Auto show results in positive economic impact for province
by Keith Morgan on Thursday, March 30th, 2017Western Canada’s best attended consumer show brings together engaged and excited visitors over a six-day period where they can see hundreds of different car brands under one roof, manufacturers and dealers see the Vancouver International Auto Show as a major boost to the industry they cannot afford to ignore.
What a Weekend: Supercars and Elegant Classics For All to Enjoy (with VIDEO)
by Keith Morgan on Friday, September 11th, 2015“Pagani Huayra – all new 2016, powered by a 720-horsepower twin turbo, the fastest car to go around the Top Gear test track will dazzle.”
The Luxury & Supercar Weekend unfolds for the sixth year on the Great Lawn of the VanDusen Botanical Garden this weekend.
The park will again provide the perfect backdrop for a fashionable garden party atmosphere with Canada’s largest display of fine jewelry, luxury hospitality tents, alongside pop-up restaurants, and wine and cocktails provided by some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars.
Some of the new and private highlighted vehicles invited for display include:
A Pagani Huayra – all new 2016, powered by a 720-horsepower twin turbo, the fastest car to go around the Top Gear test track will dazzle.
A LaFerrari – boasting the most extreme performance ever achieved by a Ferrari production car, a Lamborghini Huracán, Lamborghini Trofeo track car, McLaren P1 and a McLaren 675LT.
A Magnum Mk5 – The first creation from Canada to hit the international track-day car market and a Felino cB7 – A street legal track car.
Classic collectable cars include a superbly curated collection of Ford Thunderbirds. They will be joined by a 1912 Rolls-Royce Ghost – the second oldest Rolls-Royce in Canada – a 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Drop Head Coupe named “Buttercup and an extremely rare Honda 1300 Coupe 7 – plus a BMW Isetta – The little car that saved BMW.
The featured nine Concours d’Élégance classes will be: Rolls-Royce, European Sports Cars, British Invasion – 50th Anniversary of MGA, Jaguar E-type, Ford Thunderbirds – 60th Anniversary, Microcars, Pre-War American Classics – open and closed pre 1942, Pre-War European Classics – open and closed until 1942, 1940 Fords – featured class for 2015 – 75th anniversary, Japanese Collectables – the next generation of collector cars.
A fashion show pavilion showcasing a total of six fashion shows throughout the weekend. Three shows will occur each day at the following times: 1p.m. (Boho Beauty), 2 p.m. (Trending Tones) and 3 p.m. (Playful Patterns).
VAULT in the Gardens, a luxury jewelry pop up gallery, will host two major collections featuring vintage collection from iconic brands as well as handmade jewellery.
More than 100 luxury retailers including automotive, music, art, gourmet food suppliers, top Vancouver restaurants, champagne, wine and spirits companies, will show their wares and demonstrate their services.
The show runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Advanced tickets are now on sale online at www.luxurysupercar.com. Tickets can also be purchased on site. General admission is $50 for each day. VIP admission (19+) is $100 – includes food and alcoholic beverage. Tickets for children under 12 are $25 and children under the age of two will receive free admission.
Contact the writer at keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca
“The centre, developed by the Island-based GAIN Dealer Group (German Auto Import Group) promises members up to 350 driving days a year, thanks to the area’s temperate climate.”
It’s what B.C. performance car enthusiasts have dreamed about for years – a first class, high-speed track.
And that dream will become a reality next spring with the opening of the Vancouver Island Motorsport Resort, just north of Duncan, in the picturesque Cowichan Valley, less than an hour from Victoria.
The centre, developed by the Island-based GAIN Dealer Group, promises up to 350 driving days a year, thanks to the area’s temperate climate.
“This is not aimed just at people with very expensive, new high performance cars,” explains GAIN chief executive officer Peter Trzewik, who expects to announce membership details within a month.
“We hope to see people with older model cars, who want to get out on a good track. We could sell out the membership immediately overseas but instead we are encouraging Canadians and people from over the border in Seattle and Portland. It’s important that this track is used daily.”
And for around half of each month, Trzewick expects to see new car product launches, driving school courses and community charity galas and events.
The circuit, designed by internationally renowned Tilke GmbH & Co, will provide the novice an opportunity to gain proficiency, while challenging the more accomplished drivers.
Phase One comprises 19 corners and elevation changes of more than 25 metres, with a length of 2.3 kilometres. Speeds of up to 200 km/h will be possible on the high-speed sectors of the circuit in the first phase. When Phase Two is completed likely a couple years later, a total of 4.21 kilometres of track will be available
Trzewik says driver safety is a priority so there are state-of-the-art run-off areas providing an opportunity to make a correction, with tire barriers and guard rails in reserve, enhancing the protection of both car and driver.
