Fresh off of the 2011 North American International Auto Show, the next major auto event is ready to kick off in a little over a week's time at the Windy City in Chicago. From February 9th-20th, the Chicago Auto Show will be the center of the automotive universe - in the US, at least - and is expected to draw a sizable number of manufacturers from all over the world.

Here at Topspeed, we make sure that you're on top of everything as it pertains to these type of shows and just like Detroit, we're here to give you a low-down on what cars to expect at the Chicago Auto Show.

We've compiled a list of cars that are scheduled to make their production debuts in Chicago, and to give you a better idea of what models to expect, we have the full low-down on all attending brands and the respective models that they're expected to unveil next week.

Details after the jump.

Audi

Audi->ke14 will be debuting three new production models in the US. These models are the 2012 Audi A6, the 2012 Audi A7 Sportback, and the Audi TT-RS.

The 2012 A6, which recently won the EyesOn Design award at the Detroit Auto Show, will come with a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine that will most likely be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the versatile A7 Sportback, which blends premium luxury with an aggressive coupe-like look, will come with the same 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine that produces 333 horsepower and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission.

Then there's the Audi TT RS->ke3038, the German automaker's sports coupe that's on it's way to the US. The TT RS is the highest production variant of all TT models and will come with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder supercharged engine that produces around 340 horsepower. Initially, US-bound TT RS models will come with a six-speed manual transmission with other transmission options set to follow soon.

BMW

Over the past few months, it seems that two BMW->ke178 models have been spending a lot of time in the headlines for all the right reasons. At the Chicago Auto Show, these two models - the 2012 BMW 1-Series and the 2012 BMW 6-Series - will be given their own face time.

The 2012 1-Series comes with new styling features that should be well-received by American consumers. More importantly, the 1-Series variants - the 128i and the 135i - will be offered with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that it shares with the 3-Series. For the 128i, the power output reaches 230 horsepower. The 135i has more ponies in it at 300 horsepower, while the 1-Series M Coupe will boast of a whopping 335 horsepower.

If you want something a little more upscale than the new 1-Series, the 2012 BMW 6-Series should be right up your alley. Coming in either a two-door coupe version or a convertible version, the 650i is set to have a 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine with 400 horsepower on it with BMW's new 8-speed automatic transmission outfitted on it.

Buick

Slotted just below the Buick Regal->ke3574, the 2012 Buick Verano will be showing its mug at the Chicago Auto Show determined to bring new life to a struggling Buick->ke17 brand. The Verano that will be appearing in Chicago will come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A less powerful variant of the Verano - a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine - is set to be released sometime around the end of the year.

Chevrolet

The Artist Formerly Known As The Chevrolet Aveo->ke403 was officially re-badged as the "Sonic" and made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. It surely didn't take long for the Sonic to have a new auto event to go to, did it?

The Sonic will be available in either a four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback. Engine options for the Sonic include a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 135 horsepower mated to either a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 138 horsepower mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Chrysler

Three Chrysler->ke21 models are scheduled for the Chicago Auto Show, including the 200, the 300, and the new Town & Country.

The 200 sedan will be the brand's new mid-size sedan, replacing the Sebring->ke1403 in the Chrysler line-up. Engine options for the new 200 include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed or six-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line 200 will come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 283 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the new 300 was also an attendee at the Detroit Auto Show and will likewise pack its bags and head over to Chicago for its second auto event of the year. Coming in three variants - Touring, Limited, and 300C - the newly-styled 300 Touring and Limited models will come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower while the high-powered 300C will be given a monstrous 5.7-liter V8 engine with 370 horsepower on it.

Another refreshed Chrysler model, the Town & Country->ke1171, will also be headed to Chicago. This time around, the Town & Country will have a 3.6-liter V6 engine option mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Different trims for the Town & Country include Touring, Touring L, and Limited.

Dodge

The Dodge->ke28 line-up that's set to be featured at the Chicago Auto Show includes the Avenger, the Charger, the Durango, and the Journey.

The first on this list is the refreshed, restyled, and reinvigorated 2011 Dodge Avenger. Coming in four different trim levels - Express, Mainstreet, Lux, and R/T - the new Avenger is looking to become a major player in the mid-size sedan segment. Under it's hood, you're going to find a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower that's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission on the Express and a six-speed automatic transmission on the Mainstreet and Lux. The top-level trim of the Avenger is the R/T, which will come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 283 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Dodge's muscle car virtuoso, the 2011 Charger, is also scheduled to make an appearance in Chicago. With the Charger, you get the true performance value of a muscle car, including two new sets of powertrains for the SE and R/T models. The new SE model will get you a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 292 horsepower while the more powerful R/T model will be powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 370 horsepower. Both trim levels will also receive a five-speed automatic transmission.

