When we attended the 2020 Chicago Auto Show it wasn't obvious that the last new car auto show was taking place. It should have been: car shows have been on the decline for years, decades really.

Car shows have been around almost since automobiles were first built. In 1900 in New York City 31 automobiles were displayed for the public in Madison Square Garden; admission was 50¢. In 1901 the Chicago Auto Show had an indoor test track to provide demonstration drives of ten different models, including electric, steam and gasoline powered.

1901 Chicago Auto Show, courtesy Chicago Auto Show

Now a virulent pandemic has all competent experts agreeing that any gathering of ten or more is extremely dangerous and the concept of packing a convention center with thousands of people is unthinkable and will be for years. As suddenly as car shows have ended, probably for good, they were already on there way out.

As early as the 1990's , smaller regional auto shows began to lose the support of many of the major manufacturers. For example, in 1995, the New Orleans International Auto Show had no presence from Ford, BMW, or Nissan. Smaller local car shows in recent years have had no manufacturer support, relying only on local dealerships to supply the vehicles. More than half of the 2020 Saint Louis Auto Show was populated by RV's, motorcycles and classic cars brought by local car clubs.

Even the major shows; New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Geneva, Beijing, and Tokyo; have seen declining support. Audi, BMW and Mercedes all skipped the Detroit show in 2019. Mazda, MINI, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Jaguar and Land Rover had all abandoned Detroit previously. Mercedes and BMW also skipped Chicago in 2019. Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Vauxhall, Opel and Volvo all skipped Geneva in 2019.

Manufacturers have instead moved towards doing live streaming introductions of its new models, avoiding competing with other manufacturers and introductions for attention.

Classics

A 1967 Cosmo Sport 110 was given a prominent place on the Mazda stand. This was one of the first cars ever to have a rotary engine, in this case a two-rotor with 110 horsepower.

Northern Mustang Corral of Bourbonais, Illinois

Car clubs have been welcome additions at car shows for as long as they've been around. As manufacturers and even later, dealers, abandon them, car clubs will still be participating and managing car shows. This 1965 Shelby Cobra resto-mod (modern supercharged V8 and 5-speed) and these Mustangs from 1964 to the modern day were all provided by a local club.

1954 Chevrolet Corvette Nomad

Klairmont Kollections, a private Chicago car collection, provided four amazing cars, including this replica of Harley Earl's custom Corvette station wagon.

1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur

Golden Sahara II

This George Barris custom has hand-built Goodyear tires that can light up in different colors. A TV, car-phone and a full cocktail bar round out the accoutrements. 

Ice Princess

The "Ice Princess" is based on a 1950 Studebaker chassis, the fins of a 1959 Cadillac and a 1970 Cadillac 500 cubic inch V8 engine.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

This one looks like a custom, but remarkably, this came straight from General Motors. Hand-built, this model was the absolute peak of luxury. At $13,074, it cost more than a Rolls-Royce.

Super Cars

Supercar Gallery

Companies like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lotus, Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren have not seen a financial reason to invest in car shows in many years. However, that doesn't mean that these cars are unavailable at those venues. Sponsored by a bank and with vehicles supplied from local dealerships, most shows have an area comprised of the rarified likes of vehicles that start at six figures and up.

2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Larger than life, this extended wheelbase version of the Phantom is the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce line and comes with a twin-turbocharged V12.

2020 McLaren GT

This is the new, "softer" McLaren. McLare, a British sports car company, specializes in mid-engined crazy hypercars. This one "only" has 620 horsepower.

2019 McLaren 720S Spyder

This one has 710 horsepower.

2020 Lotus Evora GT

Lotus is another small British car maker. The Evora is their only present U.S. model and for 2020 it gets more horsepower (416) and a new name: Evora GT.

2020 Lamborghini Evo

The latest entry-level ($241945) model, the Huracán Evo, has 630 horsepower from its 5.2 V10. Still no turbochargers.

