Best of 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Director Michael Bay spotted this Chicago Auto Show concept while he was touring GM, looking for inspiration for the first Transformers movie. Don't expect this concept to spawn any sort of production vehicle, which, needless to say, is a shame.

The SHO must go on. SHO me the money. It's SHO time! We've heard them all during the months of speculation leading up to this moment. Without further ado, Ford released the Taurus SHO at the Chicago Auto Show. That's right, Ford has decided to revive the moniker once affixed to the sports sedan that wowed the automotive world way back in 1989.

Ford is working on rehabilitating the Taurus name with a significant redesign that debuted last month, but this Chicago Auto Show concept ups the ante. Using that sedan as its canvas, the new SHO may also restore respect to a name that has fallen too far. A 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, all-wheel-drive and plenty of upgrades is a good place to start.

Nissan used the Chicago Auto Show to put a price tag on the 2009 Cube: $13,990. That's what the 1.8 model equipped with a manual transmission will set you back when sales begin in early May. Four versions of the Cube will be offered: the 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL and the 1.8 Krom.

We got our first look at the 2010 Kia Forte at the Chicago Auto Show and we are pleased to say that it looks even better in person as it does in photos. The replacement for the Spectra will feature a 2.4L inline-4 with 173 horsepower and up to 25/34 mpg in SX trim, while the LX and EX offer a 2.0L inline-4 with 156 horsepower and 26/36 mpg. Pricing has yet to be announced.

As with other recent examples of the co-branded truck, the new 2010 F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition is largely an appearance package, but certainly a striking one. This Chicago Auto Show debut is the 14th time that Ford has created a Harley edition pickup. Aside from the unique visual elements, this model features most of the goodies you can find on the top-end Platinum edition F-150.

Ford's commercial-focused boxy van goes on sale later this year, with a 2.0L four cylinder Duratec gas engine paired up with a four-speed automatic transmission. Ford has also confirmed that the Transit Connect will be the basis of its new electric van to be offered starting in 2010. Ford plans to release the Connect to dealers this summer with a starting price of $21,475. This was one of our favorite unveils at the Chicago Auto Show.

Hyundai pulled the wraps off its R-Spec version of the Genesis Coupe at the Chicago Auto Show, a concept focused on the tuning market. The highlight is a 210-hp turbo'd inline-four that returns 30 mpg and a top speed of 137 mph. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be available mid-2010 with a base price of $23,750, or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model.

Acura fans have something to rejoice about as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine.