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Countdown to Toronto's 2015 Canadian International AutoShow: 2014 Show In Review

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Low Res Shot


As Canada resides in the middle of winter, time has a tendency of slowing to the point that the snow and cold weather seems to take an eternity to pass. Thankfully, there are moments of the frigid winter months for which many of us wait to transpire. Providing some acceleration to time in the city of Toronto, an assortment of indoor events entertains and intrigues. The International Boat Show, Sportsman Show as well as sporting events has kept the largest city in Canada amused. Even with the recent struggles for the Toronto Maple Leafs proving less than entertainment, you can safely say their story has been one of intrigue. Later this week, the doors of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will open for another annual pleasure, the 2015 Canadian International AutoShow.

The 42nd annual edition of the Canadian International AutoShow takes place at a time the automobile is undergoing quite a metamorphosis with advancements coming in powertrains and driving technology. Proven by last month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, residents in the area of Toronto are in for a treat. The Chevrolet Bolt EV concept, Volkswagen Golf R, a reborn Acura NSX and the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor represents a mere sampling of what is in store for the 2015 Toronto-based auto show.

For me, it is only a matter of three more nights until I can granted the privilege to be one of the first Canadians to see some awesome automobiles as part of Media Day. With the last night usually a sleepless one awaiting the trip to Metro Toronto Convention Centre, I am kept up with the realization that I am truly a passionate fan of the automobile. Preparing for 2015, I recollect my thoughts of the 2014 edition of the Canadian International AutoShow. Remembering a spectacular show last year, exotic sports cars Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Jaguar F-Type coupe made Canadian debuts, an all-new Ford F-150 pickup truck, some fantastic special displays and an interesting start to Media Day provided some real memories I personally recall through my words, images and video.


2014 CIAS Nissan Concept


Media Day Motoring Celebrities


Media Day for the 2014 Canadian International AutoShow kicked-off with a fairly wild manner. Starting with the auto company now-called FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) Canada, CEO Sergio Marchionne attempted to boast the automaker's newest Chrysler 200 but was confronted repeatedly about another topic. In a question and answer session, Marchionne had to answer to a reports that FCA Canada was asking a substantial amount of government aid to maintain vehicle production in the country. FCA Canada ultimately retracted the request and construction is currently underway at the company's Windsor manufacturing facility for future vehicle production in Canada. The video below I recorded of the interaction that opened the 2014 Canadian International AutoShow on a contentious note:






While the appearance of major figure Sergio Marchionne was accepted with some controversy, the FCA Canada was not the only celebrity in the automotive community. At the Honda presentation of the new Fit, Canadian IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe made a cameo. Driving for Andretti Autosport last Verizon IndyCar season but switching to Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for 2015, Hinchcliffe continues to be powered by Honda engines. The appearance was indeed a perk of Media Day festivities.


James Hinchcliffe with Honda Fit


The Stunning Auto Exotica


McLaren P1 Rear



























Every year, the Canadian International AutoShow have been a feast to my eyes to behold the banquet of design and technology in automobiles. In recent years, the sweetest delicacies of the modern motoring world would be found in the Auto Exotica display. A Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore art car by LISABEL, the McLaren P1 and the Maserati Ghibli were attention-garnering pieces in the multi-million dollar exhibit.


Lamboghini Gallardo Bicolore Art Car by LISABEL



Ron Fellows Display



Beside the 2014 Auto Exotica display, I was attracted to a display celebrating the racing career of Ron Fellows. Recently inducted in the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, the tribute to the success Canadian sports car racer consisted of vehicles and memorabilia celebrating the winner of international events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Le Mans and various NASCAR road races. The Chevrolet Camaro he ran almost a generation ago in the Players/GM Motorsport Challenge Series, the Ferrari 333 SP he co-drove to victory at Mosport (now Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) and a Chevrolet Corvette C5R race car were all featured in the modest display.





This has been only a snapshot of 2014 that I has inspired me for days and months following the my attendance of Media Day as well as public days. Even if I haven't been aware of what is in store for this year's event, my enthusiasm after last year has left my anticipation leading up to the 2015 Canadian International AutoShow at an all-time high. I can't wait for February 12th and I sincerely wish you will stay connected to Car FYI for extensive coverage in Toronto.
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