ChiILin' At Chicago Auto Show #CASGM #greatcarhunt #CAS

ChiIL Mama's photo recap of Media Day Thursday--Sneak Peek at Chicago Auto Show 2013

I WON A COBALT BLUE CAMARO AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW!!   Yeah, alright it is just 3" long, but now that I have your attention....   

There were some dramatic unveilings Thursday and some serious hot wheels....and I don't just mean the toys...though you can WIN one of those, too, in the Chevy exhibit.  Two people launch cars simultaneously and if you get yours in the funnel--you're a winner, baby.  These special edition Chicago Auto Show 2013 Hot Wheels are sure to be a favorite.   

Pictured above:  Eric Bjorklund assembles the Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels exhibit Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in preparation for the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. The auto show opens to media on Thursday, and to the public on Saturday. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)

Good thing McCormick Place has an expert band of pros on hand to keep the cars spotless.  I think I already got my finger & nose prints pressed up against some of the windows, hungrily peering in.  And I may have even drooled a bit on a few hoods.  We particularly dug the special edition, life sized Hot Wheels Camaros in my absolute favorite color--one brand new release & a classic car from my birth year....   (Sorry, no spoilers, if you have to ask...go find out yourself.)

Fred Quinn details the Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro  Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in preparation for the opening of the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. The auto show opens to media on Thursday, and to the public on Saturday. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)

ChiIL Mama's covering as much of the show as we can catch during media previews this Thursday and Friday.   Since we actually are looking to replace my RAV4 this year, I'm extra excited.   Check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We're editing some rockin' video footage from our 2 Cadillac test drives Thursday and Buick's amazing philanthropy with Samaritan's Feet Friday!   

We'll have those clips and lots more stills, features, and great CAS tips for you in the coming week.

Even GM execs and sports celebs got in on the action with Samaritan's Feet and Buick!!   We'll have a full photo and video filled feature soon.

ChiIL out indeed, Chi IL!   Chevy's gotten smart with the Smart phone charging stations.   So when your phone dies from envy....shooting video & stills of all the amazing autos, you can revive it at Chevy's chill charging spots and revive your tired feet in a comfy seat as well.   The auto show's HUGE, so put on your walkin' shoes!

The new Chevrolet Silverado is shined up Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in preparation for the start of the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. The auto show opens to media on Thursday, and to the public on Saturday. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)

Special shout out to GM for bring us in and wining and dining us.   It was great to see our friend and long time associate "Cadillac Connie" and meet new friends among the GM ranks as well.   GM's got an impressive social media presence, and it's been a pleasure working with them for the past several years.   We had a chance to do 3 GM extended test drives for a week, this past year, and have past and future coverage up under the tag #greatcarhunt.   Check out our photo & video filled adventures with the hot orange Camero SS, Equinox and Suburban!   We have loads more coverage to come.

That said, we're objective journalists here, and not exclusively in anyone's pocket.   Our blog is first and foremost for YOU, our readers, so we're being pretty equal opportunity, checking everyone out for our Chicago Auto Show coverage.   I've been a happy RAV4 driver since 2000, so we're not writing off Toyota quite yet,  and we also own a newer Montero Sport we've been pretty satisfied with.   We've been checking out Subaru, VW, Nissan and Ford's midsize crossover offerings as well.

Once again, check back with us early and often, for loads more Chicago Auto Show 2013 coverage.   Then get out there and experience CAS13 for yourself!

The 2014 Corvette Stingray drives onto the turntable in the Chevrolet exhibit Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in preparation for the start of the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. The auto show opens to media on Thursday, and to the public on Saturday. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)