2020 Ford GT

What would a car show be without the latest iteration of the Ford GT? This one is decked out in fully visible carbon fiber. 

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Who cares if this car is in dealerships and has been seen at car shows for over a year: its a mid-engined Corvette! Despite being "old news" it was difficult getting a picture even on press days as people were continually crowding around it.

2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

The DBS is still the quintissential Aston Martin. This Superleggera has a 715-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12. The EPA fuel mileage is rated at 14 city and 22 highway. Not bad, really.

New Car Introductions

2020 Kia Cadenza

The newest semi-luxury Kia came out at the Chicago Show. Above it is the K900, refreshed last year.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The hybrid version of Hyundai's new Sonata came out, and its fuel mileage is spectacular: 50 city and 54 highway on the Sonata Hybrid Blue.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is pretty new (introduced as a 2018 model) so its first refresh is somewhat minor. Mechanically, the turbo 4-cylinder is now also offered as an all-wheel drive model, along with the turbo front-wheel drive and V6 models. The changes are mostly cosmetic, mostly made to synchronize the three-row Atlas' looks with the new Atlas Cross Sport.

2021 Toyota Tundra Trail Edition

2021 Toyota Tundra Trail Edition

Unlike the TRD Pro models, Toyota's upcoming Trail Edition models of the Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner are aimed at people enjoying outdoor activities instead of zooming through the outdoors at high speeds. On both the Tacoma and Tundra the package includes lockable bed storage (similar to Ram's Rambox) that can double as a cooler.

Rav4 Prime

2021 Rav4 Prime

Toyota is known for hybrids, but not so much for plug-in hybrids. The Rav4 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year and a hybrid version cam along for the first time. For 2021 the Rav4 Prime will be the most powerful Rav4 ever, with 304 combined horsepower and a manufacturer's estimated 5.8 second zero to 60 MPH time. The "Prime" in the name means you can plug in and drive 39 miles on electricity alone. Afterwards, the Rav4 Prime should achieve similar gas mileage to the Rav4 Hybrid, about 40 MPG.

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE

After a full redesign for 2020, this additional trim is making a late entry. The XSE is the sporty version of the popular crossover. In additional to lots of black trim, a bigger grille and more aggressive features the XSE gets a tighter suspension and a sportier steering rack. The engine, transmission and brakes are all the same as other Highlander models.

2021 Kia Seltos

2021 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is a new entry-level sport utility. It was first shown at the LA Auto Show, and now at the Chicago its back as it prepares to enter showrooms.

2021 Jaguar F-Type

2021 Jaguar F-Type

The F-Type gets a comprehensive refresh with more aggressive headlights and a larger grille. The F-Type R gets the 575 horsepower engine from last year's SVR.

2021 GMC Yukon

2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL

The GM full-size sport utilities are redesigned for 2021. The biggest two changes: an independent rear suspension adds cargo space and improves the ride and handling; a 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder is a new option. This is the long version of the Yukon, which will no longer have an "XL" on the badge, leaving you to identify it by its longer rear window.

2021 GMC Yukon AT4

The AT4 off-road version is new to the Yukon. Introduced in 2019 on the new Sierra, the AT4 will give trail cred to the new Yukon. Note the rear window: this is the short version.

2021 Genesis GV80

2021 Genesis GV80

Genesis was missing a sport utility, a major gap, and some expected them to rebadge the new FWD Hyundai Palisade. Instead, Genesis developed a rear-drive platform for the new GV80. Loosely based on the new G80, the GV80 will offer two new engines: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

Honda took a while updating the meanest Civic ever. Disappointing to some of us, it doesn't look any less like a 17-year-old boy got a hold of his father's wallet and his uncle's welding rig. Changes do include brake rotors and pads that will reduce fading on the race track and steering and suspension tweaks to improve response and handling. That kid still has his father's platinum MasterCard: artificial engine noises have been piped in through the stereo; don't you wish kids stuck to putting baseball cards in the spokes? The grille is bigger (OH MY I AM SUPRISED) and this gorgeous blue paint is now available. The 2020 Type R gains all of the safety nannies that had been mercifully missing before: adaptive cruise (alright), collision mitigating braking system (crap, another button I have to hit every time I start the car), Forward Collision Warning (more beeps I have to ignore), Lane Keeping Assist System (cool, my car can give me an alibi for running over cyclists), road departure mitigation and lane departure warning (I don't like these, I just got tired of typing parenthesis).

