[January
9-18 2004]
The annual Montreal International Auto Show has
been through some tough obstacles in recent years.
From changing venues 3 times and marketing strategies
that some critics might say were somewhat lacking,
this year’s edition seemed to have propelled
the event into its rightful place in the Canadian
automotive community. Being the first show of
its kind for the new year, the Montreal International
Auto Show came out in full bloom this week featuring
a wide array of new vehicles and a healthy support
from the Canadian automotive industry.
Hosted at the newly renovated, Palais de Congres
de Montreal, this new age facility helped create
a unique atmosphere with its variety of large
halls, small corridors, pastel colours and labyrinth
style design. However, many spectators agreed
that it was incredibly easy to miss out on some
of the displays. With the show consuming 3 floors
in total, there were many gaps of void space between
booths. This caused the show to feel incomplete
and somewhat, disorganized. Nonetheless, when
it came to the large halls, this is where the
show shined. Complete with representation from
manufacturers such as GM’s multi-platform
display and Nissan’s luminescent booth, these
halls highlighted the shows strengths.
There were a surprising amount of new sport compacts
that were launched this week at the show. Mazda
proudly presented their new Mazda 3 in both sedan
and hatchback versions. This vehicle will be a
surefire win amongst tuners with its 165hp power
plant and euro looks. GM launched their new squad
of compacts including the Optra, Aveo and Saturn
Ion. Dodge was present in full force with their
newly released, 230hp turbocharged SRT-4. Subaru
did not disappoint either showing off their prize
WRX STi as well as the newly redesigned Legacy.
Honda also revamped their Civic SiR with a new
aero-kit, headlights and tail lights. Acura displayed
their new TSX and TL models which seemed to be
crowd favourites.
In the truck category, Ford’s
new F-150 made a huge splash. Completely redesigned
and might I say, very aggressive looking. Dodge
revealed their new Durango that didn’t seem
to impress too many people. GM on the other hand,
introduced their new mid-size pick up, the Colorado/Canyon.
These will be replacing the old S-10 and the Sonoma.
Even the old Tracker got a revision and is now
called the Equinox. BMW launched their new smaller
sized SUV, the X3 which sort of looks like a miniature
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version
of its older sibling the X5. Nissan and
Infinity displayed their new Pathfinder
Armada and the QX56 respectively. The show-stealer
award however had to go to the new VW Touareg
and Porsche Cayenne. The Volks being available
in both 6 & 8 cylinder versions while
the Porsche adds a third, turbocharged engine
option.
Some of the extra features of the show proved
to be interesting as well. Pirelli presented
the new Saleen S7 that was simply pristine.
The lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago
stopped spectators in their tracks but quickly
caused whiplash with the Ferrari Enzo parked
right across from them. Even Mercedes Benz
brought out their new Maybach series, dubbed
the most elite vehicle in the new millennia.
Quebec Tuniing Magazine hosted a section
designated to Sport Compact Tuning as well.
This section featured some of the most elite
showcars in the province including Simard
Racing’s S2K converted Civic Coupe,
the Automotion S-15 converted Silvia, the
Echo Civic and even Team SCP’s own
Sentra Se-R Spec V and Civic SiR.
Overall, this year’s event will probably
draw more spectator attendance than past
years. Is this an indication that the automotive
industry is in for a boost? I certainly
hope so. With so much selection, the future
of tuning these high tech modern vehicles
will be the ultimate challenge for years
to come. The International Auto show will
be presented in Toronto and Vancouver as
well later this year. Make sure you check
it out and find out which new vehicle will
be best suited for you. |
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