This year marked the 112th edition of the longest-running auto show in the U.S.
2020 Chicago Auto Show offered unfettered access to nearly 1,000 vehicles on display, four indoor test track experiences, three outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities, brand-new engaging displays, interactive activities for people of all ages and a robust lineup of special events throughout the entire show.
Chicago Auto Show visitors were among the first to see the newest vehicles that made their debut during the show’s 2020 Media Preview, including: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe, 2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon, 2021 Genesis GV80, 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, 2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude, 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 Limited Edition, 2020 Nissan Frontier2021 Toyota Highlander XSE; Trail Special Edition Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner; and Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia Go Dark with Nightshade Special Editions, and Volkswagen Atlas among others.
The Ford GT is improved for 2020 with increased horsepower and upgraded engine cooling
Ford Performance announces upgrades to the Ford GT supercar for 2020, including increased engine power to 660 horsepower and improved cooling. Much of the 2020 Ford GT’s advancements are a result of Ford’s continuous technological innovation, especially GT’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.
“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”
Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovic titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a nine-pound weight saving over the previous system while featuring that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.
Ford GT Liquid Carbon
Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body completely free of paint color. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbon fiber weave in this limited-edition appearance option.
Jeep introduced the new special edition Wrangler and Gladiator premium High Altitude models during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show
“Our new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator High Altitude are in direct response to customers who continue to ask for even more luxurious materials, premium content and technology in two of the most capable vehicles that we’ve ever offered,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep brand – FCA North America. “We’ve taken the most capable SUV and midsize pickup on the planet and delivered a pair of truly unique vehicles, inside and out, so there’s clearly no compromise between luxury and capability.”
The exterior of each High Altitude edition model boasts a premium look starting with new 20-inch fully painted gloss black aluminum wheels and a full suite of exterior LED lights – daytime running lamps with LED accents, front LED fog lamps, LED reflector headlamps and LED taillamps.
Premium exterior enhancements continue with matching body-color treatments – hardtop, fender flares, exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, as well as the front and rear bumpers – that distinguish the High Altitude models. Running boards with an integrated step and a matte black Trail Rated badge round out the luxurious look of each High Altitude model.
Inside the cabin, High Altitude models feature a full leather luxury interior boasting a leather-wrapped dashboard, center console and door panels, and Nappa leather seats with quilting. Two interior color options Black and Steel Gray (late availability), as well as a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, are offered as well.
Mopar introduced a customized version of its new limited-edition 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20
Based on the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the Wrangler JPP 20 carries a range of quality-tested parts and accessories from the JPP portfolio.
In addition to high-strength, full-aluminum doors, JPP steel tube doors and a new mirror kit are standard equipment. Tube doors, along with a mesh sun bonnet that provides shade for all passengers, deliver an open-air feel unlike any other production SUV. Standard JPP rock rails are made of heavy-gauge steel and Durabull-coated (truck bedliner coating) to provide superior protection and durability.
The JPP steel front bumper and skid plate are designed to take on whatever the trail can throw at it. Wide enough to provide fender protection, but narrower than the stock version, the bumper is black powder-coated with D-rings for extra towing capability. Completely waterproof to ensure reliable operation during water fording and other adverse conditions, the JPP Rubicon Winch includes 100 feet of Warn Spydura synthetic rope.
New 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave model
The Jeep car brand is breaking new ground with the Gladiator Mojave, the first Jeep vehicle to carry the brand’s newly minted Desert Rated badge. Jeep Desert Rated vehicles represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance while traversing grueling desert and sand environments.
“4×4 capability has always been the foremost pillar of the Jeep brand and the new Gladiator Mojave is a natural extension of our legendary Trail Rated 4×4 capability leadership,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Jeep Gladiator is already the most capable midsize pickup on the planet and, with the addition of the new Mojave model, we are delivering our most passionate customers a new level of capability with the ability to master high-speed desert and sand terrains.”
Jeep Gladiator Mojave models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the second quarter of 2020.
Volkswagen of America unveiled the new 2021 Atlas during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show
“The 2021 Atlas takes all the good things about the vehicle and makes that even better: a spacious interior with room that can comfortably seat seven adults, expressive design, intuitive ergonomics and infotainment, vast array of available driver assist systems and a typical Volkswagen driving experience,” expressed Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing & strategy, Volkswagen.
Thanks to new front and rear bumper designs, the refreshed Atlas is nearly three inches longer. A bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence. The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance.
The Atlas will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen‘s4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0T and 4Motion pairing is new for 2020, as is the availability of the four-cylinder engine on top trimlines. V6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the Towing Package.
Dodge 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe
Dodge gave the Durango SRT a new look with two new custom appearance options from the factory – The Black and Redline Stripe packages – adding a more aggressive look to the three-row SUV.
Tim Kuniskis, global head of Alfa Romeo and head of passenger cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, stated “The numbers tell the story. As Dodge performance enthusiasts move through the Durango lineup to the fastest, most powerful and most capable American three-row SUV, they want their vehicle to stand out in a crowd.” Kuniskis added “Last year, 25 percent of Durango SXT buyers chose the Blacktop Package. That jumped to more than 60 percent on the Durango R/T. Now, this new SRT-exclusive Black package gives SRT buyers an even more exclusive look and they can order it when they order their vehicle at the dealership.”
The Dodge Durango SRT Black appearance package features Midnight Grey Metallic and Gloss Black exterior accents throughout the exterior. Also exclusively available on the Durango SRT is the new Redline stripe – a full-length Satin Black center stripe with Redline Red accent tracers on each edge.
The 2020 Dodge Durango SRT sports a 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), all while out-hauling every three-row full-size SUV on the road with a best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.
