A Look at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show

And Oh, what a show this is for 2005. Not only is it better (of course, we think it’s the "best" of them all!), it’s bigger. With the addition of the McCormick North building, the exhibition center expands to 1.2 million square feet. Since 1997 when the Show moved over to the "new" McCormick Place South (and much more space then, at 840,000 square feet), this new addition allows room enough for some 1,000 vehicles for the public to see and experience.

This, of course, means larger displays, more hands-on exhibits for potential car buyers, and larger aisles within which to maneuver. The two buildings are connected by a concourse walkway. Keep this in mind so you won’t miss any of this spectacle.

Although the Detroit International Auto Show (NAIAS) is "the" show for the media and many of the "firsts" from automakers, the Chicago Auto Show is one that isn’t ignored by media, the public or automotive manufacturers. "Firsts" occur here too, as well as concept cars and the next year’s offerings right before they hit the showroom floor.

One of the manufacturers taking advantage of this year’s "bigger and better" in Chicago is DaimlerChrysler. They have built a test track encircling their display so that potential buyers and lookers can experience what it is like to drive one of the DC models. An off-road course is also available for enthusiasts to put a four-wheel-drive vehicle to the test. One-hundred and fifty-six thousand square feet, this exhibit tops them all, and is the biggest undertaking in DaimlerChrysler’s auto show history.

Also new to Chicago’s Show is SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association, representing a $26 billion industry with 6000 members. Traditionally, SEMA has held their big trade show (for those in the automotive industry) in November in Las Vegas, and a spring show in Indianapolis. This the first time they have brought their aftermarket equipment for cars and trucks venue to an auto show. As an answer to the growing group of car enthusiasts who accessorize their vehicles, SEMA’s presence will, no doubt, draw huge crowds. The "tuners" will be checking out Spinner hubs, rear decklids and the loudest available sound systems that SEMA has on display.

What we like are the many vendors offering automotive accessories, even if they do include the salesman hawking a floor mop or Michigan fudge. This year, these folks are located in the North building.

Concept Vehicles

Unique to Chicago’s 2005 Auto Show are some concept vehicles not seen before now, including the Lexus LF-S sports car with a 500-horse engine, five liters and a top speed of 200 mph, and their LF-A coupe; the Hyundai Portico, and the Toyota FT-SX (think Infiniti FX 45 styling), with its innovative rear hatch with three opening options. Honda displays its Civic Si concept, International, its RXT truck.

GMC is displaying their hybrid Graphyte SUV, the technology of which will likely be used in 2007 GM ful-size SUVs increasing economy by 25 percent.

We especially liked the Dodge Nitro concept sport-utility vehicle (a Hummer look-alike, of sorts), an offshoot of the Dodge M80 shown at the 2002 Chicago Show. Built on the Jeep Liberty platform, Nitro is rumored to come out in production form as a ’07 model later in the 2006 year. Even though this writer isn’t in the right demographic group for this vehicle (read: youth), we’re hoping they make it. It’s very appealing.

You’ll also be able to see some of the concept vehicles introduced in Detroit this year, including the GM Sequel, about the size of a Cadillac SRX with a range of 300 miles on its hydrogen supply. It’s capable of 60 mph in less than 10 seconds with the help of new technology such as fuel cells and wheel hub motors. Don’t miss the Acura RD-X concept, featuring Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and SH-AWD powertrain. The RD-X is rumored to be what may be coming in 2006 in a production vehicle. Also displayed in Detroit were the Nissan AZEAL Coupe, Chrysler Firepower (combo Viper and Crossfire), Infiniti Kuraza and Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Hurricane, Ford Fusion and Ford Fairlane, SYNus and Saturn Aura.

Added to hopes for the future are the concept Jaguar Lightweight Coupe (4-seatere with E-type styling), and Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe (4-door convertible),

Production Vehicles

Also seen here first are the soon-to-be available (fall 2005) production cars such as Cadillac DTS (4.6-liter, V-8 engine, six air bags), the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, based on the original Land Cruiser from the 1960s, with its 4-liter, 245 horsepower engine. Predictions are that 40,000 will be made. No pricing as yet. A new opportunity for "Freedom Trucks," Mike Nichols of Toyota told the crowd, the retro FJ Cruiser will appeal, and be marketed to, the active, adventurous, new generation of buyers. Hyundai showed off its Tiburon Tuner, aimed right at the aftermarket crowd who love tricking out their vehicles.

