The 88th annual Vancouver International Auto Show is Western Canada’s premier auto event featuring not only what’s new in the auto industry, but what’s next.
The 2008 Show – ongoing through April 6 - will fill 250,000 square feet with more than 450 new makes and models from all of the major manufacturers and a wide range of suppliers offering the latest in automotive accessories.
Auto enthusiasts will also be treated to an exciting selection of concept cars, racing vehicles, vintage cars and plenty of photo opportunities.
Top Ten Cars of the Show:
1) 2009 Audi A4 Avant
What has largely only been seen in spy photos will make its Canadian Premier at the 2008 Vancouver Auto Show. The A4 Avant has a much more sporty and dynamic look thanks to the lower and more raked roofline plus the sleeker and more aggressive LED tail lamps.
The new platform is a significant leap over the existing design thanks to the repositioning of the engine, which will sit further back in the engine bay. This allows for better weight distribution and balance, improving both the ride and handling of the new car. What this means to you: Another successful marriage of utility and sport.
2) BMW monster coupe
Also featured in its coming out party for Canada right here is Vancouver is the BMW monster coupe – the M3 Cabriolet.
This new version of one of the world’s best-selling high-performance cars is preparing to hit showrooms in North America shortly, where there is little doubt consumers will be anxious to snap up this next generation M3 – the first in the series to offer a V-8.
3) 09 Acura TSX
On offering as its Canadian Premier from Acura is the impressive ‘09 Acura TSX. Purists will love the fact that the ’09 TSX does not change radically from the old; it's still a front-wheel-drive, compact sedan powered by a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
4) 2009 Nissan Maxima
The fourth in the line of Canadian debuts comes from Nissan, where the manufacturer will pull the sheet from the 2009 Nissan Maxima here in Vancouver. This s the seventh-generation of the Maxima, which is due to go on sale this fall.
The 2009 Maxima will remain front-wheel drive, but it's likely to be a little bigger than its 2008 predecessor. Following the introduction of the much-anticipated 2009 Nissan GT-R and the all-new ’09 Murano, the new Maxima is part of a 12-product onslaught Nissan intends to roll out over the coming months.
5) 2009 Infiniti FX
The final Canadian Premier comes from Infiniti, where show goers will be able to check out the much anticipated 2009 Infiniti FX. Visitors to the 2008 Vancouver Auto Show will see that the FX’s basic overall shape remains the same, but a more pronounced grille opening dominates the protruding nose.
It's flanked by reshaped headlamps that stretch backward onto the fenders. It's certainly a departure from the more reserved look of the current 2008 version of the FX.
6) Ferrari F430 Coupe 
Ferrari F430 Coupe - The F430 hails the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari V8-engined berlinettas. Every inch of the car was inspired by the engineering research carried out at Ferrari's Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division.
The result is a highly innovative design characterised by cutting-edge technologies perfected for use on a road-going car.
Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine's torque to optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (better known to the Scuderia's drivers as the manettino) which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.
The F430's aerodynamics are also highly innovative for a road car: its shape has been honed to generate special flows to increase downforce and improve cooling. Every last component of this new Ferrari has been perfected to deliver outstanding performance and maximum driving pleasure.
7) Mustang Bullitt
Mustang Bullitt - The Ford Mustang Bullitt returns to the streets in 2008, blending the best Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology.
This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance, thanks to special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
8) Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder – As with every Lamborghini, the Gallardo Spyder adopts the stylistic principles of purity, athleticism and sharpness. The Spyder is not just an open-top version of the Coupé; it continues the tradition as seen with Murciélago Coupé and Roadster, by creating a self-standing model.
The designers of the Centro Stile Lamborghini have succeeded in creating an athletic body with a sports car’s ideal dimensions. This rear mid-engined sports car, which measures 4.30 metres (14.1 feet) in length, 1.90 metres (6.2 feet) in width and just 1.19 metres (3.9 feet) in height, conveys an impression of extreme power potential even when stationary. The design language, inspired by contemporary aircraft construction, is clearly discernible.
The new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is powered by the 90° V-engine familiar from the 2006 model-year Lamborghini Gallardo and the Lamborghini Gallardo SE. It is a ten-cylinder unit with a displacement of 4,961 cc and a maximum output of 520 bhp (382 kW) at 8000 rpm. At more than 100 bhp per litre, its specific output is on a par with that of racing cars. These specifications enable the Gallardo Spyder to attain a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph) with the roof up and 307 km/h (190 mph) when the roof is down. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in an impressive 4.3 seconds.
9) Fuel Vapor Car
One of the biggest draws at the Green Light exhibit at the Vancouver Auto Show will be the Fuel Vapor Car prototype, the “Alé” (alay). Created by BC’s George Parker of FuelVapor Technologies, this three-wheeled single-seat vehicle uses a special fuel vapor technology that its maker says gets 92 miles per gallon while going zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds.
On an industry note, the Alé’s new technology is able to increase the fuel efficiency of any gas engine by up to 20% while at the same time decreasing CO2 emissions by 30%, all without a catalytic converter. Furthermore, it emits 75% less CO2 than your average hybrid.
10) 1906 Zust
A will feature a brand at this year’s show is the new competition that salutes the greatest automobiles in history. The “Best Of The Best” will showcase three of the rarest and most valuable privately held vehicles in British Columbia.
Three vehicles, each representing a major vintage auto event, will be on display, with Auto Show guests able to vote for their pick as “Best In Show,” including the: 1906 Zust.
Representing the Langley Good Times Cruise-In will be one of the rarest cars in the world – the 1906 ZUST that participated in the Great Race from New York to Paris in 1908.
“This is extremely exiting to have the ZUST on display,” says McGeachie. “This car is a one-of-a-kind, and we’re thrilled our show guests will be able to see it in person.
The ZUST, owned by a private collector in Ladysmith, British Columbia, will also be on display at 100th anniversary of the Great Race in New York.
The car will also be showcased at the Langley Good Times
Cruise, September 6th, 2008 in Langley.
The 2008 Vancouver International Auto Show is presented by the New Car Dealers Association of BC and runs Saturday, March 29 to Sunday, April 6 at BC Place Stadium.
Show Dates:
March 29 – April 6, 2008
Show Hours:
Monday to Thursday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday Noon – 10:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission*:
General Admission: $12.00
Seniors/Students: $10.00
Children 7-12: $ 4.00
(when accompanied by an adult)
Children 6 and under: Free
(when accompanied by an adult)
Family Pass – any Show Day: $28.00
(any show day, 2 adults & 2 children 12 & under)
Multi Day Pass: $17.00
*GST included
Location:
BC Place Stadium (enter via Gate A on the Terry Fox Plaza)
777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
