Photo Credit: Ashley McCubbin
There are many reasons why people partake in the Canadian International Auto Show each year. It gives you a chance to see your dream ride up close, gives you a chance to scout a possible new ride if you’re looking, and it also allows you to see what is new and exciting in the automotive world.
On Thursday, February 11, there were over 40 unveils that took place at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto, ranging from new rides available to purchase to concept cars that could become available in the future.
As a special to OnPitRoad.com, the complete list of the unveils is available below, along with some notable vehicle details and photos.
Audi
- 2017 RS7 Performance
- 2017 R8 5.2
- R18 E-Tron Quattro
- Concept – Audi H-Tron
Buick
2017 LaCrosse- Concept – Buick Avenir
Cadillac
- 2016 CT6
Chevrolet
- 2017 Bolt EV
- 2017 Cruze Hatch
Chrysler
- 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Combining a brand new platform, but remembering Alfa Romeo’s mantra of La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) brings forth a premium mid-size sedan that promises to deliver in the performance category.
“It’s incredibly exciting to bring Canadians their first look at the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio here in Toronto,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo Brand, FCA – North America. “The all-new Giulia is not just a new car, but an entirely new benchmark that represents the next chapter in Alfa Romeo’s rich 105-year history. With a Ferrari-derived 505-horsepower engine, the all-new Giulia is the fastest four-door production sedan in the world.”
As noted, the Ferrari-derived motor is combined with extensive use of ultralight, high-strength materials, which include a carbon fibre driveshaft, hood, roof and more, to boost a class-leading 0-100 kilometre an hour (km/h) time of 3.9-seconds (0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.8 seconds) and a record-setting Nürburgring time.
The team plans to release a full line of Giulia models that will continue to push the boundaries, including an all-new Alfa Romeo-designed all-aluminum four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, fuel-saving and emission-reducing MultiAir2 technology, and twin-scroll turbo technology for maximum responsiveness.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Since creating the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA has proven time and time again that they can keep the attention of the market with changes. That continues with the latest edition to the fleet, as it’s cutting edge design lines give the mini-van a much needed sexiness look to it, bringing forth a possible better appreciation from the audience. The new van also boosts many other features, including Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment, hands-free sliding door, liftgate operated by a kicking motion underneath the van, Stow ‘n’ Go seating and storage systems, and a nine-speed transmission.
- 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Beyond continuing to change the market with the simple look, they continue to push the envelope by introducing the first electric minivan, which will allow you to travel 48 kilometers virtue of the 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
- 2016 Dodge Viper ACR
If you’re looking for a street legal race car, this is supposedly the perfect answer as offered by Dodge. Making 645 horsepower with 600 lb. ft of tourque to deliver 1,700-plus pounds of downforce at top speed, it has everything put together to make the perfect performance package.
- 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland
- 2016 75th Anniversary Jeep models
Ford
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew- 2017 Fusion
- 2017 Lincoln Continental
GMC
- 2017 Acadia
Honda
- 2017 Ridgeline
Known for changing the marketplace with their little Civic, Honda is set to do the same thing in the truck market with the Ridgeline. Combining light weight unibody construction, fully-independent suspension with a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission should boost what they’re looking for. Offering enough room for five people to ride comfortably, it also has room with it’s 60/40 flip-up rear seat to provide enough room to haul all the cargo that you could want.
“We are bringing our unique technology and original thinking to the market in a new and challenging concept for a Honda pickup,” Jean Marc Leclerc, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc., said. “We think we’ve got a better idea, a truck that uses its unibody construction and Honda packaging magic to deliver more of the things that many of today’s truck customers want and need with none of the things they don’t.”
To go along with the performance, the inside of the cabin is set for comfort with high-grade materials and finishes used, combining with the latest technology available, including tri-zone climate control.
Hyundai
Genesis G90
Hyundai debuted their new luxury line-up, titled Genesis, and kicks it off with luxury sedan, the G60. The idea is for this line of cars to complete at the top of the luxury market, against those known for world-class technological innovations. The company states that there will be six Genesis models produced by 2021, each coming from their new “Prestige Design Division”, looking to craft a special, unique visual identity.
