One thing is for sure, there’s a lot to see at the 2011 Vancouver International Auto Show. The latest in automotive technology, performance and style will be showcased at state-of-the art booths with interactive displays.  This year more than 20 international manufacturers will showcase over 400 new vehicles in addition to many other special vehicles from local tuning shops, racing clubs and private collections.
The Show starts Tuesday, March 29th at noon and runs everyday until April 3rd.  This year’s Show is at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the first time, so if you’ve been to an Auto Show in Vancouver you can expect several changes from previous years.  Make sure you grab a show guide when you arrive to familiarize yourself with the layout.
It can be difficult to see everything in one day, so having a list of vehicles that you most want to see will help you make the most of your visit to the Auto Show.  From supercars to sedans there’s a car to suit every type of auto fanatic. Here’s a look at ten of the most anticipated arrivals for the Show.

2012 Lexus LFA

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream come true. Only ten LFA models will be built for Canada, to highly personalized and unique customer specifications, making the LFA an extremely sought after super car. With a V10 engine hand-assembled by a single craftsman, a direct response ASG transmission, the world’s first SRS seatbelt-mounted airbag and more, the LFA is a showcase for the innovative technology and advanced driving dynamics set to inspire future Lexus models. In fact, the LFA is constructed of super lightweight materials, featuring a unique carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin. The CFRP was a product of in-house carbon development technology, using a unique loom developed by Lexus.

2012 Fiat 500

The 2012 Fiat 500 makes its much-anticipated appearance on the West Coast at the Vancouver Show.  Being brought to North America by Chrysler, the 500 is designed to compete head-on with urban compacts such as the MINI, Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta.  The Italian compact comes in three different trim levels with over 14 exterior colours and 11 interior seat and material combinations.  Fiat has done its research for the North American buyer with over a dozen changes from the European-spec version of the 500.  Changes include seven standard airbags, softer suspension, upgraded heating and cooling and reduced interior noise. All of the 2012 500’s will feature the patented and award winning MultiAir 1.4 litre engine with 101 horsepower. This technology was recognized with the ‘Best of What’s New in 2010’ award presented by Popular Science magazine.

2012 Scion iQ

The Scion iQ, the world’s smallest four-seater, is the ultimate small, urban friendly, fuel efficient vehicle that’s big on style, features and safety. The iQ’s safety features include a class-leading ten airbags, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag, and active safety technologies including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. The iQ’s 1.3-litre engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver class-leading 90 horsepower, smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency of the iQ will be comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity with an estimated combined fuel consumption of just over five litres per 100 km. The Scion iQ will define a new, premium micro-subcompact segment in Canada when it rolls into Scion dealerships later this year.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Coming off the 2011 AJAC award for North American Car of the Year, the Eco is the more ‘environmentally friendly’ version of the Cruze.   The Chevrolet Cruze Eco improves on the Cruze’s fuel efficiency through several innovations without the use of hybrid technology with expensive and heavy batteries.  Instead, Chevrolet has found a way to shave 200 pounds off the Cruze and lower its drag by ten per cent, as well as optimize the power train to deliver a more ‘eco’ friendly vehicle. Improvements to the vehicle’s aerodynamics include inconspicuously blocking off parts of the upper grill and adding motorized shutters that close at higher cruising speeds, lowering the suspension, and the addition of under body panels and lower lip to improve wind resistance.  The drop in weight is found by cuts in mass in over 40 components in the vehicle with the likes of lighter rims and tires, thinner tubular steel components and shorter weld flanges.  The six-speed standard transmission has taller ratios in the top four gears than other manual Cruzes.

Range Rover Evoque

With its stylish and sporty appearance, enhanced by extra versatility, the Range Rover Evoque 5-Door joins a highly desirable line-up that will transform the premium compact SUV segment.  The Evoque is positioned as the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. It features lightweight construction techniques and provides customers with a choice of either all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive. The optional Adaptive Dynamics system with advanced MagneRide dampers, delivers an exceptional balance between a supple, controlled ride and sharper handling responses.  What’s really exciting about the Evoque is its muscular stature.  The silhouette of the Evoque screams ‘sport’ while the taut, elevated lines consistent with the vehicle always hint at its off-road capability.

2012 Toyota Prius v

The Prius v is the newest addition to the Prius family, a brand that is synonymous with advanced, fuel-efficient motoring. With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with the same core values of high fuel efficiency, low emissions, proven technology and environmental stewardship. The new Prius v features a compact exterior yet spacious interior with over 50 per cent more interior cargo space than the current Prius. These include the best fuel efficiency of any SUV, crossover or wagon on the market and a 66 per cent reduction in smog forming emissions compared to the average new vehicle.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

The 2012 Veloster delivers innovation in the compact coupe segment with a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, a standard seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-litre Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai’s first six-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. Veloster is styled in the most aggressive adaptation of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language yet. The front-end features Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and LED position lights along with hood scoop detailing. The all-new Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the smallest Hyundai engine to utilize Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). GDI technology allows for much greater control over fuel injection than traditional multi-port systems, helping deliver estimated highway fuel economy of up to 4.9 L/100 km, more power, and lower emissions.

2012 Mercedes CLS

The next generation of the CLS maintains most of the same proportions as its predecessor while showing off a completely new look reminiscent of the SLS. This new look can be further distinguished at night with a luminescent package option of 71 LED lights that illuminate the indicators and beams, which are divided into three arrow shaped layers to provide a thoroughly distinct look. Under the hood, the CLS boasts an all-new, hand-built 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that generates 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The standard model of the Camaro Convertible will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 6.9 L/100km highway fuel consumption as well as a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional six-speed automatic. The Camaro’s architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, allowing you to enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake, including a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, transmission support reinforcement and an underbody tunnel brace along with front and rear underbody “V” braces.

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

For the first time, the coveted M badge has been granted to the popular BMW 1 Series in the form of the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupé. The M badge was imparted after a two-year development process through which BMW M engineers and test drivers achieved the exceptional power delivery and the signature, near-perfect driving behavior of a BMW M car. The heart of the car is an inline-6 with outstanding performance, free-revving behavior, and endless thrust. The new 1 Series M Coupé also features the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button that activates a razor-sharp throttle response program for the sportiest driving. This means that the performance characteristics of the engine can be varied according to the driver’s wishes. The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupé will be available in limited quantities and with a limited range of options in spring, 2011.