- Details
- Category: Other Racing
By: Mike Sullivan/RaceCanada.ca
February 16, 2024
February 16, 2024
With a conflict for last year's Canadian International Auto Show that couldn't be resolved, the 2024 edition was the first show we've attended since before Covid, so we were excited to get back out and see what the show had to offer in the new, post-Covid era, and of course to see what motorsport offerings the show had.
Starting in the south building with the Porsche reveal was a bit disappointing as a marque as distinguished in motorsport history as Porsche had nothing on offer for the motorsport fan, save a small collection of diecast models at the back of their display. They did have their gamer Grand Turismo inspired prototype parked in front of their hall, but not really my kind of thing, unless they plan to actually race it somewhere that isn't on a monitor.
Shannonville Motorsport Park has a Ford Mustang in their display promoting the GT Race Experience. (https://shannonville.com/gt-race-experience/).
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Karting was well represented with with displays from Canadian Mini Indy and Mosport Karting together, as well as Goodwood.
The only NASCAR Canada representation we saw was the DJ Kennington Castrol Dodge Challenger.
The two big displays you're going to want to check out in the south building is the Rev TV hall and the Red Bull Fan Experience.
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Red Bull has a "full-sized static Show Car of the World Championship-winning RB18 car driven by Max Verstappen in the 2022 Formula One World Championship" or as we refer to it, the Red Bull RB18(ish). The display also has a series of racing simulators to try out as well.
The REV TV hall has the biggest display of race cars, so make sure you get in and check it out. Cars in the display include the #77 Emzone Radical that Jonathan Woolridge drove to a perfect season in 2022, one of the new Porsche GT4 RS Clubsport cars that will be driven by Cayden Goodridge in this years FEL Series, the #71 GSR Engines Sprint Car and looking back in time the Pop 84 Rothamans Turbo Porsche of Scott Goodyear and my personal favourite, a 1985 Reynard F2000 that I very likely worked on back in my Spenard David days, now used by Toronto Motorsports Park for their track day experiences.
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Moving to the North building we find most of the manufacturer displays. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of race cars out with the manufacturers on Media Day. Only Nissan, with a Sentra Cup car and Hyundai with Conner Attrell's FEL Series TCR car had anything on display.
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One of the more interesting cars in the show is Belleville, Ontario-based Scalar Performance and their Toyota GR86-based electric conversion SCR-1. Currently the SCR-1 is probably the only all-electric car competing against internal combustion cars, competing in the NASA Super Touring Series.
And while not a manufacturer, Pfaff did have their crowd favourite McLaren 720S GT3 Evo GTD Pro class IMSA race car, along with another crowd favourite, team driver for the endurance races James Hinchliffe. You can see Hinch at the show on Saturday Feb 17 from 2:30 to 3:30 at the Pfaff booth on level 300 of the North building.
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Downstairs in the North building is the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame display and a pair of IRL cars from Dario Franchitti, this year's inductee into the Hall in the International category, while the Ferrari hall has the #61 R. Ferri Ferrari Challenge car.
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And while not race cars, there were some really outstanding cars in the Auto Exotica/Cobble Beach Concours display including one of my all-time favourites, the 1929 Bentley Speed Six, the type the won LeMans in 1929 and again in 1930. Also in the display were a Shelby Cobra, a Ferrari 250GT Tour de France car and a great old Porsche 356.
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All in all, there have been better shows in the past for motorsport fans, but still a lot to see and the RB18(ish) is definitely worth checking out, along with the REV TV hall.
The Canadian International AutoShow runs from February 16 to 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, from 10:30am to 10:00pm each day. Tickets are available by clicking HERE
- Details
- Category: Other Racing
By: Canadian International AutoShow
February 14, 2024
February 14, 2024
Toronto, Ontario — With 45 automotive brands featured across 650,000 square feet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow it the place to see the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world.
More than 30 vehicles at the AutoShow will be seen for the first time in Canada — with several making their first appearance in North America at the event. The 2024 AutoShow is also packed with special features and unique attractions.
