Chicago Auto Show 2016

Now open to the public and well underway, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show features some electrifying debuts, a few things just for fun, and everything in between. Although the press reveals for the 2016 show were slow this year, the longest running auto show in the US is always worth a look.

Kia introduced two new electrified versions of its Optima sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. One is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid to improve fuel economy by ten percent over the current Optima Hybrid. The other is an all-new Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid, the first PHEV for the Korean make.

A few weeks ago, we looked at one of the cooler uses of a Mercedes Sprinter chassis in the Hymer Van S. As it happens, Mercedes has some pretty cool ideas of its own. Billed as the "ultimate work machine," the Sprinter Extreme Concept packs serious hauling capabilities and a bright neon paint job.

Toyota debuted a new Tacoma TRD Pro offroad pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show on February 11. The pickup is the latest in the Toyota Racing Development line of offroad vehicles and includes new performance equipment encased in three new paint colors.

At the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, Kia is focusing on its “Green Car Roadmap” by showing hybrid and plug-in vehicles. One that’s been anticipated for some time is the Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV), which has finally debuted as a production model for the 2017 model year.

Nissan has debuted a redesigned Armada full-sized sport utility vehicle at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. With enhanced, refined looks, a new engine, and top-end safety features, the Armada takes several cues from the Infiniti line.