“We are thrilled to have Cars.com and Powering Chicago as premier partners of the show once again, and welcome our newest premier sponsor, ComEd, as they power the Chicago Drives Electric EV track,” said Jim OBrill, marketing and sponsorship director of the Chicago Auto Show. “All enjoy category exclusivity, custom branding packages, social media integration, media opportunities and more to help positively position these brands in front of consumers.”
“It’s an opportunity for these brands to engage with their core audience while highlighting new products and services,” OBrill continued.
Chicago-based Cars.com continues as a premier partner of the show with a long history as a show partner. They continue as the official map sponsor to help show-goers find their perfect match when car shopping. They will also have a branding presence on banners throughout the show and within the Chicago Drives Electric track as an official track sponsor. Cars.com will highlight their “Best of Vehicles” for 2024 awards onsite and online, as well as bring expert insights to the show’s Facebook Live panels hosted in conjunction with ABC 7 Chicago.
Powering Chicago returns for 2024 as a premier partner, once again bringing their EV Learning Center to the Chicago Drives Electric track. Powering Chicago is the labor-management partnership between International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County. Throughout the show, the learning center will host consumer workshops and stations where attendees can meet with experts. The area will also feature their mobile field trip truck, a 73’ semi-truck and trailer outfitted with current and emerging electrical technology, including an EV charger.
Returning with a larger presence for 2024, ComEd joins the show as a premier partner and presenting sponsor of Chicago Drives Electric. To help customers make informed decisions as they navigate the emergent EV industry, ComEd offers a variety of resources and information including an online toolkit. Their team will be present onsite throughout the show adjacent to the EV test track, powered by ComEd.
Wintrust returns for the seventh consecutive year as the presenting partner of the Supercar Gallery, an area at the show featuring rare, exotic and ultra-high-performance sports cars. As in past years, Wintrust will host a contest on their website and via Chicago Auto Show social channels to give attendees the chance to go behind the glass with VIP access and see vehicles up close from brands including Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and more.
Joining the show for the first time is Volta Charging — a member of the Shell Group as the official EV charger of Chicago Drives Electric. Volta is providing chargers to power the electric vehicles as they loop through the indoor test track over the course of the show’s ten-day run. Volta’s public charging network can be found throughout Chicagoland.
The NASCAR Chicago team also returns to the Chicago Auto Show, this year with the opportunity to drive the Chicago Street Course on new racing simulators. Plus, check in and join their pit stop challenge to win prizes at participating partners around the show, including a chance to win tickets to the festival event weekend taking place July 6-7, 2024. They will also feature two new show cars, a Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Camaro.
MAMA’s Favorite Chevy Trax
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) has awarded the Chevrolet Trax as MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024. The overall winner was voted on by the association’s 189 nationwide media members and announced at the Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast on Feb. 8, 2024.
“The new Chevrolet Trax packages style, features, and value unlike any new car,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “Priced at less than $25,000, it costs nearly half of what new car shoppers are paying on average. It outshined more than 100 qualifying vehicles, and MAMA members responded by awarding it MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024.”
Revamped for 2024, MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle awards build on the strength of the association’s prior Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards. It was expanded to highlight the eclectic number of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base. Before determining the overall winner, members voted for the seven category winners after each of the association’s three drive events in 2023: The MAMA Spring Rally held at Road America, MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric.
The category winners for 2024 are:
• MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
• MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD
• MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe
• MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor
• MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Ford Mustang Dark Horse
• MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax
• MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6
Two trophies were presented to representatives from GM at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast, with the Chevrolet Trax being awarded to both MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle and MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024.
Toyota Shows 30 Automobiles Tacoma, Camry, Crown Signia & Land Cruiser with Boots for Homeless
Chicagoans will get a chance to see a stable of exciting new products from Toyota, including a few vehicles not on sale yet, at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. Toyota’s auto show exhibit will feature more than 30 automobiles, chief among them the all-new 2024 Tacoma, refreshed 2025 Camry, brand-new 2025 Crown Signia and all-new 2024 Land Cruiser, returning to North America later this winter.
Toyota will highlight its commitment to support Chicagoland unhoused families through its “Walk In My Boots” community outreach project. For the 10th year, Toyota will donate new insulated winter boots and socks along with a home-style buffet luncheon to family members residing at The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge and The Salvation Army Shield of Hope. Toyota also plans to give a $15,000 donation to The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division enabling them to continue to provide shelter for families in times of crisis.
