Top 8 Must-See Exhibits at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto

The Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) had a banner year in 2023, which saw the third-highest attendance in the history of Canada’s largest automotive expo. For 2024, the CIAS promises to be even bigger and better, with an additional seven brands scheduled to participate in this year’s event. CIAS organizers promise no less than 40 automotive brands at this year’s AutoShow, along with a full roster of exciting activities, attractions, and displays.

The 2024 CIAS takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with doors opening to the public at noon on February 16. The show runs daily from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm every day thereafter, until Feb. 25, when the doors close at 6 pm. Details are available at autoshow.ca.

Make sure to stop by the AutoTrader booth on the 600 concourse by the escalators where you can learn about the winners of the 2024 AutoTrader Awards, see some of the winners up close and personal, and find out what sets these top picks apart from the competition. If you download the AutoTrader app and show the staff at our booth, you can grab a free limited edition toque while supplies last.

Here’s a quick look at the top eight must-see attractions at this year’s AutoShow.

1. It’s a Barbie World

This life-sized version of Barbie’s Corvette is sure to attract movie fans of all ages.

Barbie fever has gripped the globe, and CIAS organizers seem to love Barbie as much as the rest of us. This year, they’re bringing in a life-sized version of Barbie’s pink 1957 Chevy Corvette, as seen in the blockbuster movie. But wait! There’s more! The Barbie display also includes a life-sized Barbie Box that you can step into. Make sure to bring your camera! Barbie’s car will be the centrepiece of Mattel’s display, which includes life-sized replicas of four other Hot Wheels toy cars: Deora II, Green Loop Coupe, Gray Loop Coupe, and the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.

2. If We Could Turn Back Time

Yes, the 1980 Lamborghini Countach – on display this year – is old enough to be considered a classic.

The Cobble Beach Classics display is back again with the “Cobble Beach Classics Tribute to Performance” – an array of vintage automobiles, all designed with power and adrenaline in mind. Travel through time as you look back at some of the most iconic sports cars and performance machines of bygone eras. The exhibit includes a 1929 Bentley Speed Six Sport Tourer, a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Grand Sport, a 1932 Stutz Super Bearcat, a 1932 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe, a 1936 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sports Roadster, and much more.

3. Rare & Exotic Supercars

This 1,914-hp electric hypercar goes from zero to 100 km/h in 1.8 seconds.

Luxury car dealer Grand Touring Automobiles is coming to the party with an array of supercars and hypercars, some of which have never been seen at the CIAS. They include cars from four brands: Rimac, Zagato, Himalaya, and The Little Car Company. The Rimac Nevera is a Croation-built 1,914-horsepower electric hypercar with a neck-snapping zero-to-100-km/h time of only 1.8 seconds and a top speed of 451 km/h. The display features a number of other luxury brands and exotics from companies like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and includes perennial favourites from Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and other dream machines.

4. Tesla Fans Rejoice!

Tesla’s Cybertruck will be making its CIAS debut this year.

Whether you think it’s the greatest truck ever built or you’re not sure what the hype is all about, you’ll be able to judge the Cybertruck for yourself after seeing it in person at this year’s CIAS. This stainless-steel electric beast boasts a range of 547 km, a zero-to-100-km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h. With a 1,134-kg payload and a towing capacity of 4,990 kg, it’s designed to work hard and play even harder. While the Cybertruck will be the centrepiece of Tesla’s display this year, the company is bringing all its models to the show, including the Model S, 3, X and Y.

5. Auto Exotica: Exclusivity Defined!

The Batmobile is one of many unique vehicles on display this year at Auto Exotica.

The Auto Exotica exhibit is back this year with collections curated by Autostrada Magazine and Barrett-Jackson. While we all dream about owning a Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, or McLaren, this year’s Auto Exotica includes a number of odd and unique vehicles like the Batmobile and a 1958 Porsche diesel tractor. Why a tractor? Well, it’s one of those things you have to see to understand, so make sure to stop by the Auto Exotica display for a closer look.

6. EV Test Track

Try before you buy at the CIAS indoor EV Test Track.

With the world moving towards electrification and many of us wondering what it’s like to drive an EV, this year’s CIAS is the best place to test drive some of the newest electric models on the market. The EV Test Track is Canada’s largest indoor track for electric vehicles, and this year, CIAS organizers promise even more EV models for showgoers to enjoy. If you’re not sure if EV ownership is for you, what it’s like, or what to expect, then stop by Electric City, where EV experts are on hand to answer all your questions. Finally, take advantage of the opportunity to test drive an EV in its natural habitat: downtown Toronto. This year’s CIAS offers opportunities to try out some of the newest EVs on city streets.

7. Camp Jeep: Not For the Faint of Heart

Camp Jeep is back to test your limits, and your intestinal fortitude.

One of the more interesting displays at this year’s CIAS is Camp Jeep, where you can experience the off-roading abilities of Jeep’s newest models. The off-road course was designed to push Jeep vehicles to their limits as they challenge the laws of physics. Each vehicle climbs over impossible obstacles and conquers steep ramps at angles that will make your heart race and your stomach churn. This 20,000 sq. ft. off-road track is not for the faint of heart, however, and only those who are willing to put their trust in the hands of the professional drivers who push the boundaries of physics should line up for this experience.

8. Hot Wheels Die-Cast Model: A CIAS Exclusive

Come get yours before they’re gone!

A total of 1,000 Hot Wheels die-cast cars will be given away during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow. This metallic red toy car with white racing stripes on the hood and sides is the 2024 Collector’s Edition Hot Wheels Nissan Silvia and it’s free with the purchase of $50 or more at the Toys’R’Us pop-up shop. Hot Wheels says this model is only available at this year’s show, so make sure to get one while supplies last.