Added on February 6, 2014  Timothy Moore   , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Best of the Chicago Auto Show 2014: Day One

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The 2014 Chicago Auto Show opened its doors today to the press, so we got to see a lot of big reveals—and a dancing hamster to boot. I spent so much time running from one conference to the next for social posting that I hardly had time to take any of it in. As I sit here and look back at my day now (and I lament that I must rely on social media to do so), I’m starting to remember what displays really caught my eye—and which ones I wish I hadn’t wasted my time on. Below, I’ve detailed the very best of the Chicago Auto Show on the first day, from the eyes of a very tired man who just wants to go to bed. (I’ll spare the very worst reveals from the humiliation of being called out, because hey, I’m a nice guy.)

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Nissan Frontier

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner Concept 4

The Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner

The Nissan Frontier unveiled today is powered by a Cummins Diesel engine “because why the hell not?” according to Fred Diaz, Senior Vice President, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A. It wins purely because of how Mr. Diaz presented it (and because diesel-powered things are finally cool).

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Chevrolet (and Cupcakes)

Today at the show, Chevy unveiled its City Express, which could give the Ford Transit Connect a run for its money, as well as the 2015 Silverado HD. But the real showstopper? Cupcakes. Chevy wins hands down for its super delicious cupcakes.

2015 Chevy City Express

2015 Chevy Silverado HD

Cupcakes

 

Bonus: The Chevy Corvette Stingray won yet another award—the Drivers’ Choice Award from MotorWeek.

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Volkswagen GRC Beetle

Volkswagen today announced that it will be entering the Global Rallycross Competition, so naturally they needed a rally car to enter. That’s where the all-new GRC Beetle comes in, featuring a 560-hp powertrain and an all-wheel-drive-system.

 

 

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Toyota Partnership with Daytona

Volkswagen wasn’t the only automaker with a big announcement to make. Today we also learned that Toyota will be partnering with Daytona Motor Speedway (you know, the king of speedways) to develop Daytona Rising.

 

Best of the Chicago Auto Show: Camp Jeep

Camp Jeep was definitely the most thrilling part of my day. I got to ride shotgun in a 2014 Grand Cherokee, which was put to the test on an 18-feet slope at a 35 degree angle, as well as some rocky terrain and even more obstacles. (Check out the tweets below!)

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention: Toyota TRD Pro Demonstration

The TRD Pro Series includes the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, which are geared toward off-road excursions. The best part, however, was the Inferno Orange color they chose for these bad boys. (Full disclosure: orange is my favorite color.)

Best of the Chicago Auto Show TRD Pro

The Tacoma and the 4Runner (pictured), as well as the Tundra (unpictured) receive the TRD Pro treatment.

We’ll be back it tomorrow for day two of the Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned!