What’s Happening at The 2015 Chicago Auto Show?

What’s Happening at The 2015 Chicago Auto Show?

What’s Happening at The 2015 Chicago Auto Show?

by Randy Stern

chicago-auto-show-2015

There is more excitement at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show than in years past. Since the overall theme coming out of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was a general upswing in mood in the automotive industry, the momentum seemed to have carried into Chicago.

How? Here are the big introductions that went down inside McCormick Place – at least my Top 5 picks from this show.

2016 HONDA PILOT: With the mid-sized crossover/SUV market continuing to grow, the old upright Honda Pilot was simply being passed up by its competitors. Honda knew it had to do something to keep its place in this segment. The 2016 model looks like it will help with a new visually friendly design that follows current styling trends of the brand. The emphasis is on “premium” touches, since its rivals are doing the same, but Honda brought out a look that is aspirational and nice to look at from any angle. The Pilot remains a three-row crossover, but will now offer second-row captain’s chairs for the first time in upper trim levels. Also new is an eight-inch touch screen for the Display Audio infotainment system. This system is now backed by an Android mobile operating system, driving all infotainment functions. While the 3.5liter V6 will be part of the Earth Dreams family, new to the Pilot is a six-speed and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The latter will also be featured in upper trims. A suite of active safety features seen on the Accord and CR-V Touring models will be added to the Pilot. What Honda has done is to position the Pilot against the heart of the segment. This is perhaps a way to gain some traction in the mid-sized three-row crossover arena.

2016 ACURA RDX: Riding on its success in the compact premium crossover segment, the RDX went through a mid-cycle refresh that is now in line with the rest of the lineup. The first thing Acura did to the RDX was to give it Jewel-Eye headlights. To add more illumination, an LED strip was added to the headlamp assembly – a first with the Jewel-Eye system. There are new taillights and a few enhancements inside, including an enhanced dual screen set-up as with most of the latest Acuras. However, the big news is under the hood. Power is up on the 3.5liter V6 – now at 279 horsepower. The nine-speed transmission is now available on the RDX, along with a full suite of AcuraWatch active safety features. The RDX still is among the leaders in its class. These enhancements only add to its leadership to keep it competitive with the rest of the crowd.

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2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX: This popular compact crossover took six model years to get a mid-cycle refresh. The wait was worth it. A new front end creates a bolder statement tying in the latest brand design language with the need for a fresher face. There are new rear tail lights – now square than round – and the center stack has been cleaned up. The infotainment screen increased to include the latest MyLink, as well as adding new active safety features to the updated ’Nox. It is a steady seller that will always find loyal brand customers that know what the Equinox can do for them. However, this update is primed for conquests. That is good news for Chevy!

2016-chevrolet-equinox-chicago-auto-show

2016 TOYOTA AVALON: The Avalon is a really good full-sized sedan. What could a mid-cycle refresh to make it even better? The changes are more subtle, since it is already a looker. The taillights have changed and the headlights are now LEDs. The other changes are quite subtle. In all, the Avalon does not need to have a deep mid-cycle refresh as the Camry undergone. It will ratchet up the luxury just another notch. That is indeed a good thing!

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MITSUBISHI GC-PHEV CONCEPT: I do not cover concept vehicles, but when I do – it better be significant. Mitsubishi declared that not only they will be there to stay, but will expand the lineup with products that will return the brand to prominence. Mitsubishi tied this mid-sized SUV concept to its Montero/Pajero roots – and its shows. If you recall, the Montero was an off-roader that was designed to make mincemeat out of trails and canyon walls – just like a Jeep or a Land Rover. There are a few twists – such as a 335-horsepower supercharged V6 attached to an electric motor that you can charge up – a plug-in like the upcoming (and oft-promised) Outlander PHEV. There was not timeline set for production, but Mitsubishi states there will be a slew of new and revised products coming our way very soon.

 

Photos by Randy Stern

Randy is a versatile freelancer with a resume of experiences related to blogging and automotive writing. His first published piece of automotive writing dates back to 2001 when commenting on subcultural stereotypes of auto ownership. Since then, his work has appeared on CarSoup.com’s Buyers Guide, Lavender Magazine in Minneapolis – St. Paul and on his own site – Victory & Reseda. You can find Randy trolling car meets in Minnesota and Wisconsin from Spring to Fall or covering auto shows and other related events professionally. He is a proud member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

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