2016 Canadian International Auto Show reveals an industry at the crossroads

VW's GTI Roadster concept was born in the Gran Turismo video game yet came to life in Toronto - Photo By Gadjo SevillaBy Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Toronto, ON- The 2016 Canadian International Auto Show is heading into its last weekend. While highlighted by various snazzy concept vehicles a record number of vehicle launches at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the buzz in the floor show was a clear dychotomy of where the industry is at currently.

While many visitors were excited to see the latest in electrified vehicles and hybrid options, trucks and SUVs still drew large crowds of visitors who were earnest in trying out the vehicles as their next purchase.

One of my favourite parts of the AutoShow is the Auto Exotica section which displays exotic supercars and ultra luxe vehicles that most of us can only dream of riding in, much less owning.

It was here, among the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and the one jaw-dropping Pagani Huayra that crowds amassed themselves around the Tesla Model X.

Neglecting the shiny sea of exotics, ultra-performance touring and racing machines, the crowd seemed drawn to Tesla's latest, not-yet-available SUV which features performance and acceleration similar to that of a Porsche 911 but with all the practicality and hauling power and space expected of an SUV. 

 Crazy crowds surround the Tesla booth at the Auto Exotica section of the AutoShow

The Model X has all manner of Tesla innovations but the most important is that it is a full plug-in EV, which means all manner of discounts and benefits for future buyer (including a green plate, access to HOV lanes even if you're driving by yourself and possibly a province-wide network of free chargers). Not only is the Tesla Model X seemingly the most practical Tesla yet, it seems to be the one that best suits Canadian driving needs.

The Tesla Model X and its Falcon-wing doors made their first circuit appearance in the AutoShow

Despite its mid-size SUV size the Model X comfortably sits seven plus gear, has all-wheel drive and offers a minimum range of 354 kilometres on a single charge (more expensive variants boast up to 410 kilometers). This is for a vehicle that can do 0-100 kilometers in 6.5 minutes and can cruise to a top speed of 250 kph. The big feature no other Tesla has are the falcon-wing doors which are articulating gullwing doors designed to open in even the most cramped conditions.

Another huge attraction at the AutoShow was another very exotic vehicle but one which is even rarer than any Tesla. The new Batmobile from the upcoming Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice  and Suicide Squad movies was on display under a garish flood of purple and red lights.

The latest in a long line of iconic Batmobiles, this vehicle is the largest and most imposing Bat-ride we've seen featuring enormous rear tires and 50 caliber machine guns at the ready. This beastly machine is around 20ft long, 12ft wide, weighs  3,175kg and will apparently top out at 205mph while firing an assortment of guns, bombs and flamethrowers.

There is lots more to see at the 2016 Canadian International AutoShow, from nostalgic redo's of popular car marquees, innovative but quirky mini SUVs, sleek sedans and burly trucks, there's certainly something for everyone and the show has proven time and again that it is as expansive as any of the bigger shows in North America.

The interest in EV and hybrid vehicles is palpable, there are more options now which are smarter and actually more affordable thanks to carmarkers like GM, Ford and Nissan among others. But with gas prices at a record low, it's hard to deny the known quantity of shiny powerful gas and diesel engine-powered vehicles which have been made more competitive by new technologies, smartphone integration and even 4G-LTE connectivity, there's just so much to choose from. The AutoShow runs until tomorrow February 21.