The 2006 Chicago Auto Show
By Kyle McMullen
2.27.06

It is very important to compliment this year's show in its overall presentation. I knew it would be a packed house…simply judging by last year's show and the growing attention to American muscle cars.

Soaring gas prices didn't seem to impact the amount of SUV's and fast cars on the horizon for 2007 and beyond, but this year's show did seem a bit greener than last year. Hybrid cars abounded, but the modern standards, like the Spyder, didn't shrink into the octane shadow.

When people heard that Sarah and I would be traveling to Chicago, the most common suggestion was to photograph the new Challenger and Camaro (that, and to dress warm). Having attended shows like this before, we knew what the crowds would be like, so we paced ourselves accordingly. I started with Toyota while Sarah started with the museum collections on opposite sides of McCormick Place to allow us to eventually overlap each other's work. We hope you enjoy the photos of the show highlights and our own personal favorites.

Dodge Caliber SRT4
Dodge intends this mini SUV to be priced under $25,000. Remembering what the SRT4 did for the Neon, this vehicle may surprise you. Due to include over 300 horsepower, a 2.4 turbocharged 4 cylinder, with a 0-60 time of less than 6 seconds. I'm sure we will be seeing plenty of these taillights around town.

Infiniti Coupe Concept
Sleek, fast, and new edge design is every kid's fantasy car…but this may someday make production. Be sure to check out the photos, I'm sure you will be impressed.

Ford Reflex
Keeping fuel economy in mind, Ford included a diesel/electric hybrid system that captures power from solar panels in the Reflex. This car is actually quite small and if it is fast as it looks, I hope to take it on the road someday.

Honda Civic Si Sedan
Very sleek & mean. The gray colors with the subtle contrasting darker colors provide an effective 'stealth' look. The newer Civics have gotten better through the years making it at the top of my own personal list.

Pontiac Solstice GXP
Pontiac has now added boost to their line-up. The GXP is said to have '260 horsepower, well over enough ponies for such a small car.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Well ok, maybe I'm a little biased since I've owned an Eclipse. But I do know that everybody has a preference when it comes to each Eclipse generation. The convertible has always been a great looking car, but I think it has gotten better. Crank up the Van Halen, because the top goes down in under 19 seconds, and with a V6 engine putting out 260 horsepower, you will be enjoying those ‘extra' hot summer nights.

GMC TopKick
This is one of those kinds of vehicles you take for granted. Your local town's ambulance may use them, one of these may even tow you home some day after your 1970 Bug floor-board gives out. It is an impressive site to stand next to one of these or any one of its six versions. GMC has given you a broader spectrum of choices.

Photography Coverage by: Kyle & Sarah