2020 Dodge Charger SRT Widebody

Years after the Challenger got the "widebody" treatment, its offered on Chargers with the hellcat motor or the 6.4-liter V8.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Pacifica constitutes a minor refresh cosmetically, but mechanically, all-wheel drive becomes an option for the first time on a Chrysler minivan since 2004. Sure, the previous Pacifica offered it, but that was a crossover... okay, this story gets confusing. Anyway, the real news is that the all-wheel drive is mechanical, not electric, so it will not be offered on the Pacifica Hybrid. Also, it will not eliminate the famously handy stow-and-go seating! Middle and rear seats still fit into the floor, making us wonder if FCA engineers were able to sneak up behind a man coming out of a British police call box and over power him and... well never mind how they did it, its fantastic, only the mini spare is sacrificed.

In addition to the mechanical bits, a new top-level "Pinnacle" model will come with custom throw pillows. Bets on whether those will dissapear faster than change left on daddy's dresser?

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

A sportier alternative to the tiny Chevy Trax, the Trailblazer is a Buick Encore GX in drag. (After all the Trax is a regular Encore in drag.) With 1.2 or 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engines, front-wheel drive and a CVT transmission, all-wheel drive is offered with the larger engine and a 9-speed automatic replaces the CVT. The trend of two-tone paint floating roofs continues.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox

The Exquinox gets a refresh for 2021, including this neat RS model. Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beams are all standard for 2021.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

All of the full-size GM SUVs get a complete redesign, including independent rear suspension and an optional inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel.

Concepts

2021 Kia Seltos X-Line Urban

Kia Seltos X-Line Urban

I was invited to exhibit at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), Life Is a Highway: Art and American Car Culture, that opened to the public on Saturday, June 15 and runs through Sept. 15, 2019.

The Car show ran from Noon to 3, but we left early at 2pm due to excessive rain.

Indoors this is the first large-scale domestic exhibition to provide a historical overview of this topic with an emphasis upon the Midwest. The exhibition features more than 150 works of art in a wide variety of media— including painting, sculpture, photography, film, prints and drawings— and a diversity of artists and perspectives, drawn from the TMA collection along with loans from around North America. 

They even made a small model of the street, Building, and surrounding buildings of the place.

the highlighted area is where we were on display.

The indoors exhibit is a presentation of the changing car culture including the art of advertising to road trips taken in your car. Following the exhibit shows the change in the car culture over time from the early days through the Green Booker, to the nostalgic times we will remember. I especially liked the painting by John Bader of Late 1970’s Las Vegas where we go for our NADA conventions The Life Is a Highway curated by Robin Reisenfeld, Ph.D., TMA’s works on paper curator.

The first outdoor exhibit features the greater Toledo Cars and Coffee crowd with American Classic on August 24^thand Modifieds on Sept.14^th(outdoor admission is free.) For the cars and Coffee, we ducked rain for most of the period. Dry for a while and then the umbrellas came out. Five minutes later it’s again dry for a while then the return of the umbrellas. Without the umbrellas, the crow was pretty good. Local cars on display included a nice Model T through to a Fairlane 500, a bunch of Mustangs and the new Ford GT. An Electric BMW, a Tesla, a DeLorean, three Lotus, a couple of Porsches, a Cadillac and one Mercedes and only one Corvette.

the cars are coming in HOT 

Lambo doors on a Mustang, make it looks a little nicer. I guess Post Malone was right about that Candy paint with the white on top Lambo doors of the oo-op drop, but in this case, it's black on black. 

 got a few good pictures of cars lined up on Monroe St, and this gentleman. I have a feeling we might be seeing this guy in the red shirt again. 

 this guy over here cleaning his car Engine, making the Porsche look good!.

