25 Canadian International AutoShow debuts and concepts

A Canadian industry-led project, a dealership initiative, at least one global unveiling and many debuts and concepts in between: It was the most diverse field of electrified- and traditional-production vehicles and concepts in the 46-year history of the Canadian International AutoShow. Here are 25 vehicles that debuted at CIAS. 

APMA REVERO GT

Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) showcases its highly customized Karma Revero GT, above, demonstrating the amounts of Canadian-sourced technology that can be packed into an automobile. The Karma contains cutting-edge digital-security technology developed in Waterloo, Ont., that enables car owners to send and receive electronic voice data protected by hybrid cryptography. 

ASTON MARTIN DBX

The first Audi Sport SUV (“sport-utility velocity”) to come to Canada delivers almost 600 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 and is claimed to hit 100 km/h from zero in less than four seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission feeds power to the RS-tuned quattro all-wheel-drive system, optimizing shift times and driving settings “to ensure a blistering launch in any conditions.” 

AUDI Q3

With up to 228 horsepower, eight gears feeding its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a starting price of less than $40,000 in Canada, the Q3 does “urban with an edge.” It’s a fashion statement rolling on (up to) 20-inch wheels and the Q3’s digital instrument cluster has the latest touch-system technology and driving-assist systems, including a park program and adaptive cruise control. 

AUDI Q4 E-TRON

Audi’s first mass-produced electric vehicle silently brings with it a new all-wheeldrive system with front and rear electric motors, giving it blistering performance and maximum range of 329 kilometres. A standard speed-sensitive air suspension with adaptive dampers automatically adjusts ride height to optimize range. 

BMW VISION M NEXT 

A glimpse into the electrified future of BMW’s M performance brand comes via the Vision M Next plug-in hybrid sports car offering a choice of electric all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. With electric propulsion and a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine making a combined 600 horsepower, it will shoot to 100 km/h from rest in a claimed three seconds. 

BUGATTI LA VOITURE NOIRE 

The most expensive new car ever sold (in March 2019 for US $18.68 million) has yet to be delivered to its new owner. First, it must make an appearance in Toronto. “The Black Car” marks Bugatti’s 110th anniversary with a quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre16-cylinder engine making 1,500 horsepower. Top speed of the vehicle is “to be determined.” 

CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE 

It’s inspired by fighter jets, but on a practical note, the midengine Corvette convertible maintains the same storage space (356 litres) as the coupe, even with the top stowed. GM’s next-generation 6.2-litre V-8 (called the LT2) sits behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle, producing more horsepower and torque (490/470, respectively) than any base Corvette ever. 

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

Slotting between the compact Trax and midsize Equinox, Chevrolet’s newest compact utility is all about functionality, personalization and visual appeal. A suite of standard active-safety and driver-assist features includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, auto highbeam headlights and lane-keeping assist. 

2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE AND SUBURBAN 

GM claims best-in-class driving dynamics, interior space, exclusive technologies and features in the full-size segment, wrapped in a redesigned full-size utility body. Both models — but especially the Tahoe — have significantly more cargo room than before. Engine options include a 420-horsepower V-8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

2020 FORD ESCAPE

Two new hybrid drivetrains join the propulsion choices for the 2020 Escape. The claimed driving range for the standard hybrid is 885 kilometres, with the plug-in hybrid adding 48 electric kilometres. More than a fresh re-entry for the compact SUV nameplate, the Escape adopts the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies that includes parking assist and evasive-steering programs. 

2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH-E 

The first non-Mustang Mustang completely breaks the mold, being a sleek, fiveseat electric crossover with power and handling that meets and often exceeds the internal-combustion Mustang sports cars that came before it. The top Mach-E model produces 612 pound-feet of instant torque and sprints to 100 km/h from rest in about 3.5 seconds. Range varies depending on the model, but tops out at a claimed 475 kilometres. 

GENESIS GV80 

 The first utility vehicle in the Genesis line made its global debut at CIAS. It brings a number of firsts for the luxury brand from Korea, including but not limited to a six-cylinder-diesel engine option, electronic suspension with “road preview” and active interior noise control. 

