The lack of press conferences on our second day in Chicago gave us some time to wander around and take photos of all the cars nicely set up on the floor. As expected, there weren't nearly as many debuts as Detroit or L.A., but still plenty of cars that are desktop-worthy. There were the Autobots from the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen including Skids, Mudflap, Bumblebee in both auto and bot forms, plus the new Stingray Concept. From Ford there is the Taurus SHO and Harley Davidson F-150, and Hyundai brought out a trio of Genesis Coupes including the Red Bull-sponsored drift car and the track-oriented R-Spec version. Other highlights included the twentieth anniversary of the Miata, the Nissan Cube, Acura TSX V6, Kia Forte, and the Nissan Cube. Check out the gallery below for your favorite wallpaper, all available in 1920x1275 resolution (just click the high-res button).


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Along with Barack Obama, the Cubs, Al Capone and the Sears Tower, Chicago is home to the world's most famous Mopar dealer, Mr. Norm's legendary Grand Spaulding Dodge. While Mr. Norm sold the dealership in the late 1970's, the Mopar Hall of Famer has recently made a resurgence, officially introducing the 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart last year in Chicago as well as the Super Cuda and Challenger at SEMA just a few months ago. The Challenger is making an appearance here in Chicago as well, with a slick new two-tone paint scheme and 900 supercharged horsepower underneath the hood. Other features include a carbon fiber front and rear spoiler, Katzkin leather interior, SSBC eight-piston front brakes, and a Hurst pistol grip shifter. Like the Hurst and its HEMI Challenger, Mr. Norm is selling a production version of the car with a a variety of styling options and performance levels ranging from 600 to 900 horsepower.


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

While we've already told you pretty much everything we know about the new-to-these-shores Nissan Cube, what we haven't shared are many pics. We covered the asymmetrical Cube when it appeared at the LA Auto Show, but based on your comments, more is better in this case. When we saw the special Cube Krom on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show, we figured we could remedy that situation by adding a fistful of new photos to the database.

Whether in blinged out Krom trim or regular old just-Cube form, this is one unique vehicle with an attitude that reminds us of the first-generation Scion xB. It should, as these two vehicles came from the same Japanese market that values quirky, versatile and small in the same package. In addition to the plain white model that was in Los Angeles, Nissan brought along the Krom and another customized version seen here. This green example shows the customization possibilities that Nissan wants to promote in this new model. The body kit, wheel upgrade and rear spoiler really make this Cube shine. You can see our previous post on the Cube for more details, but don't forget to feast your eyes on these live shots from Chicago. Keep your eyes open for the the carpet garden growing out of the dash and the zen ripples on the headliner.


Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show media preview where he called on the industry to dramatically change the way it does business. According to Krafcik, for decades, extravagance has been the name of the game in the car biz – just as it has been in most of corporate America. In the past six months, however, things have started to change, with automakers cutting back on the overblown productions at auto show press conferences and in many cases eliminated such conferences altogether. But Krafcik doesn't think the swing has gone far enough.

That's just one small part of the problem, though. Krafcik acknowledged that the industry as a whole is seen as slow and unresponsive as well as wasteful. He called on voluntary limits to executive compensation that are tied to some multiple of what the average worker gets paid. "What if our industry was the first to exercise a more inclusive form of capitalism that voluntarily restrained executive compensation to a reasonable multiple of average employee salary? And what if our industry adopted a uniform code of conduct regarding gifts, meals and business entertainment?"

Krakcik wants his industry to be more modest and humble. Instead of fighting everything that needs to be done, he believes the auto industry must take the lead in re-shaping corporate America.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Click above for our high-res gallery of the Alton F-650 XUV Command Center and its friends

At last year's Chicago Auto Show we found one of the most outrageous trucks we'd ever seen. It was the Alton F-650 XUV and it was enormous. This year, the same company is back with a new project based on the all-new 2009 F-series. The Alton XUV Command Center is an urban assault vehicle of the highest order, with a massive footprint, several huge strobes and a lengthy list of features. If the 660 lb-ft of torque isn't enough to pummel Geos in its path, the extra power boost provided by a tank of nitrous will finish the job. And the inside is just as much fun.

