Auto show to display best of industry

The largest auto show in North America and the third largest show in the world is headed to Chicago next week, close enough for some ISU students to change weekend plans and make the commute to the show.

Vehicles on display will range from the most exotic and advanced to the practical and mundane.

Thirty-four vehicles will make their production debuts, meaning these cars will be on sale this year. Of course, like all auto shows, you can sit in cars and discover the features and feel of most automobiles.

Even with the economy down, exotic carmakers such as Lamborghini, Maserati, Bentley and a newcomer, Fisker, will be at the show in force. Make sure to bring your camera, as these cars are so rare this might be your only chance to see such a car.

J.J. Grinvalds, senior in graphic design and avid show attendee, recommended researching the cars to see before since the event is so large.

For the eco-friendly, there will be more than 45 alternative fuel vehicles, which are either powered by ethanol or electricity. There will also be three concept vehicles from Hyundai, Toyota and Volvo that, according to the official news release, are said to display cutting edge automotive technology.

Vehicles will not be the only things on display; many interactive exhibits will illustrate just how these new car technologies work and might improve our daily commutes.

There will also be two racing games in which visitors can participate. The first is by Ford and features a miniature track racing game. The second is an interactive driving game in which drivers control the video game through realistic controls.

Many exhibitors this year will be from the aftermarket industry, not only showing off their products but also displaying concept vehicles that feature some of the wildest and most tricked out features on the asphalt today, according to the release. Some of these products will include massive chrome wheels, custom paint schemes and parts to maximize the performance of a vehicle.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the best vehicle in the show, and the possibility to see Chicago Blackhawks players Cam Barker and Ben Eager as well as Chicago Bears players Robbie Gould and Hunter Hillenmeyer along with Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls.

The auto show begins Friday and runs until Feb. 21 at McCormick Place. Tickets cost $11 per person for all-day access, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Grinvalds recommended that “to get the most out of the show, you should probably get a hotel around Chicago.” The official hotel of the auto show is the Chicago Sheraton, which features a special auto show rate of $115 per night.

Grinvalds further suggested that “researching parking areas,” otherwise you will pay a steep price or park too far away from the show.