Auto Show dazzles

The Chicago Auto Show—running at McCormick Place through Sunday, Feb. 20—is even bigger and better this year. The show, spanning 1.2 million sq. ft. of the complex, showcases a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sports-utility vehicles, experimental cars and concept autos.

Interactivity is one of the key components of the event, with everything from a huge board in the Hyundai display area that patrons can play with to the Jeep and Chevrolet Volt test-driving tracks. Moreover, as the presence of the Volt and Nissan Leaf will attest, being green is also a goal of many carmakers; even the military (well-represented in one area of the show) highlighted vehicles, including tanks, what were more eco-friendly.

Show hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 11-19, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on the final day, Feb. 20. Regular admission for adults aged 13 and older is $11; for seniors aged 62 and older and for children ages 7-12, regular admission is $7. See www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. Photos and text by Andrew Davis