Harley-Davidson always has a huge presence at this show so I often start or end my reviews with them. This year is no different lol. So here we go with Harley!
Baggers seemed to be the theme as they brought a lot of them! Case in point, all CVO bikes this year are part of the Grand American Touring line!
CVO Road Glide ST
CVO Street Glide
CVO Street Glide ST
I really liked the red windscreen
Really cool track-ready suspension featuring adjustable front inverted forks with DLC-coated sliders and rear remote-reservoir shocks!
Don’t recall seeing carbon fiber trim on a Harley before!
CVO Street Glide Limited
There is even a CVO trike, the Street Glide 3!
Non CVO Road Glides and Street Glides
My absolute favourite bike of the show (and maybe ever), the Police Road Glide!!!
I was definitely wearing the right hat
The programmable red and blue lights are integrated into the fairing while rear lights mount to the Tour-Pak luggage carrier. Together they can function as sequential left, right, or combined directional arrows. I was also told they are insanely bright!
Controls for the factory installed siren allow Officers to choose power and tone and even link the horn button to fire the siren air horn! The system shuts off the siren automatically with the lights or when the kickstand is lowered!
I need one of these to go with my dream Zodiac MilPro Hurricane police boat
ceriksson liked it too
More Police bikes, from the OPP
And if you think Harleys don’t move fast enough to be Police bikes, check out these demos! The sound is incredible!
Now you cant talk about Harley without mentioning the Terminator’s bike, the Fat Boy.
Per tradition, I always get a pic of me on a Fat Boy at every bike show.
Honda also had a huge presence at this show. I liked the Ben Young CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP with its well worn slicks.
versus a new stock CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
ceriksson liked this one too
The CBR6650R with new e-clutch
The Africa Twin is my favourite from Honda
The black paint is nice
But I prefer the classic red/white
Even better, a rally spec
Custom NX500
I liked the lights on the Rebel 1100 Touring
Moving on to beautiful Italian bikes, not one but two MV Agusta Superveloce
The lighting did not do justice to this black Brutale, which certainly lived up to its name in a menacing black
ceriksson liked this one the best
Much better in all black than blue/silver
Dragster
Both Ducati Canada and GP Bikes had Ducati on display
Ducati Streetfighter v4
Ducati Panigale
Ducati Monster
If you find stock Ducati too subtle, check out these stunning track monsters from OPP Racing
A couple of Moto Guzzi, including a V7 Special
and V100
Aprilia RSV4
and Tuareg Rally
Huge range of bikes from Triumph from the tiny TXP-12
To the monstrous Rocket 3 Storm GT
Street Triple 765 RX
Trident
Thruxton 400
Scrambler 1200XE
Bonneville Bobber
KTM 990 RC R
A sea of blue from Yamaha
YZF R1
BMW
S1000RR
I didn’t take pics of the stock GS series so here are some in their more natural state
More modified BMW GS
Kove
Not sure how you sit on this one
Beachman ’64 e-bike
Signed helmet from one of the riders at Isle of Man
MT Helmets had a huge selection, I liked these two
Great to see my friends from Mad Hatter Industries. The veteran owned/operated apparel company is also very into bikes and had their own custom on display in addition to being part of the Harley demo riding team.
So there you go, not quite as big or as many special editions as last year but the Harley Road Glide Police made up for it.
Last year was my first time attending the Outdoor Adventure Show and it was unplanned so my visit was really about exploration. This year I had a bit more of a plan, namely to check in with my friends and re-visit booths that I liked, then to focus on those that I missed last year, and finally to discover anything new.
With those objectives in mind, let’s start with Fenix! I just bought a TK05R from them at the Toronto International Boat Show last month and I have been carrying it since. I look forward to seeing Fenix again at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show next month.
I discovered Dirty Leather at last year’s OAS (and have since seen them at TSS). As I mentioned, they are strong supporters of the shooting community and are CCFR sponsors, in addition to making great leather goods!
Josh was showing us his beer holster
But a single rig may not have been enough for ceriksson who liked the quad setup
Meanwhile, I liked the BMF lineup, including the belt
And mason mug
Great to see you again Josh and see you next month at TSS!
Another exhibitor that I not only discovered but crowned my favourite of last year’s OAS (and saw again at TSS), Axcadmy. To recap, Axcadmy offers courses on forging things like railroad spike knives, hatchets, and two-hander axes among others.
