Opening less than a month after Detroit's mammoth event, the Chicago Auto Show has a longer history and attracts considerably more shoppers each February. Judged by the number of new-model unveilings, on the other hand, Chicago has been shrinking noticeably. This year, fewer than half as many news conferences are scheduled in Chicago, compared to the number of announcements in Detroit.

As usual, a two-day Press period will take place (on February 6-7), but the second day holds barely a half-day's worth of news conferences. Far fewer journalists trek to the Chicago event than to Detroit's, though many welcome its leisurely, laid-back pace.

Biggest news of the show is likely to be the eagerly-awaited Dodge Challenger, created to rival the forthcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Both models borrow their names and themes from well-known sporty models in their company's past.

Volkswagen fans have been waiting just about as long for their company's new van as Dodge aficionados have for the Challenger. The wait for a van soon will be over, as VW is expected to unveil it at last, in Chicago.

Shortly after revealing its new compact 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, BMW will unveil a design study called the Concept 1 Series tii. Hyundai will probably unveil the 2009 Sonata midsize sedan. Acura is likely to show the redesigned TSX sport sedan.

General Motors will exhibit a new Hummer H3T, with a Crew Cab body and five-foot cargo bed. GM also intends to showcase a group of "gas-friendly to gas-free" commercial vehicles. General Motors' GMC division will feature the 2009 Sierra Hybrid pickup truck, with the recently-launched two-mode gasoline/electric powertrain.

Porsche will unveil a new GTS edition of its Cayenne sport-utility vehicle, holding a 405-horsepower V-8 engine that's based on the one that powers the top-end Cayenne S. Suzuki is expected to unveil a new pickup truck, produced as a joint venture with Nissan.

One completely new manufacturer, from Germany, will make an appearance at the Chicago show, introducing the YES! roadster.

Several more automakers will host news conferences at the Chicago Auto Show, including Chevrolet, Ford, Mitsubishi, and International Truck. But information is not yet available.

Tirekicking Today will be at the Chicago Auto Show for the entire Press period, to cover every Introduction.