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First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 117th edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

 
  • KiaKV7concept@2011Web331.jpg
    The Kia KV7 is unlike anything the Korean automaker has shown at the annual Chicago Auto Show. Designed by the brand's California studio, KV7 was an "activity van" with flexible seating and entertainment options. Rather than projecting this vehicle as a "sporty" van, the KV7 was going for a box-like look and feel. The front doors were traditional, but the rears buck minivan convention by being gullwing style (think DeLorean or Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG). Despite looking somewhat larger than a typical minivan, this concept was actually similar in size. KV7 employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an estimated 285 horsepower. It paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Officials claimed the van would get more than 30 mpg on the highway. The forward cabin employed a large display that incorporated audio, climate, and navigation functions, all controlled by a trackball mouse mounted on the dashboard. Rear passengers had their own "dashboard" in the form of a touchscreen tabletop that resembled a 1980's Pac-Man arcade machine. Built-in WiFi access allowed multiple passengers to connect individual smartphones and surf social-networking websites.