Top 10 New Models Unveiled in the First Half of 2023
The Montreal International Auto Show returned at the Palais des Congrès for 2023, but that was only the start. Other major auto shows also took place in the first half of the year including in Toronto, Chicago, New York and Shanghai.
These events and more had automakers introducing a number of interesting new models that are sure to draw interest from many people across Canada. Here are 10 of them we liked the most, in no particular order.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
This high-performance and much more explosive variant of the entry-level luxury hatchback borrows its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic Type R but adds 5 horsepower for a total of 320 horsepower. It’s an increase of 120 horsepower from the 1.5-litre engine that motivates every other Integra. Acura has not provided acceleration times, but look for 0-100 km/h sprints to be achieved in about 5.7 seconds. Completing the Type S are upgrades like a performance-tuned adaptive damper system, four-piston Brembo front brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a centre-mounted triple exhaust with an active exhaust valve that ensures a distinct auditory experience in each drive mode.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
A few months before the Challenger as we know it officially bows out, Dodge unveiled the most wicked and most explosive iteration ever. The 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 packs a thoroughly revised version of the supercharged 6.2-litre V8. Thanks to a 3.0-litre supercharger, the Demon 170 generates up to 1,025 horsepower along with 845 lb-ft. of torque when running on E85 fuel. Dodge claims 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprints can be achieved in an insanely short 1.66 seconds, while the quarter-mile run takes a mere 8.91 seconds, making the Challenger SRT Demon 170 the first production car on the planet to complete the distance in under nine seconds.
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto
Similar to the Miura, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago and Aventador that came before, the all-new Revuelto features a V12 engine, but it’s the first time we see it in a plug-in hybrid system. The Revuelto generates up to 1,001 horsepower and 887 lb-ft. of torque. While slightly more potent than the 986-horsepower Ferrari SF90, 0-100 km/h acceleration is achieved in the same 2.5 seconds. You like drive modes? The Revuelto offers a whopping 13 of them. Seriously. Of course, there’s one for pure electric driving, but just for short distances (range has yet to be specified). The sportiest modes, such as Corsa and Performance, turn the car into an extremely wild and dynamic beast.
2024 Kia EV9
The all-new EV9 is Kia’s three-row midsize electric SUV, which will go on sale in North America this fall. Most Star Wars fans will agree that the EV9 has a Stormtrooper look with that matte-finish Ivory Silver body and numerous black accents. The angular design is a sharp contrast with the smooth curves of the smaller, sportier EV6. All EV9 models in Canada will get a 99.8kWh battery. Single-motor variants (201 hp, 250 lb-ft. of torque) deliver up to 480 km of range, while the more powerful dual-motor variants (379 hp, 516 lb-ft. of torque) are still good for 400 km.
2024 Mazda CX-90
With the new and highly refined CX-90 three-row crossover, Mazda offers a pair of electrified powertrains. The CX-90 comes standard with a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine. Output is rated at 340 horsepower along with 369 lb-ft. of torque (when running on premium gasoline). A small electric motor and 48V battery create a mild hybrid system enabling zero-emission driving at low speeds. Also available is a plug-in hybrid powertrain built around the brand’s turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. A potent electric motor draws energy from a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The CX-90 PHEV delivers a combined 322 horsepower and an identical 369 lb-ft. of torque (again using premium gasoline), as well as 42 km of pure electric range.
2025 Polestar 4
In Shanghai, Polestar unveiled a new electric crossover coupe that happens to be its quickest-accelerating production model to date. The Polestar 4 is positioned between the Polestar 2 liftback sedan and the upcoming Polestar 3 SUV in terms of size and price. The design showcases key elements first shown on the Precept concept in 2020 including the most controversial aspect, namely the elimination of the rear window. Conventional side mirrors are now included, and the interior features a digital rear-view mirror that shows a live feed from a roof-mounted rear camera. Polestar says it wanted to enable a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience, but where visibility is concerned, this will be a big change for drivers.
2025 Ram 1500 REV
The highly anticipated 2025 Ram 1500 REV made its official debut at the New York Auto Show. It will go head-to-head with the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV when it hits the market next year. The truck is built on the all-new STLA Frame designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles featuring a body-on-frame design. Drivers will enjoy class-leading ride and handling courtesy of a multi-link independent rear suspension with active-level four-corner air suspension and adaptive damping as standard. All Ram 1500 REV models use dual 250kW electric drive modules. The automaker claims a combined 654 horsepower and 620 lb-ft. of torque. Base models feature a 168kWh battery with a targeted range of around 483 km. With the optional 229 kWh pack, you’re looking at up to 805 km. Can you believe it?
2024 Toyota Tacoma
We could have mentioned the next-generation Ford Ranger, but it’s another midsize pickup that most caught our attention this year. With the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the V6 is gone and replaced by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque. Optionally, the Tacoma’s new i-FORCE MAX powertrain gives customers the only hybrid pickup in the segment. It pairs the 2.4-litre engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb-ft. of torque. Let’s not forget the new Trailhunter model, a purpose-built overlanding rig available right off the dealer lot, or the TRD Pro’s segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seats with their own set of dampers that stabilize the driver and front passenger’s field of vision to improve focus and reduce fatigue while on demanding trails.
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
We finally got to see the North American variant of the ID. Buzz electric minivan, which is longer, roomier and able to accommodate up to seven. This modern, zero-emission interpretation of the iconic Microbus, or simply Bus if you prefer, looks pretty cool from every angle. Access to the interior is made easy by a pair of power-opening sliding doors. Ditto for the trunk with a gigantic, power-assisted rear hatch. Up top, designers have given the ID. Buzz the largest panoramic roof ever fitted to a VW vehicle. The dashboard is styled and dressed differently, too, while those who want a funkier atmosphere can choose from a wide range of ambient lighting options. The high-voltage battery boasts increased capacity, going from 82 kWh to 91 kWh, which should net around 350-375 km of range.
2025 Volvo EX30
Last but not least is the EX30 from Volvo. This small electric SUV slots below the XC40 and C40 Recharge and is bound for North America in 2024. Styling is strongly influenced by the EX90, with the Swedish brand’s clean lines and a minimalist look. The EX30 is equipped with a 69kWh battery. The single-motor version outputs 268 hp and 253 lb-ft. of torque. Its range is estimated at 443 km. The twin-motor version, meanwhile, offers a combined output of 422 hp and 400 lb-ft. of torque, making it Volvo’s quickest vehicle, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds. Volvo also announced that an adventurous Cross Country variant of the EX30 is expected to join the lineup. It will feature increased ground clearance, underbody skid plates and plenty of cladding, of course.
