Top 10 Things to See at the Toronto Auto Show

Mike Schlee
by Mike Schlee

It may not be one of the marque auto shows in North America, but the Canadian International Auto Show is one of the biggest.

Held annually in Toronto, there’s always a lot to see and do, and this year is no exception. New cars, old cars and attractions for the whole family can be found throughout the show floor. But for those looking for the absolute best the show has to offer, here are the top 10 things to see at the Toronto auto show.

10. Deadmau5 Nyanborghini Purracan and P1

Starting off this list is a pair of supercars owned by none other than EDM star Deadmau5. On the right is his world famous Nyanborghini Purrican with its unmistakable custom wrap job. Beside it is his awesome McLaren P1 with its comical DAP1THO license plate.


9. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Sedan

There aren’t often North American unveils at the Toronto Auto Show, but Mitsubishi did just that. All-new, the Mirage G4 Sedan is a larger, four-door sibling to the existing hatchback. Wearing unique styling compared to the recently refreshed hatch, the Mirage G4 Sedan is powered by the same three-cylinder engine now making a bit more power.


8. Porsche 919

Proving once again that hybrids can be cool is Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 919 hybrid race car. A perfect example of how function over form can still be beautiful, this beast returned Porsche to prominence in the world’s most famous 24 hour race last year. Will they be able to repeat this year?


7. Hot Rods and Choppers Display

Are bikes and slammed low riders your thing? Be sure to check out the hot rods and choppers display hidden in the south building. Custom bikes, trikes and classic cars are on display with badass names like 90-Inch Death Trap, the Mobstress and Big Booty Ruby.


6. Toyota U2 Urban Utility Concept

Up next is Toyota‘s urban utility concept van also called the U-squared, not the U2. Although we’ve seen pictures before, this is the first time Toyota has shown the concept off to the public. Like virtually every concept these days, the Urban Utility Concept is designed for people with active lifestyles. It combines a cargo van and a pickup truck in a compact car-sized vehicle. The coolest feature is that a lot of the trim details, like the lights, have been created by a 3D printer.


5. 100 Years at Indy

This year marks the 100th running of the Indy 500 and there’s a full display promoting the historic event. On hand are several vintage race cars covering over a hundred years of racing. Be sure to check out the 1914 Duesenberg, the 1950 Cummins Diesel and the Lotus Turbine car.


4. Honda UniCub

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the Honda UniCub, but how could we not include it on our list? Making its public Canadian debut, the UniCub is controlled completely by body motion and is eerie in how intuitive it is to control. Is this the coolest personal mobility device or the laziest? The answer is yes.


3. 1984 Dodge Caravan

If you’re a child of the ’80s like me, chances are you spent a lot of time in one of these. This is the original 1984 Dodge Caravan complete with wood panelling, white walls and wire wheel covers. Oh, and look at that interior fabric. Packing a whopping 96 hp, this minivan doesn’t just scream ‘80s, it smells like the 80s inside – neon, big hair and Teddy Ruxpin.


2. Tesla Model X

Sitting down in the basement is the Tesla Model X that takes second place on this list. Although we’ve all seen it before, this is the first time the production Model X has been shown at any auto show anywhere in the world. All electric and all wheel drive, the Model X’s defining feature is easily its falcon wing rear doors.


1. Pfaff Display

Like fast, incredibly rare cars? Then check out the Pfaff booth also located in the basement of the north building. The car I wanted more than anything as a teenager is sitting front and center, the 1996 Le Mans winning McLaren F1 GTR. Then there’s the Pagani Huayra that defines the term hyper car and demands attention everywhere it goes. But maybe you want something a little more subtle? Be sure to check out the Singer Vehicle Design restored Porsche 964 911.

Mike Schlee
Mike Schlee

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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