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Jeeps Give Audiences A Wild Ride At The 2016 Auto Show

Camp Jeep, an interactive test track, is returning again to the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The indoor test track is made possible by the auto show's large indoor footprint at McCormick Place — measuring at over 1 million square feet, the show is the largest in the nation.

"[The show] is on par with other world class shows. The Chicago show is like what you'll see in other major cities like Frankfurt or Paris," said Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. This world class notoriety and space allows it to host Camp Jeep.

The reoccurring feature is completely indoors and in the rear of the show space. Car enthusiasts will be delighted when they find a towering mountain visible from the front of the show space. The track is a way for Jeep to show off features on models like the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and others. Going up the mountain shows the power of the Jeeps, their safety features which disallow the vehicle from rolling backwards, and hill-assist, which automatically allows the vehicle to brake steadily by itself to allow an even and controlled decent down the 35-degree decline.

Further, logs set up in a washboard pattern show the strength and rigidity of Jeep suspension. The chassis strength is shown by allowing the Jeeps to climb up a strange incline, which forces the vehicles to stay together while balancing on only three wheels. Jeep specialists propel the vehicles safely while audiences can fill in all the passenger spaces. Although they get the gist of the off-road capability of each model, most are just looking for a thrill.

Oh, did we mention the ride is free? Along with the other two indoor and several outdoor test opportunities, these interactive displays come at no additional cost to the ticket price to get in the Chicago Auto Show. Tickets for adults are only $12. Seniors 62 and older and children 7-12 years of age are only $7. Weekday coupons for $5 off of admission are available at select Chicagoland dealerships and Shell gas stations. 

The show runs through Feb. 21. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show closes at 10 p.m. McCormick Place offers parking for a fee at parking lots A, B and C. To avoid hitting traffic, those coming from the south suburbs should exit at 35th Street on the Dan Ryan to avoid the traffic that builds up near the Lake Shore Drive Exit. Take 35th Street East to Lake Shore Drive and follow signs to parking. Those coming from the Loop should exit just before the Lake Shore Drive exit to avoid traffic. The time spent in stop-and-go traffic will likely take less time to get through than the gridlock closer to the McCormick Place exits. 

Additional discounts and advice on getting to the venue can be found on the official website.

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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