Bigger and Better – Vancouver International Auto Show 2026

The 2026 Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) has officially wrapped, setting a new attendance record for a third consecutive year. Nearly 140,000 attendees visited the 300,000 square feet of exhibitor space, highlighted by a handful of vehicles debuting on Canadian soil for the first time. Here are three of Darpan’s picks from the event.  

Chevrolet Corvette CX    

Looking like part supercar, part fighter jet, the Chevy Corvette CX concept serves as an inspiration for the next generation of the brand’s beloved sports coupe. The result of a joint effort from multiple global General Motors design studios, the boldest feature is the motorized canopy—which automatically opens upon driver approach—allowing for a military-style ingress and egress.  

This EV is powered by an electric motor at each corner, producing more than 2,000 horsepower, feeding off a 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery mounted low for optimal handling. The entire interior is swathed in red, the seats upholstered with ballistic textile to hold occupants in place during high-g cornering, and bits of aluminum and carbon fiber can be found throughout the cabin. All onboard information is projected onto the digital wraparound windscreen, and controls are handled primarily via the steering wheel.  

Oilstainlab HF-11 

Founded in California in 2019 by Nikita and Iliya Bridan, twin Ukrainian brothers raised in Nova Scotia, fledging hypercar maker Oilstainlab’s first limited-edition production offering is the HF-11. Combining 1960s retro endurance racing influence and cutting-edge technology, only 25 are planned for global sale, and, interestingly, assembly of the initial units is said to take place at a facility in Quebec.  

The vehicle boasts a price tag of $2-plus million, and can be spec’d with either a 650-horsepower, 4.5-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine or an 860-horsepower electric motor spinning the rear axle. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and an optional seven-speed sequential gearbox is available. Weighing approximately 2,000 pounds with a custom carbon fiber tub, the interior is minimalistic and can reportedly accommodate a driver's height up to 6-foot-three-inches complete with a helmet. 

Cadillac Formula 1   

Unveiling the livery of its maiden Formula 1 entrant in February during Super Bowl LX, VIAS guests were treated to an up-close look at the monochromatic color scheme that adorns the Cadillac competing in the 2026 F1 season. Highlights of the race car include a two-tone theme (black on one side and white on the other) and a gradient pattern made up of repeating signature chevron emblems. The brand says the asymmetric design represents a cross-section where “grit, determination, and performance meet aspiration, optimism, and ambition.”  

GM entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Ferrari until an in-house powerplant is developed for a future season, and thus Prancing Horse is providing the engines for the cars to be piloted by the veteran duo driver line of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. With four races already finished, Cadillac is setting its sights on the Canadian GP next month in Montreal.  

Runner Up 

Ford Mustang GTD 

This street-legal, track-ready ‘Stang is the most powerful production pony car ever, and was revealed in Western Canada for the first time at VIAS 2026. A 5.2-litre V8 mill under the hood makes a tarmac-melting 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, and top speed is rated at 325 km/h.