The Chicago Auto Show, held annually in February, is North America’s largest automotive show. The show, which is staged at McCormick Place, is when many auto manufacturers choose to give the public a first look at the next model year vehicles. The 2013 Chicago Auto Show promises to offer sneak peeks at many popular auto options. One of the most highly anticipated cars to take center stage at this show is the 2014 Chevy Cruze.

The Chevy Cruze

Since 2008, the Chevy Cruze has been a staple in Chevy’s line of vehicles around the world—the 2010 model is the first released in the United States, replacing the Chevy Cobalt. The car is available under different nameplates in other countries. The Cruze is a four-door compact sedan that has been available in other configurations throughout the years. This vehicle has been praised by drivers and critics alike, and through the years it is the recipient of many awards for meeting and exceeding safety standards worldwide. Despite the popularity of this vehicle, Chevy is continuously working on improvements—the 2014 model year of the Chevy Cruze is no exception.

What is New for 2014

The 2014 Chevy Cruze is expected to have an exciting look that will garner plenty of stares. While the Cruze is in midcycle, and this is not a complete overhaul, the outside of vehicle is expected to be notably different than previous years. Early prototypes show the car to be blockier and blunter than in previous years—appearing somewhat similar to the upcoming full-size Chevy Caprice sedan. Illustrations show that the 2014 Cruze may be available in an SS trim package. Details have not come forward, but experts are predicting this may have GM's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, perhaps in a six-speed model. All of these changes are exciting, but what really has industry insiders talking is the reveal of the diesel option.

The New Diesel Option

Diesel vehicles are becoming more popular in recent years, due in part to the fuel efficiency compared to standard fuel vehicles. Chevy has been quietly dropping details about the new diesel version of the Chevy Cruze, but it will be publicly revealed at the Chicago Car Show. It is expected that the Diesel Chevy Cruze will be able to get at least 40 mpg on the highway, though some insiders think that 50 mpg may be a possibility. This will be one bit of information that is released at the Chicago show.

As the Chicago Car Show gets closer, Chevy and other manufacturers will supply even more teasers about their upcoming vehicles. Car enthusiasts have an exciting couple of months ahead of them. Only time will tell how the newest version of the Cruze will perform, but this car show can give everyone a glimpse of what is waiting in Chevy’s wings as far as the diesel Cruze and other upcoming vehicles.

Images c/o Chevrolet.com.