Members travelling to Vancouver Island will be able to choose the convenience of leaving their performance car at the VIMR in a secure and temperature-controlled storage facility. With this add-on option, cars stored at the resort will be maintained to track-ready condition by specialists, providing the member full use of their car when their schedule allows, with minimal personal effort for repair and maintenance.
Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.
Members who enjoy vintage sports and racing cars will be able to have their cars maintained and repaired by Rudi & Company, a world-renowned specialist in the restoration and repair of the world’s great cars. Assistance with the delivery of a member’s car to the resort may also be arranged with trusted transportation partners.
A 14,500 square foot clubhouse will offer a complete range of services to its members and house a restaurant featuring the very best of Vancouver Island ingredients.
Contact the writer at keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca
Quick Track Facts
Length: 2.3 kms (Phase One), 4.3 kms (Phase Two)
Track width: 10 m
Track layout: 19 turns, 7 left turns and 12 right turns
Top speed: 211 km/h (street legal sports cars)
Maximum incline: 12.5 percent
Maximum slope: 11.5 percent
Track layout combinations: 6
Track characteristics: Extremely lively topography, hanging and banked corners in all sections, run off areas designed with the newest technology and standards preventing damages to cars and bikes and offering the chance to correct and return safely on to the track.
More information and a detailed track drive description is available at: http://islandmotorsportresort.com/
The BC Automobile Association (BCAA) recently launched a new car share service with an interesting up-tempo public promotional bash outside the Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver. A 250-strong fleet of Toyota Prius C hybrid vehicles will be available to users of this new service, called Evo, and some of them were on display.
“What we are creating here is the evolution of BCAA – the auto club where you don’t even need to own a car,” said Shan Parmar, Director of Evo Car Share.
BCAA believes car sharing is of growing importance for modern city dwellers and is a sustainable mobility option. It’s also a way to improve the on-going issue of traffic congestion. A single car share vehicle can remove up to 12 private vehicles off the road, according to a recent Metro Vancouver study report.
Over the past 20 years, the car sharing service business has grown rapidly and it’s now available in over 600 cities around the world. Major auto makers, like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, are also involved in providing this type of service. In Vancouver, Evo joins Zip, Modo and Car2go for a share of the car share pie.
“We believe Vancouverites are looking for a more flexible car share option that allows them to get outdoors and enjoy everything that BC has to offer,” explained Parmar. “Evo is the only one-way car share service that has vehicles with four doors, room for five passengers, bike racks, ski racks and space for cargo. It’s the only car share service designed to fit a BC lifestyle.”
BCAA is the first auto club to provide a car share service, according to Parmar. Initially the Evo service territory, where vehicles can be picked up and must be returned, is a 50 sq km area within Vancouver city. An Evo vehicle can be driven anywhere and then returned anywhere within the Evo service territory.
“We have designated (free) Evo parking spaces throughout the city,” added Parmar. “In addition to that we have permits from the city of Vancouver that allow an Evo vehicle to park in any permit-only or resident-only zones, within the city.”
Parking fees, gasoline, auto insurance and vehicle maintenance are all included with an Evo vehicle. A user of the service only pays for the time that they are logged into the vehicle and it starts on a per-minute fee base of 41 cents. The hourly usage fee rate is $14.99 and it’s $89.99 per day. BCAA members do receive some perks by enrolling in Evo. The ($35.00) registration fee is waived and they also receive a ten per cent usage credit.
The highly fuel-efficient Toyota Prius C is a four-door hatchback that offers seating for five passengers and the Evo vehicles all come equipped with bike/ski racks. An Evo client can locate available Evo vehicles with a downloadable mobile smartphone app or by using the Evo web site.
An Evo client can also unlock the vehicle with the Evo app, or their Evo membership card, when they arrive at the Evo (Prius C) vehicle. The Prius C has a keyless ignition system and the key fob is in the vehicle. If they want to park the vehicle, but not end a session, they lock the vehicle with the key fob and keep it with them. The Evo user meter will, however, continue to run until you return the key fob to the vehicle and log off the session.
“We’re seeing usage from a wide variety of users,” said Parmar. “Young people who don’t own a car. Couples or people with young families, who may own a car, yet sometimes need a second car. People who use the service simply for the convenience, they don’t want the hassle of finding or paying for downtown parking.”
To learn more about how BCAA’s Evo car share service works, visit evo.ca.
“With the expansion this year’s show underwent, the Vancouver show is moving into the big leagues.”
(more…)
“The incentives are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 1,400 cars off the road…”
(more…)
Vancouver Auto Show: It’s Not Just About Glitz on Wheels…
by Alexandra Straub on Monday, March 23rd, 2015“You can still get a great vehicle, with a fully warranty, AND some perks for under $20,000…”
Auto shows dazzle with glitzy expensive new cars but among them are some hidden less expensive gems.
