The Auto Writer

The next major leg in the auto show circuit will step out next week when the Chicago Auto Show launches. The Chicago exhibit along with events held in Los Angeles (December), Detroit (January), and New York (April) are where many car manufacturers choose to roll out their concept cars and new models.

The 2010 Chicago Auto Show will feature a number of debuts including the following:

2011 Ford Edge – This popular midsize crossover will benefit from significant mid-cycle changes including a new nose, hood, and windshield. But the five-passenger crossover will also be the first Ford product to get an I4 EcoBoost engine, with a 2.0L EcoBoost replacing the previous standard 3.0L V6.

2011 Honda Odyssey – Honda’s popular minivan is at the end of its current life-cycle which means that the 2011 model will be all new. The minivan segment has been shrinking in recent years as crossovers take over. However, the Odyssey is managing to hold its own, one of top vehicles in its segment.

Electric Ford Transit Connect – A pure electric version of the Ford Transit Connect will be on display, a vehicle being custom fitted for this technology by Smith Electric Vehicles in the United Kingdom. Ford will be making the EV available to commercial customers this summer.

2011 Jeep Gran Cherokee – Chrysler, which has had a dearth of new products to offer over the past year is finally set to break that streak when the next generation Gran Cherokee is introduced. Powered by the company’s all new Phoenix 3.6L V6 which will become the dominant large engine sold by Chrysler in coming years, the Jeep will go into production in May.

Kia Ray Concept – Not much is known about Kia’s plug-in hybrid concept, but it may be underpinned by the same gas and electric engines powering the Hyundai Blue-Will concept. Hyundai and Kia are joined at the hip which means Hyundai green technology may be used to power this concept Kia.

2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty – A 6.6L DURAMAX diesel engine and new platform are among the changes being offered as heavy duty versions of Chevrolet’s full size pick up truck are introduced. Expect that the Silverado’s twin, the GMC Sierra heavy duty to also be on display.

2011 Ford Explorer – Going from a truck based chassis to a car based chassis is a big deal for the Ford Explorer, one of the most popular SUVs of the 1990s. Explorer sales have dipped in recent years, but Ford is keeping the model alive by placing it on the same platform girding the Ford Taurus.

2011 BMW X5 – The third generation of BMW’s popular X5 crossover or sport activity vehicle is expected to debut in Chicago. Don’t expect many styling changes and the engines will be carried over. However, the X5 will welcome a hybrid model to the mix.

These vehicles represent the confirmed models for Chicago although at least one Asian and one European manufacturer is likely to slip in something new, a surprise introduction for one of the most popular car shows in North America.

The Chicago Auto Show will host its media preview days on February 10 and 11 and be open to the public from February 12-21.