2010 Canadian Auto Show shrinks, previews upcoming models

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing was one of the highlights of the 2010 Canadian Auto Show

We've been covering the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto for years now and were sad and a bit disappointed at what we got to see this year, or rather, what we didn't. Past shows were so huge that it could take you a whole day to cover the exhibit spaces in the North and South Toronto Convention Centre and the cavernous Skydome (Rogers Centre).

Well, the Rogers Centre was dropped this year and fewer car companies were represented - a pity, really. A sign of difficult times overall specially in the auto-manufacturing sector which has just been repeatedly gored by the recession. 

Some customers  were left feeling shortchanged  for having to pay the same amount for what is obviously less of a deal but the organizers are struggling with rising costs, a brutal economic climate for the automotive industry and wary car manufacturers who'd rather not spend on expensive show displays. The show must go on and in a way we should be thankful Toronto's auto show has endured in a brutal economy.

The Tesla Roadster is the electric supercar and is now in Canada

Still, we managed to get a satisfactory sneak peek at upcoming models and new brands arriving in Canada in 2010 and it is good to see that the country's automotive landscape is changing specially in the hot hatch market.

For 2010 here's a lot to be excited about, for sure. We saw our first Tesla Roadster which ushers in a new era in high performance motoring for the well heeled yet environmentally conscious. Tesla is a testament to engineering and design. Based on a Lotus chassis, the car is fully electric running on lithium ion cells (like the one in your laptop)  and  can travel more than 320 km on a charge. It can also accelerate  from 0-97 km/h in 3.7 seconds which proves that electric powered vehicles can be high-performance cars.

The Fiat 500 is probably the best subcompact in the market today and it is coming to Canada

Previews of Toyota's Scion line of funky yet oddly desirable trio of vehicles, the user customizable xB, tC and xD spiced up the often dreary compact car and mini-SUV segment.

For this writer, finding  out the Mini-killing Fiat 500 was going to be sold under Chrysler in Canada was worth hours spent in some of the less enjoyable areas of the exhibit. Volkswagen, Honda and Lexus also showed some interesting protoypes which are usually the big draw of auto shows. Mercedes Benz had its usual luxury stable on display but it was the addition of a new SLS AMG Gullwing supercar that really got attention.

Stunning: Audi's R8 Spyder drew the crowds

Just like in 2009, the theme of "green" was omnipresent with each major carmaker showcasing either a new technology or new models that addressed either the issue of cleaner emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Auto Shows are really great event for car aficionados and people who are toying with the idea of buying a new car or truck. The 2010 Canadian Auto Show can always be counted on to deliver this experience and this year was no different. People also come to be entertained and surprised by far-out concepts and jaw-dropping supercars which hint at the future and what it could offer. Below is a slideshow of some of the exhibits and models at the 2010 Canadian Auto Show, enjoy!