Among the highlights that will be featured during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow:
AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS
Buick
See the all-new Envista with Buick’s new design language, as well as the Encore GX. The display will also feature the Buick Infotainment System with ultra-wide screens that will begin appearing across the rest of the portfolio. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Cadillac
The Cadillac CT-5 Blackwing will be making its global auto show debut in Toronto, featured alongside the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and Cadillac LYRIQ — which will be available for test drives on the indoor EV Test Track. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Chevrolet
The all-new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and all-new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS are making their Canadian Auto Show debuts, among a lineup of Chevy vehicles that includes the brands EVs as well as the ZR2 Overlander Zone that will showcase the Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison, Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 2500 ZR2 Bison, all equipped with overlanding accessories through a partnership with OverlandNTH. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Chrysler
The plug-in hybrid 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV will be on display in the Stellantis exhibit. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Dodge
The Dodge Charger SRT Concept will make its Canadian auto show debut. The Dodge Hornet PHEV will also be on display at the AutoShow. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Fiat
The all-new, all-electric 2024 Fiat 500e will make its Canadian auto show debut at the AutoShow. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Fisker
The award-winning Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV will be on display, and will be available for outdoor test drives at the AutoShow. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Ford
Ford is returning to the AutoShow with the Canadian debut of the all-new 2025 Ford Explorer. It will be surrounded by 2024 models of the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor, all-new F-150 and F-150 Lightning, the entire Mustang lineup, Bronco Raptor, Bronco Sport, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Maverick and Super Duty as well as the 2023 E-Transit. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning will be available for a drive on the indoor EV Test Track. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Genesis
The first-ever Genesis GV80 Coupe, a vehicle that represents a fusion of practicality and performance, will make its Canadian debut in Toronto. Genesis will also showcase its first EV, the GV60 crossover, the refreshed G70 sport sedan and the Electrified GV70 luxury SUV — which will be available for a drive on the indoor EV Test Track. (North Building, 300 Level.)
GMC
Celebrating 25 years of Denali excellence by expanding it across the entire GMC portfolio, GMC will be showcasing the HUMMER EV Omega Edition SUV, a Canadian debut. The Hummer EV will also be available for test drives on the EV Indoor Test Track. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Hyundai
The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe NHL Edition — a Canadian exclusive — and fully electric INOIQ 5 N, Hyundai’s first N Brand electric performance vehicle, will anchor Hyundai’s display. (North Building, 300 Level.)
INEOS
A brand making its first appearance at the AutoShow, the INEOS Grenadier 4X4 is a rugged yet comfortable utility vehicle. Appearing courtesy Dilawri INEOS Grenadier, it’s a vehicle that combines German engineering and British spirit and design. (North Building, 300 Level.)
INFINITI
The INFINITI Vision Qe concept car will be seen at an auto show for the first time in the world at the AutoShow, and the INFINITI QX Monograph, another concept will be making its Canadian premiere. Both concepts signal the evolution of INFINITI’s design language, and will be showcased with a full line up of 2024 INIFINITI models. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Jeep
A full roster of Jeep vehicles will be on display, including the 2024 models of the Grand Cherokee L Limited Black Appearance, Wrangler 4-Door 4xe Rubicon X, Wrangler Sahara, Grand Wagoneer Obsidian Series II and Compass Limited. The plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe and plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will be making the rounds on the Camp Jeep track. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Kia
The refreshed 2025 Kia Carnival — with an all-new hybrid powertrain — will makes its Canadian debut. Kia will also be showcasing its newest electric vehicle, the EV9, touted as the first all-electric, three-row SUV. Experience the technologically advanced EV9 and the agile Kia EV6 on the indoor EV Test Track. The EV9 will also be available for testing on the outdoor test drive area. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Lexus
Lexus will feature the all-new 2024 GX 550 — offering an unparalleled combination of elegant features, offroad capability, and the luxurious quality for which Lexus is known — and the first-ever Lexus TX, a three-row SUV with substantial space and seating without compromising the innovative technology, refined performance and luxurious amenities that define the Lexus brand. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Lincoln
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, the popular three-row SUV enhanced with the introduction of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, will make its Canadian debut. The display will also include the all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, gas and hybrid models, Lincoln Corsair, including the Corsair Grand Touring PHEV, and the 2024 Lincoln Navigator. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Nissan
Nissan is bringing off-road inspiration to the AutoShow with a thrilling Rugged Rogue concept and will showcase its latest exhilarating sports car, the 2024 Z NISMO, as well as a NISMO accessory fueled Frontier bringing inspiration for owners to personalize their vehicles. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Porsche
There will be five vehicles in the Porsche room making a premiere appearance, and Porsche will officially launch its pending Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, under construction in Pickering. Premiering vehicles include the global show debut of the Porsche Vision GT concept car, North American unveils of the 2025 Porsche Taycan and 2024 Porsche Panamera and first Canadian appearances of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS commissioned to commemorate the PEC Toronto and a record-breaking Porsche 911 that drove to the highest altitude by a gasoline or diesel-powered car. (South Building, 700 Level.)