A series 2 Lotus Exige, extremely rare with their limited production of 50 Exiges (2004-2006 Model) came out that day to show off. Personally, think it was the coolest car there.

The most expensive car here, a Maserati!!!!

nice GTO dude.

A Tesla next to a BMW i3. cute.

 1967 Volvo 122S (or known as the Amazon) hey.. it's that guy again..!

the good ol'classic DeLorean.

A very clean Dodge Challenger.

HEY WOW! a Ford GT350 van?? no way! this guy again is not impressed about this fake.

who do you think will win? 

Apparently neither, cause this Ford GT will get the attention.

A little rain never hurt anyone. 

i hid a few easter eggs in this post, if you didn't find them, you were paying attention.

The 2019 New York International Auto Show is now over. We were there for the press previews. Here's what happened.

2019 Audi Q3

All-new. Thought it would skip this model year; guess it’ll have a short run. The Q3 now has standard all-wheel drive, the more powerful (258 horsepower) 2.0-liter turbo from the Q5 and an 8-speed automatic. A Top View Camera and automated parking are now available.

2019 Audi TT RS

2020 Audi R8

2020 Cadillac CT5

2019 Dodge Challenger

The Stars & Stripes Edition includes subtle American flags, with correct orientation. The driver's side flag points the opposite way. Includes bronze brake calipers (with performance package), a satin black center stripe and satin black wheels and accents.

2020 Ford Escape

2020 Ford Mustang High Performance Package

Fans of the EcoBoost Mustang will have fewer apologies to make as Ford announced the High Performance Package version of this 4-pot 2.3 turbo. Up 20 horsepower to 330, the EcoBoost with the High Performance Package also gets GT aerodynamics, the brakes from the GT and much the same suspension. This helps fill in the gap between the standard engine and the GT.

Pony historians will note that the meanest Mustang of the mid 1980's was the SVO, a 2.3-liter turbocharged Mustang with 200 horsepower at the end of its run.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Hyundai Venue

Genesis EV Concept

Mint Concept electric car at the Genesis stand points to the future design direction at the Korean luxury company.

2020 Jaguar XE

Kia Habaniro Concept

Kia showed a futuristic all-electric, autonomous driving Niro, the "Habaniro." They gave away hot sauce.

2020 Lincoln Corsair

2020 Mercedes EQC 400 4MATIC

The first EQ model for the United States is the EQC, simply an all-electric version of the GLC small SUV. With a range of about 280 miles it fits right in with the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace. The electric motors provide all-wheel drive without transfer cases or driveshafts, directly to the front and rear axles in the amount of 402 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque.

The interior is classy and it's Benz. A nice touch: the bronze accented air vents.

2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

2020 Mercedes GLC Coupe

2020 Mercedes GLS

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster

2020 Subaru Outback

2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Toyota Prius Prime

The plug-in version of the world's most popular hybrid snuck into New York. Big news: five passengers now fit. Bigger news, like its more conservative brother, looks less like it runs on anti-matter.

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback

Volkswagen ID Buggy

Usually this stuff is just eye candy for gearheads, but a previous ID concept, the ID Buzz Microbus is headed for production, and now the word is, the ID Buggy will see limited production as a specialty car (think Plymouth Prowler, but electric). Whether it comes to America is a whole 'nuther story. Herbert Diess, CEO of VW, says he might bring a more production-ready version to Pebble Beach to test the waters.

Fiftieth Anniversary of the Z-car

In addition, Nissan celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Nissan (Datsun) Z-car, AKA Fairlady. 

Bourbon Tasting

Don't drink and... well, it's New York, so we're on the subway, anyway.