And yet another returning favourite (from OAS and TSS), Bison 1879 axes from Germany, however this time they were being shown by Great Ape Empire.
Awesome pickaroon
Not only does Bison make great products…
…they have great customer service and respond to requests very quickly. For example, they confirmed for me very quickly that their thrower meets BATL regulations.
I visited the Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. booth fully expecting to see Helle knives from Norway. Instead, they had Casstrom Scandinavian knives, a brand with which I am not familiar.
I liked the Lars Fält knife blanks
But my favourite thing at the Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. booth was the “youth” axe by Old North Workshop! You might think that I am just young at heart but nope, I just saw an “impact tool” lol.
I wanted to show ceriksson the Suluk 46 ultralight titanium/carbon fiber hand saws as I thought he would appreciate the engineering. Yup.
And for when you need to saw a lot lol
Last year I liked the WJQ-308 Chinese Military Shovel at Mastiff Gears. I know that they now offer a WWII M38 Military Shovel and I was hoping to see that but no luck.
Alright let’s move on to booths that I missed last year and wanted to be sure to visit this time. First and foremost is Kite Optics, who specialize in stabilized binoculars and are the makers of the world’s first stabilized spotting scope!
I won’t get into all the benefits of stabilized optics other than to say Kite uses a unique approach. They use a roof prism design with their KDGS (Kite Dynamic Gimbal System) that securely encases the roof prisms in both optical channels in a permanent and inseparable manner, preventing the issue of one prism falling out of collimation with the prism in the other optical tube. The system also uses KT software to fine tune and ensure there is never delay, wobbling, or discomforting motion in the image. (source https://kiteoptics.com/)
APC Stabilized 30
APC Stabilized 50
I really liked the Mono Stabilized
Its larger brother, the APC 60 ED, the world’s first handheld stabilized spotting scope
Another exhibitor I missed last year, Cutco knives!
They have a wide range of knives from kitchen to outdoor to tactical
I was most interested in the Explorer, their collaboration with Ka-Bar
Finally, some new discoveries, like Kovach Forge
I liked the big cleaver
On Duty Equipment with a nice selection of Helikon-Tex
Many outfitters with exploration of all parts of the world including the Arctic
Lots of canoes and paddles. I am not totally into the recent “yay Canada” craze brought on by our political climate but I have to say this was the nicest looking canoe at the show
Thule rooftop carriers
We saw Optimum Paintball at the Canadian International Autoshow earlier this week as well
Funny we also saw the Ghostbusters car at the autoshow, I wonder if these are remnants from the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
BTW, the show was PACKED so be prepared for that!
I look forward to seeing many of these exhibitors next month at TSS and I will definitely keep an eye on Kite Optics, hopefully picking up a pair soon. RL
This year’s Canadian International AutoShow was definitely one of their better shows with a huge array of the types of ultra exotics and performance cars that I like to see.
I have organized this review into the two broad categories of “exotic” and “performance” and focus on the cars that caught my eye. With over 1000 vehicles on display, I can’t cover them all! And thanks to ceriksson for being my co-photographer.
Exotic Cars
Alright let’s get started with my absolute favourite car of the show, the Singer Classic Turbo!
I think it looks best from the rear three-quarter view
As that shows off its whale tail and glorious 510HP 3.8L twin turbocharged flat six
This view also highlights the incredible deep dish wheels! I love them!
Yup, I would take this over all the other exotics we will be seeing shortly.
Though I know some prefer the Classic with its more streamlined lines
and its iconic hood mounted filler
Beautiful engine
Now if that wasn’t enough, Pfaff brought all three McLaren “1” cars, the F1, P1, and W1! And not just any F1 but Chassis number 001, the first customer car ever delivered! As you probably know, the F1 set the record for the fastest production car in the world at 240 mph (391 km/h) back in 1998, a record that stood for a decade. Although that speed has been surpassed, it is still the fastest naturally aspirated production car.
To quote The Weekend, “P1 cleaner than your church shoes ah” lol.
The new W1 makes the P1 look tame in comparison. It is powered by McLaren’s all-new MHP-8 V8 combustion engine with integrated E-module to produce 1,258 HP. Performance specs are 0-100km/hr in 2.7 seconds, 0-200km/h (124mph) in just 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h (186mph) in under 12.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 217 MPH. Crazy to think the F1 is 20MPH faster!