Ram
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept truck and 2025 Ram 1500 will be making their first-ever appearances at a Canadian auto show in Toronto. The 2024 Ram 1500 Sport will also be on display in the Stellantis exhibit. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Subaru
Subaru will be showcasing two cars for the first time in Canada — the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru WRX RS — and it is extending the visit from the always popular St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs to seven days over the course of the show. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Tesla
The futuristic-looking Tesla Cybertruck is coming to the AutoShow, along with the brand’s lineup of the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Toyota
AutoShow patrons will get the first look at the all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser — the first time it has been available in Canada since 1989 — and the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, which will be featured amongst a full roster of vehicles that includes the 2024 model year Grand Highlander, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid and Prius. (South Building, 800 Level.)
VinFast
AutoShow guests will be able to experience a broad range of VinFast’s electric vehicles, including the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9, as well as the VF Wild, an electric pickup truck concept. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Volvo
Volvo Cars is introducing the Volvo EX90, its all-new fully electric SUV, to Canada at the AutoShow. The brand will also be showcasing several of its Recharge models: the C40 Recharge fully electric crossover, XC40 Recharge fully electric compact SUV and XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid midsize SUV. (South Building, 800 Level.)
SPECIAL FEATURES AND EXHIBITS
Auto Exotica Luxury Boutique
With collections curated by Autostrada Magazine and Barrett-Jackson, Auto Exotica puts some of the world’s most exclusive luxury and exotic brands will be in the spotlight at the fan-favourite exhibit: Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Weismann, McLaren and a replica of “The Tumbler” Batmobile from the Batman Begins and The Dark Knight movies headline a stunning and unique collection of vehicles. This year’s exhibit also welcomes Cobble Beach Classics to its space, with a tribute to some of the most important performance vehicles throughout the history of the automobile, and will also showcase premium brands Maserati, BMW, Rivian, Lotus and Alfa Romeo.
Cobble Beach Tribute to Performance — Cobble Beach Classics is showcasing a stunning array of vintage automobiles in a tribute to performance, bringing guests on a comprehensive journey through some of the top performance vehicles in the history of the automobile. The 10-vehicle display includes a 1929 Bentley Speed Six Tourer, 1932 Stutz Super Bearcat, 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra and 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Lowbody.
Alfa Romeo — This will be the first time the Afla Romeo Tonale PHEV will be displayed an auto show in Canada. A plug-in hybrid, the Tonale PHEV marks Alfa Romeo’s metamorphosis to electrification and connectivity without sacrificing the brand’s Italian sportsmanship DNA. Alongside the Tonale PHEV will be the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
BMW — BMW is returning to the AutoShow with a showcase of the all-new BMW XM Label, billed as the most powerful BMW M model ever made.
Lotus — The all-new Lotus Eletre — defined as an electric hyper-SUV with racecar DNA — will make its Canadian debut at the AutoShow, part of a display that also includes the Lotus Emira.
Maserati — Maserati is returning to the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in collaboration with the Maserati GTA dealers — Maserati of Oakville, Maserati of Ontario and Maserati of Toronto. It is marking the occasion with the exclusive Canadian auto show premiere of its all-new Maserati Grecale SUV.
Rivian — A new brand to the AutoShow that recently launched in Toronto with a service centre and office in Vaughan will be displaying its flagship EVs, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV.
The Auto Exotica Luxury Boutique can be found on the 100 level of the North Building.
