The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is now open to the public with over 1,000 cars on display in McCormick Place for the 110th consecutive year – plenty for everyone to see. From concept cars to the best new family cars, there will be exhibits that showcase exciting new changes in the auto world this year.
The show has a variety of presentations and events as well as special offers such as Women’s Day (Feb 13th – ladies get in for $7), the Food Drive (Feb 14th – 16th bring 3 cans of food for a coupon) and Family Day (Feb 19th).
If you make it to North America’s largest Auto show be sure to catch some of these major highlights.
Concept Cars
The concept car exhibit is one of the most interesting attractions at the Chicago Auto Show, and there are a variety of fascinating vehicles this year.
Toyota is showcasing their FT-4X Concept that was built for outdoor enthusiasts. With features such as storage that turns into suitcases and door handles that become water bottles, it has been made to survive just about anything an adventure can throw its way.
The Lexus LF-1 Concept is an incredibly futuristic looking model telling of where the brand is headed. Lexus plans on having all models electrified or feature an electric option by 2025, and this concept is an example of what is to come. These are just a couple of the amazing new concept cars that will be on display.
Hit The Test Tracks
Kia is showing off their tech heavy features plus agility skills with their AWD 2018 Sportage and 2018 Sorento on a fun indoor obstacle course. You’ll weave your way through a heavy bag slalom, navigate some wheel articulating moguls, try a 45 degree steep hill climb and descent, plus a side hill traverse.
Bonus: Anyone that participates in the Kia Sport Utility Gym will also receive a Starbucks gift card as a thank you.
Check out the handling & features of an AWD #KiaSorento or #KiaSportage on a fun indoor obstacle course at #CAS18. You’ll take on a 45 ° hill climb/descent, heavy bag slalom, side hill traverse + some tricky moguls. 👉🏼 You’ll get a $5 Starbucks GC as a thank you too! #KiaCAS pic.twitter.com/Sg35Pbk4jn
— Jeana Shandraw (@SurfnSunshine) February 10, 2018
Jeep also has professional drivers take passengers on a thrill ride as they climb over 18 foot high and 30 degree hills, climb stairs, and even take on terrain with just three wheels! If you are a thrill seeker, this is definitely worth it.
Visitors can also opt to hit the pavement and test drive cars outside around McCormick Place. There are a variety of models available from Cadillac, Mazda, Volkswagen, Ford, Subaru, Kia as well the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the electric 2018 Nissan Leaf.
It is the perfect way to try out some of the newest up and coming cars.
Debuts
Be sure to check out some of the major car debuts at the auto show. A variety of new revamped models will be introduced to the public, and there are the everyday vehicles like the new 2019 Ford Ranger to the redesigned classics such as the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette.
This Corvette looks cool enough to be Batman’s new car, and with a 6.2 liter V8 supercharged for 755 horsepower, it is definitely fast enough to catch some bad guys.
“The #KiaStinger has detonated a whole new adrenalin packed year for @Kia. We were skeptical but we are now true believers” – @MotorWeek
With no ifs, ands or buts, Motorweek awards 2018 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year to the new 💕 of my life 🤗 at #CAS18 #KiaCAS pic.twitter.com/x5vwy3LtxR
— Jeana Shandraw (@SurfnSunshine) February 8, 2018
Don’t Forget The Favorites!
As a Kia enthusiast, the Kia exhibit is always a must see for us. Their entry into the sports car arena, the 2018 Kia Stinger, was a 2018 North American Car of the Year finalist at the Detroit Auto show, and it was just been awarded Best of the Year in MotorWeek’s 2018 Drivers’ Choice Awards.
This is a top honor given, as the best of the best, among a 14 category program. The five seater fastback sedan is a whole new path for Kia. As their first gran turismo, it is an agile, sporty, and dare I say it, sexy ride.
If you haven’t seen this new Kia vehicle, you have to get up close and personal with it in Chicago.
A couple other don’t miss sees for Kia at #CAS18 are:
2018 Kia Niro
This hybrid crossover has just been named Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year™. Its sleek, modern design has a 6 speed automatic transition with a combined horsepower of 139 at 5,700 rpm and an EPA estimated 52/49/50 mpg.
If that isn’t enough, it also seats five and has over 19 cubic feet of cargo space which expands to 54.5 when the rear seat is down.
Love the use of #KiaStinger styling throughout the new 2019 #KiaForte. Sleek, strong and sexy.#KiaNAIAS #NAIAS18 #KiaPartner pic.twitter.com/rB2ZIf6mEn
— Jeana Shandraw (@SurfnSunshine) January 15, 2018
2019 Kia Forte
The 2019 Kia Forte will also be in Chicago. It has a new stretched body for more room and cargo space to meet the demands of everyday driving.
This new Forte has been given a new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) engine built in house which gives this sedan a whole new silky acceleration with sporty handling. This Kia favorite has gotten even better.
I am a Kia Family ambassador. All opinions remain my own.