The 112th Chicago Auto Show opened to the public
on February 8th. The nation’s largest
and best-attended auto show is held annually at McCormick Place and offers
close to 1,000 cars. In addition to the
display cars, there are four indoor test tracks, three outdoor ride and drive
opportunities and several interactive displays.
 |
| 2021 Mustang Mach E |
Ford’s entry into the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment is the
2021 Mustang Mach E. An interesting
approach to cross-over the Mustang name (associated with horsepower and
racing) to an EV. According to Jason
Mase, Mustang Mach E Marketing Manager this vehicle will appeal to ‘younger
tech-savvy folks’ between the ages of 35-49 from dual-income homes. Ironically when the Mustang was introduced in
1964, it too was appealing to ‘younger’ folks.
 |
| Mach E dash with a large display screen |
With varying option packages, the Mach E will be available
in AWD and a GT version capable of 0-60 under 4 seconds. With a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5,000lbs,
it is amazing how fast this vehicle will move off the line. On a single charge, the range is 250 to 300 miles (depending on battery package) and prices start
at $45,900. Worldwide production numbers
are estimated at 50,000 units and it will be interesting to see how quickly
these sell. Ford is eliminating passenger
cars (except for the Mustang) from their product offering to focus on higher
profit generating SUVs and trucks. An interesting approach that has yet to
convince Wall Street.
 |
| 2020 Corvette Stingray, Motor Trend Car of the Year |
Even with the emphasis on EVs, the best car at the show is
the new mid-engine 2020 Corvette. This groundbreaking Corvette is very
impressive on all fronts. The all-new
6.2L dry-sump V8 produces 495HP and is married to a new 8-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission. When equipped
with the Z51 Performance Package, the power train pushes this 3,366lbs rocket
from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. The interior
is well designed using quality accents (which was an issue in past models).
There is trunk space for a golf bag as well as a front ‘trunk’ allowing for a
weekend bag. This Corvette is the Motor
Trend Car of the Year as well as the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Car of the Year. With the base model starting at $60,000,
there is no better performance car in the market for the money.
 |
| Corvette interior offers a cockpit feel with 3 seat styles |
Interestingly some manufactures spoke of the EV
‘experience.’ It was interesting to see a reader board at the Ford Mach E
display indicating 2,100 dealers will be certified to work on the EV system
with 9,500 trained EV technicians already in the marketplace. They went further to identify 22 parts depot
locations will be capable of delivering 95% of EV parts ‘next day.’ As a former Ford Division Field Manager, nothing
instills buyer’s remorse faster than telling a customer their brand new car is
‘down’ due to a parts delay or undetectable technical issue. With
the average car loan lasting over 5 years and monthly payments averaging $554,
exceeding owner expectations is becoming increasingly difficult.
This year’s auto show seemed to offer more variety than
years past. Although some major
manufacturers did not display cars (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo), the new model
offerings more than filled the gap. Almost
every manufacturer was highlighting their EV as well as their pickup
trucks/SUVs. The next 3-5 years will
determine if the gamble on EV based platforms will pay off.
Enjoy the show!
About the Author:
Chris Mulvihill founded Classiccaradvisors.com in 2007. His passion for cars began as a young boy walking the service area of his grandfather’s Oldsmobile dealership. After graduating from Indiana University, his automobile knowledge expanded to the factory side as a Ford Motor Company Field Manager based in Los Angeles. During his time on the West Coast, he began attending vintage car events where he established deep-rooted friendships in the classic car industry. His interests are in the history of cars, restoration, and maximizing driving enjoyment.
Chris Mulvihill founded Classiccaradvisors.com in 2007. His passion for cars began as a young boy walking the service area of his grandfather’s Oldsmobile dealership. After graduating from Indiana University, his automobile knowledge expanded to the factory side as a Ford Motor Company Field Manager based in Los Angeles. During his time on the West Coast, he began attending vintage car events where he established deep-rooted friendships in the classic car industry. His interests are in the history of cars, restoration, and maximizing driving enjoyment.
_websize.jpg)
