The Canadian International AutoShow 2026 in Toronto once again proved why it remains one of North America’s premier indoor automotive events, welcoming over 374,000 visitors across its two-week run — setting a new all-time attendance record.
From the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology to beautifully preserved vintage automobiles dating back to 1906, the CIAS continues to be an interactive automotive playground for enthusiasts of all ages.
SoViolette has proudly covered the Canadian International AutoShow for over 15 years, but this year felt especially memorable. We had the opportunity to get up close with major global debuts, including the Audi R26 Formula 1 car and Cadillac’s first-ever Formula 1 concept livery, inspired by the Barcelona shakedown design.
So let’s dive in.
Media Day Coverage Highlights
Above : Arrow Car – A Canadian Built Self-Driving Car
Canadian Car of the Year Award Winners (AJAC)
Canadian Car of the Year: Honda Civic,Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade, Canadian Electric Car of the Year: Porsche Taycan, Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year: Kia
New Ownership of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Chris Pfaff, alongside Canadian racing legend James Hinchcliffe, spoke about the new ownership vision for Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. Including expanded hospitality experiences, the potential creation of a motorsports museum, and even a winter driving program featuring everything from cars to ATVs.
Markham’s mayor, Frank Scarpitti shared exciting news about the future of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy, announcing its move from Downtown Toronto to Markham with upgraded infrastructure designed to better accommodate teams, spectators, and race operations, including the introduction of a new two-lane pit lane, premiering this summer 2026.
The CTMP Booth with the Plaid Lamborghini Livery
Cadillac Livery & CELESTIQ Launch
Cadillac presented a stunning Canadian-market interpretation of the ultra-luxury CELESTIQ, finished in Arctic White with a pearlescent blue tone inspired by Canadian ice landscapes. Cadillac representatives explained how the brand’s bespoke program allows buyers to fully customize interior materials, finishes, and paint selections.
The Cadillac CELESTIQ is a hand-built, all-electric flagship sedan positioned to compete with ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce, redefining modern American luxury.
More on this car here : https://www.cadillac.com/electric/celestiq
SoViolette also conducted an exclusive interview with Mike Speranzini, Managing Director of Cadillac Canada, discussing Cadillac’s highly anticipated entry into Formula 1. He confirmed that Cadillac’s F1 presence will officially reach Canadian soil when the team races in May 2026 for the first time. Video to follow soon
Seeing the names of everyone who contributed to building the F1 car showcased the incredible level of craftsmanship and collaboration behind the project.
Audi Haus
After a successful return to CIAS last year, Audi Canada came back strong with an impressive lineup including the dynamic RS3. However, the undeniable star of the display was the Audi R26, the official Formula 1 car for the Audi Revolut F1 Team set to debut in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.
The immersive exhibition blended performance heritage with the future of mobility, showcasing both gasoline-powered icons and next-generation electric vehicles.
Can’t wait to see this one on the track !
Hot Wheels launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLA
A fun highlight was the Hot Wheels launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, designed by Craig Callum, head designer of Hot Wheels.
Craig Callum at the Hot Wheels signing event ; presenting him with my illustrated Mercedes-Benz CLA was definitely a memorable moment.
Indoor EV Test Drives
Perfect for the temperamental Canadian Winter, the Indoor EV Test Drives were another major attraction. I experienced vehicles including the Cadillac Vistiq and the Volvo EX40, giving visitors a real-world feel for the future of electric driving.
The LEGO Formula 1 car display was also a crowd favourite, it was the same model driven on the Las Vegas F1 track in November 2025 by F1 Champions Lando Norris and Max Verstappen following their race celebrations.
The LEGO Store booth featured plenty of interactive options for fans.
Camp Jeep
One of my personal favourite experiences each year remains Camp Jeep.
Visitors can ride through an indoor off-road course featuring steep inclines, sharp articulation angles, and obstacle simulations inside various Jeep models from EVs to powerful V8-equipped vehicles.
It’s Free and you can go as many times as you like! Great for adults and kids
McLaren
At the Pfaff Automotive booth, visitors were treated to something truly special: a McLaren “Holy Trinity” display featuring the legendary F1, P1, and the North American premiere of the W1.
What a treat it was to get The McLaren F1 up close and personal – This is the Chassis 001 – a car valued at $40 million dollars.
Papaya interior
The McLaren W1 is a limited-production hybrid hypercar capped at just 399 units worldwide. Producing an astonishing 1,258 horsepower , it succeeds the iconic F1 and P1 while embodying McLaren’s world-championship mindset ; constantly pushing boundaries in performance, innovation, and engineering excellence.
McLaren Engineer Max Hunt showing us the clay model of the W1 before it’s final conception
DRIFTER Media Day 2.0 and Movie Preview
Actor Sung Kang, known from the Fast & Furious franchise, appeared at the show promoting his upcoming film Drifter, set for release later this year – we can’t wait to see it later this year when it gets released.
EXOTIC CARS
Grand Touring Automobiles once again showcased rare hypercars, including the breathtaking Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, finished in stunning blue exposed carbon fiber.
Stunning !
Another amazing Rare Car : The Aston Martin Vallhala
Pfaff / Pagani of Toronto
Pfaff also displayed another masterpiece, the Pagani Utopia, beautifully specified in burgundy with a tan interior that perfectly balanced performance and artistry.
Limited to just 99 cars worldwide, the Pagani Utopia is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 852 hp and offers a rare 7-speed gated manual transmission, a true celebration of pure driving.
BMW
BMW delivered an engaging experience as well, featuring an upstairs BMW Test Drive program with models including the X1, X5, and X7.
I chose the X7, larger SUVs are fun to drive, especially while navigating Toronto’s famously pothole-filled streets.
BMW Live airbrush painting by @pinstripe_chris
Pit stop at the BMW Café – caffeine was definitely needed
Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance
A special thank you to our friends at Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where Rob McLeese introduced the legendary 1961 Mako Shark Corvette concept, brought in from Michigan exclusively for the AutoShow. Inspired by a real mako shark spotted in Florida, the vehicle’s paintwork reflects the natural color transitions of the ocean predator.
Love this Red 1955 Mercedes-Benz
MINI
MINI premiered the MINI x DEUS collaboration, created alongside lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, unveiling two exclusive one-off John Cooper Works models blending automotive culture with design and lifestyle. The design evokes the spirit of Rally Car Racing at famous races such as the Rally de Monte-Carlo.
Monster Energy Drinks
At the Monster Energy booth, visitors could test their racing skills by setting virtual lap times on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve simulator; a must-try experience for motorsport fans.
Mercedes-Benz & Maybach
Red is such a power colour, I’m here for it!
Photo Booth is a must !
There was truly no shortage of experiences at the Toronto AutoShow 2026, from Formula 1 debuts and hypercars to EV test drives.
Stay tuned for upcoming special edition features, including interviews with Melanie Villeneuve and coverage of the Bugatti Mistral “1 of 1 Perle Rare.”
What was your favourite car at this year’s AutoShow?
xo,
Editorial team and additional Photos : Marek Goldyn, Pan Oleg, Canadian National News/Polonez
Special thank you to Cobble Beach Concours, Frank Scarpitti ,Melanie Villeneuve, Tailor of Sound, Team SGR