Chicago Auto Show 2016: Production European Cars

February 12, 2016

McCormick Place

Chicago, IL

For the second part of my 2016 Chicago Auto Show coverage, let us start with the production cars from Europe. There was a very good showing from the Euro brands, with the big companies from Germany leading the pack. Mercedes Benz had a very nice design for their booth. It easily complemented the elegance of their cars. Proceed with the rest of the photos and drool. Enjoy, regardless!

Mercedes Benz AMG G65

Old and classic designs that stand the test of time are always a plus on our book. A prime example of which is the G-Class SUV by Mercedes Benz. Also, not only has the basic design remained, but its heritage is rich. The "G Model" or the G-Wagen was born out of the need for a pure utilitarian vehicle. A sub-model was produced to serve the military, and interestingly, one was specially made for the pope - dubbed as the "Papa G." Nowadays, these vehicles frequent strip malls and grocery stores in posh neighborhoods. 

Mercedes Benz AMG C63s

The new design language for the C-class is both fluid and brute, which when translated into the coupe iteration of the class means that it will surely look nothing short of amazing. The interior is also both sporty and comfortable. Shown here, the car is adorned with a matte silver paint and yellow accents in both its exterior and interior. Can we please have a manual shifter for this model?

Mercedes Benz AMG GLS63

This would be the perfect mom-mobile.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT S Coupe

Nothing more can be said about this car because almost every superlative has already been used. I just want one.

Mercedes-Maybach S600

Moving on over to the next big German automaker, we have BMW with their M showcase.

BMW M4 GTS

This thing looks like a beast, and it has the numbers to back it up. Paint and accents are beautiful, but the wheel choice is not my taste. I envision this car to be at home at the track, so a sportier wheel and tire combination would have looked even better.

BMW M2

The true successor to the cult-classic E30 M3. A perfect package of size and power brought about by the overall smaller size and the venerated turbo 3.0 straight 6. The car will definitely be a more agile and lighter alternative for some fun around the track or in the twisties. Since it is a more affordable option to get into the M experience, maybe these would outnumber the current M4's on the streets. One thing that irks me though is the vertical light/reflector on the rear bumper. Almost every car manufacturer has added that hideous look to their cars.

Audi R8

Only the front end shown here. I should have taken more photos, but people were all over the car. There was a queue just to sit in the driver's seat. 

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

I have always lusted for the Audi allroad, but it is not affordable at all. So, this VW alternative is a very good addition to the same segment. I know, it's not as good-looking as the allroad, but some slight modifications should do the trick.

Volkswagen Golf R

This is a hot hatch indeed. Enough said.

Volkswagen Beetle R-Line

Leading the pack of R-lines is this Beetle. Beetle and turbo in one sentence sounds awesome!

Volkswagen Beetle Dune

If the R-Line Beetle isn't wild enough for you, then there will be this Beetle Dune. This special line of Beetles will come with the same engine as the R-Line's but sadly there won't be a four-wheel drive option, which would have made this car perfect for the beach or desert.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

This Alfa is one of the most anticipated car for the past few years. It looks extremely well-proportioned and the spec sheet looks promising.

Fiat 124 Spider

Aptly dubbed as the "Fiata," this car combines Japanese engineering with Italian styling. It is basically a Miata that has eaten a lot of pasta. The car's design isn't for everybody. But from seeing photos online to actually seeing it in person, the little Fiat flair on the Miata is slowly growing on me. In the end, if I were to choose one I would most certainly pick the Miata.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Jaguar XJL Portfolio

Maserati

Volvo S90