2011 BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
At least a dozen new models will have their Canadian premiere at the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show - better known as the Toronto auto show. The new production models range from sporty BMW roadsters to several new gasoline-electric hybrids, as well as key production cars such as the 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Jeremy Cato takes a closer look, model by model.
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2011 BMW ActiveHybrid7
This BMW had its global debut at last fall's Frankfurt motor show. The long-wheelbase BMW 7-Series uses a mild hybrid powertrain co-developed with Mercedes-Benz. The electric motor and a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V-8 combine to yield 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The ActiveHybrid 7 has a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
The heart of the new Z4 sDrive35is is the 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, fitted with twin turbochargers and direct injection. The engine reaches peak horsepower of 335 at 5,900 rpm. BMW says the Z4 sDrive35is goes on sale next spring.
2012 Ford Focus
The new Focus was first shown last month at the Detroit auto show - a major statement from Ford. It's rare to see a key European model unveiled in America. A prettier and more premium Focus is vital for Ford. The car maker believes buyers in North America will want to downsize en masse over the next three years. This Focus rides on an all-new platform, but the design is an evolution of the current European model. It's more up-market than the Focus sold in Europe and light years ahead of the current car sold in Canada - which represents older technology than in Europe. Look for it in showrooms next January.
2011 Lincoln MKX
The new MKX five-seat crossover, which shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Ford Edge (but none of its body panels) is the best example yet of what Ford has in mind for every new Lincoln: smart technology, arresting design, entertaining but comfortable ride and handling and outstanding quality. That's the Lincoln formula, says product czar Derrick Kuzak. "You win in this game with outstanding products that give real value for your customers," he says, pointing out that in the MKX, "We're adding lots of technology - in our case, high-value technology. MKX has eight technologies, standard, that nobody else has."
2011 Buick Regal
Buick types are absolutely convinced they can take a serious run at Lexus. The 2011 Regal, which goes on sale in the second quarter of 2010, is the third Buick aimed at rejuvenating the brand and attracting younger buyers. First came the Enclave crossover, then the LaCrosse sedan, and now the Regal. The Regal is a rebadged Opel Insignia sedan and that is not a bad thing in any way. The Insignia was European Car of the Year in 2009. The Regal, say Buick engineers, is aggressively tuned for a tight, firm ride and smart cornering.
2011 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai is breaking from the pack in mid-size cars by offering the 2011 Sonata only with four-cylinder engines starting early next year. The V-6 option will go with the outgoing Sonata. Buyers who want extra power will have only a turbocharged Sonata available. Buyers who want more fuel economy, will get a hybrid Sonata in about a year. "We've thrown out the 'Beat Toyota' playbook," said Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik, noting that the latest sales figures rank the Hyundai-Kia group the fourth-largest auto maker in the world. "We have our own playbook now."
2009 Mazda RX-8 hydrogen RE
Mazda continues to pursue hydrogen as a "clean" energy carrier or fuel of the future. The 2009 Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) is powered by the RENESIS rotary engine with "dual-fuel" capability. That is, the car can run on hydrogen or gasoline. A version of the car is being driven on public roads in Japan and in Norway.
2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Car
This is a sporty hatchback with a small engine mated to an electric motor for an extra power boost. The 1.5-litre gas engine is basically the same as the one in the Fit hatchback. The CR-Z's electric motor also is a less powerful version of what appears in the Insight and Civic hybrids. As a result, the CR-Z has a 0-to-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds, according to reports of Japanese market specifications.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The fourth variant of the new E-Class replaces the CLK and goes on sale in May, a month before the new E-class station wagon. The open-top, two-door model has a classic fabric soft top.
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Those roof-hinged gullwing doors look spectacular and they are the most distinctive aspect of the SLS's appearance. But don't be fooled, say the ultra-sensitive types who work at Mercedes' inhouse tuner division. "We did not build a retro car at all! In fact, we think it is the most advanced super sports car you can buy today," says Kai Marten, director of AMG operations. The AMG-designed 6.2-litre V-8: 571 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, and peak torque of 479 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm.
2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Vehicle
Toyota has every intention of introducing a plug-in electric version of its Prius hybrid. The Prius Plug-In Hybrid is based on the third-generation Prius and is capable of being charged from a household outlet.
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INFO
Date: Feb 12-21
Where: North and South Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Front St. between Simcoe and John
When: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sun. Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: adults $20, children (7-12) $7 (6 and under are free), family pass (up to 2 adults, 2 children) $40, multi-day pass (any two days) $30; tickets bought online are 10% off
Site Maps: http://www.autoshow.ca/maps