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Jul 18
6 Reasons to Check Out the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow
The 2019 Mustang Bullitt
Few cars are as iconic as Steve McQueen’s 1968 Mustang GT Fastback in the box office smash Bullitt. Just in time for the legendary film’s 50th anniversary, Ford will be premiering the new limited-edition 2019 Mustang Bullitt—with features inspired by the original car, including the Dark Highland Green exterior, dark grille and signature fuel cap—at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow. Ford previously manufactured Bullitt models in 2001 and 2008, but the 2019 may be the best one yet. The difference this time around? For starters, unique 19-inch wheels and more horsepower than a Mustang GT!
The Lexus LS+ Concept
All major car makers are looking towards the future these days, but few are as bold as Lexus. Meet the LS+ Concept: an impressive balance between classical design and state-of-the-art technologies. While the innovative Spindle Grille and partly laser-lit headlamps are reasons enough to make a purchase, the real prize is the sedan’s AI-powered automated driving tech. Dubbed the “Highway Teammate,” the feature allows the LS+ to take over driving duties from entrance ramp to exit ramp, including merging and lane changes, according to Lexus. The Lexus LS+ Concept and its technology won’t be available until 2020, so make sure to check it out at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow.
70 Years of Porsche
Although founder Ferdinand Porsche established the family business in Germany in 1931, the Porsche legend really began in 1948, when his son, Ferry, spearheaded the construction of the first Porsche, the 356. The reason? Ferry couldn’t find his dream sports car anywhere on the market. Seven decades later, the manufacturer is widely regarded as the most prestigious automobile brand in the world. The highly anticipated “70 Years of Porsche” at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will give attendees a glimpse at the past and future of Porsche, and features vehicles from different generations, including the aforementioned 356, 912, Carrera GT, 911 Turbo and a scale model version of the Mission E Concept. The exhibit will be on display on Level 100 of the North Building.
The World’s Fastest Car
Zero to 400 km/h in 33.29 seconds? Check. A top speed of 446.19 km/h? Check. Owner of five world speed records? Well, you get the idea. Making its Canadian debut at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow, the Koenigsegg Agera RS is the fastest production car on the planet. One of the latest offerings from the Swedish car manufacturer, what really sets the Agera RS from other supercars is the fact that it’s totally street-legal—although you’ll definitely need plenty of money to buy it! AutoShow attendees will be able to see the supercar in Auto Exotica on the 100 Level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s North Building.
50 Years of Hot Wheels
Odds are your first real vehicle wasn’t an old fixer-upper from the used car dealership, but a die-cast Hot Wheels toy car. Fifty years and six billion cars later, the iconic American brand still aims to inspire young gearheads and budding global automotive designers alike. To celebrate the anniversary of Hot Wheels, the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will feature an exhibit that includes the latest toy models, collectible rarities, a play zone complete with its own super track, and six life-size Hot Wheels cars, including a Darth Vader character car made from a fifth-generation Corvette.
The Art of the Mascot
This year’s Art & the Automobile exhibition may be its most expensive yet: the collection of vehicles totals a whopping $20 million! Entitled “Jewels,” all 17 classic cars on display have been selected because of their distinctive hood ornaments and badges—most crafted before automotive safety regulations and changing tastes made them obsolete. Make sure to check out the hood ornament of the 1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, called “The Spirit of Ecstasy” and designed by acclaimed British sculptor Charles Sykes, or the hood ornament of the 1929 Packard, called “The Goddess of Speed.”
BY ROBERT LIWANAG, READERSDIGEST.CA
