2016 Chicago Auto Show 'Best Of Show' Winners
Closing on Feb. 21, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show hosted a vast array of automobile manufacturers, their products and the people who hope to buy them. Every year, the auto show announces the "winners" of the auto show, which includes best green vehicle, best concept vehicle and best all-new production vehicle. The prestigious titles were awarded based solely on votes cast by attendees of the show. This year, thousands casted their votes on the Chicago Auto Show using the official mobile app. The titles that were recently announced are coveted by manufacturers.
“Best of Show voting has become a benchmark measure for our exhibiting manufacturers, and winning in any category is quite significant,” said Colin Wickstrom, 2016 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “With more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space, it’s impressive when certain vehicles and displays rise above to capture the public’s attention.”
Best All-New Production Vehicle: Lexus LC 500
Taking the title of best all-new production vehicle was the Lexus LC 500. The new luxury sports coupe made its first appearance at the Chicago Auto Show this year. Enthusiasts and buyers alike voted in favor for the new flagship coupe from Lexus. The rear-wheel drive platform allows for exciting delivery of the power generated by the 5.0 liter V8. This powerhouse produces 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a newly developed 10 speed automatic gearbox, the LC 500 utilizes a new electronic control software that closely monitors acceleration, braking and g-force to maximize driving pleasure. All of this together helps bring the LC 500 from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. The beefy, yet elegant, contours on the LC 500's body probably also swayed some voters. The LC 500 has pleasing aesthetics to match performance. The LC 500 will be new for the 2018 model year, which means it will likely hit dealer lots in 2017. Pricing information has not yet been released.
Best Concept Vehicle: Buick Avista
Winning the best concept vehicle title for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show was the Buick Avista. The second sporty coupe on our list is not a production vehicle, which is why it is called a concept. The Avista prototype utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 to move the coupe, which features a 2+2 seating arrangement. This means that two passengers can fit in the front and two can fit in the back. The theme of "two" continues, because the Avista has that many doors. The Avista generates 400 horsepower and looks like a cross between the popular Tesla Model S and GM's mid-2000's attempt at a two-door sports coupe titled the "Crossfire." GM seems to be blending buyer's current tastes with some styling cues familiar to some. Done in a whole new way, however, the Avista is a modern attempt at a sports coupe that is just as exciting visually as it probably is to drive.
Best Green Vehicle: Chevrolet Volt
The second-generation of the Chevrolet Volt won the title of "best green vehicle." What makes it green? The Volt uses a battery system for fuel-free driving and a fuel-saving 101 horsepower 1.5 liter inline-four engine. The Volt can go 420 miles on a full battery and tank of gas. Active grille shutters help smooth out the body's surface and improve aerodynamics, which yet again allows for better fuel economy. The engine is rated for 43 MPG while the battery pack allows for 103 MPG electric equivalent. The Volt also comes with 21st century comforts like 4G LTE for millennials interested in saving the world and surfing the web.
Dates for the 2017 Chicago Auto show have not yet been released, although it will return to McCormick Place.
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.