You can still get a great vehicle, with a fully warranty, AND some perks for under $20K.
Here are five cars with frugal price stickers at the Vancouver auto show that that will get you where you need to go and with a few goodies.
Hyundai Accent Sedan/Hatchback ($13,249/$13,599)
The Hyundai Accent five-door is quite possibly the best-looking car within its price range. And it’s hard to believe that kind of style comes in under $14K. And for that meagre price, you get a standard six-speed (yes, six) manual transmission linked with a 1.6L, four-cylinder GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, along with 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
Additionally, there’s 600L of cargo space. Not bad for such a small car.
Then there’s the Accent sedan for those who aren’t on the hatchback bandwagon. The engine specs and transmission are the same but in a four-door format. Trunk space, however, is reduced to 389L.
Toyota Yaris ($14,545)
Available in both a three-door or five-door configuration, the 2015 Toyota Yaris fits five people inside, has nine airbags and an very efficient 1.5L, four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower under its European-styled hood.
Standard features included on the Yaris models come in the shape of a 15.5 cm display audio with AM/FM, CD and MP3 with USB input and Bluetooth capability, along with power windows and power door locks.
VW Jetta ($14,990)
Your eyes are not deceiving you. The new VW Jetta Trendline is priced as modestly as you see.
For that money, you’ll get a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth, as well as six airbags. Not to mention a great looking sedan. It’s powered by a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine, which yields 115 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. You have your choice between the standard five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The Jetta has room for five, a 60/40 split rear seat and 440L or cargo capacity.
Furthermore, it comes with revised front and rear fascias, attributing to better aerodynamics and fuel consumption. If 115 horsepower isn’t enough, you’ll need to save your pennies for the next available engine. It’s a powerful 1.8L TSI engine ($22,890.) The 1.8L engine came out last year and delivers 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque thanks to direct injection and turbocharging.
Ford Focus Sedan/Hatchback ($16,449/$18,849)
For 2015, the Focus for Ford is about styling and efficiency!
There’s a new look for the Focus sedan and hatchback that includes a restyled hood, grille, new rear lamp clusters and a restyled trunk lid. You’ll have the option of both a four-door sedan or a five-door hatch.
Standard on Focus for the first time is the rearview camera, which will appear on either a 10.4 cm screen or the 20.3 cm screen that comes with MyFord Touch-equipped cars.
Inside, colours and materials have a clean, modern look, with satin chrome detailing, new seat trims, switches and an available heated steering wheel. Storage is improved with a new centre console incorporating adjustable cupholders, and a new, easier-to-access glove box.
Subaru Impreza Sedan ($19,995)
As the most affordable vehicle in Canada that comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Subaru’s Impreza is a great fit for those who want reliable transportation and the confidence on slippery surfaces.
As an added bonus, it comes with a manual transmission. But for those who prefer not shifting their own gears, there’s an available Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). For the 2015 model year, it also received some cosmetic upgrades, you know, to keep it looking young and hip.
The Impreza is powered by a 2.0L horizontally opposed, four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine giving you 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
“The new Nissan Titan offers a roomy interior that rivals the other popular full-size trucks on the market today.”
Truck lovers could fill an afternoon running a careful eye over the new trucks at the Vancouver auto show.
Here are my five picks for special attention:
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
The all-new design is turning heads all across Canada. This mid-size truck fills a void here. Still expected to work as hard as a full-size truck, the Colorado can tow more than 3,039 kilograms (6700 lbs) a 2.5L I-4 engine is standard with an optional 3.6L V6 with a six speed automatic transmission. This truck includes all the modern day technologies including 4g LTE hotspot with WI-FI connection through OnStar, which provides service for seven devices.
Base price: $21,695.
2015 Ford F150
The combination of a body made of aluminum body and high strength steel in its frame make this truck up to 317 KG (700 lbs) lighter. This truck was inspired by Ford’s concept vehicle, the Atlas. It has 11 new class-exclusive features, including 360-degree camera view, integrated loading ramps stowed in the pickup bed, 400-watt power outlets inside the cab, LED headlights and side view mirror spotlights, and remote tailgate release. There are four engine choices, the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0 Ti-VCT V8, and the 3.5L EcoBoost.
The 3.7L V6 delivers 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L V6 has 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0 V8 has 385 horsepower with 387 lb-ft of torque and the 3.5L V6 is pushing 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. These are all capable engines depending on your requirements.
Base price: $24,899
2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
It is the only light duty diesel available here. It has a 3.0 L V6 Diesel engine with a torqueflite eight speed transmission. Not only will it give you 420-pound feet of torque and plenty of towing capabilities, it will also reduce CO2 emissions and runs on B20 Biodiesel. Many trims are available from work-truck-ready to full luxury. This truck has something for every buyer.
