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. To make things more interesting, MINI had a two-level display full of new R56 MINIs plus the 2007 Convertible Sidewalk edition on hand.
The Chicago Auto how is the largest in the US. Over 1.6 million sq ft on one level and has entirely too much to take in comfortable in one day. But hey… someone had to do it to bring you the highlights. So we soldiered on through a combined 8 cappuccinos, a couple glasses of really bad Firestone wine and one Sam Adams (bonus points for whoever find it and links it back in the comments).
Great pictures Gabe, interesting to see the spin the various vendors put onto their vehicles. The Mini display reminds me a lot of the one they had for the Eropean release, still nice though.
Do have to admitt though that the lounge leather still ranks as the best looking interior, although I will be going for the Gravity Tuscan again.
Here’s your beer:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/383385220/in/set-72157594524029725/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/383385220/in/set-72157594524029725/</a>
Love the quilted seats!
I’m going there Monday (hopefull it won’t be as crowded as it usually is on the weekend).
Recognizing that I might not make it to every exhibit, other than the Mini display, what are the absolutely “do not miss” sites?
Great pictures Gabe, interesting to see the spin the various vendors put onto their vehicles. The Mini display reminds me a lot of the one they had for the Eropean release, still nice though.
Do have to admitt though that the lounge leather still ranks as the best looking interior, although I will be going for the Gravity Tuscan again.
Great pictures Gabe and Matt. Thanks.
Can’t wait for the NY Auto show. Now you have really wetted my interest.
Who had the cross stitched seats? They are gorgeous!
Lamborghini. $3000 option IIRC.
Personally the Lambo seats take me back to highschool days and diamond tuck. So a $3000 dollar option really does nothing for me lol.
The black/grey Mini seats look ok in the photo, not to sure of the quality of it, the seams don’t look all that hot to my eye.