Top Ten Things to See at the 2015 Toronto Auto Show
Despite being one of the largest cities in North America, the annual Canadian International Auto Show held in Toronto rarely gets much attention outside of the city.
But it’s still a big deal. With lots of Canadian debuts, a few world debuts and some other automotive oddities, there’s a lot to see in Toronto this year. Here are our top ten Toronto auto show must see items.
Believe it or Not, the number ten spot goes to Ripley’s display at the Toronto Auto Show. Featuring tons of automotive oddities, our favorite is the Peel P50. Officially known as the smallest production car in the world, this three-wheeled marvel has no reverse gear and a 3 cubic inch motor that could propel the P50 to a 37 MPH top speed.
Next on the list is the Chevrolet Equinox. Refreshed for 2016, the Equinox is a rarity for the Toronto Auto Show as it’s making a simultaneous world debut both here and in Chicago. Using the same two engines as the 2015 model, the Equinox wears new clothes, and a redesigned interior. If you want a first look at the new Equinox, this is one of only two places to see it in the world.
We can’t get enough of the 2016 Mazda MX-5. Making its Canadian debut, the MX-5 is lighter, sexier and more efficient. Is 155 HP enough for this little roadster? Only a spin behind the wheel will answer that question but I’m sure it’ll be a hell of a lot of fun to drive.
148 years is a long time and that’s how old the next car on the list is. Called the Seth Taylor Steam Buggy, this is Canada’s oldest car, built in 1867. With a 1.2 HP steam engine, the 500 lbs. car could reach a top speed of 15 MPH.
Two new Honda crossovers are also making their world debuts both here in Toronto and at the Chicago auto show. The Acura RDX may be a mere mid-cycle refresh, but the Honda Pilot is a ground-up redesign that ditches the old model’s boxy shape.
Also in the Art and the Automobile exhibit are some of the most iconic automobile designs ever created. There’s the legendary Chrysler Turbine car, the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Coupe and of course the big fin monster – a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado.
Being shown off for the first time in Canada is Cadillac’s trio of killer V’s. Set to go on sale later this year, the ATS-V sedan and coupe will come packed with a 455 HP 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 while the CTS-V features an insane 640 HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Acura NSX Video, First Look
Downstairs hides the Auto Exotica exhibit that features high-end machinery from Ferrari, Bentley and the 650 HP McLaren 650S. Not enough power? There is also the Pagani Huayra with 730 HP and a 230 MPH top speed.
But taking the top spot is the return of a legend. Acura’s latest supercar is on display for the first time in Canada. The return of the NSX may have taken some time to happen, but it’s finally here. With a 550 HP all-wheel drive hybrid drive system, Honda promises the NSX will be to Ferraris, McLarens and Lamborghinis what the original model was to supercars in its day.
But taking top spot is a trio of high performance Fords. Packing a 450 HP turbocharged V6, the new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is significantly lighter, but just as capable off-road as ever. For those who prefer on-road performance, there is the 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R that is claimed to be the most track capable Mustang ever. But the real performance monster here is the radical, new Ford GT. With a carbon fiber racecar inspired body and an ecoboost V6 engine the Ford GT will make at least 600 HP and an incredible amount of down force. Heck, this car could have been number one on this list alone.
SEE ALSO: Ford Shelby GT350R is Most Track Capable Mustang Ever
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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