It’s been exactly ten consecutive years since I’ve attended the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto, and I can’t say that the decade anniversary was very pleasant or memorable. In short, this year sucked compared to the previous nine years. Much of the blame, though, lies on the fact that automakers today design cars that are too generic, bland, and timid (i.e. once bad-ass (or at least somewhat bad-ass) cars such as the Matrix or the M3 now look like weak everyday rides). It’s a curse that befalls upon just about everyone, save for the super elite (who don’t really change design often). However, on the bright side there were some bold eye-openers that sort of quelled the excitement-drought. Below is a summary of just about all my opinions about the autoshow (with lots of links to large pics, so be sure to click on all of them!).

THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS:

1. I can’t say I’m a big fan of Lamborghinis, but when the Italians turn up the power they definitely catch my attention. The Gallardo Superleggera and Spyder were absolutely gorgeous this year.
2. Mercedes-Benz introduces a “Canadian exclusive“, the C230 4Matic. Nothing spectacular, but I have to give props to my beloved nation.
3. On its 40th anniversary, Hot Wheels hosts a special booth of its own. Being an amateur collector (since I was three, actually), it has a personal touch. Interesting things to note were the first ever collection set, old-school stickers, as well as a Simpsons van.
4. General Motors finally earned some respect from me with their new Chevy Corvette ZR-1, the fastest stock Corvette ever if I’m correct, and it’d make your car “fish bait” to its “sharkness”. Kicks 100% ass.
5. As well, the new Camaro re-debuts, and if I had loads of money to waste I’d get it simply for its awesome, original speedometer.
6. The gorgeous Ferrari F430 is dipped this year in an awesome, blood-racing paint job.
7. And what I consider one of the show’s biggest highlights, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is unveiled to the delight of everyone (judging by the constant crowd). I took one, two, three, four, five million pictures, give or take a couple. Absolutely stunning, and I’d give anything to own it for even just a day. I must admit though, when I first saw the concept/original drawings I was quite skeptical of the design, but now that I’ve seen the real deal I proudly acknowledge that I am completely sold.

THIS YEAR’S DISAPPOINTMENTS:

1. First of all, I’d just like to point out that it’s been more than 12 hours since I was at the show and I’m still kinda pissed off at Porsche for not distributing posters this year. That’s a crime! They do it every year, and they have the best posters! But nope, Toronto got shafted this time around, the excuse being that “the posters were given out at another autoshow.” I’m all for saving the trees, but damn. Honestly.
2. “THIS IS THE NEW JAGUAR”. And it sucks ass. A [terrible] replacement of the S-Type, the brand new Jaguar XF is basically a Buick. You might as well save the dozen G’s and purchase the latter instead (besides, GM needs all the money it can get), because there really is no difference on the outside. I didn’t even bother to take waste my camera memory, so here’s a pic of the XKR instead (a REAL Jag).
3. The previous-generation Infiniti G35x is one of my all-time favourite cars, so I was in for a real surprise when I sat behind the wheel of the newest G35x. Three words: cheap, crappy interior. I thought I was sitting in a re-badged Hyundai or something.
4. So “the Legend has arrived”; the Lancer Evolution X. And guess what? It’s got the shittiest bumper I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Plastic…ugly grey PLASTIC! I wanted to cry…what were the Mitsubishi guys smoking?! Just like the G35x, its prime was back in the day.
5. Apparently, the new fad of 2008 and beyond (so far) are swiveling chairs in concept automobiles (see KIA and Ford). Ingenious, yes, but appropriate? I think NOT. Just like BMW’s new self-parallel park feature, these funky seats will ultimately lead to the demise of decent human beings. People who are too stupid to parallel park is one thing (though they don’t deserve a license if they can’t even park), but are people now too lazy to properly get in and out of a vehicle (disabled persons are exempt)? Jeez, I should really start investing in teleportation technology. It’s just plain sad.

THIS YEAR’S ANNOYANCES:

1. A re-occuring pet peeve every year, the idiots who are oblivious to other attempting to get a good shot by standing in front of the camera or in front of the vehicle OR by walking in front of the camera or vehicle while the shot is being taken are long overdue a big punch in the face. (All such pics were angrily deleted, so no example to show.) Anyone not mind the risk of an assault charge?
2. An honourable mention goes to the two jackasses and the Aston Martin salesman for this year. Thank you EVER SO MUCH for taking your time to discuss the car you most likely will not purchase IN FRONT of it while many wait patiently — then impatiently — to get a proper view and shots of it. And they never noticed at all.
3. If you’ve got one or more toddler, why must you make them suffer by dragging them to the autoshow with you? I know some young’uns enjoy automobiles (I was one), but pushing your screaming, crying child[ren] through the thick crowd just so you can check out some cars (but you can’t really because you have to tend to your kids to make them shut up) is purely selfish and a frustration for everyone. EVERYONE. There are such things as grandmas and grandpas, as well as aunts and uncles, if not babysitters and nannies.

MY PERSONAL FAVES FOR THIS YEAR:

1. Mini’s new line, the sophisticatedly-English (in my opinion) pimp (in Mini’s opinion) Clubman. Featuring a much longer wheelbase and proper seating (and side door) for rear passengers, its far-different rear reminds me of London taxis, which in turn bring back fond memories of London itself. Which I think is the reason why I’m attracted to this new Mini Cooper model.
2. I’ve always been a fan of mint condition ancient Honda Civics (stemming from a Honda ad for a second- or third-generation Civic I found in an old magazine many years ago, which I promptly misplaced), so naturally I was delighted when Honda celebrated its “Civic car of the decade” by displaying a first-generation (circa 1976, I believe) gold Civic in perfect condition. Such a simple yet advanced car back then, you could build better go-karts today.
3. However, the crown for my all-time favourite, 200% positive experience car goes to the breathtaking, love-at-first-sight Audi RS4, solidly at the top of my dream cars list. I spent a full 20 minutes ogling this car and sitting in it, feeling its powerful embrace. Since Audi vehicles always have semi-power in autoshows, I contented myself with turning on the high beams and relaxing in the German machine to gangsta rap on Sirius radio. Pure nirvana. Gosh…just thinking about it floats me off to Cloud Nine… Quoting Seth and Evan from Superbad, I would do “terrible, unforgivable things” and “give my middle nut” to own the RS4 and majorly tear up pavement.

Thus concludes my review of the 2008 Canadian International Autoshow. You know, at first I said that it was a bummer, but after writing about the Audi RS4, I’m still in a daze…so yeah…if anything, those 10-15 minutes sitting in my dream ride really made up for everything else, and it made my day completely. Ahh…

As a little extra something, here are some other interesting pics that I took:

• A Honda S2000 compartment with a special warning
• An odd speedometer needle in a Mazda3
• A brilliant brand placement location: headlights!
• Cool little blue Volkswagens made out of recycled plastic (last year it was a red Rabbit)

P.S. Totally unrelated, but Angry Chinese Driver celebrates its fifth month anniversary today!