Base price: $31,140
2015 GMC 3500HD Denali
It is a beast. This truck is built to pull with 10,251 KG (22,600 lbs) of trailer towing capacity. The 6.6L V8 turbo engine delivers 397 hp and 765 lb ft of torque and is paired with a 1000 series Allison transmission. With interior upgrades such as triple door seals, hydraulic powertrain and body mounts, 12 way power adjustable bucket seats, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and a Bose sound system you can operate this beast and still feel comfortable doing so.
Base price: $67,305
2015 Nissan Titan
This Titan can tow up to 4309 kg (9,500lbs) thanks to 385 lb-ft of torque from its 5.6 L DOHC 32 valve V8 engine producing 317 hp at 5,200 rpm.
If off-road driving is part of your plans then the Titan is ready. With the Prox-4x package you get heavy duty skid plates protect the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and lower radiator. The 4WD system utilizes a shift on the fly two-speed transfer case, which allows you to 4WD at a moment’s notice. Low range can be selected when the terrain requires it. The electronic locking rear differential is ready at a flip of a switch giving much need traction on slippery surfaces. Rancho performance shocks are available with the off-road package. The new Nissan Titan offers a roomy interior that rivals the other popular full-size trucks on the market today.
Base price: $40,498
“The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.”
Several new crossovers will be featured at this year’s Vancouver auto show.
Honda recently revealed for the first time at the Chicago and Toronto auto shows, the all-new Pilot. Gone is the boxy three-row vehicle, replaced by a sleeker, more stylish design. Now equipped with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, along with available 20-inch wheels and panoramic sunroof, this is a modern take on family hauling. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission or an optional nine-speed unit. This new model will be sold with front or all wheel drive and because it is 135kg lighter than the last model it should be more efficient.
Mercedes is renaming the M-Class as the GLE. GL refers to an SUV/Crossover and the E is the “E-Class of SUVs”. To confuse things a bit more, the first debut is the GLE Coupe, a sportier coupe-like SUV designed to compete with the BMW X6. This Mercedes, with its sleeker silhouette and powerful 262-hp biturbo V6, looks great. It will range from comfort to all-out performance.
The Acura RDX has been a big hit for this premium brand. Based on the ever-popular Honda CR-V, this Acura is filled with lots of luxury touches for a modest price. The 2016 RDX showcases the latest look of the Acura family. The dual LED headlamps and improved interior design, including two screens in the centre of the dash, puts the RDX in line with the new TLX and recent MDX. Good news is that the trusty V6 engine will stay for 2016.
Hyundai has announced that they it will start leasing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tucson SUVs to Canadians this year, with the Vancouver area being the first market to receive these world-class vehicles. This is an electric SUV but instead of getting electricity from the grid it is produced using an onboard hydrogen fuel cell. The owner fills the fuel tank with hydrogen, not gasoline, and drives normally. The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.
Ford has one of the best selling SUVs of all time in the Explorer, with more than 350,000 sold in Canada so far. The all-new 2016 version made available a 2.3L EcoBoost engine on the base and XLT trim. The 290hp 3.5L V6 engine is carried over but the Sport trim and new Platinum trim will be fitted with the 365hp Ecoboost V6. The new Platinum model will be fitted with real aluminum and ash wood accents, plus leather will trim the steering wheel, instrument panel, armrests, doors and other trim.
Range Rover has two new versions of the Range Rover Sport. The most popular will be the all-new 3.0L diesel engine that produces a whopping 440 lb.-ft. of torque and better fuel consumption. In fact, Range Rover claims a 32 percent improvement over the regular V6 model. On the high performance end is the Range Rover SVR, capable of a run to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. This will be the first Range Rover to sport the new SVR (Special Vehicle Racing) badge.
Prices remain to be finalized on most of these vehicles at press time.
Driveway’s Alexandra Straub will pilot an all-electric Nissan LEAF in the annual AJAC Eco-Run this week.
The all-electric sedan, which is also the prize car provided by the Scrap-It program for our Plug-In to Win contest, will glide silently from the Vancouver International Auto Show in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday. The route, devised by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, will then take the participating 19 eco-friendly vehicles to Victoria via the Nanaimo ferry. On Thursday, the vehicles will be put through their paces on a handling course in Langford to see how versatile they are. The EcoRun concludes that evening in Vancouver.
In addition to pure electric vehicles, the Eco-Run includes plug-in and conventional hybrids, as well as vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, diesel-fuelled powertrains and highly efficient gasoline options.
There’s no limit to the size of vehicle showcased, as they range from subcompacts to pickup trucks. The participants include the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, 2015 Kia Soul EV, 2015 Ford Focus 1.0-litre, 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid and the 2015 Chevy Volt.
The purpose of the event is to inform consumers of these alternative options. These new vehicles are driven in real-world road conditions in order to fully test for fuel efficiency and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
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