2006 Chicago Auto Show Gallery & Review

Sections: MF Feature Feb 10th, 2006 51 Comments

One of the benefits of doing a site like MotoringFile is getting invited to the press days at major autoshows. And with the Chicago show obviously being in our backyard it’s hard to pass up the chance at an all-access look at every car on display while the automakers cater to your every whim. It’s certainly a night and day difference to what the one would normally experience at a public day. And what the show lacked this year in exciting, non-truck and minivan related debuts it made up for in sheer size. The show is the largest in the US. Over 1.6 million sq ft on one level, the Chicago Auto Show is almost too much to see in one day. But hey… someone had to do it to bring you the highlights. So we soldiered on through a combined 10 cappuccinos (thanks VW & Buick), one lunch (thanks Bridgestone), and one box of ethanol popcorn (thanks GM).

However instead of a long-winded review as we’ve done in for past shows (see: 2004 & 2005) we’ve decided to just present you the 2006 Chicago Auto Show gallery complete with captioned commentary. This allows us to be more on point about each car and potentially a lot more sarcastic. You can check out the entire gallery below:

[ 2006 Chicago Auto Show Gallery ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

51 Comments

alpinamike Feb 10th, 2006 Link

I want those checker floor mats, they are sweet, but no one has them yet :(, More MINI stuff is always good. Nice pics Gabe. -alpinamike

giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Nice gallery Gabe. Thanks.

In my opinion the wood on inside the M5 looks like plywood, not getting why anyone would like it but maybe it’s better in person. The Cayman, if I could that would replace or at least be a garage mate to my MCS unless I could afford the Ford GT which Top Gear reviewed as one of the best.

Still not getting the whale butts on the BMW’s? I’ll take the old 6 series Alpina’s.

Still take the F40 thank you.

Maybe Matt should stay out of a rallye car. Lotta reverse lock up there Matt. Just kidding.

Glad to see that I’m not the only one with blurry pics from indoor shots.

Thanks again, LOL

Aaron Feb 10th, 2006 Link

What constitutes ethanol popcorn?

Tim Feb 10th, 2006 Link

I also like that Kia Soul concept. If I was forced to buy an SUV I’d buy something like that. There’s something about it’s roofline that looks familiar…

GSKChicago Feb 10th, 2006 Link

alpinamike – I saw the checker mats at Patrick Mini outside of Chicago. Give them a try?

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

What constitutes ethanol popcorn?

Popcorn given away at a GM ethanol event.

I want those checker floor mats, they are sweet, but no one has them yet :(,

They currently available. Did you see this: New JCW Products US Release Info

ScottinBend Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe, Excellent gallery and article. And what is it about these huge front center consoles in cars now? They look big enough to have a decent chess game on…….LOL

One note about a pic tho, I think you have described the new 4 door Golf as a Jetta (pic number 19?).

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe & Matt, Awesome job on the gallery. I literally went through the whole thing and I was even there. Although in these pics I’m a shadowy, blurry figure. Which is good for my undercover rumor reporting. Great meeting you guys. Hope to see you at the party tonight. Chicago MF readers are also invited. http://www.mph-online.com/blogs/00112

Dave

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Sweet Dave thanks. Great to finally put a face to the name as well. And Chicago MINI peeps… check out the MPH party at the Liars Club tonight. I hope to be there around 9-10 myelf.

tony T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

And I expcted to see an old man with a beard…. your much younger than I imagined Gabe (nice jacket btw… )

i would say its a little unfair to say ‘Panel Gap’ in the photo of the new Jaguar – to my mind the hatch is clearly open…..

Wished i could visit that show, sounds great.

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

tony T I agree on the hatch being open, I spent a lot of time with that car and didn’t notice that gap. it is simply gorgeous but the front isn’t perfectly designed. Although I wouldn’t call it a Taurus either.

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

And I expcted to see an old man with a beardÃ¢â‚¬Â¦. your much younger than I imagined Gabe (nice jacket btwÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ )

You mean you’ve never clicked on the about page to see the infamous beer drinking picture? ;)

Although I wouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t call it a Taurus either.

Yeah I didn’t mean to be harsh on it. I think it’s a handsome car. Just dissapointed they didn’t push the envelope a bit more.

matt Feb 10th, 2006 Link

I hope you enjoy the pics. I’m sorry about the focus, there’s surprisingly little light in those rooms.

