2001 Chicago Auto Show

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McCormick Plaza South measures 840,000 square feet. That's enough space to house 18 football fields or 24 Boeing 747s or more than 1,000 cars and trucks. No wonder this is where Chicago holds its annual auto show extravaganza each February.

The Chicago show is traditionally a trucker's delight, previewing upcoming pickups and sport-utes from domestic and import manufacturers. This year won't disappoint truck fans, since Dodge plans to unveil the completely redesigned 2002 Ram Pickup in the Windy City and Pontiac will show the REV concept, a crossover wagon/SUV/sports car thingy that insiders claim gives a sneak peek at the next Grand Am. Nissan is also set to display a slightly revised 2002 Xterra.

But trucks aren't the only debuts on tap in Chi-town. Years ago, Mazda decided this was the perfect venue at which to introduce special Miatas, and this year, fans of the original 1991 British Racing Green edition will want to pay close attention. Also reported to be appearing in Chicago are the 170-horsepower Ford SVT Focus hatchback, the 2002 Mercury Marauder (think '94-'96 Impala SS, FoMoCo-style), and a Mitsubishi Galant concept that provides a glimpse at changes to next year's model.

We'll have all this plus video coverage and more as we report from the show February 7th and 8th. Stick around for the latest and greatest product news the Net has to offer.