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Chicago Auto Show: The really big reveals from shows past

The 2024 Chicago Auto Show may seem like a shell of its former self, but it still holds the title of the largest consumer auto show in the United States. It didn't get that reputation simply by being efficiently produced or convenient for locals desperate for something to do in February — it earned it over decades of breaking automotive news and powerhouse reveals, eventually earning an informal designation as America's truck show.  2024 may be a down year for Chicago, but let's not forget all of the great things that have come out of it, historically. Here's a look at some of our staff favorites. Bet you didn't know about a few of these cars that were first revealed in the Windy City.    2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8  I didn't just pick this one as a former Challenger owner, but instead to illustrate just how many cool Chicago debuts we take for granted. Chrysler often chose its home turf to debut new cars, so the few times its unveilings happened elsewhere tend to stick in our minds. The first Challenger SRT-8 was kind of garbage, if we're being honest. I mean, who buys a race-bred, V8-powered muscle car without a limited-slip differential? But the SRT-8 formula evolved over time into something truly special, and what we saw in Chicago was essentially the early version of the Scat Pack, which was ultimately very successful for Dodge. And who would have thought we'd be here, 15 years later, still talking about that debut? And still loving these big Mopars, flaws and all. — Associate Editor Byron Hurd SHO time in Chicago IÂ’ll always have a certain fondness for the return of the Taurus SHO at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Chicago has always leaned truck and van heavy for press reveals, but every now and then, as this list illustrates, something spicy would appear. The return of the SHO as a high-powered successor to the original that ran from 1989-1999 gave enthusiasts hope for FordÂ’s performance business, especially for sedans. With a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 packing 365 hp, all-wheel drive and five-spoke wheels, the SHO was a nice upgrade from the lower-rung Taurus models. It was a bit more sedate than the original SHOÂ’s Yamaha-sourced V6 that teamed with a five-speed manual transmission, but still a worthy response to the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and later the Chevy SS. The SHO — Super High Output — begat things like the Fusion ST and gave Ford solid four-door performance for the rest of the decade.

Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo reshapes a winning form [w/video]

In the history of endurance racing, there's only ever been one Japanese automaker to win the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, and as you might have guessed, that was Mazda in 1991 with the 787B – which was, incidentally, the only one ever to win the race under rotary power, or really anything other than a conventional piston engine. That racing success is something Mazda can be proud about, even over two decades later, and it's a badge of honor the automaker is revisiting with the LM55 prototype you see here. Only instead of unleashing it on the Circuit de la Sarthe – or really any actual race track – the Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo is bound only for PlayStation. The latest addition to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup, the LM55 takes inspiration from the aforementioned 787B but gives it a modern KODO design theme. The result is pretty stunning, taking a more radical approach than the Skyactiv Prototype the company is fielding in the United SportsCar Championship or even the dearly departed, head-turning Furai concept. But unlike that diesel prototype and the Wankel-powered 787B, Mazda hasn't specified any kind of novel powertrain for the LM55, fictitious or otherwise - saying only that it has "advanced drive train technology that offers the epitome of power, efficiency and durability and the result is an exceptional power to weight ratio exceeding that of most cars in its class." Just what that class would be we'll likely never find out, but if you don't have a PS3 loaded with GT6 (or, for that matter, even if you do), you can scope out the virtual action in the slideshow above and the rather Christmas-y video below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo View 23 Photos News Source: Polyphony Digital Toys/Games Mazda Concept Cars Racing Vehicles Videos Gran Turismo gt6 vision gran turismo

Mazda engineers urging execs for more RWD models

According to Edmunds, Mazda engineers are pressuring the company to create more rear-wheel-drive models, in an effort to better differentiate itself from its rivals. This push is reportedly coming from middle and senior engineers within the company, and these folks at Mazda believe this rear-drive strategy would allow the automaker to produce more distinctive, fun to drive cars. Mazda discontinued the rear-drive (and rotary-engined) RX-8 a few years ago, leaving the MX-5 Miata as the company's only RWD offering.
As enthusiasts, we're fully on board with Mazda offering more rear-drive cars, but unsurprisingly, the company's top management isn't exactly keen on the idea - and with good reason. First and foremost, the cost associated with redesigning fresh architecture for new models would be very high, and considering the fact that Mazda hasn't exactly been raking in the dough lately, an expensive new venture like this doesn't make a whole lot of sense. What's more, Mazda's latest front-drive models - the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 - have been very well-received, and are helping the company gain sales momentum.
But that doesn't mean there aren't other options. Edmunds reminds us that Mazda is already partnering with Alfa Romeo on the next-generation Miata, and if this collaboration is successful, perhaps the relationship could bear additional fruit. After all, Alfa Romeo is said to be working on returning to its rear-wheel-drive roots, so Mazda's engineers might be able to make a case for more RWD goodness after all.