2006 Toronto Auto Show premieres 38 models

2006 Toronto Auto Show premieres 38 models

The following models were introduced as Canadian premieres at the 2006 Canadian International Auto Show (CAIS) in Toronto, Feb. 17-26, 2006. Information compiled by AJAC.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The exterior of the V8 Vantage is beautiful and perfectly proportioned from every angle with a low purposeful stance. Each carefully detailed feature provides graphic evidence of the painstaking craftsmanship and quality, which is synonymous with the Aston Martin marque.

The long bonnet and two-seater cabin creates an instantly recognizable stance, while minimal front and rear overhangs, combined with a wide track, appear to push the rear wheels out and enhance the extremities of the bodywork. At the rear a hatchback offers practicality not normally found in sports cars of this type.

Offered with an imaginative combination of different leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminum, V8 Vantage customers will have an extensive choice of standard body and trim colours from which to choose.

The V8 Vantage is a two-seater, with the rear environment offering a large luggage shelf area accessed by a tailgate.

Inside, Aston Martin's craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. The dials are made from aluminum, and together with the switchgear have a very distinct design and unique Aston Martin look and feel.

Audi RS4

RS 4's numerous technical achievements - many of which hail from motorsport - give the new Audi RS 4 its unique class and character. These features include the high engine speed concept now being introduced for the first time in a production Audi, innovative FSI technology, as well as the latest generation of quattro drive with asymmetric/dynamic distribution of torque. Developing a maximum output of 420 bhp, the V8 revs up to a speed of 8250 rpm. With its displacement of 4163 cc, this outstanding engine exceeds the magical barrier of 100 bhp per litre truly outstanding in a production saloon. Maximum torque of 430 Nm comes at 5500 rpm in this very compact engine, with 90% of the engine's torque consistently available between 2250 and 7600 rpm. The result is excellent muscle and pulling force at all times, enabling the driver whenever he - or she - wishes to drive in truly relaxed style without frequent gear changes.

BMW Z4 Coupe Concept

The Z4 Coupé Concept embodies classic BMW sports coupé styling and will be the basis of the M Coupé, scheduled to join the Canadian stable of BMW M products in mid-2006.

Chrysler Akino

The unique and artistically sculptured appearance of the Chrysler Akino concept and its one-box, compact size certainly turns heads. However, after the fifth person settles comfortably into vehicle, one clearly gets the idea there is more to this concept than meets the eye.

The vehicle name comes from Interior and Exterior Designer, Akino Tsuchiya, a 37-year-old who was born in Japan and is based at the DaimlerChrysler Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad, Calif.

The selection of materials and colors used in the interior are composed of natural and recyclable synthetic fabrics: bamboo flooring, a throw rug, lighting sconce, mood lighting and even throw pillows.

The exterior features side glass that has an unusual graphic breakup while the rear glass is specially coated with texture to give passengers a sense of privacy and comfort.

Chrysler Firepower

Painstakingly crafted, the elegant and powerful Firepower concept is an example of automotive design and engineering within the reach of Chrysler brand customers. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance provided by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis.

Jaguar XK Convertible

The 2006 Canadian International Auto Show will mark the Canadian launch of the all-new Jaguar XK Convertible -- an exciting new Jaguar in terms of both design and engineering. The all-new Jaguar XK reinforces the marque's reputation for building ground-breaking cars that are as rewarding to drive as they are gorgeous to look at.

The XK generation that ceased production in June 2005 was Jaguar's fastest-selling sports model of all time. The challenge for the team that designed and engineered the 2007 XK was to produce a model that bettered that success story. The new XK has been engineered above and beyond the high expectations that customers rightly have for a Jaguar sports car, a fact made possible because everything from its advanced aluminum chassis to its sophisticated transmission and exquisite interior has been designed in pursuit of a luxurious, advanced and stunning new Jaguar.

The all-new Jaguar XK will be on sale in Canada in Spring 2006 and will allow Jaguar to emerge as a world leader in Lightweight Vehicle Technology while retaining its reputation for beautifully designed and crafted cars.

Kia Magentis

"Designed at Kia facilities in Korea, the USA and Europe, the new Magentis marks the latest step in the complete regeneration of the Kia product line-up.

