TORONTO, Ont. — Advancements in safety and environmental impact in the automotive industry were honoured Tuesday at the Canadian International AutoShow.
From the Innovation Stage by the Toronto Star and EnerSavings, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada handed out the 2023 Automotive Innovation Awards.
“AJAC’s Innovation Awards represent some of the most important advancements in automotive technology,” said Evan Williams, AJAC Vice-President. “Our jurors examine and evaluate the nominated technologies through a comprehensive process and submit their selections by secret ballot to ensure complete objectivity. Canadians can be assured that the vehicles featuring the winning technologies integrate some of the most significant innovations in today’s automotive market.”
Subaru captured the award for the Best Safety Innovation for the latest updates to its EyeSight Wide Angle Mono Camera. This driver-assisting technology extends the operating area of the pre-collision braking system by widening the field of view. When entering intersections at low speed, the camera quickly spots bicycles crossing ahead and helps the car to avoid pedestrians when turning left or right.
The technology, which can be found in the Subaru models Ascent, Outback and Legacy and some trim levels of the Impreza and Crosstrek, helps reduce crashes in intersections.
The Best Green Innovation Award went to Toyota for its fifth-generation hybrid powertrain.
Found in the 2023 Prius, Toyota’s advanced powertrain includes a larger two-litre engine, a new lithium-ion battery, a new front power control unit, weight reductions and other changes to boost power and fuel efficiency while making the vehicle more enjoyable to drive.
“While the AutoShow is best known as the Canadian showcase for the newest cars, trucks and SUVs from some of the world’s biggest manufacturers, we are a platform for showcasing the latest innovations in the automotive sector,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “When technology that changes the way we drive goes into production, it was often first seen in Canada at the AutoShow.”
The 2023 AutoShow continues to attract record crowds; for the fourth day in a row, it reached a historic high in terms of attendance, marking the busiest Tuesday with 30,473 automotive consumers and fans visiting the event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Innovation can be found across the AutoShow showrooms in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, particularly in the concept cars that can be found throughout the Show.
- Buick Wildcat EV — With a poised, ready-to-pounce stance and advanced artificial intelligence and biometric technology, the Wildcat is a vision of what the electric future holds at Buick. The vehicle is designed to detect an elevation in driver heartrate and automatically adjust vehicle settings to calm them down. For example, when Zen Mode is activated it will dim the cabin lights, disperse calming aromatherapy scents and activate massaging seats.
- N Vision 74 — This concept from Hyundai represents a future powered by hydrogen cell technology. Showing the sportier side of Hyundai, the hydrogen hybrid technology combines a battery-electric system with a fuel cell system that results in rapid fueling of five minutes with a range of more than 600 kilometres. The design pays homage to the 1974 Pony concept coupe.
- RN22e — The RN22e is the future of electrified high performance. It pushes Hyundai’s dedicated EV platform to its maximum performance potential, with more precise handling, race track endurance and emotional feedback through gear shifting and sound.
- NISMO Off-Road Frontier V8 — Enhanced for performance, this Nissan concept features a 5.6-litre V8 engine sourced from a TITAN full-size truck, equipped with a custom NISMO Off Road cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system. The truck also has a wide-track suspension created with lower control arms, front spindles, wheel hubs and a rear axle from the TITAN. To accommodate the wider suspension, the Frontier concept received a custom body kit with carbon fibre front fenders, hood and bedsides, plus a prototype NISMO Off Road front bumper that improves the truck’s approach angle and tire clearance.
- ARIYA Surfwagon — Designed to stoke dreams and inspire EV owners to personalize their vehicle to fit their lifestyle, the Surfwagon re-imagines Nissan’s first all-electric crossover, the ARIYA, as a California-style “Woodie” wagon. The Surfwagon retains all the utility and functionality of a standard 2023 ARIYA, yet with a look and purpose that is decidedly unique.
- Project Arrow — The first entirely Canadian zero-emission vehicle, Project Arrow is the result of a collaboration of more than 50 partners headed by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. Answering the challenge of the Canadian government to be at Net Zero by 2050, Project Arrow is inspired by the incredible innovation story of the Avro Arrow. In one prototype vehicle, it’s a showcase of technology developed, commercialized and built in Canada.
While not a new concept car, the Magna Vehma Torrero prototype, found in the OBILIVION: Cars and Culture of the ’80s and ’90s display, is a great example of the concepts of years past. It features all of the cutting-edge features of its era, including a mobile phone, a VCR/TV combo, four corner cameras and a fax machine in the glove box.
AJAC also awarded the Best Technical Innovation award to Range Rover for its Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, which is standard on the 2023 Range Rover Sport. This new technology helps drivers to navigate tricky terrain by maintaining steady progress according to the ground conditions. When one of four comfort settings is selected using a steering-wheel switch, the system intelligently adjusts the vehicle speed, allowing the driver to focus on steering.
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit autoshow.ca. Media accreditation to the 2023 AutoShow is now online and can be requested at autoshow.ca/media-registration.
Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Twitter @autoshowcanadaand Facebook /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating its 50th year, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 330,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
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For more information, please contact:
Kalvin Reid
Director of Public Relations
Enterprise Canada
289-241-7936
kreid@enterprisecanada.com
Twitter: @KalReid
