The 99th annual Vancouver International Auto Show got underway at the Vancouver Convention Centre West yesterday afternoon, and runs until Sunday March 24th. Here are a few favourite cars on display at this year’s event.
McLaren Senna
This track-bred, road-legal hypercar — named after F1 legend Ayrton Senna — is limited to just 500 units worldwide. Aside from the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 lurking under the hood, producing 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the Senna is also highlighted by its massive carbon fibre front splitter and layered rear wing that help the car achieve massive amounts of downforce and traction. And as if the signature dihedral doors aren’t flashy enough, owners can add available Gorilla Glass apertures in the centre so everyone can enjoy a glimpse of the matching carbon fibre monocoque.
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln is getting set for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator to hit showrooms in the summer. First teased at the New York Auto Show last year, there’s no denying the three-row luxury crossover looks slick featuring a metallic grille, made up of tiny Lincoln logos, and aviation-inspired wraparound windshield and aerodynamic bodylines. The surprising news is that the bi-turbo engine will have a plug-in hybrid option, which in addition boosted performance and better fuel economy will provide the brand’s quietest drive to date. And don’t worry about carrying around the key — the SUV can be unlocked and operated all using a smartphone and the Lincoln Way app.
GMC Sierra Denali
In the premium truck segment GMC is setting the bar mighty high with the redesigned 2019 GMC Sierra Denali. Sitting at the top of the food chain, the Denali adds to the sculpted pickup an exclusive chrome mesh grille, unique badging and up to 22-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. Debuting is a MultiPro Tailgate, boasting not one, not two, but six different positions to suit various jobs. Set it to step entry mode for easy access to the bed, or flip it up into a standing workstation when duty calls on the road. Customers can choose from six different engines, the most powerful being the 6.2-litre V8 making 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Finalist for the 2019 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Green Utility Vehicle of the Year Award (phew), the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also holds the title for Canada’s best selling plug-in hybrid SUV. There’s a lot of technology going on under the bodywork, like two battery-powered 80-horsepower electric motors mounted to the front and rear axles, bolstered by a 117-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE). The former works in tandem to provide instant-on four-wheel drive for maximum traction in virtually all conditions. The PHEV is capable of travelling 35 kilometres without using any gasoline, and when the ICE does engage, fuel consumption is rated at 9.2 L/100 km.
Benjamin Yong 