Longer, wider and higher than the previous model, with an extended 2,720 mm wheelbase, more spacious interior and larger trunk, the stylish new Magentis is a thoroughly modern design, engineered to give Kia a strong challenger in the intermediate segment. The Magentis measures 4,735 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall. The Magentis will be available in 2.4-liter in-line four cylinder and 2.7-liter V6 gasoline engines. As well as attracting customers with its stylish exterior and comfortable interior, the Magentis will come with a generous level of active and passive safety equipment as well as the most comprehensive five year warranty in the industry".

Lexus LS 460

Lexus will reveal the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the company's first-ever long wheelbase model, the LS 460L, for the very first time in Canada at the Canadian International Auto Show. Seventeen years after its initial launch in Detroit, the redesigned LS now combines new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling and luxury refinements.

The LS will be powered by an all-new highly advanced 4.6-litre V8 engine that will produce approximately 360 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a world-first, the LS 460 will travel from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. With that level of performance, the new LS will achieve an impressive combined city/highway fuel-efficiency that is estimated to be in the high 20 mpg (US estimate) range. Lexus also anticipates receiving an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II) rating.

Mazda Senku

A four-seater rotary-engine sports car for the near future.

For many years, Mazda has been the world's only manufacturer of rotary-engine vehicles. Among our many rotary-engine success stories, the RX-8 is the first sports car to combine seating for four adults with the low weight, compact dimensions, and high output of a rotary engine. Meanwhile, we're sensitive to the need for ever-better environmental compatibility, safety and the need to address the priorities of different generations of car users. The Mazda Senku concept car, which will makes its North American debut at the Canadian International Auto show in Toronto on February 15th, gives a glimpse of one direction in which the company is thinking, specifically in the development of a four-seat rotary-engine powered sports car.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada will reveal the 2007 Eclipse Spyder at the

2006 Canadian International Auto Show. Based on the widely acclaimed 2006 Eclipse coupe, the '07 Spyder will provide drop-top fun combined with head-turning design. Both GS and GT trim lines will be available, each with a powerful MIVEC engine and 650-watt Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system - along with a few other surprise features usually reserved for high-priced convertibles and cabriolets.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Returning to the Canadian Mitsubishi Motors lineup for the 2006 model year is the Lancer Sportback. Last seen in the 2004 model year, the Lancer Sportback was a very successful model for Mitsubishi in Canada. The Lancer Sportback features all the great functionality and fun-to-drive quotient of the Lancer Sedan, but with the added bonus of unique 5-door styling, versatility and space.

Nissan Sentra

2007 Nissan Sentra is a completely re-designed sedan which will be placed between all new Nissan Versa (small car) and the new Nissan Altima in the Nissan line-up.

The Nissan Sentra made it's debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January and will make its Canadian debut at the Toronto Auto Show, January 15.

The all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra represents a revolution in the advancement of Nissan's popular compact sedan. This new, sixth generation Sentra is unlike any that has come before - with more style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles.

Subaru R1e

This year, Subaru brings the innovative R1e concept vehicle to the 2006 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Based on the sporty Subaru R1 production mini car, the R1e was developed as an environmentally friendly Electric Vehicle that is both quick-charging and easy to maintain. Equipped with a high performance lithium ion battery pack, the R1e can be completely recharged in just five minutes - almost as quickly as a conventionally-powered car can be refueled, and much faster than the typical 8-hour charge time required by other electric vehicles.

Also on the Subaru stand this year, along with the complete lineup of Subaru All-Wheel Drive sedans and sportwagons, is an engine cutaway demonstrating Subaru's i-Active Valve Lift System. Every thirty minutes, a Subaru representative will demonstrate the technology that optimally controls valve timing and lift to minimize fuel consumption and emissions under a wide range of driving conditions.

Suzuki PX

Recently unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the 2006 Suzuki P.X. minivan concept is designed for those who desire family mobility yet still want to indulge in automotive luxury and style.

Equipped with a 2.0-litre, water-cooled, four-cycle in-line, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine, Suzuki designers conceived a high-class vehicle with an environment that is streamlined and refreshingly plush and modern.

