Automotive

In pictures: Highlights from the 2017 Chicago Auto Show

In pictures: Highlights from the 2017 Chicago Auto Show
The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
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The Volkswagen's new Atlas (no relation) Weekend Edition concept adds some strategic accessories
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The Volkswagen's new Atlas (no relation) Weekend Edition concept adds some strategic accessories
No Nissan booth is complete without a NISMO model on display, like this Sentra NISMO at the Chicago Auto Show
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No Nissan booth is complete without a NISMO model on display, like this Sentra NISMO at the Chicago Auto Show
Toyota unveiled the new 2018 CH-R in Detroit and has several color schemes for the crossover on display at the Chicago Auto Show
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Toyota unveiled the new 2018 CH-R in Detroit and has several color schemes for the crossover on display at the Chicago Auto Show
The most modified production car that Dodge's Mopar tuners work with is, not surprisingly, the Challenger
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The most modified production car that Dodge's Mopar tuners work with is, not surprisingly, the Challenger
Mopar has a large booth at the Chicago Auto Show this year and a lot of mods to several Chrysler-Dodge models are on display
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Mopar has a large booth at the Chicago Auto Show this year and a lot of mods to several Chrysler-Dodge models are on display
Fiat thinks you should bring your kids to the auto show and has a large play space set up in Chicago this year
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Fiat thinks you should bring your kids to the auto show and has a large play space set up in Chicago this year
The turntable display at the Fiat booth has this awesome 124 Spyder Abarth on it
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The turntable display at the Fiat booth has this awesome 124 Spyder Abarth on it
Customs are a big part of any auto show and this Mercedes-Benz van, customized for the trades, is on display with a lift-off body to show the interior changes made
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Customs are a big part of any auto show and this Mercedes-Benz van, customized for the trades, is on display with a lift-off body to show the interior changes made
Ride-along tracks and events are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show. The Toyota track includes Highlander and RAV4 models simulating several real-world scenarios to showcase the vehicles' capabilities
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Ride-along tracks and events are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show. The Toyota track includes Highlander and RAV4 models simulating several real-world scenarios to showcase the vehicles' capabilities
Lego is prominent at this year's Chicago Auto Show, with displays like this Volkswagen Journey being found everywhere
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Lego is prominent at this year's Chicago Auto Show, with displays like this Volkswagen Journey being found everywhere
Unveiled right before the Chicago Auto Show, the 2018 Ford Explorer is found in several renditions at the show
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Unveiled right before the Chicago Auto Show, the 2018 Ford Explorer is found in several renditions at the show
The 2018 Ford Expedition comes in an array of colors and trim packages, as shown at the Chicago Auto Show this year
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The 2018 Ford Expedition comes in an array of colors and trim packages, as shown at the Chicago Auto Show this year
Although new cars tend to dominate manufacturer displays at auto shows, Ford chose to also show off some of its collectibles, like this second-generation Mustang Mach 1
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Although new cars tend to dominate manufacturer displays at auto shows, Ford chose to also show off some of its collectibles, like this second-generation Mustang Mach 1
The Chicago Auto Show is a mixture of muscle, fuel economy, and glimpses into the future of automotive which includes this display from Toyota, showcasing their hydrogen concept, the FCV Plus
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The Chicago Auto Show is a mixture of muscle, fuel economy, and glimpses into the future of automotive which includes this display from Toyota, showcasing their hydrogen concept, the FCV Plus
The newest member of the Maserati family – the Levante SUV – on display at the Chicago Auto Show
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The newest member of the Maserati family – the Levante SUV – on display at the Chicago Auto Show
The Italians are rarely left behind when it comes to beautiful showcases, like this GranTurismo
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The Italians are rarely left behind when it comes to beautiful showcases, like this GranTurismo
Alfa Romeo is also showcasing a new crossover in Chicago - the Stelvio
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Alfa Romeo is also showcasing a new crossover in Chicago - the Stelvio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio enters showrooms this year
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The Alfa Romeo Stelvio enters showrooms this year
No auto show is complete without race cars. This Porsche 911 RSR is a popular stopping point at the Chicago Auto Show
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No auto show is complete without race cars. This Porsche 911 RSR is a popular stopping point at the Chicago Auto Show
Lingenfelter is one of the most storied race modifiers in America and some of these cars are the most sought-after machines on the market
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Lingenfelter is one of the most storied race modifiers in America and some of these cars are the most sought-after machines on the market
The most recognizable Ligenfelter modification car is this Corvette, on display at the Chicago Auto Show
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The most recognizable Ligenfelter modification car is this Corvette, on display at the Chicago Auto Show
Plug-ins are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show with displays like this one from BMW showcasing several battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
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Plug-ins are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show with displays like this one from BMW showcasing several battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
How do you make a Mercedes-Benz better? Drop the top, says Chicago
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How do you make a Mercedes-Benz better? Drop the top, says Chicago
Front-and-center at the Volvo display in the Chicago Auto Show is this chassis cutaway showcasing a plug-in electric hybrid powertrain
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Front-and-center at the Volvo display in the Chicago Auto Show is this chassis cutaway showcasing a plug-in electric hybrid powertrain
On the opposing corner of the Volvo display is this big moose - Gustav is the company's official safety mascot
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On the opposing corner of the Volvo display is this big moose - Gustav is the company's official safety mascot
Fiat-Chrysler has several ride-along tracks like this one at the Chicago Auto Show. This Ram Trucks track is next to a Jeep and a Performance track, all of which showcase the various capabilities of the vehicles involved, first-hand
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Fiat-Chrysler has several ride-along tracks like this one at the Chicago Auto Show. This Ram Trucks track is next to a Jeep and a Performance track, all of which showcase the various capabilities of the vehicles involved, first-hand
This special prototype of a Ram Rebel with a lot of modifications is a big draw at the Ram Trucks booth
