There will me many events happening at the Chicago Auto Show, starting later this week.
Vehicles of the Year
Chicago News will present awards for Truck of the Year, SUV/Crossover, Sedan, Performance Car, Sports Car and Car of the Year at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. The awards presentation ceremony will take place on the opening press day of the Chicago Auto Show.
- Volvo XC40 SUV/Crossover of the Year
- McLaren 570S, Sports Car of the Year
- Ford F-150 Truck of the Year
- BMW 740e is Sedan of the Year
- Cadillac CTS-V is Performance Car of the Year
- Kia Stinger is Car of the Year
Social Media Blitz
Chicago Auto Show organizers are planning a robust social media campaign to encourage fans to share their experiences via platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
A leader in social media, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show generated 50 million hashtag impressions, continued as the No. 1 national trend on Twitter and engaged more than 1,500 social media influencers during its Media Preview.
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 7, the Chicago Auto Show is giving fans a backstage pass and will livestream all of the new vehicle unveilings and press conferences via its official Facebook page:
www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. Live video streaming will continue throughout the 10-day show.
Experience the #CAS19 BUZZHUB
Located just off of the Grand Concourse, the #CAS19 BUZZHUB features a 21-foot wall with real-time trending feeds and giant #CAS19 block letters for those pose-worthy moments. Fans who spot the Social Squad and show them their social media post from the show floor will receive instant prizes.
Instagram #instawinCAS
It’s simple. Follow @thechicagoautoshow on Instagram, like the latest photo and tag a friend. Beginning Feb. 9, daily winners will be selected to receive a Chicago Auto Show prize pack. Fans who follow the show’s daily Instagram stories will also get an insider scoop on “CAS Hacks” including the hottest debuts, special themed days and even ways to save on tickets.
#SupercarSweeps
The show has partnered with Wintrust to give lucky winners the chance to get inside of the Supercar Gallery. Fans who share a picture of their dream car with #SupercarSweeps and tag the Chicago Auto Show will be entered to win VIP access inside the Wintrust Supercar Gallery.
Snap 2 Win
- Add the Chicago Auto Show on Snapchat.
- Snap a picture or video from the show floor.
- Use the Chicago Auto Show custom geofilter.
- Send the Chicago Auto Show account a snap via direct message.
- The post may be featured in the Chicago Auto Show’s daily story.
Attendees can connect with the Chicago Auto Show’s buzzing communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube for a virtual backstage pass to learn about the hottest cars, special events and contests.
Get Electrified!
Consumers attending the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 9-18, will get a chance to test-drive electric and hybrid-electric plug-in vehicles, including the 2019 Nissan LEAF and 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
The Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit coalition focused on clean-transportation solutions for the six-county Chicago area, is hosting an EV Experience where attendees can learn more about plug-in vehicles and charging from industry experts and local electric vehicle owners. This experience is made possible via the American Lung Association’s Midwest EVOLVE program.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will reveal a new GLI Sedan.
What Drives Her Luncheon
Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Women in Automotive, announced the third annual What Drives Her luncheon and networking event during the show’s Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 8 at McCormick Place.
Autotrader’s Krebs will moderate the first panel discussion surrounding how females are driving change in the auto industry. Panelists include Jessica Petty, manager of customer data analytics, Hyundai; Jeneen Rippey, vice president of global quality, electronics division, ZF; and Edie Wines, instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association.
Between the first and second panel discussions, Leah Marshall, director, influencer marketing, with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), will present ANA’s female-focused #SeeHer initiative.
The second panel discussion topic will be centered around work, life and creating balance while building a career. Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman will moderate the panel of women including Kathy Gilbert, global director of sales & business development, CDK; Laurie King, SVP, global operations & strategic solutions, Turtle Wax; Subi Ghosh, senior director of dealer strategy, Stream Companies; Lauren Brandt, Facebook client solutions manager and Returnity Project co-founder; and Kerri Wise, vice president, industry education and relations, TrueCar.
