Chicago Auto Show to feature 'super cars,' new user technology

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some of the hottest new rides in the world are rolling into the city as automakers are setting up shop at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Track ABC7's ongoing Auto Show coverage here

"Fifty-five percent of the people coming to the show are gonna be in the market, so they are shopping and that's why all of this space makes a difference," said David Sloan, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show.

And the space, about 1 million square feet of McCormick Place, is filling up fast. Sloan took ABC7 on a behind-the -scenes tour for a sneak peak.

"This is the year of the super car, the Ford GT, the Acura NSX, the Porshe 918 Spyder, the Toyota FT1, we've got some unbelievable super cars," Sloan said.

Other super cars include models by Ford, Toyota, Acura, Bugati, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and a Lamborghini never seen in Chicago before.

But there is something for everyone, including kids.

"Ford has got a great display for the young kids to test drive some Ford F150s, this is gonna be real popular," Sloan said.

Gone are the days of just having beautiful cars on display. Things have become more user-friendly.

"Just like here in Toyota, it's all about getting people used to all the new technology on the car, it really is a learning experience," Sloan said.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected at the nine-day show.

Some have a chance to view the floor early, for the First Look for Charity on Friday, benefitting 18 charities.

Tuesday, though, it's all about putting it all together, piece by piece. And it starts from above.

"There are probably 5 or 6 miles of truss above the show floor and 6,000 different instruments lighting the show, so people always think there is some kind of special wax on auto show vehicles? Six thousand lights have a lot to do with it," Sloan said.

The 2015 Chicago Auto Show officially opens to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday. For more information, visit ABC7's Auto Show section.

ABC7 is a media sponsor.