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This special prototype of a Ram Rebel with a lot of modifications is a big draw at the Ram Trucks booth
One very "off-road ready" rig
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One very "off-road ready" rig
Toyota unveiled a new series of TRD Sport off-road packages for the 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma pickup at the Chicago Auto Show
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Toyota unveiled a new series of TRD Sport off-road packages for the 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma pickup at the Chicago Auto Show
A big unveil at the Chicago Auto Show is the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure model
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A big unveil at the Chicago Auto Show is the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure model
The RAV4 Adventure has several off-pavement enhancements meant to bolster the little crossover's credibility off the road
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The RAV4 Adventure has several off-pavement enhancements meant to bolster the little crossover's credibility off the road
Gun metal gray is a popular color at this year's Chicago Auto Show, being shown on several "midnight" and "blacked out" editions of various vehicles from various manufacturers, including this new Tacoma TRD Sport
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Gun metal gray is a popular color at this year's Chicago Auto Show, being shown on several "midnight" and "blacked out" editions of various vehicles from various manufacturers, including this new Tacoma TRD Sport
The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
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The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
A personal favorite, this Subaru rally car is at one corner of Subaru's display in the Chicago Auto Show
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A personal favorite, this Subaru rally car is at one corner of Subaru's display in the Chicago Auto Show
Several colors and model types for the new Kia Stinger are showcased at the Chicago Auto Show
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Several colors and model types for the new Kia Stinger are showcased at the Chicago Auto Show
This Kia Niro Triathlon is being showcased as a special edition for the extreme athlete
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This Kia Niro Triathlon is being showcased as a special edition  for the extreme athlete
Inside the Niro Triathlon concept is all of the equipment needed to, well, participate in a triathlon
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Inside the Niro Triathlon concept is all of the equipment needed to, well, participate in a triathlon
Volkswagen would be remiss to ignore its star racer, Tanner Foust, at the Chicago Auto Show
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Volkswagen would be remiss to ignore its star racer, Tanner Foust, at the Chicago Auto Show
Many are unaware that Volkswagen is a big participant in rally racing and has an entire team dedicated to racing the Beetle
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Many are unaware that Volkswagen is a big participant in rally racing and has an entire team dedicated to racing the Beetle
Tucked in a corner of the Chicago Auto Show is Mitsubishi
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Tucked in a corner of the Chicago Auto Show is Mitsubishi
Every great auto show includes a supercar display from local dealerships
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Every great auto show includes a supercar display from local dealerships
Good day, Mr. Bond
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Good day, Mr. Bond
Specialty dealers are also a big part of any good show and the Slingshot booth shows that the Chicago Auto Show takes that seriously
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Specialty dealers are also a big part of any good show and the Slingshot booth shows that the Chicago Auto Show takes that seriously
One step over from Slingshot is this booth showcasing another three-wheel option: the T-Rex
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One step over from Slingshot is this booth showcasing another three-wheel option: the T-Rex
Plug-ins are prominent at the Chicago Auto Show and Chevrolet is keen to show off its Bolt and others
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Plug-ins are prominent at the Chicago Auto Show and Chevrolet is keen to show off its Bolt and others
Run for the hills! It's Redbull Racing
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Run for the hills! It's Redbull Racing
Hank the Robot has been making the auto show rounds, talking up Ford's safety and future initiatives
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Hank the Robot has been making the auto show rounds, talking up Ford's safety and future initiatives
The latest from Lexus, of course, is the LC, which is on a turntable at the Chicago Auto Show
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The latest from Lexus, of course, is the LC, which is on a turntable at the Chicago Auto Show
What would an auto show be without an oddity? The Chicago Auto Show has a large State Farm Insurance presence ... literally
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What would an auto show be without an oddity? The Chicago Auto Show has a large State Farm Insurance presence ... literally
Don't walk by the Chicago Auto Show's Jaguar booth without stopping to gawk at the F-Type
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Don't walk by the Chicago Auto Show's Jaguar booth without stopping to gawk at the F-Type
A prominent unveil at the Chicago Auto Show this year was the latest Nissan Titan XD in king cab configuration
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A prominent unveil at the Chicago Auto Show this year was the latest Nissan Titan XD in king cab configuration
The interior of the Nissan Titan XD king cab shows the working readiness of this option without rear seats
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The interior of the Nissan Titan XD king cab shows the working readiness of this option without rear seats
Rarely seen, but often spoken of, is this Mazda MX-5 Speedster model on display at the Chicago Auto Show
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Rarely seen, but often spoken of, is this Mazda MX-5 Speedster model on display at the Chicago Auto Show
The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
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The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
A massive Death Star inflatable watches over the vehicles at Nissan's Star Wars-themed booth
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A massive Death Star inflatable watches over the vehicles at Nissan's Star Wars-themed booth
It is difficult to emphasize how integral aftermarket tuners and specialists are to an automotive show and the Chicago Auto Show has plenty
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It is difficult to emphasize how integral aftermarket tuners and specialists are to an automotive show and the Chicago Auto Show has plenty
The Santa Fe Rockstar concept
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The Santa Fe Rockstar concept
Hyundai brought several concepts to the Chicago Auto Show, including this Santa Fast Santa Fe Concept
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Hyundai brought several concepts to the Chicago Auto Show, including this Santa Fast Santa Fe Concept
One of the most well-known race cars currently operating is this Cup car from Mazda, sponsored by the Lemons of Love cancer charity
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One of the most well-known race cars currently operating is this Cup car from Mazda, sponsored by the Lemons of Love cancer charity
Ford's latest performance car, the GT
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Ford's latest performance car, the GT
View gallery - 60 images

