Whenever you go to an auto show, a fun game to play is figuring out which vehicle, of the hundreds on display, that you would take home if you could. While visiting the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, we narrowed down our choices to two stunning vehicles.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider 16M

You have to love the Scuderia and we have never seen a screaming yellow Scuderia Spider, so this vehicle immediately caught our attention. With 510hp and the fastest shift times of any street-legal car in the world, the Scuderia Spider 16M is a top pick. What we don’t like, however, is that the car really is a sell-out. Sure it’s significantly lighter then a regular F430 Spider, but it’s also significantly heavier than an F430 Scuderia coupe.

Audi R8 5.2 V10

No one on staff here at AutoGuide has driven the new V10-powered R8, but as we love the standard 420hp model, we figure the addition of 105hp can only make it that much better. We’ve also never seen it in the stunning blue color. Sure it isn’t about to have the driving dynamics of the Scuderia Spider but it would also make for a better car for regular use. Besides, even if the Scuderia Spider was faster on a track, we’d just feel like poseurs for not driving the coupe.

Our Choice: The Audi R8 5.2

After launching the F-Sport line of performance and aesthetic products for the IS250 and IS350 over a year ago, Lexus has now decided to make those upgrades available for a wider range of models, including the IS C convertible, the GS sedan and IS models equipped with AWD.

Included in the F-Sport lineup is a long list of performance parts. Here are just a few:

Lexus will offer 18- and 19-inch F-sport dark graphite finished forged aluminum wheels, which not only look great but weight less than the factory wheels and allow for some serious low-profile rubber.

In terms of brakes, the F-Sport package includes both a front and rear setup, which can be purchased seperately or as a full package. The front brakes are six-piston calipers with drilled cast-iron rotors and the rears are four-piston calipers with drilled cast-iron rotors. Both brake kits come with braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads.

For the suspension, the F-Sport line offers lowering springs and Bilstein shocks, as well as replacement front and rear sway bars. For those really interested in maximum rigidity, Lexus  offers an F-sport  chassis brace.

For added performance, the Lexus F-Sport line includes a stainless-steel exhaust system and an air intake system, both of which are 50 state legal and do not affect emissions.

For manual transmission models, such as the IS250C, there is a Lexus F-Sport short shifter. An F-Sport shift knob and floor mats are also offered.

F-Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus USA are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

The new additions to the F-Sport lineup will be available June 1. For more info see:

www.F-Sport.com

Official release after the jump:

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The Acura TSX has grown considerably over the years, so much so in fact that Acura has decided that for top level performance the car has outgrown its four-cylinder powerplant. So to add some beef to the already impressive sports-sedan, Acura has stuffed a 280hp 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood for the 2010 model year.

The V6 model will not replace the current car, but rather join the already successful four-cylinder engine.

With 280hp, the new V6 is 79 horsepower more powerful than the four-cylinder. The 280 number isn’t all that significant for a V6, however, so we do expect a less high-strung engine with torque numbers close in line to the horsepower figures.

The V6 engine will be mated to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, which includes features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. The new V6 models will come with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

New 2010 V6 modes will also get 18-inch wheels with Michelin tires, revised suspension system, a slightly modified front fascia and V6 badges.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

Be prepared for lots more from Acura throughout 2009 as the company plans to make significant changes to all of its vehicles for the 2010 model year.

2010 Acura TSX V6:

Official release after the jump:

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It may look a little extreme, but the Nissan NV2500 Concept will see production in some form or another as Nissan has announced it will enter the commercial truck business in North America in 2010. Unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the NV2500 is designed to be not only a way to transport materials but also a comprehensive work station.

“The Nissan NV2500 is a rolling idea lab – bringing a new perspective to the Commercial Vehicle segment,” said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design for Nissan Design America, Inc., which developed the NV2500 Concept.  “We see the NV2500 Concept as an ongoing exploration of ways to make these vehicles more than just a box on four wheels. Our goal is to enhance utility through creative design solutions, providing a platform for a wide variety of specific professional applications.”

The NV2500 is based on the Titan fully-boxed ladder frame chassis and while Nissan isn’t providing any information on engine choices the company has said it is in talks with Cummins. The trucks will also get automatic transmissions and a solid rear axle. On the concept vehicle were a set of 20-inch wheels.

To make the NV2500 a usable work-space, Nissan has included a long list of innovations. Inside the truck is a computer workstation, a built-in laser blue[printer, numerous 110/22W power outlets, vacuum hose outlets, a fold-down conference table, several storage compartments, cargo and tool tie-down racks and an awning-style panel that opens the entire side of the truck,  creating an outside workshop table. And in order to make all that interior work-space livable, Nissan has made the ceiling almost 6-feet high.

Outside, the NV2500 is enormous with a 147.6 (12.3-foot) wheelbase and an overall length of 234-inches (19.5 feet).  It is 8 feet tall and 6.6-feet wide. Interior room is enormous and objects as large as 10.5-feet long can be transported.

Nissan will begin production of three North American-specific vehicles based on the NV2500 Concept in 2009, to be built at Nissan’s Canton, Miss., plant. Of the three vehicles, the top-line models will receive a class 5 gross vehicle rating, meaning they will weight between 16.001 and 19,500 lbs.

Nissan NV2500 Concept:

Official release after the jump:

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On display at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto was one of only 10 SMART fortwos that will be built to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the car. And this particular vehicle will be given away to one lucky person. But more on that soon.

The SMART fortwo 10th Anniversary Edition is based on the Brabus SMART fortwo and comes with many special details – most obviously is the car’s Arctic Gray Matallic paint. Another key exterior highlight are the flat black Brabus Monoblock VII wheels, measuring 15-inches up front and 17-inches in the rear. 10th Anniversary Edition logos appear on the A-pillars and rear tail gate.

