Don't get us wrong. We love a good auto show. There's nothing like a few days in a convention hall crowded with enthusiasts, scantily clad models and a plethora of cars: fresh models, concepts, even new mods and trim levels. Any car-lover will remember his first motor show like a first trip to Disneyland. But then there's Chicago: just a few weeks ago, Detroit's NAIAS brought us first unveilings of cars like the F-150, Corvette Z06, Lexus RC F and more.

These production models were joined by exciting concepts, like the Toyota FT-1, Infinity Q50 Eau Rouge and Kia GT4. Now, the displays were packed up and moved to Illinois for a leftover meal. A few years ago, when Detroit was collapsing and depression seemed imminent, Chicago tried to steal Detroit's thunder by getting the NAIAS to move there. Having failed at that, the most exciting prospects for Chicago 2014 attendees is perhaps the new Subaru Legacy, a first viewing of the BMW 740Ld xDrive and the new Lincoln Navigator. If the Windy City wants to keep up with Motor City, it better step up its game and get manufacturers to take it seriously.