In many ways, the Chicago Auto Show is one of the best out there. McCormick Place is a great venue, and lots more space than Cobo Hall, home of the Detroit Show. It takes a back seat to Detroit, though, because Detroit gets so many debuts. Production and concept introductions bring in the press, and the press bring attention. Chicago has many debuts this year, and if you’re in Chicago, you’ll be sure to check out these important must-see vehicles.

2011 Chevy Silverado HD - it looks pretty much the same, but nobody buys a heavy-duty pickup for fashion. The Duramax 6.6L Diesel engine is new, with improved towing capacity of 20,000 pounds for the Duramax Diesel and a top payload of 6,335 pounds for Vortec V8-fitted trucks. Curiously, Chevy introduced a new pickup that looks the same, but gave no specs on horsepower and torque. Those figures are expected sometime later. So why introduce it now at all?

2011 Ford Edge - substantially revised looks (with a gigantic grille) go with a new powertrain lineup. The existing 3.5L V6 gets a 20 HP bump, and now you can also get a 3.7L version with over 300 HP and the 2011 Edge will be the first application of the 2.0L Ecoboost engine with TBD power ratings. I guess Ford took a cue from Chevy on that one. The Edge also will be the debut of the MyFord Touch system, which we reported on for the Detroit show.

Transit Connect Electric - Ford is showing an all-electric version of the delivery van that won North American Truck of the Year. It has a top speed of 70 MPH and a range of 80 miles.

2011 Hyundai Azera - gets a new look and more power and better fuel economy from both the 3.3L V6 and the 3.8L V6. Goes on sale this spring.

2011 Toyota Avalon -  Toyota aimed to divert attention from all of its troubles by showing off the Avalon, but the media insisted on asking about the quality troubles instead. The look is updated inside and out, but I doubt most will notice. The powertrain is also carryover, but fuel economy is improved by 1 MPG.

Honda Odyssey “Concept” - This is officially a concept, but is likely to look very much like the next-gen minivan, which is expected this fall as a 2011 model. Honda expects fuel economy of 19/28, which would make it the most efficient in the segment, better even than the 2.7L 4-banger that will be available on the 2011 Toyota Sienna, introduced at the LA Auto Show in December.

Kia Ray Concept - this is a plug-in based on the Kia Forte Coupe. It has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 78-kilowatt electric motor. Kia says it has a range of more than 50 miles on the electric motor alone. The Ray has a range of 746 miles including the gasoline engine.

Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary - for the 40th anniversary of the Z car, Nissan has outfitted it with some special equipment, including special wheels with red brake calipers and 40th-anniversary badges. On the inside, it has red leather seats with 40th Anniversary logos, and red stitching for the steering wheel, center stack and shift boot. You get a 40th Anniversary plaque and a commemorative 40th Anniversary satin car cover. On sale at the end of February for a base price of $38,860. The edition run is limited to 1,000 cars.

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