After high attendance at the Auto Show during its first weekend, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association reports that today's attendance "outperforms the pundits." The Chicago Auto Show has long been regarded as the largest consumer auto show in the nation, so it should be no surprise that Chicagoland is out en masse to support the show yet again, even amid troubling economic times.

"Our walk-up box office and online sales have been strong all weekend, and today we're absolutely slammed--and encouraged," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jerry Cizek. "We expected a big crowd for Presidents Day, but even we're surprised at the mass of people who have been streaming through our doors. We've added extra booths and ticket sellers to better accommodate the demand--and we couldn't be more pleased."

Much of this could be do to all the incentives and auto show deals that are in place for the month of February. In fact, according to some show-goers we interviewed on opening day, this is the perfect time to buy a car, and attending the Chicago Auto Show helps them compare vehicles of interest and test out features and options they're interested in.

The Chicago Auto Show is open daily through Feb. 22 at McCormick Place. So, don't miss your chance to sit behind the wheel of the cars on your shopping list. With nearly 1,000 vehicles on display, there's no better place to try them all at once.

Opening day at the Chicago Auto Show:

OK, every year I find at least one car that stops me in my tracks. This year, I found two: the Cadillac Converj Concept (above) and the Chevrolet Stingray Concept. Both of these cars are a study in angels and planes with their shiny silver paint. I could stand (and have) in front of these displays for an easy half hour just watching the cars swivel on their turntables.

So, if you're looking for something you must see at the show, hit the North Hall first and stop by Cadillac and Chevrolet.

Looking for photos? Click on the links below:

Cadillac Converj
Chevrolet Stingray

Looking for videos? Click on the embedded players below:

Cadillac Converj & Chevrolet Beat Concepts:

Chevrolet Stingray interview with Ed Welburn:

The Chicago Auto Show opened today, and turnout looked steady. A lot of the people we talked to on the show floor are certainly there to look at the pretty cars, but many of them are there to buy. Over and over we heard that with auto show pricing and other discounts, now is the time to buy. Where else can you sit behind the wheel of three different vehicles, all from competing brands, and see how it feels ... all in one fell swoop.

Are you going to the show? Are you there to buy? What cars are you looking at?

A couple of must sees:

• Toyota Prius


• Nissan Cube


• Chevrolet Stingray Concept


• Mazda MX-5


• Chrysler off-road track


• Kia Forte

Whether you're looking for a new car or just want to see the pretty, you won't be disappointed. The show officially opens to the public on Friday and stays in town through Sunday, Feb. 22. For a new take on an old Chicago saying: Come early and come often.

Chevy just launched what I think will be the most exciting car at the show: The Stingray Concept. This car will be a character in the new Transformers movie coming out this summer. Character name: Sideswipe.

The concept draws from the first Stingray, and specifically pays homage to the 1963 Split Window Corvette. Gone are the smooth Corvette curves, and in it's place are some incredibly hot edges.

Ed Welburn, GM VP of Global Design, says it's just a concept, but I have to say, I hope it's a heck of a lot more than that.

Click the play button below to see an interview with Welburn about the Stingray Concept.

Connie's Pizza Meal for 4 $25
Friday, 2/13 and Wednesday, 2/18

Robinson's Meal for 4 $25
Monday, 2/16 and Thursday, 2/19

Vienna Hot Dog Meal for 4 $25
Tuesday, 2/17 and Friday, 2/20

Woman's Day Hybrid Meal for 2 $20
Tuesday, 2/17

Tentatively, I'm looking at:

• Monday: driving/riding in concept cars (think video!)


• Tuesday: attending a Chevy Volt briefing, checking out the new Nissan Cube


• Wednesday: covering press conferences from Ford, GM, Hyundai, Chrysler, Kia, Suzuki, Acura and Mazda.


• Thursday: sipping champagne at the First Look for Charity (have you bought your tickets, yet?)


• Friday: Opening day!

So, be sure to visit our SearchChicago - Autos special section covering the Chicago Auto Show for the latest videos, photos and stories from the show.

This year's First Look takes place on Feb. 12, and gives attendees a chance to see all the cool cars at this year's show before it opens to the public on Friday, Feb. 13. Not to mention the fact that this year's attendees have the chance to win a new Chevrolet Camaro or Kia Borrego. Tickets cost $225 can can be purchased at the Chicago Auto Show web site (www.chicagoautoshow.com).

When buying your ticket, you have the chance to select a charity that your ticket money will benefit. Are you attending the First Look? Will you be supporting a specific charity? Which one and why?

This year's First Look benefits the following charities:

Advocate Hope Children's Hospital
Autism Speaks
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Campagna Academy
Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
Children's Memorial Hospital
Clearbrook
The Cradle Foundation
Evans Scholars Foundation
Franciscan Community Benefit Services
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities
Misericordia Heart of Mercy
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago
Spina Bifida Association of Illinois
St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation

Well, the media schedule for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show was updated on Tuesday, and the number of launches taking place is down slightly. Wednesday's preview schedule is packed per usual, but Thursday only sees one automaker, Subaru, with a press conference. I assume this is still subject to change, so I'll keep you updated if things change.

On Wednesday, however, look for news from Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Chrysler, Kia, Suzuki, Acura and Mazda. Most of the automakers are still pretty mum about what will be released in Chicago, but Suzuki sent out a release today stating that they will reveal three customized trucks in collaboration with popular enthusiast publications 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-road and Truckin'. Above is a sneak peek image of Truckin' magazine's Equator project build.