Auto Hebdo proudly presents the brand-new special attraction of the MIAS: Innovation - Evolution. By grouping together rare and unique vehicles, which have all left their mark, with futuristic cars that showcase the evolution of automobiles over time, this unique exhibit will most assuredly bring back fond memories for some, and astonish everyone else!
Rinspeed vehicles: simply amazing!
Speaking of innovations, one of Switzerland's most ground-breaking companies, Rinspeed, has graciously agreed to export three (3) of its most original and futuristic-looking models for exposition at this year's MIAS. Come admire the eXasis, a vehicle covered in clear plastic from head to toe, allowing visitors to contemplate its beautiful interior design. Also on hand will be the Splash, a car which is as comfortable on the road as it is in the water! Last but not least, we have the Senso, a car with the uncanny ability to "feel" its driver, with the help of a variety of on-board sensors. The car continuously monitors the driver's vital statistics while a special camera actually "evaluates" his or her driving habits.
Some blasts from the past
The Innovation - Evolution exhibit will also stir up some nice fond memories for visitors with the presentation of its second segment: The past. Classic car enthusiasts will have a field day! This portion of the exhibit will feature seven (7) discontinued models:
- 1953 Studebaker, owned by Yvon Landry;
- 1971 Citroën DS, owned by Daniel Noiseux;
- 1973 Gremlin, owned by Mario Charbonneau;
- 1973 Javelin, owned by Michel Dumont;
- 1976 Pacer, owned by Bertrand Paiement;
- 1979 Pinto, owned by Éric Aubé;
- 1981 Delorean, owned by Danny Fazio.
As a special treat for the special attraction Innovation - Evolution exhibit, the MIAS asked 6th Graders, from the Greater Montreal's schools to participate in a contest entitled "Draw the Car of the Future", to find out how they imagined the vehicle of the future.
After receiving close to 350 entries, a special jury narrowed down the field to five (5) special masterpieces which will have the honour of being proudly displayed throughout the exhibit, to the delight of Auto Show visitors. The drawings were evaluated according to originality as well as the information provided under the Motor and Power Source headings.
The winners were awarded four admission tickets to the 2009 MIAS as well as a $100 scholarship. Congratulations to all!
For a fifth consecutive year, the MIAS is joining forces with Natural Resources Canada to bring you the On Route to a Greener Future segment.
Presented for the first time in 2005, the On Route to a Greener Future segment has steadily grown in popularity over the years, thanks in part to the unfettered support of a market increasingly in touch with the environment. Once again this year, this eco-friendly segment will consist of two features: the Green Zone and the 2009 ecoENERGY award winning vehicles.
Your turn at the wheel!
For the first time in its history, the Auto Show, in collaboration with Auto123.com, will be giving the public a chance to test drive a environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient vehicle. By taking a quick spin around the Palais des congrès, visitors will be able to judge for themselves the performance of these environmentally minded automobiles. Of course, places will be limited, even though organizers predict an average of 700 test drives per day! Who will be among the lucky drivers?
A Green Zone even greener
This year, the Green Zone will feature even more eco-friendly vehicles than ever! Eight (8) major automobile manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen) will be on hand to display their ecological cars, each featuring the latest in environmentally-friendly technology. Visitors will have the opportunity to evaluate and compare the different vehicles, as well as chat with carmaker representatives, who will be present throughout the Show to answer questions about how these types of vehicles work.
Also, throughout the Green Zone, visitors will have the chance to discover a number of alternative modes of transportation, such as: Segway, an electric-powered Pontiac Firebird from VE Performance and some electric scooters from manufacturer Ecomoto. The Agence de l'efficacité énergétique will also be on hand to present a state-of-the-art driving simulator which will undoubtedly thrill guests of all ages. The public will also be able to obtain valuable information about alternative energies, green technology and tips about protecting the environment, as part of a concerted effort to reconcile the automobile with the environment. Some of the exhibitors who will be present to answer all your burning questions about the environment include: Natural Resources Canada, Hydro-Québec, LavéO and Sonic.
The ecoENERGY for vehicle Awards
The second feature of the Show's On Route to a Greener Future segment will include the presentation of the 2009 ecoENERGY for vehicle Awards, rewarding the year's most fuel-efficient vehicles by category, based on EnerGuide's fuel consumption ratings. EnerGuide is an annual publication released by Natural Resources Canada, which examines the fuel consumption of vehicles on the market.
The MIAS invites guests to step into paradise by exploring the ever-popular 7th Heaven. This blissful collection of wonderfully exotic vehicles will most assuredly fascinate and astound everyone who sets foot in this astounding exhibit.
Dream machines
Here is a rundown of the amazing vehicles you will find in 7th Heaven (as of December 18, 2008):
ASTON MARTIN
DB9 Volante (approximative value: $230,000)
DB9 Coupe (approximate value: $210,000)
V8 Vantage Roadster (approximate value: $165,000)
V8 Vantage Coupe (approximate value: $150,000)
BENTLEY
Continental GTC (approximate value: $320,000)
Continental GT Coupe (approximate value: $289,000)
Continental Flying Spur (approximate value: $286,000)
FERRARI
599 GTB Fiorano (approximate value: $439,000)
F430 Scuderia (approximate value: $339,000)
LAMBORGHINI
Two (2) LP640 (approximate value, each: $500,000)
Gallardo Super Leggera (approximative value: $350,000)
Two (2) LP560 (approximative value, each: $350,000)
LOTUS
Cup Car (approxiamtive value: $125,000)
Two (2) Elise (approximative value, each: $65,000)
Two (2) Exige (approximative value, each: $85,000)
MASERATI
GranTurismo S (approximate value: $179,000)
Quattroporte S (approximate value: $159,000)
Quattroporte (approximate value: $149,000)
MAYBACH
Maybach 57 S (approximate value in American dollars: $404,200)
MCLAREN SLR
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (approximate value in American dollars: $508,400)
PORSCHE
GT3 Cup Car (race car) (approximate value: $289,000)
911 GT2 (approximate value: $245,000)
911 C2S Convertible (approximate value: $135,845)
911 C2S (approximate value: $123,755)
Cayenne GTS (approximate value: $111,185)
Boxster S PD Edition (approximate value: $91,195)
An attraction that will mess up your hair!
This year, the Auto Show has something extra-special planned for your visit to 7th Heaven! Visitors will be able to admire a fabulous private collection put together by John Scotti Auto and presented by Auto Hebdo, consisting of ten (10) convertibles from the 1950's that will without a doubt tousle your hair! This is an exhibit which is sure to leave you speechless! To find out which cars will be presented at this very special attraction, there is only one thing to do: stop by the 2009 Auto Show's 7th Heaven!
The Montréal International Auto Show's annual blood donor clinic, organized in conjunction with Héma-Québec and CTV Montreal, will take place at the Grande-Place of Complexe Desjardins, from Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23, 2009.
Blood drive schedule:
- Monday, January 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
- Tuesday, January 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (CTV Montreal personalities in attendance throughout the day);
- Wednesday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
- Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23, from 1:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Parents seeking a little reprieve during the Auto Show will be able to turn to the services of the free on-site Kia Motors Childcare Centre, available for a 3-hour time limit for children between ages 2 and 10.
Children will be able to do arts and crafts, draw, wear costumes and get funny face painting. The service, courtesy of Kia Motors, will feature trained professionals who will provide activities, games and fun for the kids.
What a treat for parents who want to take their time and enjoy the displays and features offered by the Show.
