February 2008 Archives

I've been covering the Chicago Auto Show for seven years now. And I still remember the first launch event I went to. It was the Saturn Sky concept, which looked nothing like the production model that eventually emerged. But I remember being thrilled by the lights and the media and the car. Then, when I went to the show itself, there were waterfalls in the Jeep display that spelled things and interactive displays and interesting concepts and ... I was dazzled.

During the media preview at the Chicago Auto Show, I'm surrounded by hundreds of opinionated journalists who love to criticize the launches at the show. And the biggest grumblings I heard after a launch centered around the all-new Acura RL. My fellow media members disliked the grille.

Every year I drag some unsuspecting person to the auto show in one way or another. And I do mean drag. From Toyota to Ford to Honda to Chrysler ... and so it goes. Look at this display, now this one ... oh, you've got to see this car. I have a feeling there are a lot of friends and significant others who get dragged around similarly. Well, you're in luck, if you're not into cars or you've seen one car too many in the 1.3 million square-feet of showroom space, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained while your friend drools in front of the turn table.

I admit it's not the smartest move, but I do it every year, and I'll do it again next year. I spend the two media days at the Chicago Auto Show walking around the show floor in 2- to 3-inch heels. Men can complain about suits and neckties, but women get the shorter end of the stick with the high heels.

Let's face it. Gas prices are hovering around $3 a gallon, and they're not like to go down again any time soon. Any time soon, who am I kidding, ever. From here on out I think the price of gasoline based fuel will continue to spiral upwards. Hence, General Motors has taken a very proactive approach in their quest for a solution.

I just learned which two vehicles General Motors is planning to reveal at this year's Auto Show. While I can't tell you what they are just yet, I can tell you what they're not launching: a production model of the Camaro. Which, I suppose, is a very good thing for Dodge, since they are launching their production model of the Challenger.