With this program, in Chicago alone, Toyota has donated more than 1,775 pairs of winter boots and socks to people in need and has contributed over $150,000 to The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division during the Chicago Auto Show Days.
The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge is a shelter for women and men with children, along with married couples with children suddenly homeless because of eviction, disasters such as a fire or flood, loss of utilities, domestic violence, being stranded while traveling or other crises. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army Shield of Hope in partnership with the City of Chicago is the nation’s first emergency homeless assessment and rapid-response center providing homeless families with placement within two weeks that best meets their immediate needs.
The Toyota Tacoma has dominated the mid-size pickup truck segment for nearly two decades, and the all-new 2024 Tacoma aims to set a new standard for modern trucks. Completely redesigned and reimagined for model year 2024, the Tacoma is ready to help drivers tackle their ambitious adventure bucket lists. For this new generation of Tacoma, Toyota engineers focused on its rich history of quality, durability and reliability – while incorporating modern tech, rugged styling and go-anywhere capability. Within the display include a new hybridized Tacoma, boasting 326 horsepower, as well as the Tacoma Trailhunter grade, for people looking to go off pavement and off the grid.
Building upon greatness, the Toyota Camry enters its ninth generation with a fresh new look, enhanced performance, and a hybrid powertrain that’s made to move. Designed and assembled in the U.S., the new Camry masterfully amplifies everything drivers love about the current best-selling sedan in the U.S., with more power, striking good looks, feature packed convenience, and capable handling. And now, as a part of Toyota’s effort to provide electrification for all, the 2025 Toyota Camry will be an exclusively Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), offering a combination of power and fuel efficiency that is ready to take on the daily drive. Camry goes on sale this spring.
As the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup, the 2025 Crown Signia also marks the nameplate’s entry into the SUV category. For almost 70-years of Toyota history, the Toyota Crown name has become synonymous with quality and sophistication among Toyota vehicles. In 2024, the Crown Signia will add a new dimension to the ongoing legend, bringing North American customers an elevated ride and premium quality in a stylish crossover package. The vehicle goes on sale this summer.
Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate, Land Cruiser, is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin. Since its introduction in the U.S. market in 1958, the Land Cruiser evolved over the years from the legendary two-door models like the 40 Series with its fold-down front windshield, white roof, and rear jump seats to the fully capable and loaded 200 Series, which was the last generation to be sold in the States and combined Land Cruiser’s unbreakable strength with premium luxury features.
Electric Track:
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show welcomes new and returning brands to its indoor electric vehicle (EV) test track, Chicago Drives Electric, powered by ComEd. This expanded EV hub will be a one-stop destination for attendees to experience the latest brands and to learn about all aspects of EV mobility and lifestyle, including at-home charging, range anxiety, maintenance and associated EV ownership costs.
The approximate 125,000 sq.-ft. destination will feature a range of EVs from new and returning brands, including:
• BMW
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Ford
• Kia
• Lucid
• Nissan
• Tesla
• Volkswagen
Consumers can experience the unique feel of driving in an electric vehicle as they ride along with professional drivers on the track and feel the power that comes from instant torque delivered by electric motors. Each manufacturer will manage their own registration process within the track so attendees can ride in a variety of EVs – making it the perfect location to compare different models.
“The growth of the Chicago Drives Electric indoor EV track signals the industry emphasis, introduction and excitement of new EVs to hit the market, many of which will be seen and experienced for the first time at our show,” said Jennifer Morand, co-general manager, Chicago Auto Show. “The first introduction of the EV track featured just two brands, last year’s track more than doubled that first year with five total brands, and, this year, we’ve nearly doubled that amount with nine total participants (more than 25 vehicles), including new brands to the show like Lucid and Tesla. The Chicago Auto Show serves as the perfect backdrop to offer hands-on experience and education by industry experts.”
Last year, brands that participated on the Chicago Drives Electric track tallied a total of 20,000 ride-alongs. By nearly doubling the brand participation and adding more vehicles to this year’s EV track, show organizers anticipate that number to increase in 2024.
The Chicago Auto Show has engaged a range of EV experts to support the Chicago Drives Electric hub including presenting sponsor, ComEd, and premier sponsors Cars.com, Powering Chicago and Volta Charging, a member of the Shell Group.
