Tuesda February 1 7th, 2015 | TechNews

Cicago Auto Show 2k15

Austin Gonzalez
OPINION EDITOR

It’s that time of year again. For Chicagoans, the
world is covered in a blanket of frozen fluff and
the temperature once more makes you won—
der whether you’ll ever feel the warmth of the
sun again. It also means that the Chicago Auto
Show is back in the titular city. The Chicago
Auto Show is the largest in North America. Be-
tween Feburary 14 and 22, McCormick Place
will be filled with cars ranging from the Fiat
500 to the Acura NSX to the custom and stu-
dent builds. There’s almost guaranteed to be
something for you and the over one million
other visitors to drool over this year.

Thanks to the newly completed Mc-
Cormick Green line CTA stop, getting to the
Autoshow from IIT is a cinch. Tickets are a
mere $12 for full day access pass. The show is
split into two floors. On one side, you’ll find
the largest and most common manufacturers
such as Ford, Chrysler, and Volkswagen. On
the other side luxury manufacturers will be
sure to dazzle you. Every side features dazzling
lights, displays, and even free swag.

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest
and as such it often has attractions not found in
other shows. As you meander through what is
essentially the overwhelmingly massive show-
room you’ll hear what sounds like a jet turbine,
but that’s actually a Ford reving it’s engine. As
you make your way towards the back of the

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south hall to make it to Ieeps’s trail-rated test
track, take a stop at the converted Dodge Char—
ger for the best simulator on the floor. On the
opposite side of McCormick place, you’ll find
the super car gallery. So while you may feel like
a million bucks you’re still less impressive than
the Bugattis, Ferraris, and Rolls Rocyes.

Media day was a treat for the Tech-
News staff as we were able to enjoy plot un—
interrupted. You humble reader, however, you
will be wrestling the masses, so it’s important
to have a game plan heading onto the floor; let
me give you some tips.

Alfa Romeo offers the best looking
(and also one of the smallest) displays on the
floor. Chevrolet has hidden the Corvettes and
Camaros this year in the very back behind a

 

5

wall, worth hunting for. If want you to try a
test track the Jeep track offers the most exciting
and interesting ride with a 35 degree climb, but
be prepared for the longest lines of the show.

To save time, skip the Toyota test
track, don’t let the free ice cream fool you; it’s
about as exciting as parallel parking (because
that’s what they show you).

If there’s one car you absolutely need
to put your butt in, beeline for the Audi R8
which is the most valuable and luxurious car
sitting openly on the show floor. With these
tips, you are armed with the information nec-
essary to fully enjoy the Chicago show.

Photos by Pratik Samput and Rohit Agarwul