Sneak Preview: Chicago Auto Show; Burning Rubber With the 215-hp Dodge Neon SRT-4; First Look at the U.S.-Bound Smart Microcar; Behind the Wheel: BMW's Top-Down Z4; Up-Close with Nissan's Turnaround King, Carlos Ghosn, And More on TheCarConnection.com

    DETROIT, Feb. 10 -- February in Chicago means: icy winds and
a warm reception for the annual Chicago Auto Show.  Don't bundle up and trudge
off to McCormick Place, though.  Simply turn to TheCarConnection.
    Start with TCC's auto show sneak preview for a good look at the hottest
products coming to the Windy City.  There's the 469-horsepower Mercedes-Benz
E55 AMG, the updated, '04 BMW 3-Series, Toyota's updated, full-size Tundra
pickup, and a pair of new minivans from Ford, then Chevrolet goes to extremes
with its Malibu Maxx.
    Check out TheCarConnection's special Chicago Auto Show preview, then come
back all week for continuing, live coverage from Lakeshore Drive.
    Neon has always been a cute sort of car, but with the SRT-4, this Dodge
subcompact could earn an entirely different reputation, its turbocharged, 215-
hp I-4 engine making it the second-fastest product in the Dodge performance
line-up.  TCC takes to the desert to see what SRT-4 really delivers.
    With the 2004 Maxima, has Nissan recaptured the fire this sporty sedan
once was known for?  Then get the new definition in import roadster action as
TCC tests the new BMW Z4.  And this week's spy shot uncovers the '04 Smart
microcar, which may soon head for a U.S. dealer near you.
    He's transformed an automotive basket case into the hottest brand on the
highway.  TheCarConnection gets up-close-and-personal with Carlos Ghosn in a
pair of reports including excerpts from the new Ghosn profile, "Turnaround."
    Have more cargo than car?  TCC's offers help in its Family Matters column.
Then get useful tips on buying that first car, passing an emissions test, and
solving electrical problems.
    And drive down memory lane for a look at "How Car Magazines Yosstabe."
    Stay on top of the latest news, trends, tips and bargains with
TheCarConnection's free newsletters: Daily Edition for the industry insider,
and Weekly Car Guide for smart shoppers, sellers and owners.
    You'll find new car pricing, weekly racing results, TCC's OnSite Mechanic
and more -- on the Web's Automotive Authority, TheCarConnection.com.
    Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site
http://www.prnewswire.com .