Event sponsors include Autotrader, Facebook, Hyundai, Lot Linx, TrueCar, Turtle Wax and ZF.
Subaru 2020 Legacy
Subaru of America announced that it will reveal the all-new 2020 Legacy at the Chicago Auto Show. Subaru also gave a sneak peek of a large infotainment screen for the 2020 Subaru Legacy.
Lexus NX F Sport
Debuting at the Chicago show will be the 2019 Lexus NX F SPORT Black Line Special Edition and LC 500 Inspiration Series. Also featured in the 15,500 square-foot display include the 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition and LC Convertible Concept, which were both unveiled in Detroit last month.
With additional styling and accessories, the new NX F SPORT Black Line Special Edition will be built on the same popular F SPORT base. The NX F SPORT Black Line vehicles enhance the driving experience through unique styling and design touches on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Once inside, guests will experience two all-new firsts for the NX – exclusive Mark Levinson 14-speaker, 835-watt Premium Surround Sound Audio System complemented by a unique F SPORT Arctic White and Black seats. The body-hugging, quilted NuLuxe ® sport seat surfaces are exclusive to the F SPORT family, and for the Black Line Special Edition, they are coordinated with a black headliner, unique floor mats, cargo mat, and key gloves. With 1,000 units of this special edition crossover in production, the 2019 NX 300 F SPORT Black Line Edition will begin arriving at dealerships in February.
The third vehicle in the Lexus Inspiration Series, this LC 500 is a limited-edition model that features a unique mix of colors and features that build on the coupe’s stunning design. All LC 500 Inspiration Series coupes feature vibrant Flare Yellow paint, a rich, metallic shade of yellow that’s eye catching from a distance, yet subtly handsome up close where the deep layers of paint highlight every crease in the sheetmetal. Standard 21-inch wheels and tires give this LC the perfect stance while the carbon fiber roof and lower grille insert adds just the right amount of contrast. The 2019 LC 500 Inspiration Series will go on sale in April.
The RC F Track Edition blends luxury with serious performance driving seamlessly from a day at the track to a night on the town, and a new launch control feature delivers 0-to-60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. The RC F performance coupe features improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a retuned suspension and enhanced styling that elevates the car to a new level of performance and refinement.
The Lexus LC Convertible Concept is the next iteration in the brand’s creative evolution, suggesting future direction of the LC flagship. An artful reflection of the LC coupe, the design of the Convertible Concept expresses ultimate beauty with every line drawn to evoke an emotional response. Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible concept retains the athletic proportions of the LC coupe, yet still manages to stand on its own with a unique identity. A comfortable cabin caters to every need from the comfort of its tailored seats to the feel of every switch and button.
New Boots for Homeless Families
On the opening day of the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, it will first step in to help Chicagoland homeless families through its “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach program by providing new insulated winter boots and socks to residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, a homeless haven for families in Chicago.
Toyotas Full Lineup
At the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, visitors will experience Toyota’s full vehicle lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs, including the 2020 GR Supra, which made its world debut in Detroit last month. The 2020 Tacoma, 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, 2019 RAV4, 2019 Prius AWD-e and Tundra PIE Pro will be amongst the vehicles in the 44,980 square-foot display, along with technology demonstrations and special guest appearances. The Chicago Auto Show takes place February 9-18 at McCormick Place.
Tacom-ing soon! For more information on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, fans can tune in to the Toyota Press Conference at 10 a.m. CST, Thursday, February 7 here: https://livestream.com/Toyota/CAS2019.
Following its Detroit debut, the 2020 GR Supra will make its first appearance in Chicago. More than 20 years in the making, the 2020 GR Supra is the first global Toyota GAZOO Racing model with design inspired by Calty’s FT-1 Concept. The Supra goes on sale this summer and the first 1,500 vehicles will be Launch Edition models. The new Supra will feature an exhilarating blend of power, precision and agility thanks to a rear wheel design with a low center of gravity and optimal weight balance. The 2020 model will be powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and its 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo six will produce 335 hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque and will be teamed with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
The 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition melds exclusive design with added function, honoring the iconic vehicle’s adventurous 60+ year history. The limited-edition vehicle features exclusive exterior and interior trim, a vintage-style Land Cruiser exterior badge and special bronze-colored, forged-aluminum BBS wheels with a “Toyota” center cap.
