2008 Chicago Auto Show: Best in Show

There’s absolutely no question that the Chicago Auto Show’s press days were overpowered by one car and one car alone — the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder aptly summed up why it won the nod as best in show: “Among all the downsizing and fuel-efficiency news of the day — necessary as it may be — it's nice to have something at the show to get the blood boiling.”

Amen. If you’ve already hit the Chicago Auto Show, let us know what impressed you most.

Related
Video: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
2008 Chicago Auto Show: Winners and Losers
Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Muscle Cars

Comments

[Civisi]

It seems that most people really liked the metallic black Challenger. While it was certainly eye candy, I thought the silver one looked better.

As for cars that caught my eye:

The Hyundai Genesis was much nicer than I thought it would be. Also, the orange Genesis Coupe Concept was also a very sharp-looking vehicle.

I was very disappointed in the Chrysler displays. I've been to the Chicago Auto Show 7 out of the last 8 years (the last five consecutively), and I think the Dodge Test Track is getting old. Besides, the amount of space that the Dodge Test Drive uses could be used to expand some of the other displays considerably.

I enjoyed the concepts that were there, but none of them had that "I-can't-wait-to-see-it" feeling. I can remember eagerly looking forward to the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro concepts in years past. This year, I wanted to see the Challenger production car, but I wasn't as excited as last time. The concepts that I enjoyed were the Explorer, Saab Aero X, the Lincoln MK T, the GMC Denali XT, the Jeep Renegade (oooh, that looks like fun!), the Hummer HX, and last but not least, the International DMAXX.

It was a great show with lots of great cars. Loved it!

[Warren]

While the Challenger was the only car that really caught my interest, I just don't get why Chrysler would not produce it with a much lower price tag so they can push it out to the masses. Chrysler needs a sales hit and this could potentially be it if it was priced attractively.
I often wonder who has the worst management, GM, Ford, or Chrysler? I think it's still a toss-up.

[matt]

I have to say that my best was the GTR, i have a huge blood lust for that car!