Chicago Auto Show 2009 | FerrariChat

Chicago Auto Show 2009

Discussion in 'Chicago' started by Michael RPM, Feb 11, 2009.

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  1. Michael RPM

    Michael RPM Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2002
    828
    Oak Brook, IL
    Full Name:
    Michael Wogronic
    Went to the auto show today. Not too much in the way of exotics, but Continental (430 Spider, Maser Q-porte, Maser Gran Turismo), Lambo Chicago (LP640 and a couple LP560s), and Rolls Royce / Bentley Northbrook (BGT convert, Phantom, and Drophead, and Spykers) were there. Overall a very nice show despite the overall gloom in the auto industry.

    Chevy unveiled a great looking Corvette Stingray concept, and MB had the SL65 Black Series (my fav at the show) there.

    In particular, and not very important to most people, but I noticed that this years exhibitors have really gone all out with their lighting. It's one of the first things I noticed the first time that I went to the Detroit show; all the displays had independent lighting. Where as, in years past, Chicago always use the house overhead lighting. This year, I would say most brought in their own lights and trusses. Like I said, not important to most, but I love the different atmospheres the different lighting creates.

    Definitely worth the trip out to the show!

    I'll try to get some pics up later.
     
  2. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 17, 2001
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    Just got back.

    I cant believe this is the CHicago auto show. No Official Ferrari, Porsche, Aston, Maserati, RR, Bentley presence..

    Lambos and Maser/Ferrari were provided by dealers and were under covers.Not like its anything i never seen before ( 430 Spider, Granturismo, 4p, Murcie et 560 ).

    I also like the 65 Black Serie and the RR Coupe Phantom.

    The rest was very depressing. The MB stand was smaller than a Mcdonalds. No M5 or M6 on the BMW stand. No Porsche at all. Had fun talking to some marines who showed us their troop carrier with a 25mm machine gun and anti tank missile launcher. They told us they once stayd a week in one of those in a mission...with one refuelling only. Temp goes up to 150 inside !! Crazy. Very sobbering to listen.

    I wouldnt go by myself..and would hate paying parking and entry fee to see what can be seen in most of the northern dealers for free.
     
  3. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 3, 2002
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    Bummer that Continental doesn't have a California on display. Maybe later this spring?

    Looking forward to see the Transformer robot. Hey, if there is no Ferrari booth, you have to lower your expectations...
     
  4. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran
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    Jul 20, 2005
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    No official Lambo presence either. It's the economy yo.. Companies are looking to cut costs and auto shows are the first to go, especially for high end manufacturers.
     
  5. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Yes it is the economy, but it has also a positive effect:

    Now Continental actually has a booth again. They didn't show Ferraris in recent years because their order books were already full.
     
  6. speed racer

    speed racer Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2008
    1,462
    Burr Ridge IL.
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    PJ
    #6 speed racer, Feb 11, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 11, 2009
    Andreas I was at CAS last weekend getting my car washed. When the topic came up I was told that they are getting their first Cali in early June. At least thats how it apparently stands right now anyway. But anything is possible these days.


     
  7. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Cool shots!

    I love the absence of people (I bet you did too).

    Actually those covered up Ferraris is kinda sexy. We know what they look like anyway, so this is different.

    Luv that Spyker!
     
  8. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    How do I get access to the Continental booth?

    Through FNA?
     
  9. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    The absence of people is good but scary. We were the only ones opening the SL65 BS or the Audi R8 V10 for interior shots. Most of the press was just walking arond when they were even bothering to walk by.. I dunno if it is because it is the first day though.

    The Spyker is great for detail shots..would love to shoot on in the sun.

    Agree about the covered Ferraris/Maser..

    Im sure if you show your Ferrari keys they will let you in. I didnt go as there simply was no one there/same for Lambo stand.
     
  10. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Sounds like my Puerto Rico vacation. I know what you mean. I'm no fan of massive crowds, but being the only one anywhere is creepy.
     
