February 27: The big show, part 1

Nothing says big time auto show like a newly introduced pick-up truck sitting on a few really huge pistons. This is the first thing that came to my mind, when I thought how are they going to display the new for 2019 RAM. No point in showing a construction site, since that ain't where the bulk of these trucks will end up. This was the first display as we entered (myself, my bro, my nephew) the Canadian International Auto Show (aka the Toronto show) last Friday. As worldwide shows go, this  is one of the biggest and most varied in its content. Local writers, who've been to other shows around the world, say it ranks up there with the best, only lacking in new car introductions. In North America it ranks behind Detroit, LA, Chicago and New York in importance, but for interesting and varied exhibits, it's right up there. So let's take a blog or three to look at some of my highlights.

Retro design from Subaru?

No, but this is how the brand was intro'd to North America in 1968 by none other than that infamous sports car builder, Malcolm Bricklin. It sold like stale bread, with some cars sitting on dealers' lots for two or three years. Terrible start to what has become a great brand with a hugely loyal fan base.

Moving right along.........

Another old timer, this time from Mazda. Now this was a model to be proud of and one of the first rotary motored cars. Rare. I believe Jay Leno has one in his collection, which gives it some kind of street cred. Might Mazda want to remind us of its past, as they contemplate another crack at a new rotary motored model?

Back to the future with this concept from Nissan.......

 

Sure, the interior and the side doors are all auto show frivolities, but the general shape shows the future design language from this brand, when the currently over stylized theme runs its course. As an aside, I really like the current Nissans, since they stand out and apart, from many of the current used bar of soap designs.

Nothing special here, just some sort of tiny Chevy, but oh, that colour. Flashback to the '50's in an even more vibrant coral than back in the day...........

 Wondering if this is the start of a new colour trend? Surely you jest. Trends start at the top and work their way down to the masses, not the other way around. And you can take that to the bank, friend.

Who makes more cars than any other manufacturer? Dumb question actually, but the answer is Hot Wheels and this being their 50th anniversary, they had a huge hidden display of the old miniatures and three cars that actually became some of those little toys. This one is the Darth Vader car.......

Hidden display? I looked all around, even got directions and couldn't see anything other than a kids playroom and these three full sizers. Up until about three years ago, I had a small collection of these little gems, so I was a bit disappointed. Oh well, I'm sure they'll do something similar for their 100th.

Those hot provincial police Hemi Chargers not fast enough?

Then how about a Tesla Model X all suited up to chase down those bad guys? The trick is to keep the coppers behind you until the battery runs out. But this is Canada, not LA, where they actually have a Tesla S or two in their fleet. Fast? Absolutely. Expensive? Without a doubt. Pure display? Right on. This was done up as a publicity deal and after the show, the markings peel off and this car goes back to being chased, instead of being the chaser. Neat anyway.

Is any coverage of a car show complete without some sex? The car companies seem to have done away with those hot models talking to the milling crowds, about the wonderous new features of whatever car, while their audience entertains other fantasies. Who needs sexy models, when none could compete for sheer sex appeal with the new Ford GT. Two years out of the box and it still makes hearts beat faster.......

And finally, where but at a major auto show, would you find a full size Lego race car driver? Not sure why, but there he/she was in all their glory. Mom and Dad check out the new sport utes, while Junior tries to dismantle Lego man.

"Everything's happening at the auto show." (with apologies to Simon and Garfunkel).

Until next time.......