The Chicago auto show is quite different from Detroit. For one it is much larger physically, but it is a lot less glitzy. At Chicago the car makers usually debut all production models that they intend to sell in big numbers, not niche vehicles. Typically. Here are some pics and thoughts.


First that VW minivan that everyone had strong feelings about. It really does look like a VW inside and out, too bad about the (Chrysler) engines though.






I really want a VW product, but I'm torn between a Jetta and a Passat or possibly a GTI. Here they all are, nothing we all haven't seen on the road yesterday:







An EOS:




Can you believe they only had the Brooklands there for opening day! I was too pissed! Oh well some Bentley pics:










Dodge Viper ACR:



Another hot Dodge, the Challenger:







Viper Roadster:



Viper Coupe:




Jaguar. I think the facelifted car is the ultimate XJ. Some pics:





The XF, again in the worst color possible:






My used to be favorite SUV, now in 3rd place on my list, the RR Sport Supercharged:




A quick tour of relevant Lexi:

LS600hL:



Though you can't hear it from pics, but the audio come out of this car was incredible. As if they knew I were coming and listening they were playing a Lalah Hathaway tune. Amazing.

The IS-F display was interesting. They're still treating it like some concept at Chicago, but at Detroit you could get in it and everything. Well:



This little Red darling made it from Detroit:



A special IS-F:






The hottest Volvo you've ever seen:







More pics in a min..........


M