The interior is stunning (in true Brabus style) with Chalet brown leather and contrasting gray Alcantara piping, with gray stitching. The Chalet leather can also be found on the door panels, shift knob, handbrake and steering wheel.

As one PR rep told us, “you’d think you were in a Maserati.”

The 10th Anniversary Edition SMART fortwo is powered by the same 70hp three-cylinder engine as the standard fortwo, however, it does feature a Brabus sport tuned exhaust system. Brabus also worked on the suspension of the car.

As for the contest, those interested can enter at www.winwithsmart.ca

The remaining nine cars will be available through a reservation lottery that begins February 12, 2009.

SMART fortwo 10th Anniversary Edition:

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Unveiled simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Kia took the wraps of its new Forte compact sedan.

The Forte will be offered in three trims with LX and EX models featuring a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with 156hp and 144 ft-lbs of torque. An SX model will also be offered with a larger 2.4-liter four cylinder boasting 173hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque. This is more power than what is offered in either the top line Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla.

A five-speed manual is standard on the LX and EX with an optional four-speed automatic. We’re a little disappointed to see a four-speed on a brand new cars these days but those who so choose can opt for the SX, which comes with a six-speed manual as standard an an optional five-speed automatic.

Kia will offer a Fuel Economy Package, featuring the 2.0-liter engine with a five-speed auto, motor driven power steering (as opposed to electric), low rolling resistance tires and improved aerodynamics. This will result in a class-leading 36 mpg on the highway.

LX models will be quite basic but EX and SX models will include standard power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, AC and steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls. A sunroof and leather seating will be optional. SX owners might just want to stick with the cloth seats, however, as Kia has equipped the Forte SX with styling red stitching.

SX models will also get plenty of other upgrades to match that red stitching, including a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, a rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels with significantly sized 215/45/17 tires.

Wow.. a Kia we’re actually excited to drive!

Note: At the Canadian International Auto Show, Kia also had the Koup Concept on display (first featured at least year’s New York Auto Show) and according to Kia rep Sixto Fernandes, Kia will launch a new coupe in the summer and we should expect it to look very close to the concept.

2010 Kia Forte:

Kia Koup Concept:

Official release after the jump:

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After taking top honors for the North American Car of the Year at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, it’s no surprise that the Hyundai Genesis has also claimed to top prize from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The Genesis appears to be the right car for the times, a well-priced luxury sedan from an automaker known more for well-built entry-level economy cars. In other words, the Genesis is all about value.

Coming standard with a 310hp V6, the Genesis also features an optional 375hp 4.6-liter V8.

This marks the first time Hyundai or any Korean automaker has won the AJAC Car of the Year award.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Review

The rumors were right. Ford used the opportunity provided by the Chicago Auto Show to unleash its 2010 Taurus SHO, with 365 hp, all-wheel drive and a paddle-shifted six-speed transmission.

The SHO gets its power from Ford’s new Ecoboost twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine, that delivers V8 power with V6 fuel economy.

Total output is rated at 365 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm.

“The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.”

Along with the added performance of AWD, the SHO will get tighter and more direct steering as well as a sport-tuned suspension.

The exterior will feature mild visual differences including a decklid spoiler, 19-inch wheels and twin exhaust pipes, and the interior will receive a list of upgrades.

“Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car,” said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. “The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart.”

Ford will also offer a Performance Package for the SHO, which will include upgraded brake pads, 20-inch wheels, an even tighter and more responsive electronic steering system, a shorter 3.16 final drive for faster acceleration and a “Sport Mode” setting for the AdvanceTrac stability control system.

The 2010 Taurus SHO will go on sale this summer with an MSRP of $37,995.

Official release after the jump:
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The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 edition was just unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, combining distinctive Harley-Davidson styling with the best-selling F-150. The 2010 Ford is officially the first Harley-Davidson edition truck to be constructed from the award-winning 2009 F-150 chassis.

This niche market co-branding exercise marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck dating back to 2000. The collaboration between these two companies has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. “Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

Unique features to the HD Edition truck are the front fascia and grille, model-specific badges, sport suspension, a custom premium interior with a limited-edition serialization plate and standard 22-inch polished, forged aluminum wheels, the largest in the F-Series lineup.

The paint selection is Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake. “There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” said Patrick Schiavone, Design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

The custom luxury truck also ties in the Harley related elements in the smallest of details. “The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley biker jacket,” Schiavone said. For instance, seat backs feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers identical to those on Harley jackets.

The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is equipped with a 5.4-liter engine rated at 320 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport-tuned exhaust and a top speed of 115 mph. The truck is available with 4×2 or an optional all-wheel drive, which features settings of 4×2, AWD and 4×4 high, unique to the Harley-Davidson edition on the F-150 platform. All 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 models will be SuperCrews.

2010 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition:

Official release after the jump:

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Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is all “murdered-out” thanks to some sleek black paint and matte-black 18-inch wheels. Those rims do, however, have a little color and feature a red trim around the outside.

This special edition tC (of which only 2,000 will be built) has a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) theme and comes with a long list of TRD performance parts. Red TRD lowering springs help give the tC RS 5.0 a more aggressive stance, and when combined with a red TRD rear sway bar give the sport compact better cornering abilities.

A TRD sport muffler gives the car a sound all its own.

Other exterior highlights include an optional rear lip spoiler (a $285 option) and TRD badging.

Inside, the tC RS 5.0 gets black seats with red accents, a black leather steering wheel with red stitching and TRD floor mats. The car will also feature an individually numbered badge.

The tC RS 5.0 will go on sale in March for 19,300 for the manual transmission and $20,100 fr the automatic – $2,300 over the standard tC.

Official release after the jump:

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