  11. Michael RPM

    Michael RPM Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2002
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    Oak Brook, IL
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    Michael Wogronic
    #12 Michael RPM, Feb 11, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I'm sure the crowds will be close to normal; today's press attendance was typical of previous years. I actually was glad the local dealers decided to bring their exotics. I don't think Lambo has ever had a factory display at Chicago, and Ferrari has been on and off the last few years with factory support. I don't know why Porsche would skip this show. Chicago has got to be a relatively large market for them.
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  12. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran
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    Porsche skipped out on Detroit, so Chicago is of no surprise.

    As far as Continental, call em up before you go or flash your keys works. I don't think it'll be much of an issue. I doubt FNA is officially supporting it so they might not be the way to go.
     
  13. ferrarilover86

    ferrarilover86 Karting

    Aug 21, 2008
    141
    CHICAGO, IL
    I'm going either friday or saturday can't wait
     
  14. ferrarilover86

    ferrarilover86 Karting

    Aug 21, 2008
    141
    CHICAGO, IL
    They probably have those casr covered because the show doesn't officially start till Thursday - Friday for the public, I'm guessing you have some kind of press pass.
     
  15. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 tifosi12, Feb 12, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2009
    Great shots.

    That Corvette (?) looks awesome. But I'm sure as usual the few cars I like at a show will never go into production.

    Not that I care about Porsches, but not coming to the show makes no sense to me at all. These things are everywhere, so Chicago must be a huge market for them.
     
  16. frank4cars

    frank4cars F1 Rookie

    Dec 9, 2004
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    Hey all. As some have said, the show floor is pretty dead this year. There aren't any really noteworthy debuts besides the new Taurus SHO, so a lot of media have cut way back or skipped it altogether. We have a scaled back team this year but still managed to cover everything we hadn't seen before yesterday. The Transformers cars, the Cadillac Coverj, the Alton XUV, the Hyundai Genesis Coupes and the Miata reunion were fun at least.

    We are participating in a roundtable discussion on new media this morning and then most of us are heading out. I love coming to this show every year and showing off my hometown to the team, but it is kind of depressing this year. Thank God the weather's been nice and at least we managed to work in some Uno's last night. Here is a link to our Auto Show coverage and another to my personal gallery from the show so far. Hope you enjoy them.

    http://www.autoblog.com/category/chicago-auto-show/
    http://www.frank4cars.fotki.com/other-events/chicago/2009-chicago-auto-show/
     
  17. drgek

    drgek Formula 3

    Jun 21, 2004
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    Order books for new cars are still pretty full. I suspect this has more to do with generating interest for pre-owned cars.
     
  18. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Same here. And i dont understand how the auto show doesnt work a deal with those brands..They are the show stoppers ( P, Ferrari, Maser, Lambo, Aston, etc..).

    I only went because i had a pass and was going with 3 friends..otherwise i would have skipped.
     
  19. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    I doubt it.

    I'd think that 90% of the Auto show visitors couldn't care less about exotics. They go there for the bread'n'butta stuff.

    Why am I suddenly thinking about the interest in local sports vs the Olympics? :)
     
  20. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
    1,221
    Chicagoland
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    Andre
    Anyone there tomorrow around noon?
     
  21. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    You need a stronger flash. Not trying to criticize, but it is something I'm always struggling with myself when I'm at the Autoshow: The space looks bright, but to the camera it is a gigantic black cave that eats up all your flash can produce. And when you use too much flash, the car gets overexposed and the rest nicely lit.

    Add to that all the people polluting the background or walking in front of the camera and you realize why auto shows are one of the hardest places to take decent pics.
     
  22. The Canuck

    The Canuck Rookie

    Feb 10, 2009
    10
    Northbrook, IL
    I agree with you on the difficulty of taking photos at an autoshow. I have found myself going mid-week in the evening. Less people to deal with and the experience is so much better.
     

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