I’ve been back from the Media Preview of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show for more than a week and have finally thawed enough from the subzero windchills to perform the simple motions required for effective typing.
Chicago’s auto show is the largest and oldest in the U.S., first held in 1901. It takes place at McCormick Place convention center, whose massive exhibit area measures 2,670,000 square feet.
Though all major carmakers displayed their new models during the Feb. 14-22 show, some used this year’s Chicago Auto Show as the occasion for global introductions of new cars, trucks and concept vehicles. Presentations and unveilings were done exclusively for members of the automotive media during the preview held before the show opened to the public.
Here’s a look at some of those introductions, from Acura, Chevrolet, Ford and Honda. Product debuts from Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram and Toyota will be featured in another blog post to follow.
The 2015 Chicago Auto Show marked the world debut of Acura’s 2016 RDX, whose front and rear have been restyled, including the addition of the company’s trademark Jewel Eye LED headlights and light-pipe style LED taillights. The luxury SUV gets a power boost from a new 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine, and the number of safety, driver assist and luxury features considerably transcends that of the outgoing model. The stronger 279-horsepower engine doesn’t negatively impact fuel efficiency; on the contrary, it’s improved by a mile per gallon. Ratings are 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. Upgrades to the steering system, suspension and AWD system ensure that new RDX buyers will experience a more refined ride with increased stability. The 2016 Acura RDX is set to arrive at dealerships this spring.
Chevrolet introduced its newly styled Equinox compact SUV, which is embellished with more elaborate trim, a mild refresh of the interior and updated wheel designs. Entry-level models now have a rear camera as standard equipment, more safety features are available overall, and the radio touchscreen has been enlarged. There are four trim levels instead of the previous six (1LT and 2LT versions are gone). All models carry premium projector-beam headlights. The highway fuel economy rating for the standard four-cylinder engine is 32 mpg. An optional V6 delivers 301 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. As before, OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in wi-fi hotspot is an available option on all models. Equinox was the first in its segment to offer this desirable feature. The 2016 Chevy Equinox goes on sale in the fall.
In another world debut at the show, Ford had fun unveiling its 2016 Police Interceptor Utility, with a police dog on stage cued to pull the cloth cover off the vehicle at the dramatic “and now, here it is!” moment. The presentation wrapped up with automotive media members being told “We hope none of you ever have to ride in the back of this thing.” Ford’s Police Interceptor, produced in both Utility and Sedan configurations, is the sales leader in law enforcement vehicles in the U.S. It’s built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant for shipment to more than 80 markets around the world. Both versions are the only Pursuit Rated vehicles with standard all-wheel drive. The midsize Utility has been redesigned inside and out, with powerful new headlamps, a power liftgate and other updates ensuring maximum ability to meet the demands of law enforcement work. The standard V6 engine generates 304 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque. An optional EcoBoost V6 is good for 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Look for the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility on the street beginning this summer, and may you, too, never have to ride in the back seat of one.
Honda’s 2016 Pilot midsize SUV also premiered globally at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. In a 100-percent redesign the Pilot’s exterior is streamlined, and new premium features and materials grace the passenger cabin. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated second-rows seats are newly available. Captain’s chairs are available for second-row seating for the first time, on the more upscale trim levels. The standard second-row arrangement is a three-passenger seat, split 60/40, which provides Pilot with seating for eight people. Infotainment and connectivity technologies have been updated to keep pace with the industry. A new V6 engine delivers more power and better fuel efficiency than the previous Pilot, and for the first time, a six-speed or nine-speed automatic transmission is the partner. A fuel-saving start/stop system is available (Honda calls it Idle Stop), shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, restarting it when it’s time to start moving again. The 2016 Honda Pilot goes on sale this summer.
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association.
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