I got the opportunity to attend The Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in the Midwest. I was very excited to experience Nissan’s Star Wars Universe, cool cars, and of course, indulge in pizza. However the weather , was very cold it was 11 degrees during my stay.
But allow me to share with you my adventure in the Windy City.
My posh accommodations were at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Downtown Chicago, a very sweet treat a delicious red velvet cupcake and much needed hydration from Evian water awaiting in my room.
Our first day began with a media preview of Concept and Technology Garage a sneak peak at new concept , cutting-edge technologies and new production vehicles. One that caught my attention was RAM new concept the 1500 Rebel TRX. Its front grille, steel bumper , huge fender wells and an acute hourglass body design. The TRX is simply captivating.
First thing you notice in the interior of the TRX is its six point racing harness for every passenger . You are reminded, – this not an ordinary truck. And I might add it sounds so bad ass, with a V8 engine supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI and 575 horsepower its capable of speeds up to 100 mph.
As the beautiful winter sunset arrived, I got ready for Nissan’s product reveal and kick-off reception at the Revel Fulton Market in Chicago’s West Loop Area. The event was a glow in the dark carnival festival, we got treated to a glow on the rocks drink called Cinderella, light up cotton candy, mini stations of cuisine all in anticipation of Nissan at Midnight product reveal.
Nissan unveiled the Midnight Edition which this year includes the Sentra, Altima, Rogue, Murano and Pathfinder all will be outfitted with black wheels, a black spoiler, black mirror caps, special floor mats and other equipment such as illuminated kick plates, LED headlights, remote engine starters or custom tires depending on the model.
Day two began with Breakfast hosted by Midwest Automotive Media Association ( MAMA) who’s newly President Elect Jill Ciminillo introduced Ralph Gilles, Head of Design, FCA-Global. I truly enjoyed his presentation on artificial intelligence, design and the future of automobiles. Then we were off to attend the reveals from Toyota, Hyundai, Dodge, Ford, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Chevrolet and our host Nissan.
Nissan showcased it’s Star Wars Universe were the star of the show was the Nissan special edition Rogue One. I loved the replica of Luke and R2D2 rebel fighter underneath the Death Star and the original memorabilia – pretty awesome.
After a full day of press reveals, I was excited to attend our first event in the Windy City. A party at Gino East Pizzeria courtesy of Mazda. I savored great humus, and indulge in succulent Deep Dish Crumbled Sausage Supreme Pizza a combo of sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and onion with out shame. Of course the pièce de résistance was the Tiramisu cake.
Our next stop was the famous Sweet Home Chicago Party , a tradition. Our host Reggies a venue composed of superb live music in two stages. I loved the tribute to Prince and when the band began playing Proud Mary they had you up on the dance floor. Good thing- we needed to burn those calories we indulged earlier.
Day Three began with a very cool presentation by Mopar ( they are the customer care, parts brand for Fiat Chrysler ) which celebrates its 80th birthday. To commemorate its milestone MOPAR launched two special edition customized Dodge Challengers in custom colors either Pitch Black/Contusion Blue or Pitch Black/Billet Silver beautiful cars.
In the 1 million sq.ft of exhibit space I also found five indoor test tracks and lots of interactive fun, as the show is also opened to the public who will get to view the more than 1,000 cars in exhibit.
I loved my first Auto Show, Thank you to Nissan and The Chicago Auto Show for being such gracious hosts.
Until next time,
Sandra
