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2010 Chicago Auto Show

The Cars are the Stars at The Chicago Auto Show.

Hyundai Blue Will Concept Car

2010 Chevrolet "Green" Camaro

All-New 2010 Hyundai Tuscon

NeuStep Unveils Plans to Launch 3D Virtual Walk-Through of 2010 Chicago Auto Show

The interactive media company NeuStep, in conjunction with its Chicago Automobile Trade Association partner, announced plans today to launch a web-based, 3-D interactive walk-through tour of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show for car enthusiasts world-wide to experience.
The Chicago Auto Show and NeuStep will collaborate for the third consecutive year to provide a web-based, interactive experience. Visitors to the Chicago Auto Show website will get a 3-D glimpse of automotive exhibits to be featured at this year’s show.
The virtual experience uses NeuStep’s patent-pending WebWalk technology, allowing online users to navigate and explore the auto show floor and visit individual exhibits. In addition to providing fluid navigation, WebWalk enhances user experience by integrating clickable icons or “hotspots” to provide further product information through video, audio, high resolution images, links and other embedded media.
“The stars of any auto show are the cars and exhibits, and by utilizing new technologies like WebWalk, the Chicago Auto Show can reach a larger audience bringing more value to its exhibitors,” said John Phelan, 2010 Chicago Auto Show Chairman. “We’re very proud to be pioneering this technology and excited to be presenting a virtual walk through of our show at ChicagoAutoShow.com,” said Phelan.
“I am excited with our involvement in this year’s Chicago Auto Show,” said Raphael Bennett, CEO of NeuStep. “We have a variety of new features that allow us to embed any type of media into the experience, keeping web users truly engaged,” said Bennett.
The WebWalk for the Chicago Auto Show is scheduled to go live at www.chicagoautoshow.com on February 12, 2010.

Ford Introduces New Taurus-based Police Car

The next time you’re pulled over for speeding, you might be surprised by what you see in the rearview. Ford recently unveiled its replacement for the Crown-Victoria-based Police Interceptor -- and it’s a Taurus.

“Ford first introduced its police package in 1950 and today the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the industry leader,” explains Jalopnik. “The automaker's dominated the streets to the point that over the last five years, Ford's controlled more than 70% of the patrol cars sold. … Unfortunately, the Crown Vic's Panther-platform's getting a little long in the tooth — it hasn't seen a redesign in over 15 years.”

So out goes the Crown Vic and in comes the Taurus. “To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality,” writes Ford.

While the new Police Interceptor is based on the 2010 Ford Taurus, the changes are significant.

According to Cars.com, “Police departments across the country won’t be piloting just any Taurus off dealership lots. Ford says approximately 90 percent of the interior has been redesigned for police use.” Unique features include front seats with anti-stab plates to protect officers from violent criminals and vinyl rear seats to make cleaning up after messy ones easier.

That’s not all. USA Today reports: “The Taurus-based model will keep the Police Interceptor name but offer just two 3.5-liter V-6 engines, no big V-8s, as in the Crown Vic. Ford boasts that the standard version will be 25% more fuel efficient than the current standard V-8. And the version with two turbochargers, what Ford calls EcoBoost, will deliver 365 horsepower, 115 more than the standard Crown Vic.” The 365-horsepower V6 is the same found in the performance-tuned Taurus SHO. An optional all-wheel drive system will also be available.

The result is a better-performing police car. “Ford’s new police car can endure a rear-end crash at 75 m.p.h., easily jump curbs and accelerate twice as fast as Ford's outgoing iconic Crown Victoria Police Interceptor,” says the Detroit Free Press.

Photos above from 2010 Chicago Auto Show (Dan Peters)

However, the competition is tough. “The Taurus-based cop car will have to compete against the Dodge Charger cruiser, which looks good and is plenty fast with the available Hemi, and the Chevrolet Caprice, another rear-driver which is pretty much a Pontiac G8 in all but name (and civilian availability),” writes Edmunds.

Ford will cease production on the old Police Interceptor in late 2011 and begin introducing the new Taurus-based model in 2012.

Let the Charity Preview Begin

Buick Regal GS Concept Car

About the Chicago Auto Show: Sanctioned by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. First staged in 1901, 2010 will mark the 102nd edition of the show. The Chicago Auto Show will open to the public Feb. 12-21. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Feb. 12-20) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Feb. 21). For additional information visit: http://www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.

The Volt moves closer to production...

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association: Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and allied members. Dealer members employ over 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. For additional information visit: http://www.cata.info.