The hulking and gargantuan Durango will officially return to Chicago as a 2011MY SUV after its 2010 migration. Last seen in 2009, the new Durango will have three different trim levels, including the Express, the Crew, and the range-topping Citadel. All trim levels will receive the same 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. For the Crew and Citadel, Dodge will be offering an engine upgrade to the tune of a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower. This option also comes with the brand's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. All engine options will carry the same five-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs for the V6 and 7,400 lbs for the V8.

Batting clean-up for Dodge's Chicago line-up is the crossover/SUV Journey. Available in a five-seater or seven-seater configuration, the Journey will also come with five different trims - Express, Mainstreet, R/T, Crew, and Lux. The base level Express will be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission. As for the rest of the trim levels, they will all come with the same 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 283 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity for the Express trim is 1,000 lbs while the rest of the trims will have a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 lbs.

Fiat

The little Italian hatchback that's headed for the US soil will make a dutiful stop at the Chicago Auto Show to show off its wondrous wares. The lovable Fiat 500 will finally be sold in North America as a two-door hatchback with another version - the two-door convertible 500C - set for release in the coming months. The 500, which is available in Pop, Sport, and Lounge trim levels, is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 101 horsepower and is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford

Fresh of a successful display at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford->ke31 will now head southwest to Illinois for the Chicago Auto Show where they will be featuring a number of their new models, including the C-Max, the Focus, the Mustang, and the Explorer.

First on this list is the new seven-seater 2011 C-Max->ke2313. While trim levels for the minivan have yet to be announced, we've already been made aware that it will come with a choice of two engines, including a standard model that features a Mazda5-sourced 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower with regular gas and 180 horsepower with premium gas. Both engine types for the C-Max will come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

On top of the C-Max, Ford will also be introducing their popular sports hatch, the 2012 Focus. Redesigned for the 2011MY, the Focus will be available as a four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback with a number of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. All trim levels of the Focus will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can run on either a gasoline or E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Power output for the engine reaches 155 horsepower with gearbox options that include a five-speed manual or the new six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Ford's iconic muscle car, the Mustang->ke428, will also be headlining Chicago with a number of returning versions, including the V6, the GT, and the Shelby GT500. Joining these versions will be the new Boss 302, which will be fitted just above the GT and below the Shelby GT500. The V6 version of the Mustang will have a 3.7-liter V6 engine that has an output of 305 horsepower. Meanwhile, the GT version will get a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 412 horsepower, followed by the Boss 302, which will be using the same engine as the GT, albeit with an increase to 444 horsepower. The top-of-the-line Shelby GT500 will boast of a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine with 550-horsepower. As for transmission options, the V6 and GT versions will carry either a six-speed manual or a six-speed manual transmission. For the higher end Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 models, the transmission exclusively be a six-speed manual transmission.

Last of the Ford fleet to come to Chicago will be the freshly-redesigned 2011 Explorer. Coming in three trim levels - Base, XLT, and Limited - the Explorer will be available with front front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Likewise, engine options for all three trim levels will be the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower with an optional engine 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower for the XLT and Limited trims. Each of the models will carry the same six-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs for the V6 and 2,000 lbs for the four-cylinder variant.

GMC

The hard-charging and unflappable GMC Sierra HD, the heavy-duty version of GMC's full-size Sierra 1500, will also be in attendance at the Chicago Auto Show. For the Sierra HD, two engine options will be made available. One is a 6.0-liter V8 engine with 360 horsepower while the other option will be a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine with 397 horsepower. Both these engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission ans likewise boasting of a maximum towing capacity of a staggering 21,700 lbs.

Hyundai

The Koreans will be well-represented at the Chicago Auto Show as both Hyundai->ke201 and Kia will be bringing their own line of new models to be displayed at the event. For Hyundai, the expected models in attendance will be the 2012 Veloster, the Elantra, and the Equus.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster was most recently seen at the Detroit Auto Show and now, Hyundai is seeing it fit to have the Veloster have its second auto show appearance in a row. The Veloster will be powered by a 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and a choice of gearbox options that include a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

Now that the Hyundai Elantra will be produced in the US, it only seems fitting that it makes an appearance at the next American auto show, which just so happens to be in Chicago. The new Elantra will be built as a four-door sedan and will come with two trim levels: the base model GLS and the top-of-the-line Limited. Both trim levels will sport a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower. The GLS model of the Elantra will carry a six-speed manual transmission while the Limited trim will receive a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai's flagship sedan model, the Equus, will also be making its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Seven inches longer than the Genesis sedan, the Equus will come with the same 4.6-liter V8 engine found under the hood of the Genesis. This powertrain translates to an output of 385 horsepower when using premium gas and 378 horsepower when using regular gas. Also, the Equus will carry a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti

Another vehicle that will begin to be produced in the US is the 2011 Infiniti QX56. The new model is going to be longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors and will come with a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The QX56 will also be available with either a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 lbs.

