Toyota Gears Up for 2011 Chicago Auto Show

In what is rumored to be the largest exhibit the automaker has ever built for an auto show in the United States, Toyota’s 45,070-square-foot exhibit is close to completion. The Toyota stand at the event that is set to open its doors in less than one week form now will be led by the "Prius Zone," an area that will feature the Prius "family".

This means that Toyota will display the company’s third-generation Prius, a Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), which will go on sale in 2012, and the recently-unveiled Prius v mid-sized vehicle and diminutive Prius c concept car. The last two vehicles have made their debut at the recent 2011 NAIAS event.

The display will include no less than 51 cars, trucks and SUVs, led by the RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle, an all-electric SUV with a range of approximately 100 miles.

"This year's exhibit has elements geared toward the entire family," said Ruslan Polinovsky, Auto Show Engagement Manager at Toyota Motor Sales. "With a larger exhibit, we have additional space for interactive elements such as simulators, kiosks, and cutaway vehicles. Our aim is to not only showcase our world-class vehicles but offer a fun, memorable experience."

The exhibit will also include a "Safety Zone," which features the elements of Toyota's Star Safety System.

A Kyle Busch No. 18 M&M's Toyota Camry race car will also be on show for racing fans, along with a NASCAR Edition Camry modified by RK Motors.

"In conjunction with its exhibit, Toyota will also be operating the "Toyota Drive Center," a 50,000-square-foot experiential ride course located in McCormick Center's South Hall. The course will feature an array of Toyota trucks and SUVs navigating a series of rugged outdoors-like conditions," a company statement reads.