This year, ComEd is sponsoring the Chicago Drives Electric Test Track to help customers experience the latest EVs firsthand to better understand the benefits of electrified transportation. ComEd will also be highlighting new rebate programs designed to make the adoption of EVs more equitable through the introduction of three EV rebate programs to support the expansion of home charging, fleet electrification and publicly accessible charging in northern Illinois. ComEd experts will be on site to discuss EV benefits through the ComEd EV Toolkit which includes helpful information for customers at all points in the EV journey, from public charging maps to estimated cost savings when compared to traditional gas vehicles.
“ComEd is committed to working with partners at the Chicago Auto Show and around the region to help more customers move toward the benefits of zero emissions vehicles which are increasingly hitting the roads here in northern Illinois,” said Erica Borggren, vice president of customer solutions at ComEd. “Backed by our nation leading reliability and investments in electrification, our customers and communities are well positioned to take advantage of the environmental, air quality and fuel cost savings benefits associated with driving EVs.”
Powering Chicago is sponsoring this EV track for the second year and will once again feature their mobile field trip truck directly across from the track. Powering Chicago is also hosting a series of educational panels in their EV Learning Center to educate businesses and consumers on critical topics such as EV charging infrastructure installation and the different types of EV chargers available, rebates and tax incentives, energy needs, safety considerations and more.
“Powering Chicago is proud to be a premier sponsor of the Chicago Auto Show and, as Chicagoland’s No. 1 resource for EV charger installations, we’re thrilled to support the Chicago Drives Electric EV indoor test track,” said Executive Director Elbert Walters III. “Our qualified, licensed electrical contractors and skilled IBEW Local 134 workforce, known for unmatched safety, reliability, and training, are ready to install the infrastructure that will power Chicago’s transition to cleaner energy.”
Volta Charging, a member of the Shell Group, will provide chargers for all the EVs running on the indoor test track.
Other brands exhibiting in the show will also highlight their EVs and hybrid models with their own tracks.
• Hyundai will be showcasing the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and Kona EV on the EV track within its display.
• Outside, attendees can get behind the wheel to test drive the Kia EV6, Kia EV9, Ford F-150 Lightning and Subaru Solterra on city streets.
Lucid Airs Air & Gravity
Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID), widely acclaimed for raising the bar in luxury electric vehicles with the award-winning Lucid Air, will be a key highlight of the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. Media and influencers as well as public attendees will not only have the opportunity to see the Lucid Air on display but will also get to experience its luxury and performance as part of the shows indoor EV experience. During media preview days, there will be the opportunity to get behind the wheel.
Robert Whitley, Senior Manager of Air Product Marketing will be available to answer questions and will be conducting a product walkaround on Friday, February 9 from 10:35-10:45am. If you are interested in speaking to Rob at the show, please let me know.
The Lucid Air is a state-of-the-art luxury EV with a California-inspired design that features luxurious full-size interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint. Lucid’s proprietary technology delivers the longest EPA-estimated range available of any electric car currently on the market alongside driver-oriented performance in a stylish luxury sedan.
The Air lineup starts at $77,400* and consists of four models:
- Air Pure, recently added to Car and Driver’s esteemed 10Best List, with an estimated range of 410 miles**.
- Air Touring adds all-wheel drive, more performance, and 411 miles of EPA-estimated range**.
- Air Grand Touring with all-wheel drive and projected to remain the longest-range electric car on the market.
- Air Sapphire, the world’s first electric super-sports sedan, with 427 miles of EPA-est. range** and a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds.
Kia Carnival
Today at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, the refreshed 2025 Kia Carnival multi-purpose vehicle reaffirmed itself as a trailblazer in the minivan segment, bringing a distinct edge in the space between SUV and family hauler. Commanding attention with a grand SUV-like design while offering up exceptional passenger and cargo space more akin to a van, the Carnival expands its versatility with an available turbo-hybrid powertrain. Brimming with Kia’s next-generation of connected car technology, the Carnival steps into the digital age with connectivity and convenience at its core.
“The Carnival has been a standout since its introduction, effortlessly blending SUV aesthetics with the utilitarian functionality of a family vehicle,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP. “As a brand that refuses to settle for the status quo, we’ve made impactful updates across styling, performance and technology, further allowing the Carnival to challenge stereotypes that family vehicles are uninspiring.”
The 2025 Carnival will be available in five trim levels (LX, LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige), while the Carnival HEV will be available in four trim levels (LXS, EX, SX, SX Prestige) when it goes on sale (expected summer 2024).
Enhanced Presence
Embracing the distinctive “Opposites United” design language, the Carnival confidently embodies a modern and bold appearance befitting of an SUV. Characterized by a grand and sculptural grille, the front fascia boasts a chiseled and assertive design, juxtaposed by intricate and high-tech details in cube-like headlamps that are accentuated by Kia’s signature amber-colored Star Map daytime running lights.
