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5 Cars We Can't Wait To Check Out At The Chicago Auto Show

The 2016 Chicago Auto Show promises to showcase many new cars that will be sure to wow the world, but here are our five must-see cars that top the list.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio obliterates the other four-door sedans on the market. This sedan has the equivalent horsepower of two and a half Hyundai Tucsons, which makes it the world's fastest production sedan. The Giulia Quadrifoglio can keep up with the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, with a top speed of 191 MPH. It can also get from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. The pure speed and power of the vehicle, beyond impressive for a sedan, is the reason it made the list of the five cars we can't wait to check out at the Chicago Auto Show.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Equally Italian is the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The car was popular around 50 years ago, widely regarded as a piece of automotive artwork with a dash of Italian flair. Resembling the small stature and sporty attitude of the Mazda Miata, the 124 Spider uses a 1.4-liter four cylinder engine to offer 160 horsepower. Enthusiasts can choose from an automatic or manual transmission. The interior of the Spider is beautiful and simplistic. The styling of this fun convertible is the main reason why it is on our list of five cars that we can't wait to check out at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show.

2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible 

What is the 2016 Range Rover Evoque Convertible? "The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons," Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director and chief creative officer, said in a press release. He's not wrong. As an SUV with off-road capability, the Evoque convertible can splash through puddles, navigate in mud and climb rocks. It's also a convertible. The acoustic-lined fabric roof reduces weight, improves the center of gravity and increases the possibility of fun. It's also a sports car. The two-door Evoque can speed around on the roads with a 240 horsepower turbocharged four cylinder engine. So, what exactly is the Evoque Convertible? It's an all-in-one package, which is why we can't wait to see it at the show.

2017 Lincoln Continental 

The 2017 Lincoln Continental is a revival of the classic nameplate. It's full of all the luxury features you didn't realize you needed, but now can't live without. Driver assist technology includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go adaptability and Lincoln's SYNC3, which allows drivers to make calls, read texts and manage music in the center display while keeping hands on the wheel. The huge sunroof envelops both the front and the rear passengers, which advocates for a feeling of spaciousness. The Revel Ultima music system offers 19 speakers and allows passengers to hear music as if they were on stage with sound effects and audience sounds. Acoustic laminated glass keeps noise out of the car, while 20-inch tires are lined with sound reducing foam. Traditional shifters are a thing of the past. Want to shift from park into drive, or from park into reverse? There are buttons right next to the infotainment system. Why do we want to check this car out? The revival of such a prominent nameplate is exciting, but Lincoln has put in extra work to make this new addition to their lineup sound appealing and forward-thinking.

2017 Ford Raptor

The chiseled body and muscular fascia of the 2017 Ford Raptor is the epitome of truck styling. It's not just a truck, however; it's hell on wheels. The twin turbocharged, direct injected V6 engine produces 450-500 horsepower with greater efficiency than the previous V8 option. A 10-speed transmission and torque on demand transfer case comes paired with the powerhouse. The new Raptor is lighter, yet stronger with high-strength steel and military grade metal alloy. Fly through traffic, the job site or mud with the new Raptor. This truck is exactly what a truck should be, which is why it is on our must-see list.

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.

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