Toyota Camry

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) will introduce Canadian drivers to the all-new 2007 Camry, with more power, a dynamic new design, class-leading safety, and exceptional environmental performance - including the introduction of a new hybrid version to the versatile Camry lineup.

The new model, which will make its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, is an impressive leap forward for Camry, starting with the roomy practicality and comfort that are the hallmarks of the nameplate, while adding a whole new sense of vitality. Stylish and superbly packaged, the new Camry is intended to offer a refreshing driving experience that will lead the intermediate car segment.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) will unveil a hybrid version of its best-selling Camry intermediate car at the 2006 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Just as the conventionally-powered Camry has set a world-wide standard for safety, quality and affordability in family transportation, the new 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid redefines the global benchmark for the segment, combining outstanding driving performance with exceptionally low emissions and fuel consumption.

Thanks to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain, the new Camry Hybrid is designed to exceed the world's most stringent emissions standards, including California's strict Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) regulations, and achieve fuel economy comparable to sub-compact cars. Camry Hybrid is expected to deliver estimated fuel consumption ratings of 5.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.7 L/100 km on the highway.

Camry Hybrid's HSD powertrain delivers an impressive V6-equivalent performance of 192 horsepower. It includes a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 147 horsepower, and is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). HSD also comprises a small, specially developed 105-kilowatt electric drive motor, along with an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact 244-volt nickel-metal hydride battery and a transaxle that provides the fuel economy and seamless performance sought by hybrid drivers.

Volkswagen Golf

The 2007 Golf can be seen at the Volkswagen display at CIAS.

Selecting a Volkswagen Golf to match your driving style and needs just became easier. For 2006, a new line-up offers five models in three trim levels: the Volkswagen Golf CL 2.0L, GL 2.0L, GL TDI®, Golf GLS 2.0L and GLS TDI®. Next year, Volkswagen plans to introduce an all-new version of one of the world's most popular cars ever.

The current 2006 Golf GL TDI and GLS TDI are the choice for drivers seeking the maximum fuel economy that can be provided only by one of the most advanced diesel automotive engines in history, plus the driving dynamics only available with true German engineering, and all of the utility that can be found only in a "five-door" hatchback, all at a great value.

Volkswagen Passat

The new 2006 Passat model will represent the most sophisticated and affordable German-built family midsize car on the market today, with a starting price of $29,950.

The new Passat's base engine is upgraded to a sophisticated new four-cylinder engine, the 2.0T. This two-litre is efficient and sporty and uses a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, higher-density intake air. The 2.0T's high-end breathing is further enhanced by its four-valves per cylinder. The engine's overall efficiency begins with an advanced direct-injection fuel delivery system that culminates in 200 hp at 5,100 revolutions per minute, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque all the way from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm-an extraordinary torque curve that provides plenty of pulling power from the low end through the top.

The 280-horsepower 2006 Passat 3.6L will be in dealerships by the end of the 2005 calendar year, and marks the return of VW's groundbreaking narrow-angle six cylinder powerplant (this historic engine is known as the VR6). This newly advanced 3.6L V6 engine has higher-displacement, four-valves-per-cylinder, and variable valve timing, and promises 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 265 ft.-lbs, at just 2,750rpm. Volkswagen's refined six-speed automotive transmission with Tiptronic™ and sport mode selection will be standard equipment (no plans for a manual). This new Passat will be among the most powerful front-drive, family midsize cars ever offered, with the refinement, safety and speed of a true Autobahn bred sedan. The V6 offers a nearly class-leading power-to-weight ratio that allows this family hauler to propel from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds.

Volvo C70

New for 2006 is the second-generation Volvo C70 convertible. Complete with four seats, a three-piece retractable hardtop and up to 910-Watts of audio system power.

Volvo XC70 Ocean Race Edition

Celebrating Volvo Cars' sponsorship of the around-the-world yacht race, Volvo Canada has released a limited-edition XC70 with a comprehensive option package and unique appearance upgrades.

Volvo XC90 Ocean Race Edition

Celebrating Volvo Cars' sponsorship of the around-the-world yacht race, Volvo Canada has released a limited-edition XC90 with a comprehensive option package and unique appearance upgrades.