Preview: 2009 Canadian International Auto Show

[!!!TED!!!]

FROM:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/05/p...-13-22-2009.htm

Preview: 2009 Canadian International Auto Show, Feb 13-22, 2009

By Greg Wilson

Toronto, Ontario - The automotive world has been turned on its ear over the past year, and this year’s Toronto auto show reflects some of that new reality, according to the show’s organizers. The 2009 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) will offer a “stunning glimpse of where the industry is headed,” according to the CIAS web site. “Current economic realities and changing consumer lifestyle choices have dictated a new mandate to world automakers: create solutions that meet an entirely new set of criteria: new engine technologies; the next generation of hybrids; advanced fuel cells; and electric plug-ins.”

Indeed, of the two dozen international, national and regional vehicle premieres announced for Toronto so far, at least seven are hybrids, three are electric vehicles, and one is a fuel cell vehicle. Some of these have been seen before at other car shows, but all are being shown for the first time in Toronto.

Despite the economic downturn, organizers expect a crowd of 300,000 or more to tramp through the Rogers Centre and Metro Toronto Convention Centres February 13th through 22nd to view more than 1000 cars and trucks on display at Canada’s largest consumer show.

Aside from the new car displays, special displays and events will also entice visitors to make the annual pilgrimage to downtown Toronto: these include “GTA in Motion”, a display of electric vehicle technology; the “Corvette!” exhibit that will display more than 40 of the best and rarest Corvettes ever shown; the “NASCAR Pavilion”, back for a fifth successful year; “Leisure in Motion”, a new display of motorcycles, ATV’s, PWC’s, bicycles, trailerable canoes, kayaks, boats, snow machines, and motor scooters; the “Red Zone Sport Compact display”; and “Cruise Nationals”, the 10 best cars chosen from the winners of the Cruise Nationals Regional Cruise car shows.

Here’s a list of the vehicle premieres announced so far by the Toronto auto show organizers:

World premiere

Nissan NV2500 Concept

This “on-site construction office” provides a preview of Nissan’s entry into the commercial vehicle market in North America in 2010. The NV2500 Concept’s “wall-less” mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

North American premiere

2010 Volkswagen Golf VI

The sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf (no longer to be called the Rabbit), will arrive in Canada this Fall. The new Golf is slightly shorter and wider, but its height and wheelbase remain the same. The 2010 Golf will feature up to nine airbags including a driver’s knee bag, active head restraints, a new DCC Adaptive Chassis Control consisting of active shocks that continually react to road and driving conditions, and new ACC Automatic Distance Control, a laser-based cruise control that maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead. The first Golf’s to arrive here will retain the existing 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder, with six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmissions.

Canadian premieres

2009 Audi S4

The high-performance versions of the new A4, the Audi S4 sedan and the S4 Avant (wagon) will feature a 3.0-litre V6 with direct fuel injection and turbocharging, delivering 333 horsepower. Audi says the S4 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds, but on average only uses 9.7 litres of fuel per 100 km (29 mpg Imperial).

2010 Audi R8 5.2

Following the introduction of the mid-engined V8-powered R8 sports car in 2008, the new R8 5.2 features a 5.2-litre V10 engine putting out 525 horsepower. Audi says the R8 5.2 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 316 km/h on the racetrack. Like the V8 R8, the V10 model has a lightweight aluminum body, Quattro all-wheel drive, contrasting side panels, and innovative LED headlamps.

2009 BMW Z4

The new BMW Z4 is the first BMW roadster with a retractable hardtop. The power retractable hardtop is a two-piece roof made of lightweight aluminum panels - it opens and closes automatically in just 20 seconds. The Z4’s inline six-cylinder engines come either with fully variable Valvetronic valve management or Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection. The top model is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or BMW’s Sport Automatic featuring seven gears and double-clutch operation.

Also on the BMW stand will be the BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d. Both feature a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo Technology and Selective Catalytic

Reduction combustion management system with urea injection.

Chrysler Town & Country EV

The Chrysler Town & Country EV combines the electric-drive components of an electric vehicle with a small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed – a similar concept to the Chevrolet Volt. The Chrysler EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle can drive 64 km on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 640 kilometres with the assistance of the 98-hp gasoline motor/generator.

2010 Lincoln MKT

Available in late summer, 2009, the Canadian-built 2010 Lincoln MKT enters the luxury crossover segment with an inviting three-row interior and features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Active Park Assist, Blind Spot monitoring – and more. The Lincoln MKT offers Ford’s proven 268-hp 3.7-litre V6 or the new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine with an estimated 355 horsepower.

2010 Ford Taurus

Available this summer, the 2010 Taurus features new styling including a powerdome hood, pronounced fenders, new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps, lowered roofline, and a new version of the Ford signature three-bar grille. Inside, a forward-leaning centre stack flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down to the centre console. Power comes from Ford’s 3.5-litre V6 with a new six-speed automatic transmissions. The Taurus will also be available with the new EcoBoost 3.5-litre V6 engine at a later date.

Ford will also display the European Fiesta, a small car that is expected to arrive in Canada in 2010.

2010 Cadillac SRX

The next-generation 2010 Cadillac SRX has been completely redesigned. No longer based on the CTS rear-drive platform, the 2010 SRX has a new front-wheel-drive platform and is a five-seater not a seven-seater. The new SRX is 12 cm shorter, 6 cm wider with a wheelbase that is 14 cm longer. A new 3.0-litre direct injected V6 engine is standard and a new 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 is optional.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The all-new 2010 Equinox compact crossover draws its new exterior design cues from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover models. Its new 2.4-litre direct injection four-cylinder engine helps the Equinox deliver an expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel consumption – a 25 per cent improvement over the current model.