Speaking of enormous center console’s, I see Gabe left out the International’s center console hatch to nowhere. :)

IanF Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Nary a sarcastic door left unopened. ;)

Excellent job by the both of you!

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Nary a sarcastic door left unopened. ;)

I think I’ve been reading too much Evo.

Nathaniel Salzman Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Great job Gabe and Matt! As much fun to read as it was to see.

Dave Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Wow. I’m really liking the Dodge Nitro.

J/C Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Darn! The filters here at work won’t let me access the pics! (something about whiteroofradio being an audio site)

Mini2Go Feb 10th, 2006 Link

To: aplinamike

MINI of Pittsburgh has been selling the checkered JCW mats for well over a month now. They’ve even had them on display in the showroom. Surprised you didn’t see them when you were in yesterday. ??

Da Boy Feb 10th, 2006 Link

I concur about the ferrari enine display… MINI… this is a learining opportunity

Da Boy Feb 10th, 2006 Link

one more thought… my next mini van will be thay Toyota concept… it totally kicks my wifes odyssey in the rear bumper.

Johnny Feb 10th, 2006 Link

No Volvo C30? It looks sharp, and I’ve been hoping to hear your take on it.

giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Just noticed the VW Dakar in background………no pics?

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

i don’t think the C30 was in Chicago. Just detroit.

Bwana Yak Feb 10th, 2006 Link

That Toyota concept minivan looks like the minivan ZZ Top would drive…

Giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

The 6th pic of the Aston is sweet.

Seth L Feb 10th, 2006 Link

More automotive sites should do this, great work Matt and Gabe!

Mike F Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Got any pics of the Infiniti G35 coupe, one of my friends was going to buy an 06 but found out they are redesigning the entire body. Great pics! that Dodge Nitro has a Range Rover type feeling to me.

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

We may have… sorry lots of pics hit the editing floor so tp speak. The G35 coupe concept really isn’t all that special. Same basic design at the current car just a bit more sleek. Actually I liked it less than the current car.

Matt Feb 10th, 2006 Link

no G35 pics. it was too high up and in the low light every shot i took came out blurry resulting in immediate deletion. there was no ramp to get to it so all the pics would have been from underneath otherwise. like gabe, i’m fairly indifferent toward the new design and prefer the current car.

sandm4130 Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Fellas I am very impressed with your coverage of the show. I almost did not make it through the pics-that was alot for such a small site.

PS on a somewhat unrelated note-I am soooooo stoked to see that the ship will dock on the 17th in SC.

The Camaro is tite. But teh Italian Stallion-is stunning. The Cayman is a beauty.

I really appreciate the love you guys show to such a diverse selection of automobiles.

Thanks.

Mike Feb 10th, 2006 Link

LOL, you guys, the comments were hilarious! They literally had me laughing like crazy on many, many occasions. Great gallery. :)

David K Feb 10th, 2006 Link

The Camaro!!!

My next car, should I not be able to afford the Corvette when I’m ready to buy. I certainly hope they keep the cylinder-cutoff technology when it comes out.

Oh yeah, I’ll keep my MCS…ahem…

Steve Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Audi.A7.Exterior = Chrysler.Pacifica.Exterior

Great pics.

Question – Why do American cars insist on being so hard on the eyes?

O(=^=)O Capn Feb 11th, 2006 Link

LOL, you guys, the comments were hilarious! They literally had me laughing like crazy on many, many occasions. Great gallery. :)

I’ll second that!

blalor Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Regarding the VW Eos concept comment, I think Gabe might be the trixie in question, at least if gender weren’t part of the qualification. 20-30something, immaculately groomed, Starbucks cup in-hand, last seen flogging a VW through the streets of Chicago? C’mon, tell me you don’t see it, too! ;-)

I bet that Hydrogen-powered Hummer (would that be an H2-squared?) would make quite a crater when rear-ended…

The Acuras have bigger overhangs than the Audi/VWs, so why isn’t Gabe doing “and the one that got away was thiiiiis big” thing to them?

