2020 Auto Shows: Detroit Bumped to June, Chicago, Philly Set the Stage this Winter

It was viewed as a refreshing change to some, a calculated risk by others, and an act of desperation by the rest. When the announcement came last year that Detroit’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was changing its date for 2020, it certainly raised some eyebrows. Largely because, it wasn’t moving a few days, weeks, or even months—it was moving two whole seasons toward the back of the calendar. If it were last year at this time, we would be knee-deep in live coverage, but for 2020, Detroit has relinquished its long-standing “First Show of the Season” moniker and moved to June.

But why?

Simple, it’s struggling.

Look at the number of new vehicle unveilings from the 2019 Show and compare that to 2018—down 57%. And whether it’s cause or effect, attendance has been down each year, both from ticket buyers and journalists, since drumming up a record turnout in 2016. But for 2019 the real kick to the groin came from the other side of the attendance velvet rope—Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, and Jaguar/Land Rover had all bowed out of the NAIAS line card.

Sensing a seismic shift in the show landscape, Detroit opted to change things for 2020. Moving the festivities to summer meant it no longer had to compete with CES, thus freeing up automaker availability and capital to attend both shows. The much warmer Detroit summers also allow for outdoor demos and showcases, not completely unlike the setup at the Las Vegas SEMA Show. It makes sense on paper, but this move feels like drastic action from a group desperate to reclaim former relevancy on the world’s automotive stage.

So that’s the deal with Detroit, but what’s up with Chicago and Philadelphia’s Auto Shows?

*Sniff, Sniff*

Smell that? It smells like opportunity.

I liken it to Wal-Mart deciding to open up at noon on Black Friday while Best Buy and Target stick with a 10pm Thanksgiving debut. There are certainly great things to see at all three, but those who unlock their doors first will undoubtedly reap rewards. And who wants to wait all that time to get their hands on the best new toys of the season?

Terrible holiday shopping analogy aside, let’s see what’s expected at both shows.

2020 Chicago Auto Show

February 8-17, 2020 @ McCormick Place, Chicago

Boasted as the nation’s largest Auto Show, Chicago’s event has a rich history in automobile concept and production showcasing. With 111 editions in the books, The Chicago Auto Show has been held more times than any other auto expo in North America. From the Cadillac Debutante in 1950, to Toyota’s FT-4X just a few years ago, Chicago has a knack for giving us cars that excite, confuse, tease, and thrill.

Let’s go over what we know will be at this year’s show.

2021 VW Atlas

Three years ago, the three-row Atlas waltzed its handsome face into the crowded full-size SUV dance, but already it’s going under the knife for a facelift. Gotta stay fresh with stiff competition from its rather stately looking Korean contemporaries. New tech comes from a bevy of driver and pedestrian safety features, new driver-assist packages, wireless charging, and a retooled 8” touchscreen.

Can you believe that SUVs account for over 50% of Volkswagen sales in the US? With this new Atlas refresh, as well as an electric crossover in the works, VW looks to bolster that position in the marketplace. But can we please make that gorgeous golden-yellow color from the renderings a US reality?

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Speaking of full-sized SUVs, Cadillac’s legendary flagship behemoth is expected to make an appearance in Chicago. While it’s being teased to “debut” during 2020 Oscars week in LA, its formal unveiling should take place a week later in the Windy City.

Always known to make a bold statement, the polished and proper Caddy is said to feature a MASSIVE 38” LG-developed curved OLED screen spanning a good chunk of the dash. Reports have it encompassing the instrument panel as well the infotainment system, plus possessing a pixel density TWICE that of a 4K TV. It’ll surely have a full complement of other standard Cadillac luxuries and may be offered with the Blackwing twin-turbo V8 and possibly an electric variant as well.

But the real question remains: can I watch my favorite Mighty Car Mods videos on that gigantic screen while I’m stuck in rush-hour traffic?

A Mystery Toyota?

Rumor has it that Toyota has something special in-store for the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. Chicago is typically thought of as a bit more truck and van heavy—and Toyota seemed to indicate that thinking was on the right path when teasing their latest secret.

Could it be a new off-roader? The fruition of the FT-4X? A completely new smaller SUV? A new Sienna? A new TRD-Pro model? An all new trim-line we haven’t seen before? A more powerful Supra? Maybe a reanimation of the Tercel?

Okay, so it’s probably not a Tercel, but they certainly gave us quite a bit to chew on at the 2019 Chicago Show, so let’s keep it going this year?

There will certainly be other debut surprises in Chicago—some big and some small, but this year’s class has been kept under wraps pretty well thus far. Most automakers are fond of playing these debuts close to the chest and not showing their hand. (It generates a nice booth buzz.)

Last year was quite a doozie, with 20+ reveals including the Heritage Land Cruiser, and 30th Anniversary Miata. In a few weeks we’ll have answers, but taking in all the speculation, reading cryptic press releases, and sifting through spied photos of heavily-wrapped vehicles really piques the excitement.

