2013 Canadian International Auto Show: Coles Notes Version
As per usual, press day at the Canadian International Auto Show was filled with automakers busying themselves with the “Canadian Premières” of their wares. Very little had not already been seen and what vehicles haven’t been shown are probably being saved for the New York or Geneva shows. This event fell on February 14th, meaning I also needed to rush and buy a Valentine’s Day item. Before I did, however, I put together some notable observations from the 2013 [s]Maple Syrup & Hockey[/s] Canadian International Auto Show.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray still looks like a pissed off Transformer that is smoking four cigarettes.
BMW will grant Canadians the privilege of purchasing a 3-Series wagon, as of summer 2013. It will be offered in one trim, the 328i xDrive featuring the 2.0L engine and all wheel drive. This does not spare us from the horror of the forthcoming 3-Series GT, however.
The 2014 Kia Rondo was a North American debut, mainly because no one south of the border could be bothered. Described as featuring a “tiger nosed grille”, it will have optional niceties such as a panoramic sunroof and parking helpers. A 2.0L four-cylinder with 164 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque is on tap. Take six speeds either way you like them – manual or automatic.
Here’s a picture of the new Audi RS7. Why? Because 560hp. Maximum torque from the twin turbo V8, all 516lbs-ft of it, will reportedly be available at just 1750 rpm. This means that you can enjoy face altering acceleration while taking your children to school. Prices? Firm release dates? Nein!
And finally, Toyota brought us their Fun Vii concept. This has been making the rounds for a while, since the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. The body serves as a giant tablet, enabling owners to change the colour, display pictures, or – potentially – hurl abuse at other drivers through printed word and creative phrases. Resembling a steampunk locomotive, it was nevertheless a refreshing departure from, say, the forlorn current-gen Corolla parked just 20 feet away.
The Canadian International Auto Show is open to the public from February 15th – 24th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
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So the Rondo will offer a manual shift? This will be a small victory, as the old one didn't. If they took the trouble to make it handle decently, it could be competition for the Mazda 5. Road test please?
Went to the show on the first Sunday morning of the show. Crowds were light at that time of day. Could not find a factory or dealership display of Porsche vehicles. There were a few models in some other displays, but they were not new vehicles. For the most part it was a good show. My only complaint would be in regards to those that figure they can use the display cars to babysit their kids while they stand nearby talking to friends. Having to wait in a line of 5 people while little Johnny sits in driver seat trying every possible combination of button settings in the hopes that ice cream will pop out of the CD/DVD player is just wrong. I did find a way to get an adult out of the drivers seat though, just get in the passenger side, slide your thumb along the leather bolster making the noise that will clear any room and say "oops" as it finishes. Drivers seat is vacant within seconds.