As was the case at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the trend towards clean burning emissions using green technology will continue at this year’s Montreal Auto Show. The show which runs from January 15th to January 24th at the Palais de Congrés, is the first Canadian auto show of the season, featuring a number of Canadian debuts and one North American premiere. The poor gas guzzling SUV and omnipresent luxury sedan have been relegated to second-class citizens as green is the new black in the car industry.
Hybrid vehicles will make their presence known at this year’s show as sales are expected to surge by a compounded annual growth rate of 12% during 2008-2015 (www.just-auto.com). BMW’s ActiveHybrid X6 puts a V8 gas engine and an electric motor together in the same vehicle, for a combined 480 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency seemed to be an afterthought as this is the most powerful hybrid yet. The motors and the advanced electronic continuously variable transmission allow it to achieve distances of 1.6 miles at speeds of up to 37 mph on electric current alone. Ford’s hybrid entry, the Reflex, will also be on display. Its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine with new-generation lithium ion batteries that help deliver up to 65 miles per US gallon (3.6 L/100 km; 78 mpg-imp) of diesel fuel, and can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7 seconds. (www.wikipedia.org) Using the same technology found in cell phones, it stores energy in a new-generation lithium-ion battery pack.
The high-performance Volkswagen Golf R will make its North American debut in Montreal. “The new Golf R Concept is the ‘Top Golf,’ the best in the overall combination of acceleration, top speed, fuel economy, handling, performance, and distinctive features for a vehicle in the compact segment,” declared John White, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada. (Car and Driver) The two-door “hot hatch” can accelerate from zero to one hundred in 5.5 seconds using only 8.4 L of gas per 100 km.
Ford’s new 2011 Fiesta subcompact will be introduced to Canadians for the first time. Taking aim at Honda’s Fit, Toyota’s Yaris and Hyundai’s popular Accent, Ford is seeking to lure customers with youthful styling, an advanced SYNC communications platform and efficient use of space. With a projected highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, it remains focused on minimizing gas consumption.
As in the past, the Montreal Auto Show has several extra attractions such as the 7th Heaven display, featuring high-end brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz/Maybach, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Cadillac and Pininfarina/Bollore. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the newest Lotus and Lamborghini eye-candy, located on the fifth level of the Palais de Congrés. Other displays on hand will include classic 1930s cars, microcars, built-in-Quebec vehicles spanning the 20th century and the Natural Resources Canada On Route to the Future, featuring Pininfarina/Bollore’s Blue Car.
For more information visit http://www.montrealautoshow.com
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