Preview of 2023 Chicago Auto Show
Every year, there are many, many chances for automakers to show off their lineup. Whether this is by winning an award, a competition, or just showing up at an auto show, consumers get a chance to see many new vehicles up close and get behind the driver’s seat without the pressure of buying a new vehicle before leaving the lot. There have already been two notable auto shows taking center stage, such as the 2023 International CES and the 2023 Northeast International Auto Show. Next on the list is the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, and if it’s anything like last year, we’ll get to take on the Camp Jeep challenge and watch a Jeep 4×4 SUV climb a 28-foot tall, man-made mountain from the front-passenger seat.
Yes, we had one of our own writers on the ground at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show to get plenty of photos and videos of the exhibits and consumer experiences available. This year, we’re doing the same to get all the up close juicy details about what automakers are debuting this year. With Stellantis promoting Jeep and Ram during Super Bowl 57 (LVII) on February 12, 2023, it only seems natural that these two automakers will be taking up some space again this year. Heck, Camp Jeep added 4,000 more square-feet to its exhibit last year, now clocking in at 28,000 square feet. Last year, the automaker also added some extra height (t0-feet) to its already large mountain, now 28-feet tall (or 8.35 meters for our European friends).
The Camp Jeep exhibit shows all a Jeep SUV can do, driving along different parts of the track designed with 45-degree approach / departure angles, a 5-foot ground-clearance stair climb, a break-over obstacle, an off-camber stability side slope, a 30-degree banked articulation wedge, maneuverability moguls, and of course, the mountain. It’s amazing the amount of control a Jeep SUV offers, especially when it feels like going up a small roller coaster. The grip is outstanding, earning that “Trail Rated” badge, and demonstrating some real suspension travel capabilities. Rides are free, last about 5 minutes (longer than your average roller coaster), and the 3 millionth ride is expected to take place during this year’s Chicago Auto Show.
Jeep vehicles that will be on display during the auto show are the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 392, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L Summit. The Wagoneer will also make an appearance to showcase the new 2023 Wagoneer L Carbide and Grand Wagoneer Obsidian models.
Last year, we also got to experience the Ram Territory Test Track. Returning for the 10th year, and celebrating more than 230,000 test rides, consumers can also jump into the front-passenger seat and find out what Ram trucks are capable of. The track shows off the towing, payload, torque and technology of Ram pickup trucks, plus its off-road capabilities, like traction, articulation, and suspension. To test it all, the track comes with the iconic Ram Mountain, a 13-foot high, 30-foot long course, complete with built-in 30-degree approach and departure angles. Tech like the 360-degree camera technology, class-exclusive four-corner air ride suspension, multifunction tailgate, 12.1” touchscreen will be right at our fingertips.
Ram Truck vehicles on display include the Ram 1500 Limited, Ram 1500 Rebel, Ram 2500 Limited, Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Ram 3500 Limited Night Edition.
We’ll know more after going to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show this weekend. For those that can’t go, there will be a virtual auto show by Stellantis, as per the course for the group in recent years. Or, just follow along with us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.