There’s something about putting thousands of cars into one building all at the same time that I find cool. Many museums, auto dealers, and even parking garages can’t come close to the number of shiny new cars at one location. The Chicago Auto Show does this. Known as the largest auto show in North America, the show marks its 105th year this year.

This year’s show featured some of the hottest new cars on the market and cars soon to be put in production.  Many cars from last year’s show were featured once again.

After almost 40 years out of production, the Dodge Dart has returned. All-new for 2013, the Dart comes in five different packages: the SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero, and Limited. Each package is unique in its own way. Boasted by Dodge as the most technologically advanced car in its class, the inside has all the creature-comforts for your typical 21st century dream machine. In the center console, there are the usual cup holders and what not, but you also get a tablet of sorts that controls everything within the car like heat, A/C, radio, cell phone calls, you name it. There is even a custom seven-inch display on the dash where you can mix around the gauges and even throw in a GPS system right in front of your face. If you were thinking you could put your text messages or video games there, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, the car’s looks take away the its high level of performance. In a way, Dodge has almost gone backwards in time with the styling of the car. Sometimes that can work out really well, but this time it didn’t. For this car in particular, it seems like they squished a 1998 Dodge Intrepid down to the size of the Dart we see today. All they did other than that was change the shape of the headlights, taillights, and grille.

A car that blew me away this year is the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. I read about it when it was featured in “Motor Trend” magazine. I have to say, I was not too impressed with it. I didn’t feel like it stayed true to how a Corvette should look. Some people at the show were debating whether or not this was the case, but when I saw it in person, it brings a whole new light to the Corvette Stingray. Although the 2009 Corvette Stingray keeps is more true to it’s “stingray” roots, the 2014 model brings the best of the “stingray” look and the regular Corvette look together, just like you would see in a Z06 or ZR1. The new Stingray comes with a LT1 6.2 liter v-8 engine and 7-speed manual transmission with active rev match or a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The car outputs an estimated total of 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Somehow, the car has enough power to also haul all of the technology that is stuffed into this two-door sports car (it weighs in at 3300 pounds.) Amazingly with all of this power and gadgetry, the Corvette Stingray gets 18 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. That might not be saying much compared to a Prius or a Volt, but for a sports car with a large V-8 engine, it’s phenomenal.

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All of  the cars above are cars you definitely should see if you only have a limited time to spend at the show, but like my family, what if you want to spend a whole day there?  There is plenty more to do than just look at and take pictures of cars. Now, even the people in your family who don’t enjoy cars can enjoy the Auto Show as well. There are plenty of driving simulators and small games around the two ballrooms. The auto show is something that comes to Chicago only once per year and spends just over a week here. It’s the only chance Chicagoans get to see the newest cars that are being produced without anyone giving you weird looks for sitting in a car, honking the horn, or even blasting the radio indoors.

Auto Show Giveaways: Be sure to stop by the Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro display to race the 2013 Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro Special Edition down a track with the signature loop and even take home one (or more) of your own.

Merrill’s Best of Show 2013

Best Economy Car: 2014 Ford Fiesta

Best Concept Car: 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept & Ford Atlas Concept

Best Convertible: 2013 Infiniti G Coupe/Convertible

Best Crossover: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Best Electric Car: 2013 Fisker Karma Eco Sport

Best Hybrid: 2013 Ford Fusion

Best Luxury Car:  2013 Lexus ES 350

Best Station Wagon: 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Best Pickup Truck: 2013 Chevrolet Silverado

Best SUV: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Best Sports Car: 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Best Super Car: 2013 Lamborghini Aventador

Best Car Overall: 2013 Ford Fusion

The 105th Chicago Auto Show runs through February 18th at McCormick Place and tickets cost $12.