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The theme of this year's auto show is The New Era, suggesting that a coming wave of innovation will transform an industry that has been dominated by the internal combustion engine for 100 years.
And among the new models making their debut today are Toyota's 2010 Prius and Honda's 2009 Insight, all-new gasoline-electric hybrids that deliver low emissions and improved fuel economy thanks to the dual power train design.
The 2009 show will include other hybrids, too, as well as cleaner diesels, fuel cell concept cars, electric vehicles and more. All are interesting, but most show-goers are first and foremost interested in seeing new models that will be in dealer showrooms right away, or in the very near future.
To that end, here's a rundown of some of the more important Canadian and regional vehicle premieres at this year's 2009 show:
Videos
Jeremy Cato tours the auto show
Check out the coolest concepts, the car of the year, and the best $400,000 car at the show
2009 Canadian Auto Summit - Part 1
Auto makers interviewed by Jeremy Cato and Michael Vaughan. (Video courtesty of BNN)
2010 AUDI R8 5.2 FSI QUATTRO
Audi's mid-engine R8 sports car now has a V-8, but this concept teaser has the 5.2-litre V-10 that's already found in the S6 and S8 sedans, along with the R8's sister car, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. No one at Audi will confirm production — yet — but it is coming as a real car within the year.
2010 LINCOLN MKT
The Lincoln MKT is a full-size premium crossover utility that Lincoln officials say offers the "comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster." To be assembled in Oakville, Ont., the MKT rides on the mechanicals of Ford's Flex. The MKT, which has three rows of seats, is larger than the Lincoln MKX crossover. It will reach dealer showrooms this summer with two engines: a 268-horsepower, 3.7-litre V-6 or the company's new 355-horsepower, 3.5-litre V-6 EcoBoost.
2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
Due in the summer, the restyled, re-engineered Equinox goes on sale in the summer with a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, meant to enhance fuel economy. The base engine will be GM's new direct-injection, 182-hp, 2.4-litre engine, compared to the current 185-hp China-sourced V-6. A 255-hp V-6 is also planned. Chevy general marketing manager Ed Peper says, "We're going right after the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4."
2010 KIA FORTE
The Forte is the replacement for the Spectra compact car and the design signals Kia's new look — one that will spread throughout the lineup.
2010 CADILLAC SRX
The redesigned SRX crossover takes its styling cues from the Cadillac Provoq concept shown last year in Detroit. With a wide stance, short overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners, the look is bold and tight. Interestingly, the five-seat SRX will be the first Cadillac in recent years without a V-8 option — a concession to fuel economy. Two new direct-injection V-6 engines are available: a 260-hp 3.0-litre is standard, and a 300-hp turbocharged 2.8-litre V-6 is optional. The SRX has front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is optional. Aimed at the Lexus RX, BMW X3 and Acura RDX, the new Caddy goes on sale in mid-2009.
2010 FORD TAURUS
Underneath are the underpinnings of the Lincoln MKS introduced last year. This large sedan will be available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The standard engine is the 263-hp 3.5 litre V-6 with a 6-speed automatic. The fancier models will have manual shifters on the steering wheel. A turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 with at least 300 horsepower will be available later this year. On sale this summer.
LEXUS HS 250H
With its four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine teamed with the hybrid electric drive, this new Lexus is a hybrid-only model. To improve fuel economy, it uses energy-scavenging technology such as sophisticated valve timing, a heat recovery system and a low-drag exterior shape. There is also electric-motor steering assist that can warn drivers with a mild steering wheel shake if they are drifting out of their lane. Drivers can even use a grille-mounted camera for a view of objects or pedestrians in front of the vehicle. Due in late summer.
2009 NISSAN CUBE
The new Cube, a boxy car aimed at ecoconscious younger buyers, similar to Toyota's Scion brand, will go on sale in the spring. But it's not a Scion "because it has personality," Larry Dominique, Nissan vice-president for product planning, told reporters at the Los Angeles auto show last November. The Cube seats five, with a sliding, reclining, theatre-style rear seat that allows a six-foot passenger to fit comfortably behind a six-foot driver. A 1.8-litre, 122-hp four-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Versa, provides power to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission.
BMW Z4 ROADSTER
