Vancouver auto show features everything from eco to exotics

by Driveway on Thursday, March 16th, 2017

Special to Driveway

From the world’s most exotic and luxurious auto manufacturers to the newest electric cars, the 2017 Vancouver International Auto Show promises to deliver big time.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The new Ford GT revs onto the stage of Auto China 2015 in Shanghai.

 

 

This year’s show, at Convention Centre West, at Canada Place, includes more than 450 new and customized vehicles as well as returning favourite features. The 97th edition, staged by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, boasts more than 300,000 square feet of million dollar displays, featuring what’s new and what’s next in the global automotive sector, including five, one-of-a-kind concept vehicles and more than 15 regional, national and North America debuts.

Visitors can check out new products without sales pressure and not only view the newest vehicles, but aftermarket vendors as well – everything from vehicle restoration to accessories. Show attendees can once again test-drive eco vehicles from two test drive locations at the convention centre. The Electric Vehicle Experience, organized by CEVforBC, will enable guests to take one of seven electric cars from different manufacturers for a spin.

The 2017 Toyota LEXUS Hybrid Ride and Drive experience will feature Toyota and LEXUS models, and all those who sign up to try them will be entered into a draw for Vancouver Canucks tickets that will be drawn daily.

It’s often been reported that this region is ‘the land of the supercar’, with more luxury and exotic vehicles per capita than anywhere else in North America. This year’s show offerings in the luxury/exotic class are shaping up to be one of the most significant gatherings of high end brands including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Porsche in B.C., with a special showing from Aston Martin (DB11) and Bentley (Bentayga).

Showgoers will be among the first in Canada to get up close to the all-new, carbon-fibre, mid-engined Ford GT super car. This car, credited by many observers as redefining innovation in aerodynamics, has a 600+ horsepower EcoBoost engine.

Youngsters will doubtless enjoy being able to get up close to beloved Hot Wheels cars, including the Bone Shaker at the Auto Trader display. The life-sized Bone Shaker is known for its skull face piece, skeletal hands gripping the headlights and crossbones steering wheel. On site will also be what some speculate will be a show stealing mystery Hot Wheels car.

Canada’s largest custom car shop, 360 Fabrication, of Abbotsford, will unveil a one-of-a-kind 1937 Cord – originally manufactured for the former Governor of Louisiana, Huey Pierce Long, Jr. The controversial Governor who had been declared an enemy of the Klu Klux Klan was assassinated prior to the car being delivered. The Cord was sold to a US Coast Guard officer, who was killed before being able to enjoy his new car while serving in action in the Second World War. Rumours swirled about the “Curse of the Cord” and the vehicle was relegated to storage, where it’s been for the past 80 years. Despite much speculation as to its whereabouts, the Cord has resurfaced in British Columbia and will make its first ever public appearance in Vancouver.

Be a part of the 2017 Vancouver International Auto Show’s “I Heart Cars, Trucks and Electric Vehicles” campaign. From Civics to Ferraris, Bugs to Bugattis, whether they are custom or electric, express your love for your ride by snapping a photo of your vehicle and submitting it online. Vehicles may be considered for drive up opportunities and top entries will be eligible to win amazing prize packages from the Vancouver International Auto Show. Share your photos and stories and enter to win cool prizes at www.iheartcars.ca

For those who need the opportunity to browse without children in tow, they can take advantage of the show’s Volkswagen Playcare Centre free-of-charge.

Vancouver International Auto Show Fast Facts

WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. Enter off Thurlow Street and through the main doors of the Jack Poole Plaza.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 28 to Sunday, April 2.
For more detailed information about the show and its many features or to buy tickets, visit:

www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.