CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Auto Show made its grand return to the vast McCormick Place Convention Center in 2025, proudly maintaining its reputation as “North America’s Largest Automobile Exhibition.” Covering an impressive 1-million square feet, this iconic event, which began in 1901, is now celebrating its remarkable 124th year as the nation's longest-running auto show.
In true Chicago-weather fashion, a big ice storm swept through the night before the very first Press Day. But that didn’t deter anyone from showing up. As a correspondent for FordPerformance.com, I wasn’t about to let it stop me, either. My mission this past February was to dive into Ford's showcase and uncover the innovations creating buzz in 2025. With Ford taking prime position right at the entrance, I was ready to hit the ground running.
When visitors entered the show floor, Ford's display immediately caught their attention. Familiar elements, like the polished lineup of new vehicles and the popular indoor test track, were back again. This year, a new centerpiece stood out: a central area showcasing Ford's most important vehicles. This space guided visitors through the current lineup, highlighted upcoming releases, and offered a glimpse into what Ford has in store for the future.
The star here was a Ford icon that last year celebrated the introduction of its 2024 seventh generation. This brand-new Mustang (code-named the S650) remains the sole car in Ford's lineup. The Ford Mustang now holds the top crown in enthusiasts' eyes, and it is no wonder why it has endeared itself to the buying public for over 60 years. Positioned prominently within the display was the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Performance Supercar. It was dressed up in a new package called the "Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America Package." The package includes twin painted racing stripes that mimic Mustang’s iconic Tri-bar logo from 1964 and honor Mustang's deep racing history. This street-legal, track-ready marvel boasts 815-horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque out of its supercharged 5.2-liter V-8. The GTD sets a new performance bar with a top speed of 202 miles per hour, the highest of any street-legal Mustang ever.
Manual transmission fans still wanting to row through gears would not be disappointed. Parked right behind the GTD was the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The floor model on display was spec’d with a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission that included a unique titanium shift ball and features rev-matching and no-lift shifting. The Dark Horse features the venerable 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 500 horsepower, and 418 pound-feet of torque. If you are an automatic transmission fan, you would not be left out as the 10R80 SelectShift automatic transmission is available.
Ford was not even close to being done with its display of Mustangs, as we got to see the 2025 Mustang RTR. If you are unfamiliar, the RTR Vehicles Company combines aggressive styling, OEM-quality body parts, and tactical performance suspension components that are specifically designed with both style and performance in mind. Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR (Ready To Rock) effort started in 2010 and it has since reenergized the way enthusiasts experience their Ford vehicles. As it says on the RTR website: “Our commitment has always been to open our doors wider, letting you step into our world of passion and performance.”
If you are a Ford Bronco fan, you would be in for a treat at the auto show. Back again this year was the massive Bronco Adventure experience. This test track was one of the biggest in the show and sprawled across the entire back of Ford's display, inviting attendees to experience Bronco's off-road prowess. This year included two different Bronco model lines – one for the regular Bronco and another for the Bronco Raptor R. You don’t even have to guess which line was the longest. There was also a Mustang Mach-E Circuit. The Mustang Mach-E SUV’s track showcased its electric agility. Attendees weaved through twists and turns and got the chance to feel the future of electrification.
Retro Bronco fans would be delighted to see a new package for 2025. Dressed in black with a tricolor burst of sunset hues was the Free Wheeling appearance package. Being a huge fan of the 1978-79 F-150 and Bronco sunset theme, I think this is an awesome way to relive those same late-70’s vibes while taking advantage of the latest off-road technology. Right next to the Free Wheeling Bronco was the 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. This new Bronco package honors the Original Baja 1000-winning Bronco from the 1960’s and 70’s. The Bronco Stroppe Special Edition includes Fox Internal Bypass Dampers that are designed for performance and improved control during high-speed desert running. Power comes from a standard EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 engine that includes Baja G.O.A.T. Mode.
Ford trucks also made a strong showing this year with the 2025 F-150 Raptor R which was definitely a highlight here. The F-150 Raptor R packs a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, making 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor R includes Fox Racing Shox, 37-inch all-terrain tires and seven drive modes (Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl). New for 2025, is a new color called Space White Metallic
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Also of note at the show was the Chicago Assembly Plant which last year celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The plant is only 16 miles away from downtown and is currently building the Ford Explorer. The Explorer, was introduced back in 1991, continues its reign as the best-selling three-row SUV in the United States. Also on display was the Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) which is the country’s best-selling police vehicle. It is the only pursuit-rated hybrid police utility vehicle available. Its 75-mph rear-impact crash test rating earned the vehicle's pursuit-tested distinction to help to protect officers on the job.
One quite interesting exhibit that has been updated this year but dates back more than a decade was Ford’s “Hank the Robot.” Originally introduced back in 2012, it was great to see this updated interactive exhibit return to Ford’s display for 2025. As a lifelong Ford enthusiast, this year’s Chicago Auto Show it was an amazing experience to get a glimpse into Ford’s present and future. Having the ability to be able to look, see and touch the latest vehicles all in one pressure-free place is still a very important way for manufacturers to be able to reach customers. Auto shows are still an American institution that showcase the latest in automotive design and technology while also celebrating the community of car lovers and the shared passion that drives them.
FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS COURTESY RYAN PASCH
