Auto Tech – The big reveal at the 2023 Toronto International Auto Show
Fire up the flux capacitor as you might need it with the latest generation of EV cars unveiled at the 2023 Toronto International Auto Show that was held from Feb 18-27. With over 75 EV cars on display consumers can choose from a wide range of models from all manufacturers that include some new ones like the Vietnam-based Vinfast. There were five concept vehicles from the manufacturers showcasing the future: Buick Wildcat, Hyundai RN22e, Hyundai N Vision 74, Nissan ARIYA Surfwagon and Nissan NISMO Off Road Frontier V8.
The engineering of these cars are following the path of twin engines with one in the front and one in the back providing an all wheel drive solution delivering 300+ HP with some having AI features. Pretty bold concepts in the first generation of EV Cars. Battery life is expected at 350 to 490 km. An hydrogen fuel car was also on display from Hyundai that has a range of 600 km. It is an exciting time in the car industry as it make the shift from the combustion engine to electric or hydrogen for cars of the future.
Toronto International Auto Show Highlights:
Project Arrow
The Project Arrow is a concept car that is a project of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association and 50 partners to produce an all-electric vehicle that was designed, engineered and built in Canada.
Hyundai N Vision 74
A Hydrogen power sports car from Hyundai that delivers 900 Torque Nm with a range of 600 km.
Hyundai RN22e
This is a motorsports inspired EV sport cars with two engines that has a maximum speed of 250 km/hr with a total torque of 740 Nm.
Buick Wildcat EV concept
The Buick Wildcat EV concept car introduces exciting artificial intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy technologies and is expected to be available in 2024. GM plan’s plans for an all-electric lineup in the U.S. and Canada by the end of the decade. The EV lineup includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, Blazer and Bolt, GMC Sierra Denali, Hummer SUV and SUT and the Cadillac LYRIQ.
Nissan ARIYA Surfwagon
Designed to inspire EV owners to personalize their vehicles to fit their lifestyles, the Nissan Ariya Surfwagon concept reimagines the 2023 Ariya. Created by South Carolina-based Tommy Pike Customs on behalf of Nissan, it comes a with a custom vinyl wrap featuring wood paneling and chrome trim evoking beach cruisers of decades past.
SARIT (Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport)
This idea was inspired by Magna founder Frank Stronach – SARIT. This is a three wheeled, a 1-2 person seater with a range of 100km with a top speed of 32km. The three-wheel vehicle measures 3½ feet wide (1 metre), 7¼ feet long (2.2 metres) and 5.5 feet high (1.6 metres). There is four-wheel truck option that can carry up to 400 pounds (181 kilograms). It is expected to be ready for sale in early 2024.
Lexus 2023 RZ
Lexus RZ electric SUV has a dedicated BEV platform (e-TNGA) for its all all-wheel-drive system, DIRECT4, that controls front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions. The RZ, is a 308HP vehicle with a 315 km range. It comes with a 8 year or 160,000km warranty.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV
This is a hybrid model where the gas engine clicks in when the battery gets low. The battery is recharged by the gas engine and regenerative braking. Stellantis Canada displayed eight Jeep models, nine Ram trucks and the new Grand Wagoneer as well as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat at the show
Vinfast
One of the newest entries in the consumer automotive market in Canada, the Vietnam-based Vinfast is showcasing four vehicles from its all-electric lineup: the all-new VF6 two-row compact eSUV, the VF7 midsize eSUV, the VF8 eSUV and the luxury VF9.
Kia EV6
The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EV6 GT is Kia’s most powerful production car ever, generating 576 horsepower and 545 lb.-ft. of torque and rocketing from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. With a top speed of 260 km/h with a 332-km* driving range.
As we move into a new era of personal transportation that started with the horse and buggy and then to a motor car that has lasted over 100 years. We are now entering in a new era of innovation that has no boundaries.
