?THE PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010

Your Auto Destination

Cover Story: Canadian International Auto Show

QMI Agency joe.duarte@sunmedia.ca The Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto is not the first auto show in Canada, but it does generate a fair amount of Canadian premieres. Fiat 500 Dangerously close to flat-lining, Chrysler shaved billions off its operating costs, jettisoning several models in a desperate bid to stay afloat. There?s a glimmer of hope, although as Chrysler Canada President Reid Bigland says it isn?t ?popping champagne corks yet?. Market share has increased almost 100% since June 2009, and 2010 will see a complete refreshing of the existing product line and the introduction of a new full-size crossover. Of course, the big news is the new alliance with Fiat. Introducing the Fiat 500, Bigland says that the partnership is a perfect fit, since Fiat?s strong suit is its roster of compact cars, while Chrysler brings its pickup truck and minivan expertise to the mix. The 1.4 L, 100 hp Fiat 500 a modern interpretation of the original iconic 1957 model, will be produced in Mexico, and arrive in Canada before the end of 2010. -Lesley Wimbush Infiniti Infiniti has always been known for pushing the design envelope, and proves it again with the Essence concept, a two-door coupe that points the way to future Infiniti products in a couple ways. First, there?s the design language of which some elements already are on display in the new M sedan, and secondly ? there?s a hybrid powertrain meant to show that economy can work with a 600-hp engine and rear-wheel drivetrain. The new M sedan will come in V6-engined M37 and V8-powered M56 versions. The new sedan takes its place at the flagship position of the Infiniti lineup with sporting manners, luxury trappings and technological marvels all meant to thrill, coddle and protect its occupants. -Joe Duarte Reid Bigland, left, and model introduce the Fiat 500. BMW Active Hybrid7 In 2010, BMW introduces a total of nine new models, two of which are on display in Toronto. The new 7 Series Active Hybrid will be coming to Canada in May 2010. The Active Hybrid7 is a twin-turbo V8 with direct injection and electric motor boasting 455 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque and is the first auto start/stop model, making it 15% more fuel efficient than a 750i. BMW also shows off the new Z4 Sdrive35is, which boasts a quicker throttle response and ups horsepower by 35 to 335hp peaking at 5,800. This healthy addition of power results in a 0- 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. -Russ Bond Ford/Lincoln President and CEO of Ford Canada David Mondragon?s philosophy for success is that in order to ?get everything you want, help others get what they want?. The next-generation Focus seems to be following that credo by delivering the European Focus for which we North Americans have long been clamouring. Available in 2012, Focus spearheads Ford?s new global C-car line-up - all based on a common platform. Mondragon boasts that Ford?s line-up is the ?freshest in the industry? with eight new vehicles arriving this year. And although Ford?s heritage is strongly truck-based, it?s ?reintroducing cars to the Canadian consumer? with seven of the new products being cars. The 2011 Edge returns with a reworked interior and headlight treatment and the slick My Touch technology package that features integrated touch screen information, climate, entertainment and navigation display. Also built in Oakville, the 2011 Lincoln MKX presents a more dramatic outline, and a more evolved, customizable version of the SYNC system called MyLincoln Touch. Power has been upgraded to over 300 hp. -Lesley Wimbush Hyundai Sonata While most of the auto industry was doom and gloom in 2009, Hyundai was ?celebrating? its best ever year in Canada with sales of 103,000. Hyundai relies on three qualities for success ? quality, value and style ? and with Hyundai?s ?Fluidic Sculpture? design language, the new 2011 Sonata has a wealth of style. The all-new sixth generation Sonata midsize sedan features an all four-cylinder engine lineup. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available and a Hybrid Blue Drive version will debut by the end of 2010. In other news, the Hyundai Nuvis concept makes its Canadian debut. Nuvis is the 11th signature concept car designed at Hyundai?s California Design Center in Irvine. In addition to showcasing the brand?s cutting-edge capabilities, Nuvis also hints at a possible design direction for a future-generation crossover, blending attributes of a tall urban car and a premium utility vehicle -Russ Bond General Motors Continuing its tradition of having the largest displays, General Motors found lots of room for its products including the Chevrolet Volt, the extended range electric vehicle due in the third quarter of 2011, the allnew Chevrolet Cruze that will make it to dealers by the third quarter of 2010 with two engine choices, including a 1.8L naturally aspirated job and a 1.4L turbocharged mill. A high efficiency model is expected to offer best in class fuel economy of 5.0 L/100km (highway). Outside of the mainstream, the Top Tuner Pro Street Camaro makes its world premiere here. This tubbed 2010 Camaro boasts a twin-turbocharged LSX 454 small block (the first application of the engine in Canada) that makes a knee-shaking 1,600 hp. Virtually everything on this car is custom and the workmanship is second to none. The Top Tuner Cadillac is also on display. Buick will earn some stripes with the 2011 Regal. Four-cylinder engines will power the beautiful modern luxury sports coupe when it starts arriving in stores this summer. The premium CXL will be the only model Infiniti Essence concept Hyundai Sonata

Toronto shows new vehicles in Canada

offered initially, and, for $32,990 won?t break the bank. The Buick Regal GS show car hints at the possibility of a rumoured GNX. And Cadillac has its new SRX Turbo AWD. -Shaun Keenan Honda CR-Z hybrid Honda President and CEO Manabu Nishimae says Acura would get its first hybrid in the near future before introducing the Honda CR-Z to Canada. The CR-Z goes on sale in the late summer 2010 and is a very sharp looking two-seater (a la CRX from years back), which Honda Executive Vice President Jerry Chenkin explains that it shows hybrid and sporty can go together. Honda also shows off a new commercial featuring its Asimo robot doing some very Canadian things, such as taking in a game of road hockey. The Compass Racing Honda Civic Si Grand Am car, fresh off a win at Daytona, also made the Toronto display. -Russ Bond 64042440

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