Chicago Auto Show Concept Cars Thrill

If you were not into cars then I would skip this entry, but if you have just a little interest in cars then this one is for you.  The best thing about getting into a car show on media credentials is the lack of crowds, and quick access to the media representatives of each car manufacturer. We went looking at the next generation green concept vehicles and found a few stand outs from a couple of surprising manufacturers.  The first kudos goes to Hyundai for their blue concept four-door sedan.  Though small it boasts a list of innovative features:  Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries; Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity; Blue-Will serves as a test bed of new ideas that range from roof-mounted solar cells to drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batteries and touch-screen controls. Blue-Will could see the road as a hybrid-only model, similar to the Toyota Prius in the future. Blue-Will promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon.  From Hyundai we ended up across the aisle at Cadillac.  Yes Cadillac – this is not your father’s Cadillac.  Caddy showed off a hybrid concept car that was sleek and aggressive in stance.  This car had an all white leather interior and had a modern retro look to it.  Not a large body vehicle, but something that came across as very nimble.  Caddy media personnel commented that within the next two years, and maybe even sooner, two of the current models will be coming in an all hybrid version. Most of the other car exhibitors were disappointing in their concept car offerings.  Toyota showed off a future Prius model that kind of looked like the Saab X concept car.  The Germans were touting their clean diesel offerings, and Chevrolet had the Chevy Volt buried in the back of their exhibit.  The one hot testosterone vehicle came from Fisker Automotive. An electric hybrid model that goes from 0-60 in 7 seconds and looks like something from Speed Racer.  They had the vehicles cordoned off from the press, and were quick to tell you that this is a very upscale electric speed demon only for a chosen few.  When walking through the convention center you have to ask yourself why are there so few alternative powered cars?  Some of the models look great, and I would love to see them in a hybrid version, but none are forth coming.  That is one of the few frustrations of covering a show like this; you’d just want to see more choice in going green

Photos: Hyundai Blue, Cadillac Concept, Fisker Automotive    Photos By: John Vlahakis