With the 2018 Chicago Auto Show right around the corner, we’re already starting to hear about what is rumored and expected to show up in the Windy City during press days. Here’s a preview of some of the new cars, trucks and SUVs we’re anticipating; we’ll update the story as more reveals are previewed or leaked.
The Chicago Auto Show opens to the public on Feb. 10 and runs through Feb. 19, so make plans to attend!
Ford
Ford will show off a refreshed Transit Connect van. We’re expecting creature comfort updates, new tech and new powertrains to be the highlight of Ford’s small commercial van. We also expect Ford to parade around the new Bullitt Mustang that debuted earlier this year at the Detroit auto show.
Although, like we saw with Ford’s GT500 Mustang teaser, we expect Ford to show something less commercial and more enthusiast-oriented at the show.
Hyundai
Hyundai will show off hybrid versions of its refreshed Sonata sedan. The updated Sonata hybrid will likely carry over the styling of the refreshed Sonata and many of its new standard features. We doubt that Hyundai will completely overhaul the hybrid platform during a refresh, so expect the stats to stay similar to the one you can find on dealer lots.
Lexus
Lexus will show off a pair of limited-edition performance versions of its RC coupe and GS sedan to celebrate 10 years of “F” performance cars. The special-edition RC-F and GS-F cars will have matte nebula gray paint and blue accents throughout the cars’ exterior and interior. The 467-hp coupe and sedan will be limited to 240 and 100 examples, respectively.
Nissan
Nissan will display the crazy 370Z roadster dubbed 370Zki, alongside a special-edition of its Armada SUV. The Armada Snow Patrol is a winter-ready three-row SUV that would look perfectly at home with the 370Zki on a trailer behind it.
Subaru
Celebrating 50 years in America, Subaru will show off special 50th anniversary editions of its 2018 models. These models will also come with a shared available color and a special badge saying “Subaru in America since 1968.” These special editions will be based on the higher trim levels of each model.
Toyota will show off refreshed versions of its popular off-road-ready pickups and SUVs from the TRD Pro line.
Toyota
Toyota is set to show off the latest off-road-centric TRD Pro versions of its pickups and SUVs. We expect the refreshed Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner to carry on the TRD Pro tradition of gobs of ground clearance, heavy-duty suspensions and enough rubber to get you into and out of trouble. We doubt there will be any drastic changes to these off-road rigs and expect the Tacoma to stick with 3.5-liter V6 power and the Tundra to keep its 5.7-liter V8.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will have the U.S. debut of its CC replacement — the Arteon. We saw the official global debut of the Arteon at last year’s Geneva Motor Show and drove it shortly afterward, but it hasn’t made its way to the States yet. The stylish new VW shows that VW hasn’t given up on sedans, but they’re making them swoopier than ever.