Formula 1-inspired ground-effect aerodynamics, advanced active aero and Race Mode generate up to 1,000kg of downforce
Mercedes McLaren SLR 722
Last but certainly not least at the Pfaff booth, the new Pagani Utopia! The design goal of the latest Pagani was to create a classic, pure experience. No hybrid power here, it uses a V12 with pure 7-speed manual! Perhaps the most impressive aspect is that it achieves incredible aerodynamic efficiency without spoilers. Instead the function of these appendices is incorporated into its overall shape, achieving greater downforce and reduced drag solely by means of its design.
Ok on to Grand Touring’s booth with their show stopping Bugatti Mistral that set the top-speed world record for an open-top car at 282.05 MPH or 453.91 km/h!
I remember seeing the prototype for the Aston Martin Valhalla at a previous show so it was pretty wild to see the first Canadian customer car. And fitting too as the Valhalla is full of firsts: Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar, first PHEV, first to use the 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine and the brand’s all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with e-Motor and electronic rear differential (E-diff). Its combined 1,064 HP allows it to do 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h.
Another Canadian intro, the Koenigsegg Jesko!
First time I see the Lamborghini Temerario with a twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain capable of over 340 km/h (210+ mph) and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.7 seconds.
The Bentley Flying Spur Black Edition may be more my speed
An equally good option of luxury combined with speed, the new Maybach SL Roadster
Autostrada brought seven incredible cars
One of my favourites of which was the Lamborghini Diablo GTR, one of just 40 made! This track-focused version of the Diablo (Lambo’s first car to exceed 200MPH) is stripped of luxury features, equipped with a single racing seat, full roll cage, massive rear wing, stiffened suspension, racing brakes, lightweight magnesium wheels, and a 6.0-litre V12 tuned to 582 HP.
Another favourite, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport. Drivers can enjoy its 4.2-litre boxer engine that revs to 9,400 rpm from their single-seat cockpit and watch competitors in their camera-based mirrors!
Nice Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670–4 SuperVeloce! Powered by a 6.5-liter V12 producing 661 horsepower and 487 ft-lbs of torque, it can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in around 3 seconds, with a top speed of up to 342 km/h. Only 268 made (out of the originally planned 350).
And another Mercedes McLaren 722! What were the chances of there being two at the show!
OBLIVION had the coolest display of the show! The 80’s/90’s themed exhibit had not only cars from the era, but also music and paraphernalia to really set the mood.
I was thrilled to see a Ford RS200S in person for the first time (while listening to the Beastie Boys lol). Built for Group B rally racing (my favourite…along with DTM) it has a 1.8L Cosworth BDT turbo engine producing 350 hp (competition Evos reach 700 hp) and weighing just 2,600 lbs it can hit 142 mph. This particular show car is a Model S version, one of 20 and once held the Guinness World Record for fastest-accelerating production car! BTW, the first pic is my favourite of the show (great job on that one to my co-photographer ceriksson!)
Legendary Audi Quattro
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, a 100% stock example imported from Japan, and one of only 2,500 ever made. The Pajero Evo was developed for Paris-Dakar dominance, and features a 3.5L V6 with 275 hp, factory Recaro seats, widebody kit, double-wishbone suspension, and Torsen limited-slip differentials.
What says the 80’s more than Magnum P.I.’s Ferrari 308 GTSi
Ford Taurus SHO
My favourite of the Barrett-Jackson display, Buick Grand National
At Cobble Beach Classics booth, the BMW Z8 that caused quite the controversy when Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond drove one instead of the usual Aston Martin
1961 Mako Shark 1 Corvette
1971 Plymouth Cuda
Gentry Lane was showing three Lotus, my favourite of which was the Esprit
vs. the current Emira
Ferrari also brought three cars, including the Purosangue, the first ever four-door, four-seater car in Ferrari’s history. Oh and it will do 193 MPH with you and your three friends on board.
296 Speciale full of technology including a cool “extra boost” function available in the ‘Qualify’ eManettino setting that delivers a power boost when exiting corners to help reduce lap times.
12Cilindri, the latest iteration of Ferrari’s front-mounted V12 two-seater Grand Tourer.
