The Chicago Auto Show is the largest consumer auto show in North America. Detroit, New York and even LA are more important to the press, but the Chicago show is for car buyers. One of the indicators that this is a show for buyers more than for the press are the two indoor driving tracks: one for Chrysler/Dodge and the other for Toyota trucks. To keep certain people (Jesse) from driving off the track and rampaging through the convention center, a professional driver handles the wheel while you take in the sights of the McCormick Place from the passenger seat.

The big show in New York is the last major show before the 2014 model year begins and manufacturers took advantage of this timing to introduce a huge slew of new and redesigned models. From the 74 horsepower 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage to the 624 horsepower V12 Rolls Royce Wraith, the NYAIS had over 20 world or U.S. premieres.

The LA Car Show in November was full of splash and glitz. The Detroit Auto Show, of course, is still the heart of the U.S. industry. They introduced the new 2014 Corvette Stingray, the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra pickups, and the Infiniti Q50 (replacing the G37 Sedan), just to name a few very important premieres.

Now, welcome to Chicago. Less splash, less meat, more plain old work ethic.