By Selena Fragassi | For the Sun-Times
One of the biggest teases of the Chicago Auto Show is the yearly parade of highly publicized concept cars. Radical and futuristic in scope, they are a dazzling marriage of technology and design that often never see the light of day. But that’s soon about to change, according to Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and Chicago Auto Show.
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
When: February 13 through February 21
Where: McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Tickets: $7-$12 (children under 6 are free)
“Concept cars on the whole are becoming more realistic,” he says. “Manufacturers are finding it much easier to build a concept car that is a real vehicle. So now not only are automakers testing the public’s appetite for new designs, but they are also testing the reception to new engineering concepts.” He points to the Acura MDX as one example; a few years prior, Acura unveiled a revolutionary hybrid powertrain that is now in the current MDX vehicle, says Bilek. “It’s a lot easier for a concept car of today to become a production car of tomorrow without much change.”
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This year’s Auto Show will offer 12 new designs that might soon be seen on the road. In particular, these four are Bilek’s picks for mass appeal. Find each at the individual manufacturers’ booth.
Acura Precision
Utilizing an idea called “quantum continuum,” Acura designers arranged for a seamless transition of materials and structures from the exterior to the interior of this race-inspired concept car. Features include floating rear seats and taillight motif, fractal LED headlights, audio speaker grilles handcrafted from exotic wood and customized performance preferences. “This is a look at the next generation of Acura luxury sports sedans,” says Bilek. “Even though it looks unbelievable there’s a real good chance you’ll see a new Acura luxury sedan that looks like it very soon.”
The Buick Avista concept car will be featured at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. | Xfinity/Chicago Auto Show
Buick Avista
Buick has done a number on their designs in the recent past, and that continues with the two-door Avista that aims to balance a sleek form with a ton of added power. “The contemporary grand tourer is backed by a twin-turbocharged V-6 that pumps out a respectable 400-horsepower to drive the rear wheels,” according to the manufacturer. Added details include an eight-speed gearbox, 3-D printed door and seat trims, touchscreen controls, noise control, even air purifiers and aromatherapy. “It’s based on the Chevy Camaro, which makes it buildable with an already existing chassis,” says Bilek.
The Kia Telluride concept car will be featured at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. | Xfinity/Chicago Auto Show
Kia Telluride
Taking its name for the famous ski resort, the Telluride concept is a three-row, seven passenger luxury SUV that uses the exiting Sorento as its foundation (although with 18 total inches of extra space). With push button activation, “a 3.5-liter gasoline direct injected V-6 engine and powerful electric motor produce a total of 400-horsepower, which is routed to all four wheels via an advanced all-wheel drive system,” says the manufacturer. The muscular body style is complete with Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and recessed headlamps. Though the best part is the seat sensor technology that monitors occupant’s health information and adjust lights and sunroofs to improve energy levels. Says Bilek, “There are all sorts of interesting features Kia is testing out.”
The Hyundai Genesis Vision G concept car will be featured at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. | Xfinity/Chicago Auto Show
Genesis Vision G
Hyundai wants to turn heads with its new luxury line, and so far it’s succeeding. Its new Vision G is an impressive example of a dynamic coupe with long hood and flowing roofline. “It’s fitted with a 420-horsepower, 5.0-litre, V-8 engine that produces 383 lb. ft. of torque,” according to a manufacturer report. It also has a “remote wheel,” which is an ergonomically designed touchpad with gesture interaction that responds to a hand wave. It’s all part of the autonomous driving and driver state monitoring systems. “This concept shows more design direction for Genesis brand and probably won’t ever come off the show floor, though it’s a great introduction,” says Bilek.
Note: The concept car sponsor, Xfinity, is offering a “tour” experience. Download the Chicago Auto Show app and check out three or more of the concept cars and you can pick up a prize from Xfinity’s booth.
Selena Fragassi is a local freelance writer.
