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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.

 
  • MazdaNextourer@2000Web22.jpg
    Appearing at the 2000 show was the Mazda Nextourer concept that predicted the "next-generation touring sedan," featuring style, luxury appointments and high-tech features, combined with the versatility and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle. Power was supplied by a 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT), mated to a Toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Toroidal CVT delivered 20 percent better fuel economy compared with a conventional automatic transmission. Similar to the paddle shifters used on Formula One racecars), the Nextourer wing shift selectors allowed the driver to make quick fingertip shifts without removing his or her hands from the steering wheel. An Active Height Control system owered the vehicle when stopped for ease of entry and exit, raised nearly 4-inches at low speeds, then lowered it by 2-inches at highway speeds for improved handling and fuel economy.