We’re just days away from the 2014 Chicago Auto Show beginning at McCormick Place in the Windy City! There looks to be a lot in store this year with hundreds of vehicles featured from all the big automakers.
We asked our Northwest Indiana’s auto dealer partners, some of the most knowledgeable dealers in the country, about some of the vehicles they are most looking forward to seeing at the show.
See what Arnell Chevy-Kia, Art Hill Mazda, Art Hill Ford, Berman's Infiniti of Merrillville, Bosak Honda, Harbor Buick GMC, Lakeshore Ford and Lakeshore Scion/Toyota had to say about the show. Take a look below to see what they are anticipating!
Arnell Chevy-Kia - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
Arnell Chevy Kia: Website | Facebook | Twitter
One of the most popular high performance supercars at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show was the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - and will once again be a top headliner at this year's show (Feb. 8-17).
The visually stunning '14 Corvette coupe and convertible models mark the arrival of the seventh-generation of "America's Sport Car," and as the C7, goes farther than ever, thanks to today's advancements in design, technology and engineering. Matching the boldly sculptured exterior is a new 6.2 liter (376 cubic inch) LT1 V-8 engine with available performance exhaust system that pumps out 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
Chevrolet's Silverado full-size pickup is nearly all new for 2014, with dramatic updates from hood to hitch. Fresh design elements both inside and out lead the changes, along with a trio of powerful, efficient EcoTec3 V-6 and V-8s that seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency. The new Silverado 1500 body styles include regular, extended and crew cab, available with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
Art Hill Ford: Website | Facebook
We keep reading about the big unveiling of the F-150. Here is what they say about it at the auto show, on Popular Mechanics website. It is on their 10 Favorites From the 2014 Detroit Auto Show:
The most commercially significant new product unveil at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, or perhaps any auto show this year, is the 2015 Ford F-150. The truck is the single biggest selling nameplate in the biggest market in the world, and has been for over 30 years. And now it's got an almost entirely aluminum body. It's a big risk for Ford, and a big change for the industry. -Popular Mechanics
Art Hill Mazda - Mazda6, Mazda3, Mazda CX-5
Art Hill Mazda: Website | Facebook
The 2014 Mazda 6 was named "Car of the Year" by Popular Mechanics. Both the 2014 Mazda 6 AND the Mazda 3 are on the "Top 10 List BEST CARS of 2014" - Car and Driver. 2014 Mazda 3 won "Car of the Year" by AutoGuide.com, ALG's Residual Value Award, and "Compact Car of the Year" from Yahoo Autos.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 was named "Lowest cost to own for crossover SUV's" by KBB (meaning it's the most affordable over 5 years) because of the payment pricing and high residual value. The CX5 also is an IIHS Top Safety Pick along with being named "Highest Ranked Vehicle Appeal" for all crossovers by J.D. Power, "Best gas mileage among compact crossovers" in Green Car Reports and “Most engaging compact crossover to drive” by Popular Mechanics.
Berman’s Infiniti of Merrillville - Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype
Berman's Infinti of Merrillville: Website | Facebook
(Image via Motortrend)
"We have received numerous inquires on the Eau Rouge F1Q50, automotive enthusiasts seem to be welcoming it. Not too many in the US know that Sebastian Vettel is the current Formula 1 champion the past 4 consecutive years and drives for Red Bull Infiniti Racing," explained Berman's Infiniti of Merrillville General Manager Jae Chang.
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept has been called "something special" by Chris Paukert from Autoblog and the buzz is that the engine will feature over 500 horsepower and the Detroit Free Press reports that Infiniti is looking to put a car similar to the prototype into production in the future.
Bosak Honda: Highland Website | Highland Facebook | Michigan City Website | Michigan City Facebook | Twitter
(Image and text via the Honda website)
An all-new Honda concept vehicle made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 (NAIAS) in Detroit. The concept hints at a dynamic, fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational styling and next-generation connectivity. Its clean character lines are complemented by hidden rear door handles, giving the SUV a coupe-like presence.
The new concept is shorter than the CR-V, making it an ideal size for both city streets and mountain roads. It's poised to join the Honda light-truck lineup, with the Honda-original center-tank layout and a configurable Magic Seat® for a host of cargo and passenger options.
This vehicle is slated to launch in Japan later this year, with expansion to the U.S. market in 2014. Be sure to sign up for our emails to receive the latest information and updates.
Harbor Buick GMC - 2015 GMC Canyon
Harbor Buick GMC: Website | Facebook | Twitter
A major all-new midsize truck will be on display in the GMC exhibit during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. We’re talking about the redesigned 2015 GMC Canyon, with powerful exterior presence that inside out reflects pure GMC technology-infused design.
Offered in base, SLE and SLT models, the 2015 Canyon comes in three body configurations, plus in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive set-ups. Consumers can opt for an extended cab design with a six-foot bed, a crew cab with a five-foot bed and a crew cab with a six-ft. bed. When the tailgate is down, the six-ft. bed allows eight-foot-long items to be hauled within the vehicle. A pair of engines are offered, engineered to be more powerful and efficient.
Lakeshore Ford - 2015 Ford F150
Lakeshore Ford: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Lakeshore Ford is most excited to take a look at the Ford F-150, which made its debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The unveiling was covered extensively on MLive.com.
A major attraction for pickup truck lovers attending the 2014 Chicago Auto Show is the all-new 2015 Ford F-150. Why? Well, as the top of the pickup truck mountain for nearly four decades, it’s big news when the popular F-150 makes nose to tailgate changes. Bumper-to-bumper, the next-generation F-150 is the smartest F-150 ever built. Features such as a 360-degree rear camera, dynamic trailer hitch assist and a host of driver-assist technologies put F-150’s truck smarts at the head of the class.
Lakeshore Toyota/Scion - 2014 Scion FR-S and Scion tC
Lakeshore Toyota/Scion: Website | Facebook | Twitter
The Scion FR-S and Scion tC were two series that debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and Lakeshore Scion is excited to see these two vehicles come to the Windy City. Read more info on the cars in AutoMobileMag.
Scion’s exciting rear-wheel drive sports coupe, the FR-S, is the brand's new halo car, expanding the lineup into a new dimension of driving performance. The letters 'FR-S' are defined as standing for Front-engine (F), Rear-wheel drive (R), and Sport (S). While at the Chicago Auto Show, make sure to see the limited-edition Scion 10 Series FR-S that comes with dual auto A/C, HID headlights, LED DRL accent lighting, 17-inch standard wheels, a frameless rearview mirror, a dashboard electroluminescent panel, front and rear locator badges, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob (only available on the automatic transmission model) and a Scion carpet mat in the cargo area.
On display at the 106th Chicago Auto Show, is the 2014 Scion tC, featuring more assertive styling than previously, along with an upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience. Distinctive headlamps, a muscular grille and LED accent lighting add to the sportier look. The front-wheel drive sporty car wears LED accent lights accenting the bold grille and around back is an FR-S style rear valance and fresh LED taillight styling.