And now I must be on my way to be there in person. :-)

Gabe Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Regarding the VW Eos concept comment, I think Gabe might be the trixie in question, at least if gender werenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t part of the qualification. 20-30something, immaculately groomed, Starbucks cup in-hand, last seen flogging a VW through the streets of Chicago? CÃ¢â‚¬â„¢mon, tell me you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t see it, too! ;-)

Okay next time you’re in Chicago overnight I’ll take you out on the Northside and show you the true meaning of LPT. There’s a key point you’re missing ;-)

vin. Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Waiting anxiously on the MINI/Triumph rumors….

peter Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Gabe and Matt : awesome pics – ‘prreciate that!!!!!! Thanks!…. but were there any Astons there? :)

O(=^=)O Capn Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Yes! I started something on MF! the use of the urban dictionary!

just an idea. what if you do exactly what you did and a brief write up on the scene and heard of the MINI booth. just a brief way to keep you Press cred in check. these things are by invite right?

Brian Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Gabe, the pics are great, Thanks for that.

Those who wanted the G35 concept, can see it href=”http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread/t-114882.html”>HERE. I must say its freakin nice! I like it better than the current one.

Brian Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Again HERE

P.S. how ’bout a preview button?

Gabe Feb 11th, 2006 Link

but were there any Astons there? :)

Yes… we have several pics in the gallery.

Fabio Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Its hard to see but those that MCS have a differnt tailpipes than a standard Works???

DB Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Big thanks to DB for hosting the gallery on WWRÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s server this year. After it only took 2 hours to blow up MotoringFile last year, I figured I needed to pull out the big guns.

No worries Gabe. I get ascared when motoringfile disappears. It’s like there is something just not right with teh internets.

Waiting anxiously on the MINI/Triumph rumorsÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

You should go back and listen to Woof32. That rumor was pretty well squashed.

Yea, I was bummed too :(

Zyamfier Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Gabe, Nice pics. I was glad to see the picture of the Airstream. A little large for behind the MINI. However, my version will be outside your cabin at the Dragon. pics in my NAM gallery. (Zyamfier) Jim

Laverne Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Thanks for the great pics. Things I learned today:

Quality is NOT job #1 for Ford, obviously.
A 4-door Super Bee is blasphemy.
Sorry everyone else – the Camaro sucks
The Challenger rules
Hybrids are still ugly.
Did I miss the Lotus section?

Rawhyde Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Hey Gabe,

I take it you don’t like overhang a whole lot!

I agree, too much overhang spoils a car’s looks; but why did you like the Acura’s so much…geez…talk about excessive overhang!

Rawhyde

vin. Feb 12th, 2006 Link

You should go back and listen to Woof32. That rumor was pretty well squashed.

Hmmm… I must have missed that one. I’ll have to go back and take a listen.

In the end it is probably better for BMW USA to keep their product range focused on 2 (well, 3) brands. Volkswagen in Europe and GM here in the US are excellent lessons in the costs of having too many automotive brands in one market.

David Feb 13th, 2006 Link

Sorry everyone else – the Camaro sucks

That’s OK Laverne,

After all, denial is the first step to admitting you have a problem. :)

em Feb 13th, 2006 Link

Hi Gabe

so, still no indication of BMW 1 series for US market??

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2006 Chicago Auto Show Gallery & Review

Sections: MF Feature Feb 10th, 2006 51 Comments

Written By: Gabe

51 Comments

alpinamike Feb 10th, 2006 Link

giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Aaron Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Tim Feb 10th, 2006 Link

GSKChicago Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

ScottinBend Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

tony T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

matt Feb 10th, 2006 Link

IanF Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Nathaniel Salzman Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Dave Feb 10th, 2006 Link

J/C Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Mini2Go Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Da Boy Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Da Boy Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Johnny Feb 10th, 2006 Link

giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Dave. T Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Bwana Yak Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Giacomo Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Seth L Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Mike F Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Matt Feb 10th, 2006 Link

sandm4130 Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Mike Feb 10th, 2006 Link

David K Feb 10th, 2006 Link

Steve Feb 10th, 2006 Link

O(=^=)O Capn Feb 11th, 2006 Link

blalor Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 11th, 2006 Link

vin. Feb 11th, 2006 Link

peter Feb 11th, 2006 Link

O(=^=)O Capn Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Brian Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Brian Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Gabe Feb 11th, 2006 Link

Fabio Feb 11th, 2006 Link

DB Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Zyamfier Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Laverne Feb 12th, 2006 Link

Rawhyde Feb 12th, 2006 Link

vin. Feb 12th, 2006 Link

David Feb 13th, 2006 Link

em Feb 13th, 2006 Link

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