HYUNDAI VISION T 

This plug-in hybrid aspires to be on the cutting edge of utility design and execution. Expressing Hyundai’s evolving “Sensuous Sportiness” global design vision, the Vision T uses sharp geometric angles and edges, creating a contrast between the sleek silhouette and strong wedge lines. 

INFINITI QS INSPIRATION 

The futuristic sport sedan will appeal to people whose vehicular affections lean more toward trucks and utility vehicles. Traditional sedan proportions are out the window with the automaker’s flexible vehicle architecture, which allows for short body overhangs and a “lounge-like” cabin. The all-wheel-drive system has front and rear electric motors. 

2021 JAGUAR F-TYPE 

The two-door’s new design has evolved into, according to the company, a “purer, more sculpted and assertive expression” of the Jaguar sports car. Craftsmanship and detailing define the driver-focused interior and the supercharged V-8 propels the F-Type to 100 km/h from rest in a claimed 3.5 seconds. 

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 

The Defender brand returns to North America after 22 years away from the Canadian market, “respectful of its past but not harnessed by it.” Designed to handle extreme terrains, it can wade through 0.9 metres (three feet) of water as a 3-D surround camera with “Wade Sensing” reports just how deep the water is. 

LEXUS LF-30 ELECTRIFIED CONCEPT 

This gull-wing-doored concept features in-wheel electric motors and numerous advanced technologies throughout its cockpit, all “informed by a human-centric design philosophy.” The vehicle has contactless charging; there’s no plug. Artificial-intelligence-enhanced energy management coordinates recharging with the driver’s schedule and the local power grid. 

MAZDA CX-30

Slotting between the Mazda CX-3 and the larger CX-5 is the new CX-30 utility vehicle. It’s inspired by the automaker’s new “Sleek & Bold” design philosophy, “blending toughness with beauty.” Two gasoline-engine options are offered, driving the front wheels through six-speed automatic transmissions. Optional is “proactive” allwheel drive with vectoring control to aid turning precision. 

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS GP 

Mini’s limited-edition, high-performance John Cooper Works GP is the quickest and fastest road car the automaker has ever produced. Product is limited to 3,000 units and just 59 have been allotted for Canada for the 2020 model year. With a full range of comfort, convenience, infotainment and communication features, no options are offered.

NISSAN KICKS STREET SPORT CONCEPT 

Nissan Motorsports debuted this little hot rod at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in November. The Kicks Street Sport Concept has a turbocharged engine as well as an oversize front air dam, rear roof spoiler, a body kit and wide wheels and tires. 

PININFARINA BATTISTA 

This made-in-Germany Italian electric supercar features a powerful motor at each wheel fed by a 120-kilowatt battery pack. Shown at CIAS exclusively by Pfaff Automotive Group of Concord, Ont., the Battista can reach 100 km/h from a stop in a claimed two seconds and achieve 300 km/h in 12 seconds. Top speed is limited to 350 km/h. 

2020 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 

The Carrera comes to Toronto as the new entry model in the 911 lineup of sports cars. Aside from performance, ride and handling that logic suggests no car with its engine behind the rear wheels should have, the new Carrera is also packed with the latest technology and connected features. 

TOYOTA TS050 HYBRID

For the first time at any auto show in the world, Toyota will have its record-breaking, Le Mans 24 Hours-winning TS050 hybrid endurance-racing car. Its drive system powers all four wheels through front and rear motor-generators. By recovering energy during braking and storing it in a high-powered battery, the TS050 Hybrid generates 1,000 horsepower. 

VOLKSWAGEN ELECTRIC PLATFORM 

The first mass-produced EV Volkswagen will come to Canada sometime in 2021. A preview of what to expect will come with the MEB chassis, “essentially, the foundation for the future,” said Volkswagen Canada spokesman Thomas Tetzlaff, calling it “a rare opportunity to see the parts of a car normally hidden underneath a sculpted body.”