WATCH: ABC7 Chicago presents the 2016 Chicago Auto Show

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7 helped make a car lover's dream come true with a tour of the spectacular 2016 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.

ABC 7 PRESENTS THE 2016 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, hosted by Mark Giangreco and Jim Rose, is a live, hour-long special previewing all the bells and whistles that come with some of the finest driving machines the industry has to offer. ABC 7's Jerry Taft, Cheryl Scott, Roz Varon, Val Warner, Ryan Chiaverini, Ji Suk Yi and Ravi Baichwal also contributed. An encore broadcast of the live special will air on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 12:05 a.m.

During the special, Giangreco and Rose revealed some of the hottest cars with the biggest "wow" factors featuring everything from the debut of the Kia Niro, guaranteed to shake up the popular hybrid market, to the cool concept cars that offer a peek into the future. Mark Giangreco 'gets behind the wheel' to show off some of the news cars getting the buzz from the annual Concept Drive event.

Auto Show Chairman Colin Wickstrom challenged Mark Giangreco and Jerry Taft in a "Know Your Concept Car" contest to see if they could distinguish between the spectacular concept cars of the future and the fantastic cars anyone can buy today.

The auto show also allows you to really experience the vehicles on three indoor tracks. The perennial fan favorite Jeep Test Track, new and improved this year, was spotlighted. In a special segment showing how Chicago car dealers are improving the test drive experience, Jim Rose tagged along for an adrenaline-filled day at the Autobahn Country Club, then took a whirl at the half-mile test track in Naperville, where perspective buyers put a vehicle through the paces in a safe place.

What's hot in auto technology? From safety features to connectivity to luxurious options, Ji Suk Yi talked tech and showcased some of the latest automotive technology on display. And she went on the open road to check out Volvo's XC 90, an SUV that can practically drives itself. Ji doesn't hide her reaction to the mind-blowing experience of the Volvo parking on its own, no problem!

Chicago car dealers have been outstanding community partners, lending support to local schools, Little League teams and local charities. And for Randy Wolf of the Dan Wolf Automotive Group, the inspiration to do more for families affected by autism, is a personal one. Randy and Kim Wolf's son, Jack, struggled with autism and needed special schooling. This year's special takes a look at the Wolf's Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, which helps fund day schools and college programs for autistic kids.

The 2016 Chicago Auto Show returned for the second year to ABC 7 through a partnership with the Chicago Auto Trade Association and ABC 7 Chicago - pairing the most watched television station in Chicago with the largest auto show in North America - and has been held more times than any other auto exposition in the world. 2016 will mark the 108th edition of the show.

According to ABC 7 President and General Manger John Idler, "As the most watched station in Chicago, it's important for ABC 7 to forge strategic partnerships with organizations that share our values. That's why it's such a privilege to be the official partner of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association - to be aligned with a group of local business owners, who like us, understands that giving back to the community is not only rewarding, but is the foundation of our success. We look forward to continuing this tremendous partnership in 2016 by bringing the largest auto show in the nation to Chicago area viewers during ABC 7's live, hour-long Auto Show special."

"We're thrilled to continue our partnership with ABC 7 Chicago for a television special from the nation's largest auto show," said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Colin Wickstrom. "This year's live broadcast is sure to delight people of all ages as at-home viewers will get a glimpse of never-before-seen vehicles, interactive family attractions and brand new automotive technologies, all within 1 million square feet and under one roof."

Watch the show segments on-demand below.

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