Pictures from the 2008 Chicago Auto Show
The Volkswagen Passat CC was a car that has been rumored about for quite some time. VW wanted to create a more upscale version of the Passat, so this CC features a sportier looks, interior refinements, as well as a higher price tag. The CC is a neat car, but in my eyes it is overshadowed by the all new B8 Audi A4. VW also had a car badged as a Thunder Bunny at the Auto Show, but it lacked the turbo that the original concept had. The red car at the show was just a Rabbit S. One of the biggest new cars was the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The Challenger was not very amazing to me because I've basically known what the car would look like for quite some time. Even the Corvette ZR1 was a car that looked much more amazing on the spec sheet than in person. Details like the brakes on the Corvette ZR1 show that the car is far from normal. Chevy also brought one of the Camaro Bumblebee cars, but it wasn't really anything new.
The Lexus IS-F is an amazing sedan, but the looks of the Five Axis IS-F show the styling that the Lexus should probably have. Lexus also brought out an even bigger symbol of power, speed, and radical design, the LF-A Roadster. This roofless version of the V10 powered concept features slightly toned down styling, but still packs incredible performance and exquisite looks. Hyundai had two Genesis concepts at the Auto Show. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept was one of the most amazing concepts at the show. The Hyundai Genesis was nice, but I thought the interior quality was not up to the level of the luxury cars that it is being compared to.
The Auto Show was a great opportunity to see the new BMW M3s. Both cars look great, but I was really impressed with the sedan. I didn't really think the M3 sedan was better, I was just surprised by how great they made the E90 BMW M3 look. Another surprisingly good looking BMW was the all new BMW 135i. The car looks surprisingly good in person and the BMW 1-Series tii Concept was even more amazing.
The Saab Aero X Concept was one of the most eye-catching concepts at the show, but it also doesn't seem like anything likely to make it to production. The Buick Riviera Concept was similar because it looks amazing, but is just too wild to make it to the show room. The Honda CR-Z is a concept that looks wild, but is one car that Honda wants to make as the hybrid of choice for people around the world.
Being at the Chicago Auto show is like walking into the world's biggest car dealership except nobody is actually trying to sell you a car. It's a great opportunity to see cars that are available as well as cars that might be made in the future.
Features
- Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
- Saab Aero X Concept
- Toyota Corolla S3
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept
- BMW M3 coupe and sedan
