Show to feature one global unveiling — at least
Hyundai, and perhaps others, will take the wraps off something completely new
While most of us locals simply call it “the auto show,” this annual consumer show and automotive exhibition is properly titled the Canadian International AutoShow.
As the event has evolved over the past 40-odd years, it has become much more than a gathering of the latest new cars — even though with more than 1,000 vehicles claimed to be on site, the show certainly provides the best possible opportunity to sit in, research and compare new models if you’re in the market.
Of course, an important part of an auto show is still the really new models: concept cars and stuff so advanced they’re not out yet — or, better still, have never before been seen. In the mean time, living up to the “international” in its name, the Canadian International AutoShow will indeed be hosting at least one global unveiling, with Hyundai expected to reveal, well, something for the first time ever (as of press time, exactly what’s in store had not been announced).
The show will also have the honour of being the first to display the Aston Martin-Red Bull AM-RB 001 supercar concept, which has never appeared on this continent, let alone in public, since being unveiled in England this past July.
Those unveilings are just the tip of the iceberg: close to 40 other vehicles are making their first Canadian appearance at this year’s show. Here’s a selection of introductions to watch for.
It’s performance overload at Audi’s booth this year, with the 354hp SQ5 crossover and 400hp turbo five cylinder-powered TT RS and RS3 sedan joining the gorgeous R8 Spyder as a quartet of new models for the fourring brand.
BMW’s latest 5 Series brings features and technology from the marque’s flagship 7 Series into the executive realm, while the Bavarian automaker’s Mini division introduc- es a contender for longest model name, the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, a plug-in hybrid version of the latest, largest Mini model.
For 2018, Ford’s two most revered nameplates, Mustang and F-150, have received nips and tucks, adding new technology to the ’Stang and a dose of Super Duty bravado to the bestselling F-150.
The Blue Oval’s Lincoln Division will tease the next generation of its big luxury ute with its Navigator Concept.
General Motors’ resized, redesigned and greatly improved 2018 Chevy Traverse and GMC Terrain crossovers make their first Canadian appearance, while the Cadillac Divi- sion’s Escala Concept graces the show with its flagship size and style.
Genesis, Hyundai’s newly-minted premium adversary for Lexus, Mercedes, et al will also be showing a design study, the brand’s “New York Concept” sedan.
If the strides made by Hyundai’s Elantra sedan are an indication, the next Elantra GT hatch should be an excellent alternative to Mazda 3s and VW Golfs. Fingers crossed for a GT equivalent to the sedan’s 201hp Sport variant.
Speaking of sporty, Kia’s new rear (or all) wheel-drive Stinger is an unexpected shot across the bow of models like BMW’s 3 Series and Infiniti’s Q50. It’ll be accompanied by the latest Cadenza, Kia’s near-luxury large sedan.
Don’t overlook Mazda’s subtly but critically redesigned CX-5, bound to continue its role as a significant player in the compact crossover segment. Mercedes goes on an AMG bender in Toronto: AMG GT C, AMG GT R and E63 AMG — yes, please. Any or all would be fine.
It’s a pair of concepts making their Canadian debut for Nissan; the company’s Vmotion 2.0 and Infiniti QX50 Concepts. Check out Nissan’s new Qashqai crossover while you’re there.
Who needs a 440hp compact crossover? Porsche buyers! Enter the Macan Turbo Performance Package.
Subaru’s last seven-seat crossover (the Tribeca) missed the mark — the Viziv-7 Concept shows the scale, if not necessarily the styling, of the constellation brand’s all-new atonement for that misstep, possibly to be named “Ascent.”
Riding a completely new platform, Toyota’s Camry promises a newly invigorated driving experience. It certainly introduces some conversation-inducing styling features to what has generally been a conservative model line.
Styling is also the name of the game at Lexus, which will be showing off its LF-FC and UX concepts here.
Both long awaited and long wheelbase — Volkswagen finally unveils the North American-specific stretched version of the company’s global Tiguan crossover, which offers third-row seating for the first time.
What is it with Volvo and sexy wagons? Canadians get it. Americans have to special order Volvo’s V90 in non-Cross Country guise, but in the Great White North, Volvo will offer us the added style and aggression of the V90 R-Design.
Further proof that it’s better on this side of the border.