- Concept – Hyundai Enduro
One of the most eye-catching vehicles of the show, the Hyundai Enduro caught the eyes of many. The new concept car combines the look of an SUV with rally motorcycles to give the SUV a new, unique youth movement. As a result, the manufaucture calls it “the perfect partner for individuals living in modern cities with energetic, athletic lifestyles”.
Concept – Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck
Combining the appeal from a modern SUV, with the utility of an expanded truck bed, Hyundai hopes to catch the attention of truck buyers in a new way with the release of this new concept.
“The Santa Cruz crossover truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing Millennial lifestyle we call ‘Urban Adventurers’,” said Michael Ricciuto, Director of Product & Corporate Strategy at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “This new crossover allows them all the expandable utility they need throughout their active week without the typical compromises they have come to expect from the industry’s current product offerings.”
Infiniti
- 2017 Q60
- 2016 Q50 lineup
Jaguar
- F-PACE
Kia
Concept – Kia Niro
Lexus
- Concept – LF-C2
Maserati
- Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna
Mazda
- 2016 Mazda CX-9
After making it’s debut in 2006, Mazda CX-9 returns 10 years later with it’s second edition. Here’s the explanation, per the manufacture press release, behind the new ride.
The latest, grandest expression of KODO—Soul of Motion design yet and the high-end model of Mazda’s new-generation lineup. Its cachet is elevated with a proud front fascia that cascades into crisp lines that flow to the rear. Its interior is nothing short of breathtaking, with available Auburn-colored Nappa leather, Japanese rosewood and aluminum. The focus was on authenticity; an experience rather than simply another commodity conveyance.
With the new CX-9, engineers sought to instill driving dynamics befitting of a Mazda—agile handling, tight steering and a responsive, controllable powertrain. To do this, they found smart solutions to keep CX-9’s structure light, yet rigid, with SKYACTIV Technology. They developed a new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine that delivers instant throttle response, class-leading torque and an estimated 20-percent increase in fuel-efficiency, based on initial estimates of U.S. EPA testing cycles, making CX-9 among the most efficient vehicles in its class.
Mercedes
- 2017 Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet
- 2017 Mercedes-AMG SL 63
- 2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
- Mercedes-Benz S 550e Sedan
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS
- 2017 smart fortwo cabriolet
Mitsubishi
- Concept – Mirage G4 Sedan
Nissan
2016 GT-R NISMO- Concept – TITAN Warrior
Porsche
- 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera
Subaru
- Concept – Subaru Impreza
Tesla
- Model X
Toyota
- Concept – Toyota U2
Volkswagen
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
Continuing the trend of stylish Volkswagen Beetles and catching the attention small car fans everywhere, the manufacture unveiled their latest addition to the family, welcoming Beetle Dune. The new dune is inspired by classic Baja bugs of the 1960s and 1970s, where they’d chop the tops and give them more style to play with them in the dirt. Hence one of the three color themes – sandstorm yellow; it is also available in pure white, or a deep black pearl.
The manufacture tried to accomplish the bold look by a new front & rear facials, black wheel arch extensions, and 10 mm increase in ride height to give it a rugged stance, while the front bumper features a large central air intake that widens towards the bottom for better performance. The highlights continue beyond that, with notable 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, large rear spoiler, new stylish rear bumper design and graphics along the sides.
The new look continues inside of the stylish little bug, with contrasting orange stitching and leather wrapped steering wheel. Of course, with any car you have find things that will connect with the consumer, and they accomplish that by using a 6.3-inch Composition Media infotainment system that includes a touch sensor, and App-Connect technology, which allows any smartphone to connect with the platform.
Getting down to performance, it will be able to get up and go due to a 1.8-liter direct-injection and turbocharged TSI® fourcylinder engine, offering 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Concept – GTI Roadster
Sometimes what you see in a video game becomes part of your reality.
Originally debuting in the Playstation classic game “Gran Trismo 6”, Volkswagen brought the GTI Roadster to the showroom floor, to see what the reaction would be in person.
Stylized really low to the ground, the two-seat convertible features a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, producing 503 horsepower, with that power being produced through a seven-speed dual gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Despite being low to the ground and light in weight (1420 kg), it does have considerable height in the wheels, featuring 20-inch rims. If you’re looking for something fast, this could be the recipe for you as the car reaches 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 309 km/h.