Blending luxury with capability, the new vehicle has a 381 horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine, 8-speed transmission, full capability 4-wheel drive with advanced chassis control. Standard features will include Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist, CRAWL Control and Off-Road Turn Assist. only be a limited number of Heritage Editions available when it goes on sale in the summer of 2019.
Now in its fifth generation, the 2019 RAV4 features an entirely reimagined design, enhanced performance and fuel efficiency thanks to the implementation of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and two new powertrains. From multimedia technology to smarter all-wheel drive and a more efficient hybrid powertrain, the Toyota RAV4 is brimming with high-tech that works seamlessly and conveniently to deliver a rewarding driving and ownership experience. Every 2019 RAV4 model is equipped with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capability and Entune 3.0 Audio.
Boasting an estimated 52 mpg in the city, the new Prius AWD-e is one of the most fuel-efficient AWD-equipped vehicles in America, now allowing for more adventures outside of the city. The new AWD-e system (“e” stands for electric), provides additional traction in certain conditions including inclement weather, snow or rain, giving drivers the confidence to expand their horizons.
While Toyota won’t pick a side in the deep-dish debate, the Tundra PIE Pro features technology to bake pizzas from the bed of the truck. The concept vehicle is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain from a Toyota Mirai, resulting in a zero-emission mobile pizza factory. In the bed of the truck, a totally-contained pizza kitchen includes a refrigerator, a pair of computer-guided articulating robotic arms and a portable, high-efficiency conveyor oven that can bake a pizza from start to finish in seven minutes.
Additional vehicles on display include the 2019 Avalon Hybrid, 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid and the TJ Cruiser, a new crossover concept vehicle that combines the roominess of a cargo van with the functionality of an SUV to seamlessly integrate work with life.
Throughout the week special guests will be visiting the Toyota Live stage for presentations and giveaways.
- Ken Gushi, Drifting Star and Team Toyota Athlete
Saturday, Feb. 9: 11 a.m. – noon and 2 – 3p.m.
- Buckle Up for Life
Saturday, Feb. 9: 5 – 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 10: noon – 1 p.m.
Car seat safety experts from Buckle Up for Life will conduct installation demos at the ToyotaLive stage and hold a raffle for car seats.
- Ryan Dempster, Former Chicago Cubs Pitcher
Sunday, Feb. 10: 2 – 3 p.m.
Dempster will be onsite for a Q&A session and will capture a Facebook Live video on the features and benefits of the all-new RAV4
- Scott Paddock, President of Chicagoland Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 10: 3 – 4 p.m.
- Louie Vito, Olympic Athlete – Snowboard, Team Toyota
Friday, Feb. 15: 11 a.m. – noon and 2 – 3 p.m.
- Dash, mascot for Chicagoland Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 17: 11 a.m. – noon and 1 – 2 p.m.
Dodge
Despite the polar vortex, Dodge//SRT is looking ahead to brighten things up just in time for the spring muscle car season by bringing back the heritage-inspired color Sublime. For the first time ever, Sublime is available on Charger Scat Pack, Charger SRT Hellcat and Challenger Widebody models. Sublime is also returning to the Challenger T/A for the first time since 1970.
Sublime joins the available high-impact paint colors such as B5 Blue, Go Mango, F8 Green, Plum Crazy and TorRed on both 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger lineups.
“Our Dodge//SRT muscle cars give our customers what they want, an incredibly wide variety of performance models and high-impact color options. Whether it’s Sublime paint, all-wheel drive capability or 797 horsepower, Charger and Challenger stand out,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “By bringing back a high-impact color like Sublime across the 2019 Challenger and Charger lineups, we’re continuing to give our enthusiast customers another way to make their muscle cars even more unique when they showcase the legendary Dodge performance attitude.”
