The Auto Writer

Well, let me first qualify the title: the Chicago Auto Show will be hosting its press preview days today and tomorrow in advance of Friday’s opening to the general public. Still, the way that the press covers things, everything you need to know about the show will be aired over the next two days.

Last month’s NAIAS in Detroit was a big event, with Nissan rolling out the GT-R, Cadillac the concept CTS coupe, and a bevy of other manufacturers having their day. Yet, Chicago remains an important venue and will include the following show stoppers:

• The long awaited 2008 Dodge Challenger will make its debut. This is the car everyone has been waiting to see for the past year with the Chicago show featuring a countdown clock on its site for the past year.

• Porsche, which snubbed the Detroit show, will unveil the Cayenne GTS, perhaps the fastest SUV on the planet.

• Honda will be rolling out an all-new Acura RL, the flagship sedan for its luxury brand.

• I reported a year or two ago that Volkswagen was working with Chrysler to develop a minivan for the US market. The VW Routan, which is built on the same platform as Chrysler’s popular minivans, will make its debut.

• If you think that the Suzuki Equator pickup truck looks familiar, then you are correct. Nissan is building this truck for Suzuki at its Smyrna, TN plant. Based on the Frontier platform, the truck fills an important gap in the Suzuki line up.

• Word has it that the Ford Transit Connect, a small van made in Turkey for the Blue Oval, will be on display at the show. I mentioned late last month that the vehicle would be imported to the US to counter the Dodge Sprinter. It is expected to go on sale this year.

• While all of GM’s attention in Detroit was on Cadillac, Saturn, and Hummer, Chevrolet will get its chance to shine in Chicago. The Chevrolet Traverse, a crossover vehicle, will make its debut as well as hybrid versions of its pickup truck and Denali SUV.

• Speaking of Hummer, the Hummer HT3 will take its bow a pickup version of the smaller H3.

Like Detroit, the Chicago show is heavily skewed toward American manufacturers as this is their opportunity to shine. The Los Angeles show, which is held in November, has an Asian flavor while next month’s New York show will have a greater emphasis on the European market.

Congratulations to the Chicago Auto Show for reaching an important milestone too: this is their 100th show.