The annual Chicago Auto Show is the most consumer-driven of the automotive spectacles that happen in the United States. Always fun to visit, the CAS also has more floor space and ride-and-drive events included than any other show. This year, along with blacked-out trim packages, famous race cars and new reveals, there was also something for Star Wars and Lego fans.

The 2017 Chicago Auto Show officially opened to the general public on Saturday, February 11. Here's what you can look forward to if you attend CAS this year.

A prominent unveil at the Chicago Auto Show this year was the latest Nissan Titan XD in king cab configuration
A prominent unveil at the Chicago Auto Show this year was the latest Nissan Titan XD in king cab configuration

What's new

The Chicago show isn't well-known as a big showcase for manufacturer's new wares or concepts. Those are usually left for the Detroit and New York shows and, more and more, the Consumer Electronics Show. Tucked in between these shows, CAS tends towards the consumer rather than the "wow!" Yet there are still some surprises in store.

Notably this year, Nissan unveiled its latest (and last) version of the Titan XD pickup truck that's been trickling out over the past year or so. This one is a king cab configuration, ready for the jobsite or the driveway. With the expected suicide door configuration popular in this cab style, the king cab finishes the gamut of cab options for the Titan, which now span the regular (single), king, and crew (four-door) options. Nissan has finally made the Titan into a complete offering in the full-sized truck market.