First Look for Charity

If you’re seeking a side of altruism with your automobiles, you can’t go wrong with First Look for Charity.

One of Chicago’s most successful one-day fundraisers, First Look lets philanthropists, socialites, and car-buffs alike browse the floor before it opens to the public. Your $275 tax-deductible ticket gets you early access the night before, plus a full complement of beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts provided by a who’s who of the Chicago culinary scene. And if that isn’t enough, your ticket purchase also gives you a shot at winning a 2020 Ford Explorer.

Other events include Ride & Drive offerings from Ford, Subaru, and Honda, a craft beer night, family day, and an appearance from Chicago sports legend, a man who has better lane assist technology than any vehicle on the floor—Scottie Pippen.

2020 Philadelphia Auto Show

February 8-17, 2020 @ Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia 

Spanning the same days as Chicago, The Philadelphia Auto Show also helps kick off the 2020 show season. The City of Brotherly Love boasts an expo with equally as much heritage, first opening its doors in 1902, one year after the Chicago show. And despite sliding attendance numbers elsewhere, Philly’s Show has held its own, funneling a quarter-million patrons each of the last four years.

Philadelphia will certainly have its fair share of debuts. But, overall, many view the show as a bit more average-consumer friendly. While LA, New York, and Chicago are known for bringing loads of jaw-dropping concepts and first looks of cars years away from production, Philly seems to bring a different crowd—those actually looking do some preliminary shopping.

But whether you’re there to get wowed or wooed, you can still expect a slew of fresh faces.

2020 SSC Tuatara

Okay, remember I told you a few sentences ago, Philly was a bit more of a down-to-earth people’s show? Forget I said that and feast your eyes on this: The SSC Tuatara.

Concepted way back in 2011, the Tuatara is the work of American hypercar manufacturer Shelby Super Cars (SSC), and the first customer delivery is ready. While the cost is unknown, estimates put it at upwards of $2 million…or 85 Honda Accords.

That price gets you a 5.9L twin-turbo V8 producing a ridiculous 1,750 ponies and a top speed rumored to be north of 300 mph. That’s entering top speed GOAT territory. Where else are you going to be able to stand next to a car that expensive and that fast?

2020 Genesis G90

Remember back in 2008 when Hyundai introduced the first Genesis stateside? While stout German lovers may have initially dismissed it, the rest of us were forced to rethink our notions of “luxury.”

All this car for the price of a decently-equipped Camry?

Since then, it’s gained a little more US traction, spun off into its own separate brand, and made a few more Deutschland diehards sit up and take notice. The 2020 iteration of its top-dog G90 sedan has us drooling, and it’ll be in Philly. It’s a true S-Class/7-Series fighter for tens-of thousands less that should be given a second look.

22-way adjustable seats? Triple-sealed doors? Sound dampening…wheels? This ain’t your dad’s Hyund…ahem…Genesis.

2020 Porsche Taycan

While it’s not the first electric Porsche, the all new Taycan presents itself as the first real competitor to the ever-popular Tesla Model S. Clothed in unmistakable Porsche garb, the Taycan hits dealer lots with 3 trim-levels and a $100K base price. That’s still $25K more than a comparable Model S, but it’s approaching the ballpark and should entice a bit of cross-shopping.

The Taycan 4S is the “entry level” model featuring a more than respectable 3.8 0-60 time. The Turbo variant shaves an additional 8/10ths of a second, while the Turbo-S reaches 60 in an ungodly 2.6 seconds.

If there is one knock on the Taycan, it’s the battery range. The base 4S comes in with a 207-253 mile average range, while its Performance Battery Plus model as well as the Turbo and Turbo-S bump those numbers up 30 miles. Regardless, this is certainly one vehicle you’ll want to see in person at Philly.

Black Tie Tailgate

Not to be outdone by Chicago’s First Look For Charity, Philadelphia is also giving special early access to its show in the form of the Black Tie Tailgate. Proceeds from the $275 ticket benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In addition to early access, you’ll enjoy a top-shelf open bar and unique delicacies from Termini Brothers Bakery.

Attendees can also expect a slew of other noteworthy events in Philadelphia. For the veteran or aspiring off-roader, Camp Jeep gives you the chance to test your skills on a 30,000 sq. ft. indoor trail. Test Drive your dream ‘Yota or VW on the Ride and Drive street course in downtown Philly. Plus, meet local favorites like World B. Free, Bob Kelly, the Philadelphia Union Mascot, and the Eagles Cheerleaders.

Whether you’re a gearhead, tech nerd, curious local, or overall fan of spectacle and pageantry, do yourself a favor and get to one of these shows. Tickets are relatively cheap (under $15), the atmosphere is electric, and the cars are stunning.

Keep your eyes glued in the coming days and weeks as more information becomes available for Chicago and Philadelphia. These shows find themselves in a different spot this year, spearheading the 2020 season, so we expect big things!