CAS2019: Trucks, Cars and Anniversaries

Chicago is proud of boasting that it hosts the largest car show in the United States. This is true in two parts: pure size of the area (over 1,000,000 square feet); and the number of vehicles displayed (almost 1000). However, New York (coming up in April), Detroit (last month) and Los Angeles (November) are probably more important in the number and importance of new vehicle premieres. But Chicago isn't left out, hosting many new vehicles, mostly trucks.

Trucks

Lego Silverado... your argument is invalid, unless you drive it in Minecraft.

2020 Ford F-Super Duty

The 2019 F-150 saw a mid-cycle refresh. The F-Super Duty gets its turn now, with new grilles, bumpers, lights and tailgates. Under the hood, a new, huuuuge optional 7.3-liter V8 gasloine engine or a redesigned 6.7-liter Powerstroke Diesel will be more powerful than previous engines. A 10-speed automatic replaces the previous 6-speed. Neither engine is rated for power, yet; we'll have to see if they can squeeze more than 1000 pound-feet out of the Power Stroke to beat cross-town rival Ram.

The 2020 F-Super Duty will now offer the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a system to use camera and knob to easily backup the truck to align with a trailer hitch. This system and the simpler Trailer Reverse Guidance are both now compatible with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers.

The F-Super Duty will now also offer Automatic Emergency Braking, a first, in addition to collision warning and it will be standard on XLT and above. 

2020 GMC Sierra HD

The 2020 Sierra HD saw the light of day a few days before the show, but the CAS is its first major public appearance. These trucks mimic the business-like styling of the 1500 models but with more toughness. Overall the truck is larger and offers more capability.

A ten-speed automatic replaces the 6-speed for the Duramax Diesel engine option. Towing increases to a maximum of 35,500 pounds!

The GMC-exclusive Multi-Pro tailgate is available on the new Sierra HD and is offered regardless of trim or body.

An available heads-up system projects vehicle speed, navigation diresctions and even road grade onto the windshield.

Because recreational trailers are a major reason for ownership, the new Sierra HD will offer compatibility with the iN-Comand control system to remotely monitor and control trailer functions (climate control, generator fuel levels, etc.) through a GMC smartphone app or the radio via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other functions available: trailer light test, trailer tire pressure monitoring and trailer maintenance reminders.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD

After the lackluster reviews of the redesigned 2019 Silverado's appearance, Chevrolet must have taken note. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD has a sharper style, much easier to distinguish. It shouldn't be confused with a 2019 Silverado HD or a GMC Sierra of any year or stripe.

Chevy also decided to swing for the bleachers in the capability column, maximum towing for the new Silverado HD is 35,500 pounds over 6 tons more than a 2019! Also 500 pounds more than the F-450 Regular Cab, a truck with which the Silverado doesn't directly compete. A new, larger 6.6 gasoline engine has 41 more horsepower and 22% more torque than the old 6.0-liter. The Durmax Diesel gets a new 10-speed automatic. Even the cargo boxes have grown by about 14% in volume. The rolled-steel beds aren't shared with the light-duty Silverado.

The truck itself sits on a new frame: the wheelbase is over five inches longer on Crew Cab models.

New technologies include an optional heads-up display that projects truck speed, navigation directions and other pertinent information directly in front of the driver's line of sight and a power tailgate that raises and lowers at the touch of a button.

2020 Toyota Tacoma

Refreshed for 2020, the Tacoma has a new grille, taillights, LED headlights (some models) and some new wheel designs. The audio system is upgraded, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa compatibility. 7 to 8-inch touch screens are standard

The TRD Pro version offers upgrades, including a Panoramic View Monitor, which can help when traversing difficult trails. The Fox shocks are retuned as are the springs and the wheels are new and lighter. 

The Tacoma finally offers a power driver's seat, standard on SR5 and higher trims.

The Tacoma SR finally gets intermittent wipers.

Smart Key, previously available for hands-free locking and unlocking of the driver's door, now works on the front passenger door, too.

2019 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab

The new 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups came out at the Detroit show. Now the Chassis cab premieres at CAS. A model specifically for upfitters, the chassis cab is a commercial vehicle available in 3500, 4500 and 5500, weight classes 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Towing capacities up to 35,220 pounds are available. 

Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking are available, exclusive to chassis cabs.

Ram Multifunction Tailgate

The tailgate wars are heating up. First was the Honda Ridgeline's Dual-Action Tailgate that opens the regular way or swings out to the side. Then last year GMC introduced the Multi-Pro Tailgate that opens in two pieces, turns into a desk and more.

Now comes the Ram Multifunction Tailgate (all the cool names were taken), a regular tailgate with a 2000-pound capacity that also opens sideways in a 60-40 split to allow easier access to the bed even when hooked up to a trailer. It also includes an under-bed retracting step. It can be combined with Ram's lockable Ram Box storage system. 

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport

For 2020 the Rogue Sport is refined and refreshed, further differentiating it from the regular "Rogue." An entirely new front treatment, includes grille, fascia, hood, bumper and headlights. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included in the improved infotainment system.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition

Nissan introduced the outdoorsy, but no more off-road capable, Rock Creek Edition of the Pathfinder. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive (which is a hint), it has unique dark wheels, black mesh grillesblack fender arch treatments, black roof rails and door handles among other decor.

Cars

Cars were big at the Chicago Auto Show, including this humungous Caddy, a 1959 Eldorado Biarritz.

1968 Shelby GT500 KR

This 1968 Shelby Mustang was known as the King of th Road or 500KR and had a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 and a three-speed automatic. We got to drive it down in the Concept/Technology Garage. You can't.

2020 Subaru Legacy

The Legacy is redesigned for 2020. The turbocharged 4-cylinder is back. Replacing the flat 6-cylinder engine, the 2.4-liter turbo borrowed from the Subaru Ascent, has more horsepower (260) and a lot more torque (277 pound-feet). The standard 2.4-liter non-turbo gains direct fuel injection, 7 horsepower and 2 pound-feet more torque (182/176 respectively). The suspension is also revised for improved handling.

A new Distraction Mitigation System becomes available, standard on XT and optional on Limited. Also new is a Front View Monitor which can help wth parking or in blind intersections.

In-car WiFi is now offered.

2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe Inspiration Series

Only 100 will be made of this Vibrant Yellow special edition. Unique interior colors, 21-inch wheels and an inscription on the carbon fiber door sills round out this 100-of-a-kind model.

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

When VW re-did the Jetta for 2019, the hot-rod GLI was missing. It's replacement was shown at the CAS, with a more powerful 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo, a six-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and 18-inch wheels. Adaptive shock absorbers that can go from smooth and comfortable to sharp and responsive are optional.

Front Assist (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are all standard. Heated and ventilated front seats are available.

Cops

2020 Ford Explorer Police

The next-generation Ford Explorer brings with it the next-generation police interceptor. With the Taurus going awaay, the Explorer will be the backbone of the Ford police fleet. The new Explorer is returning to rear-wheel drive, which cops like, and it will offer a hybrid system for excellent fuel mileage.

2019 Dodge Durango Police

Dodge now offers a pursuit-rated version of the cop Durango. Cop plant (5.7 Hemi), cop tires, cop brakes, cop suspension, cop seats, cop alternator, etc.

Anniversaries

Acura NSX 30th

Long-time Car and Driver editor Csaba Csere was at the party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Acura NSX prototype, which also took place at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. 

The 2019 Acura NSX, 1991 NSX and in the background the NSX race car.

Chrysler Minivans 35th

Chrysler invented the minivan in the 1984 model year. A 35th anniversary version is available in both the Chrysler Pacifica (right background) and Dodge Grand Caravan (not shown. No really, that's an 84) for the 2019 model year.

Chrysler needs a minivan to pull all of its awards for their minivans. (These are just the ones for the latest version.)

Mazda Miata 30th

The Miata was originally shown at the Chicago Auto Show 30 years ago. Here to celebrate the 30th anniversary are father of the Miata Bob Hall, the original designer, Tom Matano and the designer of the latest version, Masashi Nakayama and his translator. 500 30th Anniversary Special Editions will be sold in the United States.