Around back, the Carnival looks more refined with smooth surfaces and clean lines. The license plate housing was repositioned to the lower part of the tailgate for a polished appearance, while the crisp contours of the Star Map taillights add depth to the rear. An available wide and contoured skid plate contrasts against the black cladding on the lower rear fascia completes the exterior redesign.
Technical shapes extend to the Carnival’s available alloy wheel options ranging from 17- to 19-inches, which showcase an array of geometric angles. For those who are more keen on design, the Carnival Dark Edition4 gets darkened exterior elements, including the roof rails5, skid plates, C-Pillar garnish, side door garnish, tailgate garnish, exterior side mirror covers, front grille and wheels.
A Haven of Comfort and Convenience
Open the doors to the Carnival to find a futuristic space designed with simple shapes and three-dimensional effects achieved through available ambient lighting spanning the width of the dashboard. The horizontally aligned information and climate controls on the center fascia are minimalist by design, as is the spacious center console with large capacity dual cupholders that can accommodate a large beverage.
At the forefront, a curved panoramic dual-display features full digital instrumentation with an available 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display6 elegantly integrated into one single panel for an ultramodern appeal (wide panel with 4.2-inch TFT and 12-inch screen is standard). An optional, full-color head-up display7 projects information from the cluster and navigation onto the windshield directly in the driver’s line of sight. The available Full Display Mirror8 replaces the traditional rear-view mirror with a camera view by simply adjusting the lower tab. Built-in lights within the seat belt buckle illuminate, making them easier to locate in the dark. Seven standard USB-C ports conveniently located throughout the cabin can help mobile devices stay charged for passengers in all three rows, while two power outlets, and two 115V inverters serve as additional power sources.
Say “Hey Kia!” and a multi-zone voice recognition feature distinguishes between speakers in the front row and second-row, recognizing key activations such as opening the windows or adjusting the climate control. For Carnivals equipped with the optional VIP Lounge Seat package, second-row passengers can activate their seat’s relaxation mode, reclining the seatback9 and deploying the leg extension with a single voice command.
Unchanged is the Carnival’s cavernous and flexible interior space for 7- or 8- passengers, maintaining its best-in-class10 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions continues to allow multiple configurations with a sliding second row center seat that permit the front passenger easy access to a baby or child riding in it. Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats continue to be a Carnival staple (second row seats not removable in SX-Prestige).
A Connected Carnival
Striding into the future of in-car technology, the Carnival now offers Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. This advanced system processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls conveniently accessible with a swipe on the screen. Over-the-air updates11 help the Carnival stay up to date.
Rear passengers are invited to enjoy Kia’s newly available Connected Car Rear Cockpit (ccRC) Rear Entertainment System. Developed in-house, the available system with dual 14.6-inch monitors and full HD resolution allows streaming from popular platforms, with the potential to add future content over-the-air over time. Passengers can connect their Bluetooth headsets and mirror from external devices with a HDMI port.
Available advanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2 allows customers to use their compatible smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive. This innovative technology allows the driver to unlock the Carnival without having to hold their smartphone. Furthermore, these keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on compatible devices.
Enhancing Multi-Purpose with a New Hybrid Option
Motivation in the Carnival still comes from an available 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine that produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Strengthening its position as a multi-purpose vehicle, the Carnival Hybrid is newly available for 2025 with a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a 54kW motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a combined output of 242 horsepower, 271 lb.-ft. of torque.
Unique hybrid performance upgrades further aim to improve performance and fuel economy, while also working towards an overall comfortable ride. Aerodynamic 17″ wheels are exclusive to the Carnival HEV. In Eco/Smart mode, Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) kicks in with the flick of the paddle shift lever to adjust the amount of regenerative braking with a three-level deceleration control. Other features specific to the Carnival HEV include E-Handling, which is designed to help improve vehicle responsiveness when entering and exiting a corner; E-Ride that can help smooth out the action of going over bumps with specially tuned shocks, and E-Evasive Handling Assist that is designed to help control the vehicle movement during emergency steering.
Advancements in ADAS:
The Carnival’s suite of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is updated with Kia’s latest iterations. Central to the Carnival’s advanced driver assist technology is standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist12, designed to alert the driver if it detects a risk of collision with an object or person in the front and can automatically assist with braking to help prevent collisions under certain conditions. The system now offers available Junction Crossing (FCA-JC); Lange-change Oncoming (FCA-LO); Lange-change Side (FCA-LS); and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA).