Camp Jeep
A fan favourite when it made its first Canadian appearance at the AutoShow in 2023 is back for a return engagement. A Trail Rated indoor off-road course, Camp Jeep® offers a chance to experience the capabilities of the legendary Jeep® vehicles without leaving the AutoShow floor. Passengers will ride along in the latest Jeep vehicles — including the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe and plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe — experiencing five man-made obstacles that rigorously showcase the unmatched capabilities of Jeep vehicles. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Canadian Car of the Year Awards, Presented by AJAC
The Canadian Car of the Year Awards presented by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) have been expanded to a new format for 2024, adding two new categories to recognize the Canadian Electric Car of the Year and Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year — to be awarded alongside the traditional Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.
The Awards will be presented during the opening presentation of Media Day at the AutoShow on February 15th. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame - Tribute to IndyCar
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame will once again be marking the achievements of the industry at a special Induction Celebration on Saturday February 17th at the AutoShow, and honouring their 2023 International Inductee, four-time Indy Car Champion and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. The Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Autosport Indy Car teams have kindly provided on loan two of Dario’s super speedway Indy 500 winners for showcasing throughout the Show in a dedicated display for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. (North Building, 100 Level.)
Electric City
Electric City is a one-stop destination for AutoShow attendees to learn everything about automotive electrification. It showcases the ecosystem that supports the new age of mobility. Learn about the exciting developments in the electrified automotive industry, guided by experts discovering new options in mobility. (North Building, 300 Level.)
EV Indoor Test Track
Canada’s largest indoor EV Test Track returns for 2024, with 13 electric vehicles available to be taken on a two-lap jaunt through the course. Consumers (and media) will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest and greatest electric vehicles and test drive the future of mobility, right inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Vehicles available for a test drive include the Volvo XC90, VinFast VF 8, Hummer EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Hyundai IONIQ6 and Kona EV, Lexus RZ, Genesis Electrified GV70, Nissan ARIYA, Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, Kia EV9 and EV6, Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X. (South Building, 800 Level.)
Ferrari Classiche
Ferrari of Ontario presents a tribute to Ferrari highlighting a special collection of classiche vehicles including the Ferrari Enzo, F40 and 288 GTO along with their racing pedigree showcasing the Ferrari 296 Challenge car. (North Building, 100 Level.)
Grand Touring Automobiles
Grand Touring Automobiles is celebrating its 50th anniversary in style at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow. Canada’s premier retailer of luxury automobiles has assembled an impressive roster of rare and exclusive vehicles to showcase at the AutoShow, which features three cars that have never before been seen at a Canadian auto show, and four brands that have never been seen at the Canadian International AutoShow before. The centrepiece of the GTA display will be the Rimac Nevera, billed as the quickest car in the world. This is the first time the car will be seen at an auto show in Canada. (South Building, 700 Level)
The LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is returning to the AutoShow with a family-centric series of activities that give a nod to all things automotive — including three new LEGO® sets available in Canada for the first time: The LEGO® Technic™ Kawasaki Ninja H2R Motorcycle, LEGO® ICONS McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna and LEGO® Technic™ Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back. (South Building, 700 Level)
Mattel
A life-sized version of the pink 1957 Chevy Corvette styled for Barbie — and inspired by the Barbie movie — is coming to Canada for the first time at the AutoShow. It will be accompanied by four life-sized cars from the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends™ will be on display: the Deora II, the Green Loop Coupe, the Rip Rod and the OG Hot Wheels 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, the model that launched the entire Hot Wheels brand. Mattel will also be offering an AutoShow exclusive Nissan Silvia die-cast car; only 1,000 will be available, and will be given away with the purchase of $50 or more from the Toys “R” Us pop-up store. (North Building, 200 Level and 300 Level.)
Outdoor Test Drives
Back by popular demand, you can once again test drive vehicles on the streets of Toronto. The South building test drive program registration is located on the 800 level, right by the EV Test Track. Cars available to test include the Volvo C40, VinFast VF 8 and VF 9, Kia EV9 and Fisker Ocean. The outdoor test drive area can be found at the loading dock area on the 800 level of the South Building.
Polestar will be running its own test drives from the South Building. More information is available at the Polestar display on the 800 Level.
Tesla will be running a test drive program from the North Building. For more information, inquire at the Tesla display on the 300 level of the North Building.
