Chicago Autoshow 2007 - Alpina is here.

I visited the chicago auto show last saturday. The chicago auto show is the largest autoshow in the nation in terms of attendance. Over the past years I've always visited the NAIAS which is held at detroit. Detroit, however outranks Chicago in terms of total number of cars, introductions and media impact besides being the home of the big 3(Chrysler, GM and Ford).

The main differece I noticed between the two was that at the chicago auto show car makers such as Chrysler, GM and Lexus had their staff drive cars indoor showing off their power, performance and features. Guests, however, can only be passengers on the ride. There are tons of videos on you tube from visitors such as this one (Jeep test drive). Also check out this video(2007 Chicago auto show preview).

Interesting debuts include 2007 ES 350, pontiac G8, and the most awaited BMW's ALPINA B7 (supercharged V8, 500 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.8sec, top speed 186 mph, base price: $115K).

The BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan. ALPINA was established in 1964 as an official and approved ìennoblerî of BMW automobiles. Their tradition is to take production BMWs and make them even more appealing to connoisseurs of automotive finery. The Alpina B7 has been on sale in Europe since 2004.

If you live in chicago, don't miss the chicago auto show at McCormick Place which ends Feb 18, 2007.