2006 Chicago Auto Show Photo Gallery: Day One

At an event dedicated to the glory of burning it, and in the shadow of Toyota's new, full-size truck, Toyota Motor Sales USA president Jim Press kicked off the 2006 Chicago Auto Show by talking about reducing the one thing all vehicles can't live without: oil, and what to do about the earth’s shrinking oil reserves.

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

Chevrolet unveiled the redesigned 2007 Avalanche at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Due to arrive on dealers’ lots this spring, the Avalanche is powered by an ethanol-compatible 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management displacement-on-demand.

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

Two features found on the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche are optional side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats and a new tailgate that’s easier to operate and is controlled with the truck’s central locking system.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT 4

Dodge Caliber, the hatchy Neon replacement now comes with a turbocharged powertrain that can make 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, which is so much more than the regular version that it’s really, truly, unfair to count. The rest of the numbers echo what you’re thinking: 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, 86 horsepower more than the outgoing SRT 4, 260 lb. ft. of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm.

2007 Dodge Caliber SRT 4

Design changes to the Caliber mainly center on revising the front and rear fascias; front to deliver the necessary air flow and cooling, and rear in order to bring the Caliber into the SRT design family. Interior enhancements include sport seats, SRT monograms, carbon fiber and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Caliber SRT colors include black, orange, silver and red.

2007 Dodge Nitro

There are more edges on the 2007 Dodge Nitro than on an 8-sided table. And probably more ways to use the Nitro, too, if only because seating for around a table like that may be uncomfortable. Introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the Nitro promises to make things interesting -- dare we say, edgy -- in the mid-sized SUV market, and will battle the re-sized Toyota RAV 4, among other contenders in the space.

2007 Dodge Nitro

Innovations inside the 2007 Dodge Nitro includes “Load n’ Go, which is essentially a sliding floor in the cargo area, that slides out to just beyond the rear bumper, a nice function for adding groceries and other items.

2007 Dodge Nitro

Three 2007 Dodge Nitro models will be available: the Nitro, Dodge Nitro SLT, and the Dodge Nitro R/T. Nitro and SLT buyers get a 3.7-liter, V6 engine that delivers 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb. ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Nitro R/T buyers will get the added grunt and displacement of a 4.0-liter, 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, and 275 lb. ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Dodge Rampage Concept

Take a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, put it in a truck shell built on the minivan line, with front-wheel drive and an independent suspension, add in a ton of innovation and there you go – the Dodge Rampage Concept, which debuted at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

Dodge Rampage Concept

The Dodge Rampage Concept has stow ‘n go seating, sliding rear doors, seating for five and a five-foot cargo box, a power glass midgate and an enclosed area under the bed. And, by the way, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan Concept

The 2006 Chicago Auto Show was home to the unveiling of the 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan, though technically the car displayed was termed a concept. Due to arrive at your dealer this fall, this four-door, 197-horsepower ride represents the first time an Si badge has been affixed to a sedan.