Pfaff Auto Group
With a selection of unique vehicles that define performance, Pfaff Auto Group will showcase vehicles from McLaren and Pagani. For the opening weekend of the AutoShow, the Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720S GT3 EVO racecar will be front and centre. Three other McLarens — the new McLaren 750S Spider, McLaren Artura plug-in hybrid and a McLaren-Mercedes SLR HDK (one of only 12 in the world) will also be in the display along with a Pagani Huayra Coupe, Pagani Huayra Roadster and Pagani Zonda R Liquid. (North Building, 300 Level.)
Red Bull Fan Zone
The Red Bull Fan Zone is a celebration of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, including a full-sized static Show Car of the World Championship-winning RB18 car driven by Max Verstappen in the 2022 Formula One World Championship. (South Building, 700 Level.)
REV TV Speed Zone
REV TV Studios, featuring the highly anticipated PASMAG 25th Anniversary Collection, will offer attendees an exclusive look at an array of vehicles that have defined the tuner automotive world. In addition to rarely-seen modified cars and up-close views of cars usually only seen on race tracks, the host of REV Culture, Todd Lewis will be interviewing a full slate of automotive and motorsport personalities throughout the show. (South Building, 700 Level.)
The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow will take place February 16th to 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For news and updates — and to buy tickets — please visit autoshow.ca. Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Tik Tok @autoshowca, X @autoshowcanada and Facebook at /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
- Details
- Category: Other Racing
By: Canadian International AutoShow
February 1, 2024
February 1, 2024
Toronto, Ontario — A selection of performance vehicles from McLaren and Pagani — including the new McLaren racecar being run by Pfaff Motorsports for the first time this season — will highlight the exhibit from Pfaff Auto Group at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow.
As one of Canada’s leading premium retailers of sports cars, supercars and hypercars, and a top Canadian-owned racing team, the Pfaff Group is presenting a selection of unique vehicles that define performance — and quite simply look amazing.
For the opening weekend of the AutoShow — from February 16th through to Family Day February 19th — the new Pfaff Motorsports McLaren 720S GT3 EVO will be the centre of the display. But while it has to be shipped out the evening of February 19th due to race commitments, three other McLarens will be present throughout the show: The new McLaren 750S Spider, McLaren Artura plug-in hybrid and a McLaren-Mercedes SLR HDK — one of only 12 in the world.
The McLaren GT will also be on display from February 20th to 25th.
Canadian motorsports star, former IndyCar winner and soon-to-be Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee James Hinchcliffe — who was part of the team that drove the Pfaff McLaren 720S GT3 EVO in the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 27th and is committed to drive for Pfaff in the upcoming Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Motul Petit Le Mans — will be meeting fans and signing autographs on Saturday, February 17th, between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm at the Pfaff exhibit on the 300 level of the North Building in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The Pagani section of the Pfaff booth will show off a Pagani Huayra Coupe, Huayra Roadster and the sinister-looking Zonda R Liquid.
Also in the booth will be a three-car display of high-performance, high-style EVs from Pfaff Tuning:
Porsche Taycan with TechArt enhancements.
Audi SQ8 e-tron with custom Vossen wheels and other enhancements.
BMW i4 M50 with BMW M Performance parts and custom wheels.
The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow will take place February 16th to 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For news and updates — and to buy tickets — please visit autoshow.ca. Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Tik Tok @autoshowca, X @autoshowcanada and Facebook at /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
- Details
- Category: Other Racing
By: Canadian International AutoShow
February 8, 2024
February 8, 2024
Toronto, Ontario — Four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will be inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame as its 2023 International Category recipient at a black tie gala in Toronto on February 14th in association with the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow.
Over a span of six years, Franchitti was IndyCar's biggest star, winning his first title and Indy 500 in 2007 with Andretti Green (now Andretti INDYCAR). After a brief NASCAR Cup stint in 2008, he returned to IndyCar with a vengeance, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, where he won three consecutive championships (2009-11) and added two Indy 500 wins (2010 and 2012) before an accident in the final race of the 2013 season forced him into retirement.
The 50-year-old Scotsman, who now calls London, England, home, has enjoyed considerable success in Canada over his 16 years of CART and IndyCar racing. He notched six wins, eight poles and 11 podiums, with three of those victories coming at the Honda Indy Toronto.
