In our previous article on the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow, we highlighted some of the key announcements during the press conference, as well as the record attendance levels witnessed this year. What also struck the Autosphere team, was not only the sheer variety of vehicles at the AutoShow, but the creativity that went into displaying them. In the North Hall, Nissan had a winter theme, designed to illustrate the capabilities of its AWD drive lineup, while BMW once again, unleashed its M Level Display between the North and South Halls. A life-size pink Cadillac, constructed from Lego Bricks, was a huge attraction, as was Camp Jeep, the McLaren display that featured the W1 Super Car (making its North American debut), as well as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X; the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, and Multimatic assembled Mustang RTR. Formula 1 replicas from Audi and Cadillac signified the prominent position of the sport today as well as the growing commitment from OEMs.

Popular icons return

The Stellantis exhibit in the North Hall also proved to be hugely popular, with the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX making its Canadian debut, alongside the Ram 1500, a range extending, electric pickup that uses a Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine as a generator; plus the new Jeep Cherokee and performance oriented (and assembled in Canada) Dodge Charger Scat Pack.

New electric vehicle debuts were well represented with the Ford Mustang Mach-e California Special, Hyundai IONIQ6 N, Lucid Gravity Touring; Polestar 4 Arctic Circle, Subaru Uncharted and TrailSeeker EVs, Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC SUV and Toyota C-HR.

Also drawing the crowds were the enticing Oblivion display on the 700 level which showcased a variety of iconic and familiar cars, SUVs and cultural artifacts from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the very prominent (and extensive) Exotic and Supercar Collection, Cobble Beach Concours D’Elegance and classic car showcase (including a section of unique vintage minicars from 1950s and 1960s).

A special premiere

A star attraction for many attendees, was the appearance of actor Sung Kang, who provided a World Premiere trailer of his upcoming film Drifter. Kang, who is best known for playing Han Lue in the popular Fast and Furious film franchise, wrote, directed and stars in Drifter.

In the film, Kang works as a janitor by day, while being an aspiring Drift driver with dreams of reaching the highest levels of competition in his trusty Toyota Corolla GT (AE86). At CIAS, Kang hosted a special Q&A session with fans (as well as revealing an extended opening clip of the movie), in the John Bassett Theatre, adjacent to the North Hall of the MTCC.

Kang said he was not only “blown away,” by the enthusiasm from fans regarding the upcoming film, but also developed a real connection with the strong and vibrant car culture within Toronto and the GTA.

Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International AutoShow, said, “we’re honoured that Sung chose the AutoShow to premiere this exclusive clip of the opening scene, of his new film, ‘DRIFTER.” He added that, “we have such an incredibly strong and passionate car culture in Toronto—we see it every year but we’re particularly proud that Sung Kang has also had a chance to come and share his passion and film with us this year.”