2003 Chicago Auto Show

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Even without the feverish intensity of Detroit's post-holiday automotive binge, the more relaxed Chicago Auto Show has its share of monumental introductions and last-second surprises. You can always count on a handful of trucks and SUVs to make their first appearances at McCormick Place South. So if you're among the swarm of light truck intenders studying up for your next purchase, don't skip over our Chicago coverage.

Last year's show saw the release of Dodge's heavy-duty Rams, and this year we'll see the production version of the 500-horsepower Ram SRT-10. First shown as a concept at the 2002 Detroit show, this pickup is just what it sounds like — a half-ton Ram with the Viper's V10 rumbling under its hood.

And for those who always liked the idea of Toyota's urban-friendly, almost full-size Tundra pickup but didn't like its cramped cab, the company will introduce the Tundra Double Cab — an authentic crew cab equipped with traditional rear doors rather than the small reverse-opening rear doors on the Access Cabs. If you're into small SUVs, you'll want to check Subaru's turbocharged Forester, which is easily the sportiest mini-ute to hit the streets thus far.

Among the other nontruck introductions are a 20th anniversary Volkswagen GTI, which should be a lot like 2002's limited-run 337 Edition (meaning the 1.8T engine, big wheels and brakes, a firmer suspension and real Recaro seats), and a sport package for BMW's 745i and 745Li complete with wide 19-inch rubber and a sport-tuned suspension. More interesting is the introduction of the 160-horsepower Mitusbishi Lancer Ralliart, an econosport sedan that will attempt to bridge the gap between the basic Lancer and the 271-hp Lancer Evolution.

Additionally, dedicated bow-tie fans will find freshened SS versions of Chevrolet's Impala and Monte Carlo. Yes, they're still front-wheel drive, and power will come from the supercharged 3.8-liter V6 found in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, rather than a thundering V8. Maybe the tightened suspensions and larger wheels and tires will help. Us? We'll wait for Pontiac's GTO.

Meanwhile, Ford has the third generation of its Windstar minivan ready for the scrutiny of family buyers, but this time around it will be called the Freestar. There will also be an equivalently sized Mercury companion for it called the Monterey (rather than the scaled-down Villager). Expect both vans to uphold the Odyssey standard of providing a fold-flat third-row seat, along with plenty of other family-friendly features like head curtain airbags. And with an available large-displacement 4.2-liter V6 (with a class-leading 265 pound-feet of torque), lugging along a trailer on family vacations should be no problem.