"Dario Franchitti was an extraordinary talent, with a strong story of international and Canadian success, winning IndyCar races on the streets of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal," says Peter Lockhart, Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Board Chair. "The Hall is thrilled to join with the AutoShow in paying tribute to Dario's illustrious career with his induction into the International Category during the Collectors’ Celebration Gala."
The Collectors’ Celebration Gala is an exclusive, invite-only annual event held just before the AutoShow in partnership with Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Along with Franchitti’s induction to the Hall of Fame, this year’s event will include Canadian racing star James Hinchliffe — who is also being inducted in the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame this year — and Richard Hammond, internationally renowned automotive journalist and host of Top Gear, The Grand Tour and his current YouTube channel DriveTribe.
The other 15 inductees into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Class of 2023 — including Hinchcliffe — will be inducted during a ceremony at the John Bassett Theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, February 17th. Tickets are available at cmhf.ca.
The AutoShow will feature two of Franchitti's Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar championship-winning Indy cars from Andretti INDYCAR and Chip Ganassi Racing on the 100 level of the North Building at the entrance to Auto Exotica.
Like many racers, Franchitti began his career in karting, and he was a winner from the start, claiming four titles by age 15 in 1988. He quickly rose through the British open wheel ranks with another three titles over four years.
In 1997, he moved to North America to launch his IndyCar career with Hogan Racing. The following season, he joined Team Green, and that combination produced immediate results, with three wins and a third-place season finish to establish Franchitti as an IndyCar force for years to come.
Franchitti continues to be active in motorsport as a commentator on Formula E broadcasts and a driver mentor/coach with Chip Ganassi Racing.
The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow will take place February 16th to 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For news and updates — and to buy tickets — please visit autoshow.ca. Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Tik Tok @autoshowca, X @autoshowcanada and Facebook at /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
- Details
- Category: Other Racing
By: Canadian International Auto Show
January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Sleek electric truck will be the centrepiece of Tesla’s return to Canada’s premier automotive expo
Toronto, Ontario — Tesla is returning to the Canadian International AutoShow — and it is bringing the Cybertruck with it.
The futuristic-looking Cybertruck, designed to tackle any terrain with a range of up to 547 kilometres on a single charge, will be making its first-ever appearance at the AutoShow, the centrepiece of a Tesla display that will also feature its 2024 vehicle roster.
Durable and rugged, the Cybertruck is made with an ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton that helps reduce dents, damage and long-term corrosion. Shatter-resistant armour glass can resist the impact of a baseball at 112 km/h, of Class 4 hail. The glass is also acoustic, shutting out ambient exterior noise and making the cabin as quiet as outer space. With a top speed of 209 km/h, it hits 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.
On the worksite, haul everything you need with 1,134 kg payload and 4,990 kg towing capacity — the equivalent of an average African elephant. The super-tough composite bed doesn’t need a liner and is big enough for 4'x8’ construction materials.
Also coming to the AutoShow from Tesla are:
Model S — Designed to be the most fun you can have in a car: The fastest acceleration (zero to 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds for the Model S Plaid, and 3.2 seconds for the Model S), console-grade in-car gaming, sublime sound and more. It offers industry-leading safety features and unrivalled performance, range and efficiency. Its dual motor all-wheel drive supports a range of 652 kilometres.
Model 3 — Built for distance, the Model 3 travels 548 kilometres on a single charge, with optimized exterior styling to optimize aerodynamics. The all-new interior features wraparound styling that cocoons the occupants. Ambient lighting can be customized to the owner’s preferences
Model X — With the most power and quickest acceleration of any SUV, Model X Plaid is the highest performing SUV ever built. Updated battery architecture enables both Long Range and Plaid configurations to complete back-to-back track runs without performance degradation.
Model Y — The dual motor train of the Model Y delivers instant torque — and maximum dopamine — with a range of nearly 500 kilometres. It is also one of the safest vehicles on the road, with an extremely low chance of rollover and occupant injury. Active safety features reduce the risk of impact and prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
The 2024 Canadian International AutoShow will take place February 16th to 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For news and updates — and to buy tickets — please visit autoshow.ca. Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Tik Tok @autoshowca, X @autoshowcanada and Facebook at /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.