UPDATE: All 500 30th anniversary editions are already sold. In fact it took only 4 hours after the announcement.

Simply known as the "Detroit Auto Show," this year was the 30th anniversary of the new name and new scope of the NAIAS. Detroit leaders successfully transformed the show into an international powerhouse with introductions such as the Dodge Viper and the entire Lexus division in that first year, 1989. Lately, though the show has taken hits, with BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI and Bentley missing this year. Facing a conflict with CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas and freezing weather, this is the last year for the NAIAS to be held in January. The show moves to June next year.

So, what could you see at the Detroit Auto Show in its last year covered in icicles?

Right in the lobby Detroit shows its colors: The NAIAS is an industry show. If Chicago is for consumers, New York is for Designers and Los Angeles is for Environmentalists, then Detroit is for the automotive industry itself. Here, a cut-away of an Acura RDX displays steels important place in automobiles. Sponsored by the Steel Market Development Institute, the display shows the importance of different grades of steel in safety, cost-control and even weight savings. Although car buyers will appreciate a look under the skin, this display is intended to sell steel and sell it by the millions of ton.

Cummins was also in the lobby, showing off the newest version of its 6.7-liter turbo diesel inline 6-cylinder. The oil filter hints at the application, and a new product to be unveiled inside. The torque on this engine hits a maximum of 1000 pound-feet, putting it at the head of its class.

Inside

2020 Ford Explorer

Its been anticipated, at least since the Lincoln Aviator reveal last year, but at last, here is the 2020 Ford Explorer. Returning to rear-wheel drive, it will offer at least one hybrid powertrain and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6.

The new Explorer becomes the second sport utility to earn the ST tag, now that Foci and Fiestas will no longer be made. This marks a sharper performance model than the previous "Sport."

The interior is all-new, also, and features a floating center screen for control purposes, similar to Mercedes.

2020 Ford Shelby GT500

This was one of the most anticipated introductions: the Ford Shelby GT500. With a supercharged, beefed up Voodoo 5.2 V8 and the promise of over 700 horsepower, Ford wants this Mustang to take on the Challenger Hellcat and the Camaro ZL1 1LE. For the latter, this Carbon Fiber Track package includes all manner of aerodynamic tweaks, including a huge, adjustable rear wing that gives more downforce than the Ford GT and carbon fiber wheels that weight only about 18 pounds each. 16.5-inch front brakes trump any stop hardware on Chevy or Dodge.

Does that front grille look huge? It's twice as large as the GT350's snout, all to suck in air to cool two engine radiators, two supercharged intercoolers, a transmission cooler and an oil cooler. Add a rear differential cooler and a/c coils and this thing will make a radiator shop owner rich.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

This Cadillac was one of the best things at the show. It isn't new, it isn't coming out soon. You couldn't sit in it. 

It was meant to represent all that was great about Cadillac, but in a way it showed what they're lacking: evocative, beautiful designs. Daring, real model names. Convertibles.

2020 Cadillac XT6

The XT6 fills in the gap between the XT5 (previously SRX) and the Escalade. You would think a three-row 7 or 8-passenger Cadillac crossover would be cribbed from the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, but with its 112.7-inch wheelbase it is actually more closely related to the smaller GMC Acadia. A 310-horsepower 3.6 V6 is standard.

2019 Ram HD

The 2019 Ram HD made a big splash in Detroit. The 3500 will offer an optional H.O. Cummins turbo diesel with 1000 pound-feet of torque. Maximum towing will be 35,100 pounds and maximum payload will be 7680 pounds, both tops for pickups. Previously Ram had to fudge to claim top towing, stating that the Ford F-450 was not in its class since Dodge didn't build a pickup in that weight class. Now the Ram 3500 beats it fair and square.