Both Challenger and Charger models in Sublime will be on display at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
Sublime was first introduced during the 1970 model year on all Dodge vehicles except the Polara and Monaco models. In 2007, Dodge produced a limited number of Charger R/T Daytona models with Sublime exterior. Most recently, Sublime was available across the Dodge Challenger vehicle lineup during the 2015 model year.
The return of Sublime brings a sense of performance nostalgia and powerful bursts of high-impact paint color to highways and dragstrips across the country.
Dealers can begin ordering Sublime on 2019 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger models in February.
2019 Dodge Challenger
Dodge launches the most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup ever in 2019, by leveraging the power of the record-setting Dodge Challenger SRT Demon to introduce the new performance halo for the brand and the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car – the 797-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat returns with output now starting at 717 horsepower and both Hellcat models feature a new dual-snorkel hood that pays homage to the distinctive Dodge design themes from some of its most famous muscle cars, including the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon. The new R/T Scat Pack Widebody includes fender flares, adding 3.5 inches of body width, 20 x 11-inch forged wheels, 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires and larger six-piston Brembo brakes in the front for improved on-road and on-track performance. The new Challenger GT rear-wheel-drive model extends its performance capabilities with standard Super Track Pak features, performance hood, splitter and seats, for the first time ever with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.
Eight distinct models make up the reconfigured vehicle lineup for 2019: SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Numerous option packages offer all the upgrades, unique heritage cues and additional performance that Dodge//SRT customers demand. Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 in the R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models, the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on the SRT Hellcat and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on the SRT Hellcat Redeye.
For the 2019 model year, the Dodge Challenger is available in 15 exterior colors including: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, Indigo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, Sublime, TorRed, Triple Nickel, Yellow Jacket (no longer available to order) and White Knuckle.
2019 Dodge Charger
From the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world to V-6 efficiency and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, the Dodge Charger lineup is designed and engineered to provide the ultimate in high-performance comfort and road-ready confidence as America’s only four-door muscle car. Dodge Charger’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by extensive performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood and behind the wheel – further building on the Dodge brand’s promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class power, efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling.
Standard on every Dodge Charger model is the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Charger offers a full range of powerful engine options on six distinct models, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on Charger SXT, SXT AWD and GT, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on Scat Pack models and the 707-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V-8.
For 2019, Dodge repositions the lineup to include a new Charger SXT AWD model and a new Charger GT RWD performance V-6 model. Charger GT and R/T models get the performance look and features standard and receive a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades. Charger Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on R/T Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve, After-Run Chiller on SRT Hellcat.
For the 2019 model year, the Dodge Charger is available in 14 exterior colors including: B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, Sublime, TorRed, Triple Nickel and White Knuckle.
About Dodge//SRT
Dodge//SRT offers a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out in their own segments. Dodge is America’s mainstream performance brand and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.
For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge, who founded the brand in 1914. Their influence continues today. New for 2019, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is possessed by the Demon. Its 797-horsepower supercharged HEMI® high-output engine makes it the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car reaching 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.4 seconds and the fastest GT production car with a ¼-mile elapsed time (ET) of 10.8 seconds at 131 mph. It also reaches a new top speed of 203 mph. Joining the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with its more powerful 717-horsepower engine, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, which features fender flares from the SRT Hellcat Widebody and adds 3.5 inches of width to Scat Pack’s footprint, as well as and the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Infused with exclusive drag strip technology from the iconic Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is a drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car and a blank canvas for the serious grassroots drag racer. The 2019 Dodge Durango SRT, America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV with a best-in-class tow rating of 8,700 lbs. fills out the brands’ performance lineup. These visceral performance models join a 2019 brand lineup that includes the Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Charger and Challenger — a showroom that offers performance at every price point.