E3 Spark Plugs News

Zombie lovers, movie goers and “fixie” riders all have surprises waiting for them at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is underway. And the sights are amazing! Founded in 1901, it’s the nation’s largest auto show with more than 1 million square feet of interactive exhibits. But here at E3 Spark Plugs, we’re most taken by some of the coolest concept cars we’ve seen in a while.

The newest on the show floor is the Turbo Camaro Coupe, based on a character in DreamWorks’ new high-velocity 3D animated comedy, Turbo. In theatres July 19, the film centers on a speed-obsessed snail bent on winning the Indy 500. Of course, it’s a Chevy Camaro that helps him chase his dream. The real-world version of the cartoon car equipped with a supercharged 700+ horsepower V-8 topped off by a serious intake assembly for supercharger housing. Body modifications include rockers and fender flares in a wide body design configuration, a front splitter, rear diffuser and a GT concept rear wing spoiler. The body is painted black with a vinyl chrome wrap, dark tinted to look like black chrome and the front headlights sport a multicolor halo effect.

The Hyundai Veloster C3 Roll Top concept is influenced by the colorful minimalist single speed bikes seen zipping through traffic at breakneck speed every day. These fixed-gear bikes, called “fixies” by those in the culture, are half built by the manufacturer and half by the customer. So, the Hyundai Design North America team worked a few of those free spirited elements into this three-door convertible. Most notable is the dual-function power-retractable canvas roof. Roll it forward, open the tailgate, fold down the rear seats and you’ve got a recreational platform perfect for biking, photography or camping. The high gloss white painted exterior boldly contrasts with the flat back spoiler and front wheels, teal rear wheels and red mirror housings. Inspired by the proverb, “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” the Veloster C# sports a 1.6 liter GDI four-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger and 201 horsepower.

Though it debuted six months ago at the 2012 Comic-Con, we’re still in awe of Hyundai’s Elantra-based Zombie Survival Machine. Designed by Robert Kirkman, creator of TV’s The Walking Dead series, it features a spike-laded cow catcher plow up front, spiked tires, armored window coverings, a CB radio system, front and rear floodlights, a roof hatch to allow passengers to fend off attacking walkers and a trunk full of electric and pneumatic weaponry. Hyundai and Kirkman partnered up to celebrate the 100th issue of The Walking Dead comic and Design Craft handled fabrication.

Are you attending the Chicago Auto Show? Post pics of your favorite sights on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.

• Turbo Camaro Coupe

  http://www.e3sparkplugs.com/news/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/2013TurboCamaroCoupeWeb3.jpg

  Based on a character in DreamWorks' new high-velocity 3D animated comedy, "Turbo," in theaters July 19.

  

• Hyundai Veloster C3 Roll Top

  http://www.e3sparkplugs.com/news/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/2013_Hyundai_Veloster C3 Roll Top Concept_1.jpg

  Influenced by the colorful minimalist single speed "fixie" bikes seen zipping through traffic at breakneck speed every day.

  

• Hyundai's Elantra-based Zombie Survival Machine

  http://www.e3sparkplugs.com/news/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/2013_Hyundai_Elantra Zombie Survival Machine_1.jpg

  Designed by Robert Kirkman, creator of TV's "The Walking Dead" series in celebration of the 100th issue of "The Walking Dead" comic.

  

A scene from the 1903 Chicago Auto Show. The event debuted in 1901 and is the nation's oldest auto show.

Heads up, Chicago-area fans. E3 Spark Plugs has its eye on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show running February 10-19. Did you know it’s the nation’s oldest?

The inaugural Chicago Auto Show revved up in 1901. General admission to the show was just 50 cents and patrons watched then new “horseless carriages” take spins on a wooden track that surrounded the Coliseum exposition hall’s main floor. The attraction’s main goal apparently was to help dispel public apprehensions and convince locals that motor vehicles were safe and easy to handle. At the helm was Sam Miles, editor of Motor Age magazine and the man who would become known as the father of the modern auto show.

The show ran once annually except during the 1930s and 1940s. Throughout the ’30s, it was held twice a year with shows staged during the spring and fall – an indirect request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who sought to boost demand for cars and, thus, jobs in auto plants. In a dramatic reversal, the show stopped production altogether from 1941-49 as plants redirected their efforts to meeting the country’s need for war vehicles and artillery rather than the consumer’s wants. Its 1950 return was a no-holds-barred celebration complete with beauty queens, Rockette-style dancers, a full orchestra, farm animals, 3-D exhibits depicting game hunting adventures in Africa and a massive box of dirt flown in from France so patrons could walk across it and “truthfully say they had stepped foot on foreign soil.”

Today’s Chicago Auto Show promises to be a little less weird, but every bit as entertaining. Blues Traveler opens the event with a concert and charity benefit tonight. Guests walk the red carpet and rub elbows with renowned artist Thomas Arvid. Members of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Blackhawks make appearances throughout the week, as do NHRA drivers TJ Zizzo and Dale Creasy, Jr. Wednesday’s show takes a feminine turn with exhibits geared toward the fairer sex. Yoga sessions, manicures and a fashion show are on the schedule. And you’ll get chances to win cash prizes, an iPad2 or a 2012 Toyota Camry, among other items.

So do you plan to hit the Chicago Auto Show? Be sure to take pics of the coolest new cars and post them on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page. And stock your ride with E3 car spark plugs for show-worthy performance.