Auto Exotica has always been one of the top highlights of the Toronto auto show. This is where supercar and luxury car manufacturers like McLaren, Ferrari, Bugatti and Lamborghini showcase their latest and greatest masterpiece.
Last year’s Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) featured hypercars like the Koenigsegg Agera RS, Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán Performante. Can the 2019 lineup top what we saw last year?
Sportpesa Racing Point Formula One Launch
The Toronto auto show made history as it hosted the launch of a Formula One team in Canada. The SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team was introduced to the world with a new pink and blue livery for 2019.
The driver lineup will feature Canadian Lance Stroll who drove for Williams Martini Racing Team last year. His father, Lawrence Stroll, is also part of the consortium of owners.
The other driver will be Mexican driver Sergio Perez from last year’s Force India team.
To further strengthen Canadian ties, the UK based team has secured Bombardier and Canada Life as sponsors for the 2019 season.
McLaren Senna, Meet the Ultimate Street Legal Track Car
Pfaff Automotive Partners has made a habit of setting the bar high at their display every year, yet somehow they never disappoint. One of the best cars at the show this year is without a doubt the McLaren Senna, spec’d in jaw dropping exposed carbon fiber with gold wheels.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ – King of the Nürburgring Lap Record
Yes, I am aware that the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR exists. The current record holder should have an astericks beside their name because the GT2 RS MR conversion kit is only available through Manthey Racing, not Porsche directly.
Regardless of what your thoughts are about the Ring time, there is no doubt that the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the ultimate evolution of the V12 supercar. It is also one of the few supercars remaining on the market with a normally aspirated engine along with its Huracán Performante sibling.
Autostrada
Speaking of naturally aspirated supercars, Autostrada Magazine has put some of the best sounding cars on display for this year. My personal favourite is the Porsche Carrera GT with a V10 that sounds like the wail of a banshee.
The underappreciated Ferrari F50 has an incredible engine note from its F1 derived V12. It was faced with the impossible task of succeeding the legendary F40, the last car personally approved by founder Enzo Ferrari before he passed away.
Most people would not associate Lexus with supercars, but the LFA definitely belongs in the Autostrada lineup.
Toyota co-developed the engine and exhaust with Yamaha, a company specializing in both engines and musical instruments. It is no wonder the LFA’s 4.8L V10 sounds like a petrolhead symphony as it rips through the gears.
Some of the coolest cars in the world were the result of racing homologation programs, and the Maserati MC12 is no exception.
The Italian automaker produced only 62 roadcars to enter the MC12 GT1 in the FIA GT championship. Maserati would go on to win the Manufacturer’s Cup in 2005 as well as five consecutive Team Championships!
Devel Sixteen – V16, Quad Turbo, 5006 hp, $2.2M Price Tag
Dubai based Devel Motors is displaying a prototype of their Sixteen hypercar, aptly named for its top of the line V16 engine. It is expected to make over 5,000 horsepower with the help of four turbochargers! It will be interesting to see how the car performs once it is in production.
Classics, American Muscle and Movie Cars
The Auto Exotica hall is surrounded by displays of classic and custom cars. This 1964 Ferrari 250 LM would be the most expensive example, valued at $20 million!
One of the cars Legendary Motor Car has on display is an ultra rare 1965 Shelby Dragon Snake Cobra. It was a 1/4 mile drag racing special much like the modern Dodge Challenger Demon. This particular car is one of only four in the world!
As someone with a soft spot for air cooled Porsche‘s, this 911 Carrera RSR is without a doubt one of my favourites from the show.
This McLaren M6B was piloted by racing legend Mario Andretti in the Can-Am series in 1969.
Pfaff Forza Motorsport 7 WorldGaming Canadian Challenge, Driven by Castrol
Pfaff Automotive Partners has teamed up with WorldGaming Network to host a Forza Motorsport 7 competition with over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs. The winner will also get a chance to participate in a Pfaff Motorsports driver shootout event at CTMP, so don’t forget to put in your lap time!
Photo credits: Alex DeFrancesco
Check out his website and Instagram for more incredible automotive photography as well as product, portrait, event and lifestyle portfolio.