2015 Chicago Motor Show: The Complete Roundup [Video]

The annual Chicago Motor Show is one of the smaller events of the season but that didn’t stop automakers from trekking out to the Windy City to unveil new and improved models.

Japanese and Korean automakers all but stole the show this year. Honda displayed the new 2016 Pilot, Acura updated the RDX crossover, Toyota refreshed the Avalon and Kia showed a rugged-looking concept called Trail’ster. American automakers had a handful of new models to show but, surprisingly, European brands remained quiet.

Haven’t been able to catch all of the automotive action? Read on for a condensed version of Leftlane‘s complete coverage.

The Big Debuts

2016 Chevrolet Equinox – For 2016, the Equinox crossover gets a new front end that falls in line with Chevrolet’s latest design language and an updated cockpit. The Bowtie has also added more high-tech equipment and simplified the lineup by axing the 1LT and 2LT trims.

2016 Honda Pilot – The third-gen Pilot stands out as the only completely new production car in Chicago this year. Looking more streamlined than the outgoing model, it is also considerably more efficient thanks in part to a 300-pound weight reduction, a new 3.5-liter V6 engine with cylinder deactivation and Honda’s first-ever nine-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Trail’ster e-AWD concept – The Trail’ster is one of the most innovative Kia concepts to date. Based on the Soul, it gains a raised ground clearance, a 1.6-liter turbo four and a potent electric motor that spins the rear axle. While the crossover-inspired styling will likely remain at the concept stage, Kia has hinted that the turbo-electric hybrid drivetrain could reach production in the medium-term future.

Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster concept – As its name implies, the 370Z NISMO Roadster concept is essentially a topless version of the existing 370Z NISMO coupe. It packs a number of sport-focused upgrades including a more aggressive body kit all around, a pair of Recaro bucket seats and a 350-horsepower V6 engine. The 370Z is a concept in name only and we suspect that it will be added to the Nissan lineup in the next few months.