2025 Vancouver International Auto Show marks 8 big debuts

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The numbers say it all: 200 vehicles from more than 30 automakers; 300,000 square feet of display space; more than 40 EVs and PHEVs available for public test drives; one Canadian debut; and eight Western Canada debuts. Oh, and over a century of thrilling B.C. gearheads.

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The 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show rolls into the Vancouver Convention Centre March 19 through March 22, and with it the latest in automotive technology, innovation, and, of course, achingly sweet eye-candy. From luxury rides to supercars; from family-friendly haulers to collector classics; and from tuners to over-landers, this year’s show has something for everyone. Sponsors of the show include RBC, CleanBC, and BC Hydro Power Smart.

Notable debuts at the Vancouver International Auto Show

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2025 SSC Tuatara Striker—Canadian Debut

More celestial jet-fighter than terrestrial hypercar, the SSC Tuatara claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car in 2021 with a top speed of 455.3 km/h (282.9 mph). Showgoers will have a chance to get up close and personal with the new Striker variant of this US$2.1-million two-seater, which boasts a 5.9-litre twin-turbo V8 making a reported output of 1,750 horsepower.

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Manufactured by SSC North America, formerly Shelby SuperCars, the Tuatara Striker is designed by noted automotive pen Jason Castriota, famous for his work on such iconic vehicles as the Rolls-Royce Hyperion; the Ferrari 599; and the Maserati GranTurismo.

2026 Cadillac Celestiq—Western Canadian Debut

This hand-built, all-electric luxury sedan recalls the glory days of Cadillac, with a bold presence, state-of-the-art technology, and an exclusivity rarely seen from today’s Big Three automakers. Since each Celestiq is personally commissioned, no two will be alike, and customers work directly with a dealer and Cadillac designers to create their masterpiece. The 600-horsepower powertrain propels this sculpted sedan from zero to 97 km/h in under four seconds. Not surprisingly, all this doesn’t come cheap, with a starting price north of CDN$500,000.

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2025 Ford Mustang GTD—Western Canadian Debut

Proof that Ford hasn’t given up on the internal-combustion engine, this track-ready Mustang is the most powerful production ’Stang to date, with 800 horsepower produced by the supercharged 5.2-liter V8. Power-to-weight ratio is exceptional thanks to a lightweight carbon-fibre body, and advanced aerodynamics give the Mustang GTD the kind of downforce required for keeping all that power in check. Oh, and on a bit of a timely subject, half of the Spirit of America version of the Mustang GTD is built in Canada.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1—Western Canadian Debut

Another iconic American muscle car, the Corvette, is keeping pace with the competition, too; the new ZR1 model is the quickest production ‘Vette ever produced, with a zero to 97 km/h time of a blistering 2.3 seconds. Featuring 1,064 horsepower, the ZR1 features a 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane-crank V8 engine called the LT7. And the ZR1 even boasts a wonderful nod to Corvette history, with a split rear window.

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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9—Western Canadian Debut

Hyundai’s answer to Kia’s three-row EV9 all-electric hauler, the Ioniq 9 boasts many of the same features as Kia’s family-friendly SUV. Its fully flat floor provides a massive cabin space, while the exterior stands out with a streamlined roof and flush surfaces. The Ioniq 9 features the company’s largest battery, and the longest range of any Hyundai EV yet; and the top-of-the-line Performance AWD has 422 horsepower and a 4.9-second zero-to-100-km/h time.

2025 Toyota 4Runner—Western Canadian Debut

Can it really be more than four decades since this off-road legend debuted? It is indeed, and the sixth-generation 4Runner follows right in the muddy tire tracks of all the previous versions that are a mainstay on B.C.’s logging roads. The big news is there’s a hybrid model available in the 4Runner family for the first time, built around Toyota’s i-Force Max electrified powertrain and producing 326 horsepower and up to 465 lb-ft of torque while delivering impressive fuel efficiency.

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2025 Kia EV5—Western Canadian Debut

Kia has made a name for itself in the Canadian EV segment, with great designs, solid powertrains, and very competitive price-points. The all-new EV5 borrows many styling cues from the multi-award-winning EV9, and the entry-level crossover will only be available in Canada, not the United States.

It rides on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP); uses a 400-volt charging architecture; and will be available in both single- and dual-motor versions, which means both front- and all-wheel-drive. Entry-level EV5s come with a 60.3-kilowatt-hour battery, while the top-of-the-line extended-range version will benefit from an 81.4-kWh battery pack.

Take an EV for a spin at the Vancouver auto show

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The Vancouver International Auto Show was a global pioneer in providing the public with electric-vehicle test drives, and this year’s show sets a record with more than 40 vehicles with plugs being offered for free test drives.

The EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience presented by CleanBC Go Electric and RBC, as in shows past, features indoor and outdoor drive routes, with 47 vehicles from 16 automakers available for show-goers to check out. All you need to do is sign up for a vehicle, or vehicles, and you’ll receive in time for your drive.

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One of the key factors in increasing EV adoption in British Columbia is getting people behind the wheel of zero- and low-emission vehicles so they can experience the smooth, quiet, and quick driving attributes of battery-powered vehicles.

In addition to displaying dozens of electric vehicles, the show also highlights the latest advancements in electric-vehicle performance, new charging solutions, and futuristic safety features. And if you have questions — when it comes to EVs, there are always lots of questions — CleanBC Go Electric representatives will be on the show floor providing information about rebates available on the purchase the eco-friendly car of your choice.

The CleanBC Program provides point-of-sale purchase incentives, administered on behalf the provincial government, towards clean-energy passenger vehicles for B.C. residents. Rebates range from $2,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; to up to $4,000 for battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

If You Go—

What: 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre

When: Wednesday, March 19, noon to 9 p.m.; Thursday, March 20 to Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Info and Tickets: vancouverinternationalautoshow.com