CHICAGO | No doubt about it; the buying public is hungry for fresh transportation.

The 2007 Chicago Auto Show steps up to the challenge with a legion of new vehicles that will whet the palates of showgoers attending the automotive extravaganza at McCormick Place over the next 10 days.

Part of the fun when attending this year's show is the exploration of manufacturers' exhibits that contain the coachwork of current and future models.

Most are "down-to-earth" samples of the current climate in the auto industry, while others offer a dose of reality as we look into the future of tomorrow's transportation.

At this year's Toyota display, the company introduces the all-new 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs. Highlander is Toyota's best-selling sport utility.

The Highlander Hybrid, along with Camry Hybrid and Prius, give the Toyota division the only three-vehicle hybrid lineup in the industry.

General Motors comes to the automotive plate with several new players. Among them are the refreshed Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS. Also hitting the field are the 2008 rookies -- Pontiac G8 and Saturn Astra.

Chrysler brings new vehicles to market with the debut of the 2007 Jeep Patriot and 2008 Dodge Avenger.

A cross between a Jeep Compass and Jeep Commander, the Patriot explores new territory in the compact SUV segment. The Patriot is the seventh vehicle in the Jeep lineup and is touted as "entry-level" with a base price of $14,985, including freight. The Patriot will be built at Chrysler's Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill.

The Dodge Avenger enters the mid-size class as Dodge DNA runs through its sheet metal design with a hint of Dodge Charger covering the front fascia.

Detroit's Big Three automaker's get super-sized with the 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty truck. This pickup has the largest towing capacity in the business -- capable of towing over 12-tons.

Ford will also have its redesigned Five Hundred sedan on display that puts on a new face and an impressive 260 horsepower under the hood -- a much-needed 60 horsepower more than last year's model. A younger looking Ford Focus design will also connect with Gen Y showgoers.

Lamborghini Chicago in Westmont, Ill., showcases some of the finest exotic cars in the Northern Hemisphere when they reveal the Murcielago LP640 roadster at this year's show.

Priced at $350,000, the LP640 becomes Lamborghini's top gun in its exotic product line with performance from a V-12 engine that delivers a ground-pounding 640 horsepower -- enough to run 0 to 60 mph in 3.4-seconds.

This and a world more from the planet's auto industry awaits at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. For more information visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.