2011 Chicago Auto Show Visitor's Guide

With well over 1 million square feet of display space, the Chicago auto show is the largest event of its kind in the country. From trucks and SUVs to the smallest compact hatchbacks, there's a little bit of everything at McCormick Place.

The 2011 Chicago Auto Show featured several notable world debuts in addition to a wide array of the latest production cars. If you saw our coverage of the 2010 L.A. Auto Show and 2011 Detroit Auto Show, you might recognize some of the cars as many of the same debuts that will show in Chicago, too.

Even if you're not interested in the latest new cars and trucks, there's still plenty to do at McCormick Place. There are four different indoor test tracks to get you behind the wheel, in addition to a rock climbing wall at Dodge and a NASCAR display at Toyota. You can enter to win a free garage makeover or even a free iPad at the Hyundai booth.

If you're there just to see the cars, here's our list of can't-miss vehicles that will be on the show floor from February 11-20:

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: It may be small, but this BMW coupe packs a 335-horsepower inline six-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission. This limited-edition coupe also gets wider bodywork, a lower stance and 19-inch wheels.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: This is one of the most powerful and sophisticated Camaros ever built. It features a 550-hp supercharged V8, six-speed transmission and a fully adjustable suspension.

2011 Dodge Charger SRT8: The meanest-looking sedan on the road just got a little angrier. There's now a 465-hp Hemi V8 under the hood of this big sedan, while new bodywork adds an even more menacing look. This car will scare kids and adults alike, which is exactly the way Dodge wants it.

Ford Vertrek Concept: Don't be fooled by the funny name. This is nothing but a thinly veiled version of the next Ford Escape. You'll notice that it looks less like an SUV and more like a tall wagon. That's on purpose, as that's where the market is headed these days. Take a look and see if it's the kind of Escape you would prefer.

2012 Fiat 500: This is the Italian minicar that is hoping to make Americans appreciate small cars again. It will start around $15,000 and offer a wide array of personalization options. If a Mini seems too big these days, you'll want to check out this new Fiat.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec: If you haven't checked out this midsize luxury sedan yet, the Chicago show would be a good time to do it. Hyundai rolled out an all-new R-Spec model that offers a 5.0-liter V8 with 429 hp and an eight-speed transmission. Should be fast, and much cheaper than its European rivals.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: This all-new entry-level hatchback combines unique styling with surprising efficiency. Hyundai says it expects the Veloster to get up to 40 mpg when it goes on sale this summer. Not bad for a 140-hp coupe that will start at less than $18,000.

2012 Nissan GT-R: This Japanese supercar received some major upgrades for 2012. It now boasts 530 hp, even bigger brakes and a 0-60-mph time of just 3 seconds. If you want to see what a foolproof supercar looks like, take a good look at the latest GT-R.

2012 Porsche Cayman R: This is the Cayman for hard-core enthusiasts who don't need all that sissy stuff like a radio, door handles or air-conditioning. Don't worry: There's a 330-hp flat-6 to keep you occupied when you're not sweating at a stoplight in the summer.

2012 Volkswagen Passat: Maybe you saw this car in an ad during the Super Bowl? Or maybe you didn't notice it with all the Star Wars stuff in the way. Here's your chance to take a closer look at the sedan Volkswagen hopes will attract American buyers with its affordable price and spacious interior.

General Information
Chicago weather is far from friendly in midwinter, but fortunately McCormick Place is surprisingly self-contained, with hotel and restaurant facilities as well as the halls for the auto show. When we're at the show, we try to stay right there and not risk frostbite.

Take advantage of the Chicago auto show's excellent Web site, which provides all the details you need to arrange a visit, from the $11 ticket price for adults to the long list of special events, autograph signings and radio broadcasts scheduled to take place on the floor of the show. If you want to see what's going on without ever leaving your house, check out the wide array of Webcams positioned through McCormick Place.

What with the winter weather, the Web site is invaluable for its description of parking and shuttle bus routes. If you hate to venture outdoors, you can park right in the Hyatt garage, or if you're brave enough to face the weather, the far end of the Soldier Field South lot is adjacent to a shuttle bus stop.