MOBILITY MATTERS

The 2018 Canadian International AutoShow’s theme is ‘The New Movement,’ which is meant to encompass everything to do with the future of mobility. At the BMW and Mini booth in the South Building, you’ll find an array of vehicles that fit under that umbrell

BMW and Mini showcase the show’s theme ‘The New Movement’ and the future of mobility at their booth,

BMW i8 Roadster

This topless variant of BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid supercar is making its Canadian debut at the Toronto show following its global unveiling in Los Angeles last November. An updated version of the previous i8, now known as the i8 Coupe, was announced at the same time. The roadster looks sort of like the designers took an i8 Coupe and lopped the top off, just as it should. The electric-only range is now estimated at 53 kilometres for the roadster and 55 kilometres for t he coupe, an increase from 24 kilometres, and each has a top speed of 250 km/h.

BMW M4 CS

Just 3,000 of these will be sold worldwide, making this truly a limited edition. It’s just a tick less insane than the fully track-focused M4 GTS but is still in itself very track-worthy. Its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine pumps 460 horsepower into the rear wheels and gets this car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Don’t miss your chance to see one up close.

BMW X2

Despite the name, BMW’s newest small crossover is actually slightly smaller and tauter in design than the X1. It has more of a coupe shape as opposed to the X1’s taller stance, in keeping with BMW’s naming conventions. Be sure to take a close look at the more stylized kidney grille and sleeker tail lights, which are subtle differences but highly effective.

BMW X3 M40i

SUVs that can do it all, from autocross to rough cottage roads and everything in between, are clearly coming into fashion. BMW’s debut entry into this new game is the first M Performance version of an SUV, the all-new X3 M40i. It might just be the perfect fit for those who appreciate the versatility of a crossover, the design of a BMW and the power bump up to 355 horsepower and the resulting zero-to-100 time of 4.8 seconds delivered by its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.

Mini Electric Concept

Though the name suggests it could be mere fantasy, BMW has confirmed that a car based on this all-electric concept will go into production. The Mini Electric Concept has been on tour since the last year when it made its world debut in Frankfurt, Germany, in September and then its North American debut in November in Los Angeles. The CIAS marks the first time it has s been displayed in Canada. This is one of those cars that its designers have chosen to make scream electric with its quirky headlights and wheels, acid yellow colour accents and complete lack of attempt to pretend it has a front grille. But given Mini’s propensity for eccentricity, the marque’s fans aren’t likely to mind in the least.