First introduced on the EV6, the Carnival is also available with Highway Driving Assist 29 (HDA 2) a driver convenience system that is designed to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions.
Other available ADAS features include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (N-SCC)13, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)14.
* The Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
2 Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
3 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
4 Inventory expected to be extremely limited.
5 Roof rail crossbars and roof rack attachments sold separately and not included. Always carry cargo safely.
6 Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
7 Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
8 Full Display Mirror is a registered trademark of Gentex.
9 Reclining seat and/or elevating footrest can reduce the effectiveness of the safety restraint system and may lead to additional injury in an accident.
10 Best-in-class cargo room: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding cargo room in Mid-Size MPVs as of January 2024. Mid-Size MPV class as defined by Kia segmentation.
11 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
12 When engaged, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
13 When engaged, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise-control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. It may not detect every object around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
14 Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may only function under certain conditions. Always drive safely and use caution.
Nissan Thrills
Nissan is bringing the thrill of rugged adventure to the 2024 Chicago Auto Show with two new vehicles: An off-road-ready version of Frontier and an Ariya electric crossover that tackled an immense adventure across continents.
The thrill of desert off-road racing is coming to the Nissan Frontier with the debut of a limited-edition package inspired by the modified Frontier in which Forsberg Racing recently won the NORRA 500 race.
Bringing race-inspired style to Frontier Crew Cab models, the Nissan Frontier Forsberg Edition dealer-installed accessory package features NISMO Off Road parts including new 17-inch Axis Beadlock wheels, rock sliders and a roof rack with integrated LED lighting. Forsberg Racing decals and a Forsberg Racing Limited Edition badge complete the desert-racing look.
Backing up the truck’s appearance with enhanced capability is a NISMO Off Road lift kit and other supporting NISMO Off Road suspension parts, including forged upper control arms and high-performance shocks, Yokohama Geolandar X-AT tires (size 265/70/R17) and a NISMO cat-back exhaust.
The Forsberg Edition package will have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 of $9,999. It can be installed by a Nissan dealer on a new or previously purchased Frontier (model year 2022 and above) and will be available in the fall of 2024.
The limited-edition package follows a collaboration earlier this year between Nissan,
Forsberg Racing and Chris Forsberg. Forsberg Racing developed a truck outfitted with NISMO Off Road parts for the rigors of the NORRA 500 off-road race. Chris Forsberg and Yokohama teammate Leticia Bufoni entered the 2023 year’s race in the stock production class and took home first-place in the category. Their success demonstrates the durability of Frontier and showcases the improvements in performance and capability provided by NISMO Off Road products.
“Our championship win at the NORRA 500 was a testament to the capabilities of the
Nissan Frontier with NISMO Off Road parts and Yokohama Geolandar tires,” said Forsberg. “We took a stock truck outfitted with NISMO Off Road parts and drove it from the shop in Southern California to the event, raced across the Baja desert for 500 miles, and drove it back home to the shop without an issue. It’s thrilling to know that more drivers will be able to experience a taste of the rugged performance that propelled our success in the NORRA 500.”
The 2024 Nissan Frontier gives buyers an expansive range of grades from which to choose. The new-for-2024 SL grade is highly appealing with premium features like LED headlights and leather-appointed seating, while the PRO-X and PRO-4X enable exciting off-road adventures and the new Hardbody Edition package brings a dose of 1980s-inspired nostalgia to the truck. The 2024 Frontier has a starting MSRP2 of $30,030.
Further showcasing a commitment to tackling extreme terrain, Nissan’s booth will also feature the auto show debut of the Ariya e-4ORCE that traveled from the North Pole to the South Pole. Piloted more than 18,000 miles over 10 months by husbandand-wife adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey, the all-electric expedition vehicle is the first vehicle – and EV – to travel from the North Pole to the South Pole.
The Ramseys set off from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole in March 2023, traversing North, Central and South America before reaching their destination in mid-December. Modifications to the Ariya were intentionally minimal to showcase the ability of EVs to operate in extreme conditions, with no changes applied to the battery or powertrain. However, the suspension was revised and the fenders widened in order to fit rugged 39-inch BF Goodrich tires for driving on snow and ice.
Other innovations for the trip included a portable, renewable power generator that combined a lightweight wind turbine and solar panels to help recharge the Ariya, taking advantage of the high winds and long daylight hours near the poles.