here in the U.S., KIA sold 12,000 vehicles. In 2003, they sold more than 250,000.

Once an entry-level car, KIA has now gone mainstream.

Kia showed off its handsome Mojave concept midsize pickup. At this time, they don’t have anywhere to build the Mojave. Based on the Sorento’s extended platform, Mojave is inspired by aircraft design, aimed specifically toward the North American market, and is aimed at the Gen-Y audience. Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Edmonds.com presented Kia Sorento with its “Most Wanted” award for a car under $25,000. Kia announced pricing for the all-new 2004 Spectra four-door sedan: MSRP of $12,620.

Jaguar’s focus was on racing with its news of the XKR ultimate concept car. Paul Gentilozzi, creator of the XK car, excited the audience with visions of Jaguar’s objective of producing a Cabriolet car that would reach 200 mph, with horsepower in the 350 range. Reintroducing itself to the Trans-Am race circuit in 2000, Jaguar took the championship in 2001 and 2003. Jag will offer the XKR Coupe at $80,995, the XKR Convertible at $85,995 and the XKR Portfolio Convertible at $93,995 (excluding $1,000 Gas Guzzler Tax).

Not to be outdone, Saleen showed off its S7 having undergone an extensive internal design and engineering evaluation. The 2004 S7 bumps up the horse to 575 bhp, is capable of speeds exceeding 200 mph and with it’s potent 7L, V8 can kill zero-to-60 mph in under three seconds. Yeh, but who wants a car with its engine in the back seat?

Subaru showed off its redesigned Outback wagon. In its third generation, the 2005 Outback will be available in two versions: 2.5i and Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon, powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder and boxer engine. The 6-cylinder models include Outback 3.0L R L.L. Bean Edition and 3.0L R VDC Limited. The Outback 2.5XT and 2.5 XT Limited models are powered by a 250-horsepower intercooled/turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine Offering “agility and ability,” said Fred Adcock, Executive VP for Subaru, the Outback is aimed at the “unique, progressive owner” with an active lifestyle. The XT, a performance model combines SUV attributes with car attributes, receives enhanced towing capacity 2700 lbs: 4-cylinder; 3,000 lbs: V6), increased horsepower, more ground clearance, larger wheels/tires, enhanced interior and better fuel economy. Two transmissions: five-speed Sportshift and five-speed manual. The ’05 Outback has a slightly longer wheelbase, is two inches longer and one inch wider.

The 2004 Mazda Ibuki Concept drew attention in its bright blue color. Sharing the stage with the Ibuki concept are Mazda6 Sport Wagon and 5-door and Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata. The flagship Mazda6 sedan adds a Sport Wagon and 5-door version to the 2004 lineup. Even more exciting-especially for the devoted Miata fans-is the 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata Edition. Fully-equipped at $25,500, the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata comes equipped with a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine and 178 horse, six-speed manual transmission and several modified features. 

Bridgestone/Firestone Vehicle Systems announced two new applications for its Praxis line of adjustable, performance, air-suspension systems at the show. Engineered for the BMW 3-Series and Ford Mustangs, Praxis displayed their technology at the Bridgestone/Firestone display. An aftermarket suspension system, Praxis allows the driver to control performance without the need for tools. Allowing for rapid adaptation of the suspension for any driving situation, Praxis equipment operates by a cockpit mounted control button and damper adjustment at each corner. These three modes on the BMW 3-Series include Touring, Sport and Track each tuned for a specific purpose. For further information and pricing, go to www.praxissystems.com.

The XM Satellite Radio folks not only provided entertainment for the MAMA group, they also announced they will be adding XM instant weather and traffic to their offerings on satellite radio. For $9.99/mth drivers can now add a satellite receiver to their car radio making it possible to get all-the-news-all-the-time and weather and uninterrupted music just about anywhere they roam. A receiver can also be purchased for satellite reception in the home.

Interesting Events

*Hyundai brought its investigative Team (HIT) to the Chicago Auto Show again this year. Last year, Hyundai hosted a gender diverse panel of six Milliennials (Gen Y) who walked the showroom floor offering honest opinions on the newest cars. At the end of the day-long tour, Hyundai interviewed the group, taping them for perusal by Hyundai’s marketing and product development teams in California. This year, Hyundai invited teenage girls 16-19 years of age to participate in their focus groups. According to stats by R.L. Polk, adult women presently account for 26.1 percent of the total buying market, which grows each year. At Chicago’s show Thursday Feb. 5, Hyundai introduced six local teens to several new vehicles, asking for their opinion. How do the new offerings meet the needs of girls their age, Hyundai wants to know. Planning car programs five years out manufacturers begin surveying groups years ahead. Candidates for the panel were asked to submit a short 200-word essay on why they would like to be part of the group.

Contestants with DC's Jason Vines standing by their van

*”Stand By Your Van” Contest. Chrysler Group selected 20 minivan fans to compete in their contest that is taking place at the Chicago Auto Show in McCormick Place’s South building. Beginning Thursday Feb. 5 at 8:45 a.m. CST, contestants all located a hand in their “assigned” spot on either the 20^th Anniversary Chrysler Town & Country or the Dodge Grand Caravan on the showroom floor. The qualified contestants were chosen from some 300 applicants after submitting an essay telling DC why they wanted to win a van. Among those chosen to participate were a firefighter, stay-at-home dad, several mom’s, an engineer and basketball coach. They get a 15-minute break every three hours, are monitored by four referees, can’t sit or lean and must stay awake!! Stay tuned at www.dcxmediaservices.com/sbyv/ to watch the action!

*Land Rover announced their Drive Around the World LONGITUDE Expedition to begin on February 17, 11 a.m. EST. The LONGITUDE Expedition is a nine-month overland adventure around the globe that crosses four continents, goes through 34 countries and follows lines of Longitude for 32,000 miles. They will be raising money for Parkinson’s disease research and promoting geography awareness and scientific research projects among school children. The team will be driving four Land Rover Certified Pre-Owned Discovery Series II vehicles. Follow their progress at www.drivearoundtheworld.com.