The most modified production car that Dodge's Mopar tuners work with is, not surprisingly, the Challenger
The most modified production car that Dodge's Mopar tuners work with is, not surprisingly, the Challenger

Also unveiled were some special Mopar editions of the Dodge Challenger sports coupe. The Challenger is now Dodge's premier sports car and is also the most-modified car by Mopar, the company's tuning arm. Celebrating 80 years of muscle, the special edition Mopar Challenger is a big deal to Dodge.

Mercedes-Benz hit the Chicago Auto Show in force, covering the floor with work vans of all types. Unveiled at the show was a new Metris Mastersolutions Toolbox, a Mercedes van kitted out to look like a giant toolbox for kids. We fully expect to see scale versions of these on a toy store shelf soon.

The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago
The X-Wing-Inspired 2017 Nissan Rogue is the center-piece of Nissan's mesmerizing Star Wars-themed display in Chicago

Nissan has a big presence at this year's Chicago show, not only with pickups but also with new Midnight Editions of its cars ... and more than a hint of Star Wars. Tying in with the Rogue One film, Nissan has no fewer than a half-dozen Star Wars-themed displays and vehicles in Chicago.

Hyundai hit Chicago by showing off a new American version of a European hot hatch. The Elantra GT Sport is an i30 with a boost in power and a name change for the American market.

A big unveil at the Chicago Auto Show is the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure model
A big unveil at the Chicago Auto Show is the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure model

Toyota rounds-out the Chicago Auto Show unveils, showcasing its latest TRD Sport packaging for several off-road-ready vehicles like the 4Runner and Tundra. Also unveiled is a new model, the RAV4 Adventure, hoping to boost the off-pavement credibility of its best-selling little crossover.

Race cars, sports cars and fast fun

Everyone loves race cars and the Chicago Auto Show has plenty – especially rally and GT cars, which are big draws in the American Midwest. If Tanner Faust is your hero, Volkswagen's got you covered. Prefer the Mini Cup? The famous Lemons car is in the Mazda display.

The Italians are rarely left behind when it comes to beautiful showcases, like this GranTurismo
The Italians are rarely left behind when it comes to beautiful showcases, like this GranTurismo

If you like sports cars with a more road-ready bent, you might want to sneak over to the "Little Italy" section where Maserati and Alfa Romeo stare each other down across the aisle. There are also some cars involved.

Other well-known sports car makers are on hand, of course. Not to mention aftermarket tuners and, a definite favorite, specialty super car sellers with big displays of Lamborghinis and Aston Martins – the bread and butter of any great automotive show.

Ride-along tracks and kids playspaces

The vast amount of space available in the McCormick Center allows for huge ride-along tracks where manufacturer representatives take potential consumers on drives. These are a big part of the show and this year the CAS has at least eight.

Ride-along tracks and events are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show. The Toyota track includes Highlander and RAV4 models simulating several real-world scenarios to showcase the vehicles' capabilities
Ride-along tracks and events are a big part of this year's Chicago Auto Show. The Toyota track includes Highlander and RAV4 models simulating several real-world scenarios to showcase the vehicles' capabilities

In a ride-along, you'll learn about the features of a given vehicle, be taken on extreme showcases of how those work, and more. From shopping carts popping out and causing automatic safety braking to kick in to Jeeps running sideways at 40-degree angles, it's at CAS. If you're more of a performance lover, get into a Challenger or Abarth model and rush the 0-60 line at the FCA Performance booth.

The kids can get in on the action too. To show off the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid minivans, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles built a kids area with a ball pit, a Pacifica mini car, tablet-ready coloring stations, and a lot more.

Lego is prominent at this year's Chicago Auto Show, with displays like this Volkswagen Journey being found everywhere
Lego is prominent at this year's Chicago Auto Show, with displays like this Volkswagen Journey being found everywhere

Lego at a car show?

Lego is also part of the action at the Chicago Auto Show. From the giant Lego Batmobile (first shown off at the Detroit show), to a Volkswagen display showcasing the evolution of the VW Bus, Legos seem to be everywhere. We're not complaining.

Check out our photo gallery for more highlights from the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

View gallery - 60 images
3 comments
3 comments
ChairmanLMAO
We got the license! They said we could do anything! Who care Rogue One was flop!
Martin Hone
Ok, so how do you open the doors on that Nissan Rogue ?
Stephen N Russell
Need this for LA Auto Show, very boring when I went some years back. LA CA.