Jaguar

Determine to reinvent its luxury flagship sedan offering, Jaguar is set to debut the 2011 XJ sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The new XJ sedan comes in a standard version and an extended-wheelbase "L" version, with the "L" version measuring five inches longer than the standard version's wheelbase. Apart from the length disparity, both the standard and L version of the XJ will come in three different trim levels, including a base XJ model, a Supercharged model, and a top-line Supersport model. All trim levels will sport the same 5.0-liter V8 engine with varying amounts of output - 385 horsepower for the base model, 470 horsepower for the Supercharged model, and 510 horsepower for the Supersport model - while having the same six-speed automatic transmission. It's also worth pointing out that the Supersport trim level of the XJ sedan can only be bought through special order.

Kia

Just like it's sister company Hyundai, Kia->ke41 will also be fielding their own models at the Chicago Auto Show, namely the Kia Optima and the Kia Sportage.

The Optima, Kia's mid-size sedan offering, will have three trim levels - the LX, EX, and SX - with a new hybrid model joining the fold. Powertrain options for all the trims will differ with the LX and EX models being powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 200 horsepower. For the SX trim, you'll see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower. Standard gearbox for the LX will be a six-speed manual transmission with the EX and SX models having six-speed automatic transmission. As for the hybrid version of the Optima, it's going to come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Joining the Optima in the Kia stands will be the Sportage SUV. Sharing the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage nevertheless has a unique design that's all its own. The Sportage will come in three different trim levels, including a Base, LX, and EX trim levels. All three trims will come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged variant that's soon to follow later in the year. The Base trim of the Sportage will come with a six-speed manual transmission while the EX and LX models will have a six-speed automatic transmission.

Land Rover

British SUV automaker Land Rover->ke46 has a pretty dandy new model in its stable and it's scheduled to have its production debut at the Chicago Auto Show. This is the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and it's going to be available in two-door or four-door variants. All variants of the Evoque will have the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Likewise, the Evoque will have an all-wheel drive system and will include the brand's new Terrain Response System, a technology that tailors the SUV's all-wheel drive performance depending on specific road conditions.

Lexus

Another premium-company hybrid vehicle is coming to the US with the latest one coming from Toyota's luxury division, Lexus->ke47. The CT 200h is going to be built as a four-door five-passenger hybrid hatch that combines with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 134 horsepower. The CT 200h will use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and can can run on one or both of its power sources without having to charge it.

Mercedes-Benz

Another European automaker making the voyage to Chicago is Mercedes-Benz->ke187. For this particular show, the German manufacturer will be bringing with them a few of their new production models, including the 2012 C-Class, the 2012 CLK, and the 2012 SLK.

The 2012 Mercedes C-Class will have a new model in its line-up with the C250, which is being offered in Luxury and Sport trim levels, and will come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. On top of the C250 will be the C300. The C300 also carry the same trim levels and is going to come with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that has an output of 228 horsepower. Then there's the C350, which will carry the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the previous model, albeit having an increased output of 302 horsepower. The top-of-the-line C-Class model, with some help from AMG, is the C63. Despite having no official confirmation yet, you can expect the C63 to come with a 6/2-liter V8 engine that produces 451 horsepower.

Joining the 2012 C-Class in Chicago will be the 2012 CLS, which will come in two different models: the CLS550 and the AMG-powered CLS63. The CLS550 will be receiving a new 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 engine that has 402 horsepower under its hood and carries a seven-speed automatic transmission. The other CLS model is going to be the CLS63. As previously mentioned, this particular model will be powered by 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine with 518 horsepower courtesy of the company's tuning division, AMG. Unlike the CLS550, the CLS63 AMG will carry a seven-speed automated-manual transmission.

