My article for the Thunderbird Club newsletters. Note the list of all the Challenger stuff that was at Chicago!!
REPORT FROM THE FIELD: Chicago and Philadelphia Auto Shows 2008

The new Dodge Challenger SRT 8 high performance edition for 2008 was simultaneously unveiled at both the Chicago and Philadelphia Auto Shows in February 2008. Through the advantage of internet technology, enthusiasts were treated to live feed of the Chicago unveiling and presentation by Chrysler president, Jim Press.

I was able to attend both shows, in the same weekend, and share my travel experience with you. Chicago is a 4 hour drive from my home near Detroit, and on the afternoon Friday February 8th, I drove to the Chicago suburb of Tinley Park and spent the night at the lovely Wingate Inn. The winter drive was easy as the temperature was cold, but the roads were clear. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the nearby Tin Fish and did some diecast shopping at the local Target store before returning to the Wingate to enjoy a swim in the indoor heated pool and hot tub. A relaxing evening and a great start to a busy weekend. The Wingate provided a very nice morning breakfast on Saturday, and I easily made my way the short drive time to McCormick Center. As an early riser, I enjoyed front row parking and made my way through the complex to the auto show, where I gathered in line with thousands of other early morning risers, likewise intending to beat the crowd.

The Dodge area was lavish with Challenger display. The new performance version for 2008 comes in only three colors, black, silver and Hemi Orange. The display featured one of each color. A huge mural served as the backdrop for a projection screen, on which videos of Dodge products, and Challenger in particular, were shown. Large posters were handed out as well as the 2008 Dodge product line brochure. The brochure features the Challenger wheel on the cover and Challenger is listed inside. Attendees could play the Challenger game, an interactive computer kiosk, which asked players a series of 8 multiple choice questions related to the new Challenger and some related classic Challenger teasers. To record your answer, a “Slap Stick Shifter” was engaged. An additional text treasure hunt could also be played. After playing the game, players could receive their choice of a small diecast Challenger, of the black, silver or Hemi Orange colors. In addition to the free poster being handed out, one kiosk offered for sale a Challenger art print by noted automotive artist, Tom Hale, available through the website. The overhead banner surrounding the Chrysler/Dodge display area had pictures of many popular Chrysler family products, Challenger included. I video taped and took many photographs in the display area before meandering around the other automotive company displays before ending my Chicago adventure. On my return drive east to Detroit, I stopped at Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport, near where I live, just west of the city and right along I 94. There I boarded a late night flight to Philadelphia, courtesy of a buddy pass through my brother, Eric, an employee of Northwest.

After a short, uneventful flight I arrived at Philadelphia’s International Airport, where Travelocity had arranged a car (a U S made Dodge Caliber in B 5 metallic blue) for the short easy drive to downtown Philadelphia. Travelocity had arranged a one night stay for me at the Club Quarters Hotel, a currently renovated historic hotel, right in the middle of everything. I was quite surprised at the wide array of late night, nightlife in downtown Philadelphia and its remarkable friendliness and cleanliness. Early the next morning, I left the car at the hotel parking structure and trekked out, well before the auto show doors opened to see Philadelphia’s historic sites. Bright sunny skies and moderate 45 degree temperature accompanied me on my 5 mile loop. I visited the Pennsylvania State Hous