I went to the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) this year for the first time since before the pandemic, back in 2019. Before I talk about my experience at the show, I have been hearing a common opinion about the concept of the auto show currently, and that is either the auto show is dying, or the auto show is dead. This could be true from a car media perspective, where car companies prefer to reveal their new cars online to global audiences instead of traditionally revealing their cars at big auto shows such as Detroit or Geneva. This is like video game developers revealing their games directly to consumers through online showcases such as Nintendo Direct or PlayStation's State of Play, effectively killing off the big E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles.
From a consumer perspective, I do not think the auto show is dying at all, at least not at CIAS, but it is certainly changing. One of the big changes in visiting CIAS this year is how much floor space was for electric vehicles. I would say at least half of the floor space were for electric vehicles, which accurately represents the growing shift from internal combustion engines to electric. There was more floor space dedicated to driving activities as well, including an indoor test track, and a Jeep obstacle course. I went to CIAS on a Saturday, and it was just as busy as I remember it. Anyways, here are my highlights from the show:
I got to see an iteration of the Bigfoot monster truck for the first time, widely considered to be the first monster truck ever created. The wheels alone were as tall as me. I remember playing the Bigfoot video game for the NES when I was a kid, so this was how I recognized the truck.
There was a 1:1 replica of the McLaren P1 built out of over 340,000 Lego pieces, which was impressive. I also could not resist checking out the pop-up Lego shop and buying a couple of Lego sets myself.
The actual McLaren P1 was cool too, though it could use a wiping down.
There was a Jeep obstacle course where drivers take you through simulated rugged terrain in a Jeep Wrangler, which was cool, but there was a huge lineup to go on this attraction.
My pick for the weirdest car at CIAS is the Cadillac Sollei concept car, which is this super-long, cream-white luxury vehicle that looks like it would be time-appropriate for the 1950s.
Here are the rest of the pictures from the show, including the new Corvette ZR1, Lamborghini, Ferrari,
Mercedes-Benz, and more:
Mercedes-Benz, and more:
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