Where last year's project had one massive TV that dropped down inside the tailgate, this version has screens for each passenger, and even provides a unique rear-mounted command post where someone can control that nitrous system among other things. As it was last year, this Alton XUV is parked in an area of the show floor set aside for Ford's work vehicles. Besides the Command Center, there were a number of other work truck concepts and real-world F-Series applications including an F-750-based fire truck, a massive cherry picker and even a Dewalt-themed construction site office. Check out the gallery for live shots of each.


Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.

Our roving band of bloggers have departed McCormick Place in search of deep-dish pizza, ketchupless hot dogs and strong libations. If you missed any of the action from the first day of the Chicago Auto Show, we've compiled all the debuts below for your viewing enjoyment. It's been a surprisingly busy day in the Windy City and there's more to come. So check back tomorrow for the rest of the reveals.

Acura
2010 Acura TSX V6

Ford
2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Video
Ford Transit Connect
Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition


General Motors
Corvette Stingray Concept
Autobots on Display

Hyundai
Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec
Hyundai Genesis RMR Drift Car

Kia
2010 Kia Forte

Lexus
Lexus F-Sport Performance parts for the IS 350, IS C and GS

Mazda

Twenty years ago, Mazda took the wraps off the first generation Miata/MX-5 in Chicago. Over the next two decades the lightweight roadster solidified its place in the enthusiast hierarchy and evolved with larger engines, more gears and extra amenities. Amazingly, it never lost its edge.

Mazda wanted to commemorate the Miata's milestone at this year's Chicago Auto Show, but rather than trot out a 20th Anniversary Edition with a few badges and a custom color, Mazda dusted off a handful of concepts, one-offs and notable MX-5s that defined the roadster and help create the Cult of Miata that a few Autoblog staffers continue to worship at to this day.

Check the gallery below for some of our favorite models, including a hardtop coupe concept that resulted in a JDM-only fixed-roof Miata and the Mono-Posto Roadster that had us seriously contemplating a late-night attack on our NA with a sawzall and some bondo.


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Lexus wasn't doing much in the Windy City this week, so it used the opportunity to release a new line of F-Sport accessories for the GS, IS AWD and upcoming IS C.

Thankfully, Lexus is keeping the majority of its F-Sport items focused on performance, beginning with 18- or 19-inch wheels and six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, each equipped with stainless steel lines and uprated brake pads. Bilstein shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, a chassis brace, clutch set, short shifter kit, intake and stainless steel exhaust round out the performance options, while a carbon fiber engine cover, shift knob and floor mats appease the dress-up crowd.

When installed by an authorized dealer, the TRD-developed performance parts carry a 12-month warranty on their own or for the balance of the new car warranty. We're looking forward to getting some seat time in a fully-kitted IS 350 equipped with all the F-Sport goodies, so stay tuned for a thorough review. Make the jump for a listing of all the F-Sport parts.

Being that the biggest reveal of this year's Chicago Auto Show has been the new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, we thought you might enjoy some video of it actually moving rather than just posing all pretty on a show stand. We found some B-roll footage of the new SHO being driven sans a soundtrack, but we also went one further and got the actual video that Ford played during the car's debut today. Both can be watched after the jump, and the reveal video also includes guest appearances by some true SHO enthusiasts. Oddly enough, my agent never received a call.

[Source: Ford]

Flush from the news that its F-150 pickup performed markedly better than many of its primary competitors in a new series of IIHS side-impact crash tests, Ford has rolled out its latest larger-than-life Harley-Davidson model.

Outside of the appearance items, the HD is essentially a Platinum Edition F-Series in motorcycle leathers, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Available in either Lava (dark maroon) or Tuxedo Black, the Harley looks very aggressive in the metal – and the effect is not just a function of scale. The bold six-bar grille and 22-inch Harley-branded polished/painted alloys clearly set it apart as a distinct model from other F-Series pickups, and Ford has also slathered the pickup in oversized emblems and strange red "swoosh" marks on the rocker panels. While we could do without the latter flourishes, the truck still strikes us as particularly good-looking in Lava.

Ford's 14th Harley-branded product also has a seriously dolled-up interior that is likewise not for introverts. The prevailing theme behind the cabin's styling is that of a Harley biker jacket, and the materials, color choices, and the gigantic badges on the seats and center console (including a serialized plate) are unsubtle but appropriate.

Clearly not a truck for wallflowers, Ford continues to carve out niche after niche for its new 2010 F-150. Click on the gallery below for in-person shots of the new HD F-150, and then click here for more details.


Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.