Over at the Dodge exhibit, George Murphy, Senior V.P. for Global Brand Management, introduced the Dodge Ram Mega Cab (Ram 2500) truck. The largest pickup in its segment, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab has 4500 cubic feet of space and comfortably seats six. The cab has been expanded by 20 inches (now the largest cab at 111.1 inches), offers the first-ever reclining rear seats in a pickup and a stereo system featuring 384 watts of power through eight speakers.

Wandering over to the Mercury display, visitors will see the all-new Milan and restyled Mountaineer SUV. Promising six new Mercury vehicles in the next five years, Daryl Hazel of Mercury informed the media that Lincoln would be adding five new models in the same time frame. Phil Martens, Group Public Relations for Public Creation, announced the AdvancedTrac RSC system ( a system aimed at efforts to avoid accidents before they happen). Mercury is showing the soon-to-be introduced Meta One, a midsize crossover vehicle, a variant of the Ford Freestyle to be assembled at Chicago’s Torrance Avenue plant.

Mercury is looking to attract more women to their line of vehicles, as well as a younger buyer, expecting that 40 percent of those folks new to the brand, are currently import buyers.

New things are evident at General Motors’ Buick division. Gone are its long-time flagship Park Avenue, and midsize vehicles Regal and Century. Replaced by last year’s new LaCrosse sedan. The "premium, yet attainable brand," Buick introduced the all-new Lucerne, with its "sleek athletic new shape," noted John Larson, General Manager of Buick. The Lucerne sports a V-8, 245 horsepower engine with six standard air bags and an industry first, a "dual" airbag (to accommodate passenger size), and a 245-watt, nine speaker stereo system.

True to Mercedes-Benz, they’re introducing one better: the S65 AMG, with a V-12 turbo engine (604 horsepower), and 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds!! Get out of the way. The Vision R is on hand, as well, a crossover to be built in the fourth quarter of 2005 and assembled in their Alabama plant.

Firestone Americas brings racing legend Mario Andretti and great-grandson Andrew Firestone to the Chicago Show. Bridgestone Americas top executives were also on hand to discuss leading products and new technologies, demonstrate interactive tire displays and racing show cars, including a Formula 1. Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas is the exclusive tire company for this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

The all-new Kia Sedona minivan is on display for preview. A nice vehicle before, it promises to be even more desirable for 2005 with two models: LX ($20,350) and EX ($22,950). This is a very affordable, yet complete minivan and one we highly recommend.

Not to be missed

*DaimlerChrysler’s 156,000 square foot test track. Take the funky PT Cruiser Convertible for a spin. There’s nothing quite like this interactive playground.

*SEMA display. Of interest to everyone, not just those interested in tricking out their ride. Tuners and regular folks alike will enjoy this plethora of goodies.

*The award-winning SmartCar display. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) named it AIA’s pick. You can’t buy the SmartCar here in the U.S…at least not yet, but we’re hoping Mercedes-Benz brings it over here. It’s adorable.

*The many available "free" logo-ed tote bags from the manufacturers. And the brochures to go with them.

*Volo Museum Exhibit. Not only are the Hollywood cars here, but the more $1 million dollar cars than anywhere, including a 1932 Duesenberg Supercharged Dual-Cowl Phaeton, 1948 Saoutchik Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, 1967 Shelby Cobra GT-500 Convertible prototype, 1958 Ford Edsel Pacer Convertible, and 1931 Ford A Roadster Pickup.

*Other most expensive cars on the floor. Porsche Carrera GT, $400,000;

*If you’re there on Monday February 14, head over to the Dodge exhibit and witness lots of crazy folks "kissing" a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The "Dodge Dakota Pickup Pucker-Up" will feature contestants with their lips smack up against the truck for as long as possible. The winner will go home with an all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota Laramie 4x4, Quad Cab with a 4.7-liter V-8 truck, and Dodge will donate $1,000 for each hour of the contest to the American Heart Association.

*BMW Mini Cooper S. Mini always has entertaining displays and people flock to them. The car is a trip and much-loved by many. This year, Mini introduced its new Cooper S model with automatic transmission and limited slip differential, and their convertible in Detroit. The optional 6-speed automatic transmission is all-new to the Mini Cooper S and convertible models, and also features Adaptive Transmission Control so you’ll feel as though you’re driving stick. The Cooper S gets a bump up in horsepower, and the hardtop is updated for 2005.

(Susan Frissell and Patricia Stringer for WomenWithWheels.com)