Toronto, Ontario - The Canadian International Auto Show, which runs from February 15 to 24 in Toronto, is a big event. Unlike most auto shows, which display everything on one floor, the enormous Toronto show is held in three connected venues. The first rule: bring comfortable shoes.
There are manufacturers' displays in the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, as well as on the playing field at the Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome). There's also a lot to see in between - the various levels between the North and South Buildings contain such displays as the Classics Concourse old-car show, the vintage Lamborghini Theatre display, Volkswagen Rabbit petting zoo, and motorcycle and motor sports venues. Meanwhile, the upper level at the Rogers Centre features vendors, a tuner car display and entertainment. All three venues are connected for climate-controlled walking - the Convention Centre buildings through permanent walkways and the Rogers Centre via a temporary but heated one - or you can catch free shuttles to take you between them all. (If you arrive by public transit, look for the Skywalk signs in Union Station; you can walk from your subway train to every part of the show without ever going outside.)
There's a lot to see, and you'll want to see it all, but here's my list of Top Ten highlights that you shouldn't miss:
2009 Subaru Forester (top) and 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Click image to enlarge
Lexus IS F: Lexus won't confirm that the F stands for "fast", but you can be forgiven for believing that it does. This super-sexy sleeper contains a 5.0-litre V8 that cranks out more than 400 horsepower, and is the first production model to carry Lexus' new F badge. While you're there, go across the aisle to see Toyota's Hybrid X concept wagon. Also look for the Toyota Real, a personal mobility vehicle, on the 700 Level near the Cruise Nationals antique cars.
Subaru Forester: First shown at the Detroit Auto Show, the Forester is now in its third generation. Its beefier styling now makes it look more like an SUV, but with an intelligent size, and it's packed with new safety, convenience and handling features that will back it all up. Over in the corner, check out Subaru's Legacy and Outback PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles), which have 90 per cent cleaner emissions than average new vehicles.
Dodge Challenger: Shown for the first time in Canada, the Challenger is the production version of the concept car seen here last year. It'll be built in Brampton, Ontario, with the first models all high-performance SRT8 versions; you'll be able to spot its Hemi Orange paint from the next building. As good as it looks in pictures, it's even better in person. Also making their first appearances in Toronto are the all-new Dodge Journey and redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram pickup truck.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C230 4MATIC (top) and 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Click image to enlarge
Mercedes-Benz C230: Originally the all-new C-Class was released as the C300 and C350; now there's an entry-level C230 sedan, with 2.5-litre V6 engine, and with rear- or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The big news is its exclusivity: Canada's the only place in the world you can buy this model, which starts at $35,800. That price should pretty much buy you one wheel on the wicked new SLR McLaren model that's parked on the other side of the booth.
Hyundai Genesis: Believe it or not, it was 25 years ago that the Hyundai Pony first came to our shores. This year, the company is rolling out its all-new, rear-wheel drive 2009 Genesis, which will be available in Canada with a choice of V6 or V8 engine, and a refreshed version of the Sonata, which has now been with us for twenty of those years. As well, give a look to the tricked-out, tuner-style Tiburon at the back of the booth, and to the Hellion concept parked out front.
2008 BMW 1 Series cabriolet (top) and 2009 Ford Flex. Click image to enlarge
BMW 1 Series Cabriolet: Finally making its way to Canada's roads is BMW's smallest model, the 1 Series; the sedan and coupe are now joined by the drop-top cabriolet. The new X6 Sports Activity Vehicle is here too, and also a concept hybrid version that's slated to go into production for sale next year.
Ford Flex: Chip Foose was on hand to debut the all-new 2009 Flex to the press, as well as a customized version he built for the Specialty Equipment Market Show (SEMA) in Las Vegas last fall. The three-row Flex will be built in nearby Oakville, Ontario and offer such available features as a refrigerated centre console, Ford SYNC, and multi-panel glass roof. Also on display is the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, with a redesign that should continue to make it a segment favourite. Prowl the extensive booth and you'll also spot the production Foose F-150, Mustang Bullitt, and Shelby GT500KR.
Volvo XC60 concept (top), 2009 Audi A4 (middle) and Kia Soul. Click image to enlarge
Volvo XC60 Concept: Stylized drawings of concept vehicles are an industry staple, but Volvo has managed to make the XC60 so smooth, it looks like it flowed from a pen instead of a stamping press. Every line streams into another, and every component fits into the theme, right down to the stylized exhaust tips. Volvo says this is very close to what the upcoming production XC60 should be.
Audi A4: The company took Canadian Car of the Year honours with its R8, but that car's just a dream for all but a select few. The all-new 2009 A4 should enjoy widespread appeal, especially with a lengthened wheelbase that improves cabin and cargo room, and two engines with direct fuel injection. Expect it to better bridge the gap with buyers, who had to choose between the A4's tighter seating capacity and the hefty jump to the larger A6's starting price.
Kia Soul: This year, Kia's new production model is the Borrego, an intermediate SUV with V6 or V8 engine choice, making its Canadian debut at the show. After you check it out, go look at the Soul, which looks like someone jumbled pieces of a Mini, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Scion xB and then put it all back together. Kia says a production version of this urban runabout will debut next year, at the 2009 Toronto Show, and go on sale soon afterwards. I love this funky little beast and can hardly wait.
