2009 CAS (coverage/comments)

The following are some photos that I took at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show last week:

It was spacious inside this year — with not nearly as many vehicles as usual, there were random large empty spaces in some places with groups of tables for visitors to use.

The Hyundai Genesis R coupe from Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) was one of the first displays inside. From the sponsors, for the sponsors; if you catch my (Formula D)rift.  Although, I do like the aggressive aero up front.

A new Saab concept car that caught my eye, even though it’s one of the many car-makes being cut back severely, if not completely, in the next few years.

Chevy Volt, not a bad looking car until you look closer at this one.

I’ve heard of ‘stretch and poke’ before, but these tires don’t even look like they’ve actually been mounted. And look at those brakes, or, cardboard-slotted-rotors? Hmm, perhaps they’re on to something revolutionary in light-weight braking components over there at GM.

The Bat-mobile, err, Stingray concept. My mother owned a ‘71 Stingray at one point along the line. It was black on black leather, with chrome-lathered-accents all over. This car is far from that version, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m attracted to the aggressive curves and lines of this car, but I don’t think it’s seen here in it’s best color. Maybe the equivalent chrome hue/color mix of black will give it that sinister look it needs. We’ll have to wait and see where this one goes, it could look good in Gotham.

This one actually stood out to me, I really like the idea of this as a efficient daily driver. I’d like to see one sitting a little lower (slammed-out, who am I kidding), and the price tag (if it ever makes it on the market). Way to go, a valid attempt at a new focus on car making.

Cadillacs are always going to be really nice cars. Converj, a concept — with a lack-luster name — as far as I know, is a stunning looking coupe. I wouldn’t mind one of these with the 550hp motor from the Cadillac CTS-V. But, if I’m going to be spending that much money, and I’m looking for a coupe and performance, do I really want to buy a Cadillac? That’s all I’m saying.

The future. Well, the Toyota Prius is semi-sorta old news, but the new version features many small upgrades over the latter. And this year at their display, they had a middle-aged man telling you all about them. I’m pretty sure it’s a ploy to gain interest from a different age-demographic. “Hey, that guy looks like me, but is standing by the Japanese car. Maybe, I, too, should care about fuel-efficiency.” Maybe it’ll work, hopefully it’ll work. The replacement for displacement. (And, just maybe this nicely cropped photo will help, too).

Ford’s attempt at an American-sized Scion Xb for American-sized people?

Nissan GT-R, R35, was released and shown at last yeas CAS, but this year it can be seen on the street at the same time. Still lots of people around this car, and why not? It’s one of the fastest production cars available right now, and at a fraction of most of it’s competitors prices.

From the GT-R, to the Dodge Circuit — an early attempt at an electric sports car. Half Toyota MR2, half Dodge Viper, half Acura RSX. Wait, three halves? Yes, because there is too much going on on this small electric go-kart. The body lines are all over the place.

Fatlace (the guys who’ve featured a bunch of my close friends’ cars on their west coast-based site, HellaFlush)? At the Chicago Auto Show? I didn’t expect/believe it, but randomly in the Scion booth I noticed the window banner on this Scion TC designed by Fatlace’s own, Mark Arsenal.

As fuel-efficiency was a big topic/aspect to this years show, so was luxury. We’ll get to more examples shortly, but I had to snap a shot of the F-sport brakes that come as a factory option on most of the new Lexus sedans; including the GS pictured above.

As Jalopnik reported, it was the Miata’s 20th birthday bash. I wasn’t particularly expecting anything over the top, but was pleasantly surprised when I came across this pristine original. Such successful simple and subtle body styling from Mazda.

Smart Car, stupid people. While at the Chicago Auto Show, it’s not uncommon to hear a lot of ignorantly false information being uttered by the other by-standers within McCormick Place. Most times I can ignore it, just phase it out and easily not feel the urge to respond/correct those who are mistaken factually. But at the Smart display, oh my. I heard people saying some of the most ridiculous things — one person even exclaimed that the frame was made of plastic. After sitting in one, noticing that they’re actually quite roomy within and biting my tongue firmly to ignore the masses, I walked quickly away. As I stood back and quickly snapped these photos, I couldn’t help but feel bad for the people behind the Smart desk who probably had to deal with that all week.

This newer VW sedan was another that stood out and begged for a couple of photos. Normally I don’t go for the VWs, — except for maybe the R32, but still rather pricey — but I like the aggressive front fascia and lip on this car.

Mercedes Benz will always shock and awe; always. Till the end of the planet, they will be producing high quality luxury auto(until the next technological innovation)mobiles.

A few more examples from MB.

This is my brother taking a photo of me taking a photo of him taking a photo of me. I’ve got the reverse side to this, and another he took of me taking photos of the white coupe above, in an email. I’ll post them here soon.

The closest thing to anything potentially Crazu-related, the RealTime Racing TSX time attack car. From what I know, RealTime Racing is serious business only; it’d be much more entertaining to watch this car in action, listening to the high-revving motor run through the gears. (Maybe this will lead to a follow-up post).

And what Chicago Auto Show would be complete without some exotics? Lamborghini is always a crowd favorite, and these specimens are no different. Twin satin/matte purple Gallardos, and a white Murcielago. Yum.

You’ve got to love Spyker. I can’t remember their presence at CAS in past years, but definitely diggin’. Beautiful cars, but what’s up with the fuselage in the background?

The F430, one of my favorite Ferraris. Kind of almost dull seen here; but only compared to seeing one in black ripping threw third down Congress Parkway during rush hour last semester.

This last one is of my father and brother taking a break from walking around to look out from McCormick Place at the city.  We’ve been going to this show annually as a group for just over 15 years; and the 2009 Chicago Auto Show wasn’t as much of a let down as I was expecting. It wasn’t a crazy year for debuts in the market, outlandish concepts were (and should be) at a lull, especially at a time when the automotive industry is in such a big hole — not just in North America. However, even though there were a lot of innovative, ‘Eco-friendly’ concepts and ideas brought to this year’s show, I think the truly monumental changes we have still yet to see. Soon though, hopefully.

-Nick.