Amidst the east coast's snowpocalypse, which midwesterners simply call "winter," the 2010 Chicago Auto Show is gearing up today for what's going to be a meager showing. Far from its once-glamorous splendor, this year's Chicago show is compacted to what amounts to two half-days with only a handful of new cars. But between brawny muscle cars and high-tech hybrid concepts, there's still enough to sink ones teeth into.
2011 Shelby GT500
2011 Shelby GT500
Unveiled on Monday with a new aluminum-block, 550-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine and upgrades to its aerodynamic and SVT performance packages, the 2011 Shelby drops weight and improves handling. Stay tuned for live photos.
2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia
2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia
Also revealed on Monday, the latest iteration of a vibrantly-hued Challenger celebrates 40 years of performance cars from Dodge, and it offers both a limited-production SRT8 model and a full-production R/T version. We'll bring you the loud-as-life photos as soon as they're available.
Kia Ray Plug-in hybrid concept
High-tech and sleekly styled, the Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept isn't likely headed to production as it sits, but it does serve as a tantalizing preview of Kia's next-gen powertrain tech. Catch the full details here.
2012 Delta Wing IndyCar race car concept
2012 Delta Wing IndyRacing Concept
The Indy Racing League's Dallara spec chassis is growing long in the tooth and tired in appearance, but it's due to be replaced by an all-new car unveiled today. Designed by a group of Indy execs, the Delta Wing's production will be outsourced to existing industry builders to produce a car that's thoroughly modern, promises better racing, and best of all, actually looks like the future.
2011 Ford Edge
2011 Ford Edge
Unveiled in the wee hours of the morning, the 2011 Ford Edge packs a new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, Ford's first application of the MyTouch infotainment platform and a new, sportier 305-horsepower V-6 model. Catch the full details here, and don't miss the live photos from the show floor.
2011 BMW Alpina B7 Sedan
2011 BMW Alpina B7 Sedan
The hottest 7-series isn't actually the most powerful, as the twin-turbo V-12 760i outranks its 500-horsepower, twin-turbo V-8 output, but it gets a sharper handling package and unique looks that set it apart from the everyday 7-Series. Full details here, with live shots to come.
2011 Honda Odyssey (concept)
Honda Odyssey Concept
To enthusiasts, minivans are usually little more that obstacles to be passed or carefully avoided, but the Honda Odyssey is well-known to family-toting fun-seekers as one of the best-handling breadboxes on the road. The next-gen model gets a preview in this concept, which will be unveiled today. Catch the full details here, and check out the live photos too.
2011 Toyota Avalon
2011 Toyota Avalon
The 2011 Toyota Avalon gets a new face over largely the same features and equipment as the 2010 model. It remains to be seen if the new Avalon will have what it takes to persuade now-skittish buyers back into Toyota showrooms, however. Live photos are here.
2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric
2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric and alt-fuel Taxi
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric and alt-fuel Taxi made their appearance at today's 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and we have the latest live photos from the floor. While they look just like the Transit Connect on sale at dealers now, they sport new powertrains that are set to green up commercial fleets and retail utility purchases alike.
