After a long hiatus, the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) is finally back post-Covid in 2023. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the CIAS will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with doors opening to the public at noon on February 17. The show runs daily from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm every day thereafter, until Feb. 26, when the doors close at 6 pm.
Besides the usual display of the newest and most exciting vehicles from a host of manufacturers, CIAS organizers have prepared an assorted menu of displays, events and new products that are sure to appeal to car lovers young and old. Here’s a quick look at the top eight must-see attractions at this year’s auto show.
1. Auto Exotica: Dream Big!
The Koenigsegg Regera is one of the must-see vehicles at this year’s Auto Exotica.
Auto Exotica puts on display the ultra-luxurious and super-fast cars that dreams are made of. This year, visitors can look forward to a selection of rare exotic cars, supercars and multimillion-dollar hypercars, all guaranteed to make the heart skip a beat. From classics, like the 1957 Corvette and the 1990 Lamborghini LM002, to ultra-luxurious vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost, to something James Bond wouldn’t mind taking on his adventures (the Aston Martin DBX707), it’s all on display this year at Auto Exotica.
2. Buckle Up at the EV Test Track
Take an EV for a test drive on Canada’s largest indoor EV test track.
If you’ve ever thought about buying an electric vehicle, but aren’t sure if the driving experience is for you, this year’s EV Test Track puts you behind the wheel of some of the newest and most exciting EVs on the market today. Prospective EV owners can take the following for a spin: Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona, Kia Niro and EV6, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Lexus NX PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime and bZ4X, and the VinFast VF8. Organizers say this is “Canada’s largest indoor EV test track,” which means you can try before you buy without ever leaving the comfort of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
3. Back to the Future
One of the most memorable cars from a bygone era, the DeLorean, is back on display at the auto show.
Attention all Gen Xers! The OBLIVION ’80s and ’90s Car and Culture Show is back for 2023, featuring vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s, plus all the pop culture elements that defined the decade of excess: arcade games, posters, magazines, neon clothing, parachute pants, and even those portable stereos that were a must for all self-respecting break-dancers. Travel back in time a few decades with the iconic DeLorean from the Back to the Future franchise, or go back even further in our planet’s history with the Jeep YJ from Jurassic Park.
4. Mobility Reimagined
The 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid is one of the many assisted-mobility vehicles on display this year at the CIAS.
This showcase of assisted-mobility vehicles includes six vehicles that have been modified to ensure that transportation is available to all car lovers, even those of us who have mobility challenges. Some of the assisted-mobility vehicles on display at this year’s Auto Show include the 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, 2022 Chrysler Pacifica, 2022 Ram 1500, 2023 Chrysler Grand Caravan, the Chevrolet Traverse, and more.
5. Hot Wheels… For All Ages
The 2014 Star Wars Darth Vader car is a fan favourite, and on display this year courtesy of Hot Wheels.
Ever since the first generation of Hot Wheels was released by Mattel in 1968, kids of all ages have collected and enjoyed these miniature versions of some of our favourite vehicles. This year, Hot Wheels is hosting a kids’ play zone, a retail space, classic Hot Wheels cars, and five life-sized Hot Wheels vehicles, including the 2014 Star Wars Darth Vader car. In addition, Hot Wheels is sharing the spotlight with car enthusiasts and collectors who were selected earlier this month to show off their rides at this year’s CIAS. Some of these vehicles might have a legendary history, others might be pop culture icons, while others still might be pure performance machines. Whatever the case, Hot Wheels says that all the vehicles they’ve selected to display promise a WOW! factor.
6. LEGO Lamborghini
It took 15 people more than 8,660 hours to put this life-sized Lego Lamborghini together.
Whether you’re a Lego fan or a Lamborghini fan, you won’t want to miss the life-sized Lego Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 on display this year at the CIAS. Built with no fewer than 400,000 Lego Technic pieces, the model is touted as a “proportion-perfect” replica, “down to the millimetre.” Moreover, this is no mere Lego shell. The interior of this Lamborghini is made of Lego pieces as well, and features a steering wheel, dashboard, and sports seats, all made of Lego pieces. It took a team of 15 Lego lovers more than 8,660 hours to put this life-sized masterpiece together.
7. The REVZONE
Stop by the REVZONE for a closer look at some of the vehicles you’ve seen on REV TV.
Fans of REV TV will want to stop by the REVZONE to meet some of the stars of REV TV, as well as to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the vehicles featured on REV TV. The REVZONE includes an interview stage, SIM racing rigs, and a live studio that will host broadcasts during the AutoShow. In addition, a REV TV audition studio invites car fans to test their on-air car review skills. REV TV also promises a number of giveaways, so be sure to stop by to get in on the action.
8. Jeep Off-Road Course
Buckle up – the Jeep off-road course will have you hanging onto the edge of your seat!
Jeep is inviting off-roading enthusiasts to their indoor off-road course, located right beside the Jeep display. Hold on to your hats and stomachs! While you won’t be allowed to drive (for good reason!), you’ll want to strap yourself in as a passenger to experience this gravity-defying obstacle course designed to show off just how far you can push a Jeep when off-roading in the great outdoors.
