BraxtonMedia is proud to present this Sneak peek at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Of course tonight is the annual First Look for Charity benefiting 18 different charities but if you could not attend the black tie event, come along with me as I give you an overview of the largest North American auto show in its 102nd year.

Walking the show floor Wednesday you could feel the energy. This year’s even has an air of excitement that has been absent in recent years due to the economic climate. Avoid the long lines and buy your advance tickets online. Admission is $11 but weekday discount tickets ($4 off the regular adult admission) are available at area new-car dealers and from participating banks. Also, Wednesday, February 17 – Friday, February 19 visitors who bring three cans of food to be donated to the Chicago Christian Industrial League will be admitted for $7.

What stands out to me about this year’s show is the number of environmentally friendly vehicles on display. Forty-four alternative fuel vehicles and fifteen hybrids await consumer eyes.

During the media preview Kia rolled out unveiled the Ray, a futuristic plug-in concept that looks nothing like other hybrids out there. It’s sleek, unique and environmentally friendly; congratulations Kia, this car is hot!  While you are in the Kia display don’t forget to try your luck on the Kia Karaoke stage.

Kia Ray interior

Kia Ray rear view

Kia Ray from the front

Fisker Automotive from California presents what they are calling “the world’s first luxury hybrid”. The Fisker Karma combines Q-Drive plug-in hybrid technology with the sleek lines and luxury interior of a world class sports car. The Karma offers a 50 mile range on its electric battery and a 300 mile range overall. Company literature says if your average commute is less than 50 miles you can average 100 mpg. This is their first showing in Chicago and certainly worth a look.

The Fisker Karma

$87,000 worth of environment saving hybrid power

I love the lines on this car

For your consideration Hyundai presents the Blue-Will. This is another futuristic hybrid concept dressed up with interior transparent OLED lighting and touch screen controls. This is another car where you can achieve 100 mpg with the help of its 40 mile range / 100kW electric motor.

Jeep is back with its road course that shows off their signature dynamic suspension, off road capabilities and interior comforts. Ride along with their friendly and informative drivers as they take you over traction, suspension obstacles that would leave most cars with a busted ball joint.

The Buick display lets you know right away that this is not your father’s Buick. Situated next to Cadillac on the show floor this next generation of Buick’s holds its own and then some. The provocative lines of the Lacrosse and Lucerne draw the eye and their luxury interiors keep your attention could have you reaching for your checkbook. Check out the return of the Regal for 2011 on display. There is also an aggressively sporty Regal GS for you to oogle.

Buick has come a long way in design and luxury trim

The Buick Regal GS

The U.S. Army has some impressive hardware on display along with a 360 degree rotating simulator and a mock-up of a cutting edge field hospital showcasing the care available for our boys over there.

In a stroke of genius Secretary of State Jesse White has a complete DMV counter set up at the show for all your license related needs

There are super cars and luxury cars throughout the show like Maserati, Lotus, and Maybach. Jaguar has an impressive display, as does Audi and BWM but I want to mention the Scion display. WOW! These are not commuter cars and you cannot load up the family and go for a ride in the country but they are amazing customs. Models on display include a rolling dj booth, a sleek, glass roof model with speakers from firewall to trunk and one model complete with a refrigerator and sink. I salute their creativity and engineering here.

I have no idea what model this started out as but its awesome as a low-rider truck

A party on wheels, complete Pioneer DJ set up in the roof of this Scion

He wasn’t cleared to be up there rocking out, they chased him away

Speakers fold out of the body and the interior includes strobes and disco balls

This model brings the Boom (and NoX)

A sink, on the right, grill on the right and obscured on the right is a refrigerator

This model is sick!

Take it easy, these custom cars come with a sick sticker price as well

That’s all for now, make sure to visit the event and see it for yourself. The show runs February 12th – 21st . Thank you to the staff of drivechicago.com, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and OCIA for allowing me to bring you this first look at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. More pictures follow and I may post video in the next few days.

Fiat is showing two beautiful models, they also have a couple cars on display

The Transformers Camaro is on display

Audi is showing this really cool custom color on the Cabriolet

The 2010 Maserati GranTurismo

Despite recent bad press Toyota is drawing attention with the FT-CH. The car is a more contemporary and affordable hybrid concept aimed at a younger audience

Jaguar on the loose

Now owned by Tata Motors, the Jaguar legacy continues

 

Wintertime in Chicago can be brutal but we make the most of it. There are many indoor / outdoor events to cure cabin fever and one of them was held this past weekend in Grant Park. "Snow Days" featured a snow sculpture contest that attracted talent from all over the nation and the world. I first heard about the event in the men’s room at Shenanigans (that’s a story in itself for another time) and decided to check it out. Here are a few shots of the very impressive entries for you to enjoy.

First Place and People’s Choice Award winner was "Chinese Opera" by
sculptors Rui Xu and Forest Gao.

Second Place went to sculptors David Andrews, Chris Andrews and Jack Lullo for "Night Life (Lantern)".

Check out the clay mock-up they worked from. I think they did an awesome job.

Third Place was awared to "5 Seconds of Life" by sculptors Daniel Cushard, Adam Warmack and Keith Frick.

Apparently this is the entry I learned about at Shenanigans.

Did Oprah ok this? It’s really good but you know how she protects her brand.

USA USA USA USA!

How was this entry not a winner? Look at the detail. I mean, one poorly made detail
and this top heavy sculpture is reduced to slush.

Amazing no?

My favorite was "Barnyard Roosters". Are they fighting or?????