CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest, is ramping up for its closing weekend which runs Friday, Feb. 16 – Monday, Feb. 19 (Presidents Day). The show is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day when it closes at 8 p.m.
Chicago Auto Show attendees are treated to more than one million sq. ft. of the latest cars, trucks and SUVs to hit the market including more than a dozen vehicles that made their global or North American debuts during the show's Media Preview, including the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon; Subaru 50th Anniversary Special Edition Vehicles; Nissan Armada Snow Patrol Concept; Nissan 370Zki Concept; Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid; Toyota TRD Pro Package; 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon; Fiat 500; and the Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition. Video of the new reveals can be found here.
An array of concept cars are also on display including the Acura RDX Prototype, Cadillac Escala, Honda Insight Prototype, Infiniti Q Inspiration, Lexus LF-1 Limitless and the Toyota FT-4X. Click here to view video highlights of the concept cars on display.
The closing weekend also promises a robust lineup of special events and appearances. Tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 16, is Hispanic Heritage Day which honors and celebrates the Latino history and culture with a full-day lineup of special events and programs throughout the day.
The final day of the show, Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 19, showcases fun, creative and hands-on programs geared toward children and families.
Show attendees can take a ride on three indoor test tracks including Camp Jeep, featuring an 18-ft. hill and a tunnel, where they can experience the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Toyota returns with a test track where attendees can discover the new Toyota Camry XSE V6 during a thrilling experience around a closed course led by professional drivers. Finally, attendees can ride along with Kia product specialists as they demonstrate and describe the performance and safety features of all-wheel-drive on the Sorento and Sportage by driving the vehicles through a series of obstacles. Obstacles include a heavy bag slalom, side hill traverse, hill climb and descent and wheel-articulating moguls. Construction of the track used 65,000 lbs. of material and, at 15,400 sq. ft., it's about the size of an NHL hockey rink.
Seven outdoor ride-and-drive experiences – hosted by Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition – will offer an up-close look into the most recent cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles to hit the market.
"The Chicago Auto Show is a consumer-driven show unlike any other automotive expo in the world," said John Hennessy, 2018 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We offer visitors unfettered access to vehicles and unique, hands-on experiences that enable them to make informed purchase decisions down the road. With new and exciting exhibits from nearly every manufacturer on the show floor, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone."
The Chicago Auto Show also continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS18 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops, powered by Cars.com; and ongoing social media contests throughout the show floor, accessible by following the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Attendees are also encouraged to vote for their Chicago Auto Show favorites in the Best of Show contest. Guests can select their favorite production debut, green car, concept car and auto show display. Even pick from any vehicle on the show floor for "The vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway." Touchscreen voting kiosks are located just off the Grand Concourse outside of the North Hall, or vote through the mobile app.
Additional Information:
Ample Parking and Weekend Shuttle Details
Watch the Chicago Auto Show Webcam
Online Newsroom: Press Releases and High-definition Videos
For continuing coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow the Chicago Auto Show on social media. For more information about the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.
About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.
SOURCE The Chicago Auto Show