The design follows the new 2019 Ram 1500, including the gorgeous luxury interior that one the 1500 many awards, including Car and Driver Top Ten best pickup and Motor Trend's Truck of the Year.

A new Power Wagon is included! It will have a 360-degree camera with a forward view with computer-generated guidelines to help traverse obstacles off-road.

GAC Motors

With a lot of big players skipping the NAIAS, someone was bound to fill the vacuum. Enter, GAC, a major Chinese automaker announcing their intention to enter the U.S. market.

These are some of their native Chinese vehicles, none of which are immediately headed to our shores.

To prove they're serious about the United States, they've opened an engineering complex in Michigan and a design center and headquarters in California. The design center is responsible for the Entranze Concept, above. Hence the blacked-out California plates. There is no explanation for the 20-sided dice hanging from the windshield.

Nissan IMs Concept

The IMs is a concept of what an advanced electric sedan would look like. It features two electric motors, one front and one rear for a total of 483 horsepower. Its floor contains a 115 kilowatt-hour battery, good for a theoretical 380 miles of range.

Those are rear "suicide" doors, made relevant by Bentley, but always welcome on a concept. Inside the steering wheel disappears when not needed; this one runs fully autonomously.

No key needed, just say "Klaatu barada nikto."

2019 Nissan Leaf Plus

That tiny badge under the "SL" trim label is the only visual indicator that this Leaf has more range than a Tesla Model 3: 226 miles. The motor is beefed up: 45% more horsepower and 14 pound-feet more torque. And finally, that "Plus" gets you faster charging... 50% faster.

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Another World Premiere for the Detroit show, thirty years after Lexus made its debut at the NAIAS, the LC Convertible Concept does the same. The LC Convertible is more prototype than concept; from its tonneau to its interior nothing about this couldn't be produced in a factory, though it does need a top. Lexus promises a proper soft roof.

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition

The Track Edition of the high-performance RC F will feature slightly more power (5 HP) from its 5.0-liter V8, revised gearing, standard launch control and loses 176 pounds.

It also gains a honking rear wing.

2020 Kia Telluride

LA saw the unveiling of the Palisade. Detroit gives us Kia's version of the new three-row crossover from Korea, the Telluride. Boasting a 3.8-liter V6, front or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, this guy has the specs and the looks to succeed. Remember, their last try, the Borrego, came right in the middle of the recession, got poor fuel mileage and lasted only one model year.

This puppy can carry up to eight passengers and offers the usual slew of safety and assistance: Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and more.

Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept

This concept represents Infiniti's first all-electric vehicle. As such, from the outside, it looks a lot like the electric Jaguar I-Pace, especially the sloping roof-line.

The interior is not quite pure fantasy: a steering wheel remains and the seats face forward. A production version would probably have to lose the flower vase. (Maybe not, remember the "new Beetle?" - Ed) As a concept, no hard specifications came with this one.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

With 341 horsepower, bigger tires and stickier brakes, this is a special edition WRX that is actually special. The engine even utilizes manual water sprayers to cool the intercooler. An aerodynamics body kit widens the car by almost two inches and the track by 0.6. Only for the U.S. Only about 200. Numbered dash plaques. Get in line.

Toyota Concepts

Toyota had a bevy of its concepts. That's the Concept-i in the foreground, the CONCEPT-i Ride in the background and the CONCEPT-i Walk to the right.

2020 Toyota GR Supra

You all have seen that famous click-bait phrase: "Wait until the end!" Well, here it is, the 2020 Toyota Supra.

And just like all click-bait, its never as good as the hype and build-up indicate. 335 horsepower, rear-wheel drive (no AWD), no manual transmission, built by BMW. If it were a movie it would be titled "Somewhat Quick and Annoyed." An inline (BMW) 6-cylinder turbo will be the only power-plant, though a 4-cylinder (BMW) turbo may come later. The only transmission will be an 8-speed automatic. BMW, with its related Z4, has exclusive rights to the convertible version, so a 2-door hatchback is what Toyota faithful get.

Highlight: starting price will be right at $50,000.