Top Five Most Anticipated Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Like VC fighters hacking their way through Vietnam’s jungles in order to keep the Ho Chi Minh trail open and supplies flowing we find ourselves in the thick of auto-show season, surrounded by enemy combatants … or perhaps just journalists from other publications.

Anyway, there’s a little shindig going on in Chicago right now. The Windy City hosts what’s billed as “the nation’s largest auto show” and as in years past we’re anticipating a platoon of important reveals to beak cover over the next couple days.

Complete 2015 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Advanced reconnaissance has indicated that car companies from around the world are planning major debuts and here are five of the most anticipated. Now, watch out for that punji pit next to the breakfast buffet! Now, could you pass the tongs I need a few sausage links.

Mitsubishi is set to show off a plug-in hybrid concept called the GC-PHEV. This vehicle is making its North American debut here in Chicago, though initially it was revealed at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show. Details are sketchy right now but we hear this amped-up crossover will be powered by a fuel-sipping 3.0-liter V6 engine and some advanced electronic components. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive should also be important parts of this vehicle’s drivetrain.

What would you say about a Kia Soul with off-road capability? “Da fuq?!” would be a succinct comment, but believe it or not this is just what the South Korean automaker appears to be cooking up. Targeting urbanites with outdoorsy proclivities this vehicle features an electric powertrain and all-wheel drive. Naturally there’s already a Soul EV; it features a 93-mile range and a motor with 109 horses. This powertrain could serve double duty but we’re in the dark at this time.

Nissan will reveal a “never-before-seen” NISMO model here in Chicago. We have no idea exactly what that means but any time we see those five letters strung together and printed in caps we get excited. Could it be a performance version of the Sentra or Versa? Possibly, but that doesn’t seem very likely. What about an amped up Altima, Rogue or even an enthusiast-focused Pathfinder? Who knows! We don’t. What do you think Nissan will debut?

It seems like we’re all excited about the new Mazda MX-5 Miata, and why shouldn’t we be? This car is pure and unadulterated, it’s focused, purposeful and well executed, a combination of virtues that’s so rare these days. Pounding these points home, Hiroshima’s home team is expected to reveal a special concept version of this car that will apparently showcase some customization options available to buyers. The company will likely reveal a slew of MX-5 branded merchandise as well.

Finally, Honda is expected to take the wrapper off a brand-new version of its Pilot crossover vehicle. The 2016 model should feature a host of enhancements all wrapped in sleek new sheetmetal. Rumor has it power will still be provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine but expect it to feature numerous technical enhancements for greater power an enhanced fuel efficiency. Direct injection and start/stop technology are likely, along with a more advanced transmission than the current model’s antiquated five-speed unit.