The last of the Mercedes models headed to Chicago is the 2012 SLK. Just like the 2012 CLK, the 2012 SLK will have two distinct models - the SLK250 and the SLK350. For the base model 250, it comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower with gearbox options available in either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. As for the higher-grade SLK350, it's going to be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower that's mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

MINI

As the first MINI->ke57 model to be sold in the US with four full-sized doors, the 2011 Mini Countryman ready to break the hearts of American consumers from coast to coast. Coming with a Base and 'S' models, the two versions have two different powertrain options. The Base model will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower while the 'S' model will come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower. Both models will come with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes in two trim levels - the base ES and the top-of-the-line SE - with both models having their share of similarities and differences. Both models will have front-wheel drive and will come with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower. The difference between the two trim levels lies in the transmission with the ES model having a standard five-speed manual transmission and the SE model coming with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while also having steering-wheel paddles to facilitate manual gear changes.

Nissan

Japanese automaker Nissan has a fleet of new models coming to Chicago and we're not all that surprised that they're leading it off with none other than the 2012 GT-R.

Don't look now, but Godzilla is Windy City-bound. The newest model of the popular GT-R line-up will come with two trim levels - Premium and the all-new Black Edition - that's powered by the same 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 530 horsepower, a jump of 45 horsepower from the previous model. Both cars will also receive the same six-speed dual-clutch automated manual that includes steering-wheel shift paddles. Both the Premium and Black Edition models will also come with all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, and a set of 20" wheels.

Joining the almighty GT-R in the Nissan stand will be the quirky Juke crossover. The Juke will come in three different trim levels, including the base S model, the SV, and the top-range SL model. While all three models have their own differences, each of them will carry the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower. Likewise, all three trims will be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems, as well as a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It seems that auto shows these days are incomplete without seeing the Nissan Leaf. True to form, the Chicago Auto Show is right around the corner and the Leaf will be there front and center. The Leaf will come with two trim levels, an SV and an SL. Both trims will carry the same lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that comes with 107 horsepower. The Leaf can also be charged using either a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet with a charge time of 20 hours for the former and a charge time of eight hours for the latter.

Porsche

The folks from Stuttgart will be leaving the confines of Germany and head over to Illinois for the Chicago Auto Show. Despite bringing only one model - the 2012 Porsche Cayman R - Porsche->ke1 is determined to generate interest in their two-seater sports coupe. The Cayman R is the third and newest trim to be born from the Cayman model. Unlike the base trim and S trim, the Cayman R will be powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 330 horsepower mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission with an option of upgrading it to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Scion

The Scion iQ may have a more high-profile alter ego in the Aston Martin Cygnet->ke3594, but make no mistake, this hip and happenin' subcompact car is ready to make a name for itself in the Land of the Free. Powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 90 horsepower and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Scion iQ isn't the most flashiest and most powerful car to attend the Chicago Auto Show. But where it lacks in these departments, it more than makes up for in style and presence.

Joining the iQ amongst Scion's production debut line-up is the redesigned 2011 tC two-door hatchback coupe. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower, the 2011 tC is being offered with a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota

It's kind of ironic that one of the world's largest automakers in Toyota->ke88 will only debuting one car at the Chicago Auto Show. Even weirder than that, this very same model already made an appearance at the Detroit Auto Show.

Nevertheless, the 2012 Toyota Prius v is the latest addition to Toyota's growing Prius->ke231 family. Similar in design and performance specs as the Prius hatchback, the Prius v does have one very important advantage than its hatchback godfather: it's got more cargo space inside it. On the matter of the powertrain, the Prius v will come with a 1.8-liter gas engine that's paired with a battery-powered electric motor, resulting in a total output of 134 horsepower.

Volkswagen

Two Volkswagen->ke94 models are scheduled to make their production debuts at the Chicago Auto Show, namely the 2012 Volkswagen Eos and the recently-launched 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is a freshly restyled four-seater sports car that comes with its own power-retractable hardtop with an integrated sunroof. The powertrain for the 2012 Eos is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower running inside of it while carrying a six-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission.

It wasn't that long ago when the 2012 Volkswagen Passat was making its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. About a month later, the same model will be making it's second auto show appearance in Chicago. The 2012 Passat comes as a four-door sedan model with three different trim levels: the S, SE, and SEL. Likewise, the new Passat will also come with a choice of different engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 140 horsepower, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower, and the top-grade 3.6-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower inside of it. The diesel version of the 2012 Passat will come with a choice between a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. Meanwhile, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder model will be paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, the top-grade V6 model of the Passat will only carry the six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Volvo

Last but certainly not least is the 2011 Volvo S60. As the Swedish automaker's latest entry to the premium-midsize car segment, the S60 will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine with 300 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite only coming in one single trim level - T6 - Volvo is expected to release the T6 R-Design trim later this year.