JSwain: 10 Things You Can't Miss at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show

CARS.COM -- First, let's start off with what won't be missed -- those not coming to town for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show get to skip Chicago's frigid, single-digit temps and the blustery winds that reinforce our Windy City nickname. Those who do brave the elements are in for a treat -- several of them, actually. There's plenty to see at this year's show and here are a few things you should not miss.

More 2016 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

The show opens to the public this weekend. Check out 10 of our favorites below.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE Performance Package

2017 Chevrolet Camaro

Cars.com photo by Angela Conners

The new Camaro is one of my favorite performance cars, and GM's just made a good thing better by introducing the 1LE performance package for both the V-6 and V-8 versions of the car. The bright green V-6 1LE on the show floor with its satin black hood and wheels is a stunner -- even before you know that there are performance goodies under the hood, you'll be struck by how bad-ass it looks! -- Aaron Bragman, Detroit bureau chief.

Nissan Winter Warrior Concepts

I would love to thrash around in the snow with Nissan's "Winter Warrior" Murano, Pathfinder and Rogue concepts wearing individual tracks (like a tank) on each wheel. Nissan's promotional video of the SUVs tearing over the snow is way fun. So much fun, in fact, that in one shot it looks like the Rogue's bumper is dislodged and flailing around from speeding over hilly terrain; I want to do that. -- Joe Bruzek, road test editor

Polaris Slingshot

Looking like a cross between an open-wheel racecar and a snowmobile, the Polaris Slingshot is a radically styled three-wheeler unlike anything else on the show floor. Of all the things that'll stop showgoers in their tracks, this is probably the most affordable with a starting price that's less than $22,000. -- Mike Hanley, senior editor

2017 Chevrolet Trax

I'd say the Trax, since GM has taken the time to improve the entry in what's suddenly a very competitive market. There's a lot that was wrong with the old version, sure, but there were some things that were good ... so it'd be worth the time to see if it really is better. -- William Jackson, assistant managing editor

Toyota Goes Back to the Future

Toyota Tacoma Concept

Cars.com photo by Matt Schmitz

We heard a lot about "Back to the Future" back in October due to the the world having reached the "future" date from the time-hopping film series. If you (like some of us) just can't get enough "BTTF," then you won't want to miss Toyota's one-two pop-cultural punch of the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and 2016 Tacoma pickup truck. The Mirai concept is tricked out to resemble the time-traveling DeLorean from the films, complete with flux capacitor and gull-wing doors. The customized Tacoma was inspired by Marty McFly's dream car, the 1985 SR5 4x4 pickup. It's a nice little diversion from the real-world auto show that's equal parts nostalgia and fantasy future. -- Matt Schmitz, news editor

Toyota and Jeep Driving Courses

Jeep Test Track at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show

Cars.com photo by Angela Conners

Toyota and Jeep both setup small courses to show the capability of their cars. For Toyota it's the RAV4 and for Jeep, basically all the Jeeps run it. The way that the floor is set up, you see Toyota's booth first and think, "Oh, this is cool." There's a see-saw ramp and about a 10-foot metal hill to climb up and down. But then you walk another fifty feet and see that the Jeep's hill is about three times taller and much, much steeper. It's very much a "no, THIS is a knife" moment that shows the differences in philosophy (and, frankly, execution) between the two companies. -- Brian Wong, Los Angeles bureau chief

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

This is the one we've been waiting for; the latest iteration of the most capable Tacoma there is, and now it has the improved next-gen underpinnings. Fox Racing shocks, a modified suspension, and Toyota's exclusive Crawl Control. The TRD Pro Taco is now an amazing crawler and desert runner. -- Mark Williams, Pickuptrucks.com editor

2017 Ram Power Wagon

An all-new look for the grille and tailgate and a cool graphics package update the Power Wagon for 2017. Mechanicals stay the same but Ram now offers a Tradesman Power Wagon for those Border Patrol or municipal fleet buyers. -- Mark Williams, Pickuptrucks.com editor

2016 Buick Envision

The U.S.-spec version of GM's Chinese-made Envision will put Buick into the heart of the red-hot compact crossover segment in the second quarter. The conservative looks won't necessarily wow the neighbors, but the interior is tasteful, the list of upscale features and technology is long and the 60/40 split rear seat slides and reclines, offering the room for two adults (or child seats) of SUVs the next class up. -- Fred Meier, D.C. bureau chief

2016 Volvo XC90 Hybrid

Volvo's XC90 has racked up the awards; we liked it so much we named it our Best of 2016, and then we bought one. At the Chicago Auto Show, it's worth checking out the T8 plug-in hybrid version. The combined total output of 400 horsepower gives an already-capable vehicle added grunt while increasing fuel economy. -- Brian Normile, logistics editor

JSwain

Monday, February 15, 2016

10 Things You Can't Miss at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show