This is the last part of the review. here for 3.
Realizing that my day was nearing its end, I moved on. Buick and GMC each had a separate small display.
Since the displays were so small, there was little to report on. The espresso bar around the Encore would have been nice, although I’m guessing everybody felt like I did as the line up was quite long.
The Encore itself looked narrow and tall. The signature Buick round vents, usually found on the fenders above the front wheels, are moved onto the hood and looked odd and out of place.
Since I wasn’t getting a coffee, I moved onto the last manufacturer, Volvo. It was another small display, and disappointing if I’m honest. I had hoped to get to see the new XC90, or maybe a few Polestar models, but sadly there was none – just one example of each of their regular models.
Having now seen almost everything, I started to make my way out. The only exhibit I had missed was Auto Exotica, which was back in the basement of the first building. Since I needed to go back that way anyway, I decided I could muster the energy to see that as well.
As I walked through the door, I couldn’t help but smile. I knew what I was going to see: ludicrously expensive supercars behind velvet ropes and stern-looking attendants ensuring I didn’t breathe on them. But, when the first thing you see is a fond childhood memory, it can’t be all bad.
In front of me sat a silver Lotus Espirit. I don’t know how many calendars I had with one of those in it, and it was nice to see. Most people ignored it and kept moving. Lotus had two other newer models on display.
Turning around, there was McLaren. McLaren also brought three cars with them, but they also had much more attention. I could only fight my way to the side for one poor angle shot.
A Pagani was opposite them, with all its carbon fiber and racy insides showing. I managed to sneak behind it and snap a few pics of its naughty bits.
Next I came across probably the car with the largest crowd at the entire show: The Tesla S. The swarm was so thick, all I could attempt was a quick click over a couple people’s shoulder. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out. Also, the attendants were too busy answering the silly questions (how fast can it go? What’s its 0-60 time?) that they didn’t have time for me.
Anyway, when was the last time a Ferrari display had this few people around it? Next to the Tesla, the three Ferrari’s looked lonely.
Maybe people were bypassing Ferrari because Maserati was letting people actually sit in its cars. If you waited patiently, you could get up close and personal with three of its four models on display – under intense supervision, of course.
The forth model was a concept. I believe it was built to celebrate Maserati’s 100th anniversary last year, but there was nobody around to ask.
Along the far wall were an Aston Martin, one Bentley, one Rolls Royce, and a Lamborghini, but again you couldn’t get close.
There was one last room, the Gallery, which had a few automotive paintings, but mostly had jewelers and other boutique vendors in it, so I left.
It was a busy day, and I covered a lot of ground, but I felt like it was a good one and I saw some amazing cars.
Did you attend the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show? What were your favourite parts? Let me know in the comments.
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