More Italian beauties from Maserati including the stunning GT2 Stradale, which as the name suggests is the road legal version of the GT2 racecar and it will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.
Normally I would place Corvette in the “performance car” category but with its price, performance (1250HP, 0-60 in under 2 seconds, and 8.675 second quarter mile!), and Nürburgring record, the ZR1X certainly qualifies as an exotic! I believe the car on display is the actual ‘Ring record setter.
The same can be said of the Ford Mustang GTD, the first American production car to complete a sub-seven-minute lap on the Nürburgring.
The Mustang Dark Horse SC is about as close to a GTD as you can get. Its Track Pack carbon-fiber wing helps generate 620 pounds of rear downforce at 180 mph.
Performance Cars
I bet you didn’t expect the performance cars segment to start with a truck yet here we are!
The 2027 Dodge Ram 1500 SRT TRX is the fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck in the world! The TRX features a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V-8, now delivering 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque and its performance numbers are impressive: 0-60MPH in 3.5, 0-100MPH in 10.0, and ¼ mile in 12.2.
On the downside, I don’t like the way the engine is covered and the fact that it is speed limited to 118 MPH (though in fairness, that is still best in class for the truck segment).
Interior
You sit pretty high
Yup, I would take one
And the most powerful gas engine SUV ever also from Dodge, the Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak. It will do 0-60 in 3.4 seconds!
And now for my biggest surprise of the show, the Nissan Armada Nismo! It was STUNNING in real life. In addition to all the usual Nismo go-fast upgrades, the Armada offers legit offroad capabilities with its first-ever PRO-4X grade, featuring all-terrain tires, an off-road-specific front bumper with an increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension.
Sorry but I much preferred the Armada Nismo to the Z Nismo
Another one of my favourite high performance SUVs, the Escalade-V
Cadillac also makes some of my favourite performance sedans, including the CT5-V Blackwing. I love how the sound system was playing Drake when I sat inside lol.
And CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac F1 ® Team Replica Car wearing the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Barcelona Shakedown livery
Of course you cannot mention performance sedans without including BMW. Many of their M-models have gone PHEV but I prefer ICE so the M2 CS is my current favourite Bimmer. 523HP, 0-100 KPH in 3.8, and top speed of 302 KPH for this bad boy.
I just love the styling of the front end.
The fender flares are cool too
And the lightweight CFRP boot lid with integrated ducktail is awesome!
Another of my favourite performance sedans, Audi RS3
Audi Revolute F1 (R26) racecar
Toyota has an incredible lineup this year, winning 8 AutoTrader awards! I was most interested in their TRD and GR models and fortunately they were all on display at the show!
Tacoma TRD
The Corolla GR, my favourite Toyota, with 300HP 3-cylinder turbo engine and GR-FOUR front-to-rear adjustable all-wheel drive system.
Supra GR in a menacing matte black
I especially like the look of the bulging fender flares
The third car from the GR series, the GR86
Versus the shared platform Subaru BRZts Kaminari Edition
Someone in my neighborhood has a Hyundai Elantra N and I am not sure whether his exhaust is stock but it sounds pretty good so this car has grown on me a bit, especially in this TCR track ready configuration.
Turning now to offroad performance, last year I said the Jeep Willys was one of the nicest at the show. I am not sure I would say the same about the toxic green version lol
Another highly capable offroader, the Dilawri INEOS Grenadier. They brought both the station wagon
high on ceriksson’s list
and quartermaster
If that is still not enough, you could go full milspec lol
The CAF also had a Hercules engine on display!
As well as some Navy target drones (I think ceriksson has shot down a few of these lol)
The OPP also had several vehicles on display
lemme out!
Nice cart
ceriksson liked the bike
And now for some of the more unusual displays! Cool crash demo from Volvo
T-Rex 3-wheeler
Versus the 3-wheelers in the Micro Car display
This year’s LEGO car
Safety first
My favourite at the pop-up LEGO store
This year’s Hotwheels car, a Mercedes
With accompanying Mercedes Hotwheels on display
CLK-GTR was my favourite
Of course the show special model sold out fast
Ghostbusters car
Custom bikes from Kreater
Cool display of strikeglass
Quick shot of the main hall in the North building. The show spans 650,000 square feet across both the North and South buildings and has about 350,000 visitors per year.
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