Though it's a regional car show that competes with the New York auto show for attention, the Vancouver auto show has plenty of variety for local consumers and car buffs: from exotic cars to tuners to classic cars to new models, aftermarket displays, plus the opportunity to drive the latest 'green' cars.
The 96th annual Vancouver International Auto Show runs Wednesday, March 23rd through Sunday March 27th at the Vancouver Convention Centre located on picturesque Coal Harbour waterfront. The Convention Centre is conveniently located within walking distance of the Skytrain, Seabus and bus terminals.
On weekdays, General Admission is $16.00; Seniors and Students $12.00; Children 7-12 $5.00; Children under 7 Free accompanied by an adult. Weekend ticket prices are a bit higher: General Admission $18.00; Students and Seniors $13.00; Children 7-12 $6.00; Children under 7 free when accompanied by an adult. A Weekday Family Pass (2 adults and children 12 and under) is $35.00; a Weekend Family Pass is $40.00.
Here are some of the highlights:
Lexus LF-SA concept
For the first time in North America, Toyota is displaying its LF-SA urban utility concept car, describing it as "a luxury vehicle designed for life in the city of tomorrow." The small, aggressively designed city car is reputed to be very roomy inside despite its compact dimensions.
Audi R8 V10
The new R8 V10 is Audi's most powerful production car ever. With a new racing-derived engine, revised Quattro all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the standard 540-hp R8 does 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds while the awesome 610-hp R8 V10 Plus does it in 3.2 seconds.
Audi Allroad
Designed for on- and off-road adventures, the new Audi Allroad wagon is equipped with a 252-hp 2.0-litre turbo-four, seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission and adjustable suspension.
Audi RS7
Painted in a striking lime green, this new Audi RS7 pumps out 605 horsepower and does 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 sec.
Volkswagen Alltrack
A more affordable off-road wagon is the new VW Alltrack. Based on the Golf Sport Wagon, it has a raised ride height, 18-inch tires and Haldex all-wheel drive system. VW also announced that the Golf Sport wagon will also be available with all-wheel drive.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Mitsubishi's smallest car is now available in a 4-door sedan body style with more power and a starting price of just $14,498.
Subaru BR-Z Italia Edition
Only 100 of these new special edition Subaru BRZ Hikari Edition sport coupes with unique 'hyper blue' paint are available in Canada starting at $30,495.
Chevrolet Sonic
The restyled 2017 Chevrolet Sonic hatchback and sedans made their Canadian debuts in Vancouver. The sportier-looking 2017 Sonic features a new standard 7-inch touchscreen for the MyLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional is a new heated steering wheel and Rear Park Assist system. The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this Fall.
Lincoln Continental
The new full size Lincoln Continental is all about comfort, quietness and a new take on American luxury. The interior is described as a “personal sanctuary” where even the rear seats are heated and cooled and feature massaging cushions.
BMW M4 GTS
Limited to 50 units in Canada and 700 worldwide, the high performance BMW M4 features new water injection and 490 horses.
BMW M2
With a 330-hp turbocharged inlin-six, the new M2 Coupe is as quick as it looks. Probably quicker.
Mini Clubman
The second-generation Mini Clubman is now available with all-wheel drive, and eight-speed automatic transmission. Its sideways-opening rear doors will now open automatically by kicking your foot under the rear bumper.
Mini Cooper Convertible
Note the Union Jack design integrated into the new Mini Cooper Convertible's fabric top. The power top opens and closes in just 18 seconds.
Cadillac CT6
The lightest and most agile sedan in its segment, the new CT6 expands Cadillac's performance credentials while offering plenty of luxury features such as a new Bose audio system with 34 speakers.
Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid
In their Canadian debuts, Kia has its new Optima Hybrid and Optima plug-in hybrid sedans on display. The plug-in hybrid has a 154-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a 52-kW electric motor and an all-electric range of 40 km.
Hyundai Ioniq
The new Hyundai Ioniq will come in three versions: Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid and Electric. Arriving in the Fall, the electric Ioniq has a 28-kWh battery and approximately 170-km range. The Ioniq Hybrid, on sale in early 2017, features a new 1.6L direct injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder developing 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque paired to a 43-hp electric motor with a 1.85-kWh battery. Lastly, the new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, coming next summer, uses the same 1.6L I4 with a 60-hp motor and 8.9 kWh battery, good for an all-electric range of 37 km.
Land Rover Evoque convertible
The drop-top version of the Land Rover Evoque has a convertible roof that can be lowered or raised at speeds up to 50 km/h. The folding top doesn't interfere with rear passenger space.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The sporty rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan has a 2.9L biturbo V6, six-speed manual transmission, carbon ceramic brakes, and Sparco racing seats.
1964 Aston Martin DB4 Bond car
It's not one of the original Bond cars, but this DB4 has all the gadgets including the front machine guns, ejector seat, and rear bulletproof shield.
More info at www.vancouverinternationalautoshow.com
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