Chicago Auto Show top 10

1 SHO thing and 9.5 others not to miss

Jim Mateja

February 13, 2009

2010 Ford Taurus SHO. (Michael Tercha, Chicago Tribune / February 11, 2009)

Thanks to federal loan guarantees—and battery technology—here are must-see machines at the 101st Chicago Auto Show:

2010 Ford Taurus: First Ford changed the name from Five Hundred for 2008 and now its look: It's dramatic and modern—and still built in Chicago. Taurus 2010 hits showrooms this summer in SE, SEL and Limited trim with the upgraded 3.5-liter, 263-h.p. V-6 and a choice of two 6-speed automatics, one with paddle shifting.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO: What's a new Taurus without an updated performance version? Back after a 10-year absence, it has on-demand all-wheel-drive, a 3.5-liter, 365-h.p. EcoBoost V-6 with a 6-speed automatic and paddle shifting. It goes on sale this summer, starting at $37,995, including freight.

2010 Lincoln MKT: On sale in late summer, the MKT takes the Ford Flex uptown. Three rows of seats, of course, and the back two fold flat to haul. Unlike Flex, the MKT's third seat is a power one as well as its tailgate. To set it apart, MKT features a split-wing grille similar to that on the 1941 Continental. There's also a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive and a 3.7-liter, 268-h.p. V-6, which Flex doesn't offer, or a new 3.5-liter, 355-h.p., twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 that delivers V-8 power but V-6 mileage.

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Lincoln C concept: How about a Lincoln smaller and less expensive than the midsize, $35,000 MKZ? The C concept, from a new global compact platform, is similar in size to the Focus. Powered by a 1.6-liter, 180-h.p., turbocharged, EcoBoost 4, the C would get 40 m.p.g. plus on the highway. And all car-related information—speedometer, fuel economy, trip info and vehicle diagnostics—are to the left of the steering column, with passenger-related functions—audio, climate, navi and phone—to the right.

Cadillac Converj concept: A glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion in a luxury sedan, Caddy shows a version of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, which is due out in late 2010. The four-passenger Converj provides 40 miles of gas-free motoring and another 300 with a gas engine powering a generator to make electricity. An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels to offset power drain from accessories. Converj and Volt—now in production form—would give GM a dynamic duo of plug-ins.

Chrysler 200C concept: The 200C EV is built off a shortened LX sedan platform. It's a plug-in hybrid that can go 40 miles on lithium-ion power. A small gas engine and generator produce electricity to take you another 400. Oh, and it's "teen setting" limits speed and warns Mom and Dad if it's being driven erratically or out of a designated range.

Honda Insight: Honda's first hybrid was a weird-looking two-seater noteworthy mostly as a space-age alternative to internal combustion. The original was dropped in '07 after being eclipsed by the more traditional looking, and larger, Civic and Accord hybrids. The new four-door, five-passenger Insight is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and nickel-metal-hydride battery pack boasting 40 m.p.g. city/43 highway, even with climate control, power windows/mirrors/locks and a range of more than 400 miles. Slightly smaller than the Civic, Insight goes on sale in April.

2010 Toyota Prius: The best-selling hybrid enters Gen III for 2010, as a longer midsize to hold five people in a roomier cabin. Noteworthy are the new moonroof with solar panels and a larger and more powerful 1.8-liter, 134-h.p. 4-cylinder. Even with more muscle, mileage rises to 48 m.p.g. city and 50 m.p.g. highway from 48/45. Oh, and check out the 2010 Camry hybrid with Fraichir, a cloth that blends silk protein and synthetic fiber that promises to go easy on the skin.

Lexus HS250h: Lexus rolls out its first dedicated hybrid to join three others in the lineup. It's also the first 4-cylinder Lexus and likely its highest-mileage offering when it's rated. It goes on sale late summer or early fall. Check out the gull-wing roof panel, and to reduce turbulence, front and rear spoilers and diffuser fins.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro: At last, the production version of the muscle Chevy's been teasing us with the last few years. Built on GM's new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, Camaro will offer a 3.6-liter V-6 for LS and LT models (27 m.p.g. highway) and a 6.2-liter V-8 (23 m.p.g. highway) for the SS. There's also a choice of 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, and sport (LS and LT) or performance suspension (SS) with a lower ride height.