2010 Buick Allure

First shown at the Montreal auto show in January, the all-new Allure is a collaboration between GM designers in the U.S. and China, and chassis and body engineers in Europe. The exterior is similar to the Buick Invicta show car, which was introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. Known as the LaCrosse in the United States, the 2010 Allure features all-wheel drive, advanced personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving V6 engines.

Other GM vehicles on display will include the 2009 Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid and 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

2010 Jaguar XF

The 2010 model year Jaguar XF features major powertrain changes and a wider range of models, including a new, supercharged XFR. XFs feature all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines. There are also significant trim and specification changes – including many new features unique to the new XFR.

2010 Kia Forte

Expected to replace the Kia Spectra compact sedan later this year, the Forte is based on the Kia Koup concept first shown at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Its handsome lines are drawing compliments from observers everywhere, and it’s expected to ratchet up competition for other compact import sedans like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.

2010 Lexus HS 250h

The new Lexus HS 250h is a dedicated luxury hybrid model – there is no non-hybrid version - and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Lexus line-up. It’s also the first Lexus to use carbon-neutral, plant-based plastic materials. The HS 250h will go on sale in Canada this summer, and slots between the IS and ES 350 luxury sedan in the Lexus lineup. It features a new exhaust heat recovery system that accelerates engine warm-up time, making for rapid cabin heating in winter.

2010 Toyota Prius

The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius gasoline-electric hybrid offers seven per cent better fuel economy - just 3.8 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving - 22 per cent more power, better comfort and safety features, less wind resistance and reduced emissions. Its new EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile in certain conditions, and a new Eco Mode helps the driver achieve better fuel economy. It goes on sale this Spring.

2010 Volvo XC60

The all-new 2010 XC60 T6 crossover will compete in the same compact luxury segment as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Land Rover LR2, and Mercedes-Benz GLK. With advanced safety features, it’s claimed to be the safest Volvo ever. It goes on sale in Canada in March with a starting price in the high $40s to low $50s – Canadian MSRPs have not yet been finalized.

Concept cars

BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions with a standard of driving dynamics never seen before in a hybrid car, says the company. BMW’s hybrid drivetrain technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 15% (EU test cycle) versus a similar car running on a combustion engine only.

Honda FC Sport

A hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, the Honda FC Sport features Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology, already used in the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, in a lightweight sports car with a low centre of gravity, a powerful electric motor and zero-emissions.

Mitsubishi i MiEV

The Mitsubishi i MiEV electric vehicle is based on Mitsubishi’s “i” gasoline- powered mini car in Japan but features a zero-emissions electric drive-train. Its 330-volt lithium-ion battery system is located under the floor and powers a 47 kW electric motor. Road tests have been underway in Japan for the past two years by seven major utility companies, and Mitsubishi expects to begin selling i Mievs in Japan this summer.

Nissan Forum concept

The Nissan Forum Concept features a family-friendly cabin which Nissan calls a “gathering place”. The Forum brings adults and children together in two independent but linked zones, respecting the needs and desires of both. Nissan says it is set to become the next revolution in family transportation.

Subaru G4e electric concept

The five-passenger Suzuki G4e electric car concept features a “next-generation” lithium-ion battery developed by Subaru. The G4e can travel about 200 kilometres with one battery charge, and batteries can be charged fully in about eight hours from a home AC power source. A quick charge to 80 per cent of the batteries’ capacity is possible in just 15 minutes, says the company.

Toronto auto show dates and times:

Show dates: February 13 – 22, 2009

Hours: daily 10:30 am – 10:00 pm, final Sunday 10:30 am – 6:00 pm

Location: Rogers Centre & Metro Toronto Convention Centre North and South, Toronto

Admission fees:

Adults $20.00

Adults with discount coupon: $15.00 (Monday to Thursday)

Children 7-12: $7.00

Children 6 and under: Free

Family Pass: $40.00 (2 adults, 2 children 7-12)

Multi-day: $30.00 (valid any two days)

[frogger]

They need to lower the admission prices IMO to get a decent amount of people to go. I don't know anyone personally feeling secure enough in their employment or employer right now to buy a new vehicle.

[Satty]

I always thought Canadian auto sales were a myth, that Canadians traveled in wood barrels pulled by moose.

[Drew Dowdell]

I always thought Canadian auto sales were a myth, that Canadians traveled in wood barrels with Acura badges pulled by moose.

Fixed that for you, eh?

[daves87rs]

I always thought Canadian auto sales were a myth, that Canadians traveled in wood barrels pulled by moose.

lol

[the_yellow_dart]

They need to lower the admission prices IMO to get a decent amount of people to go. I don't know anyone personally feeling secure enough in their employment or employer right now to buy a new vehicle.

I just priced a new car on my lunch in fact.

[!!!TED!!!]

Plenty of pictures and video from Toronto to come this weekend.

Any special requests are welcome.

TIP: Anyone attending the show, don't pay the 20 bucks per person. Get a 2-day pass, and give your friend the other ticket. Thats 15 bucks per person (the real ticket price). :AH-HA_wink:

[ZL-1]

I always thought Canadian auto sales were a myth, that Canadians traveled in wood barrels pulled by moose.

Our Canadian friends here at C&G should take a good look at the Z4 and ask any BMW people there how on Earth the company that designs the Z4 comes up with that horrendous 5-Series GT MPV-not-supposed-to-be-called-a-MPV thing... unless they hired the Aztek's designer

[FAPTurbo]

It's about time cars made it up here, my barrel's getting mossy.