The annual Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) took place at the Vancouver Convention Center from March 25th to March 29th 2026. The VIAS is Western Canada’s premier automotive showcase and British Columbia’s largest attended consumer event. This year’s auto show had a variety of attractions to keep attendees engaged. Attendees were captivated by vehicles on display outside the Jack Poole Plaza. The outside displays included collector corvettes, BMWs and other manufactures.
For the very first time in Vancouver Auto Show history, the Cirrus Aircraft SR22T mock-up was on display. This was a rare, close up look at one of the world’s most iconic modern personal aircrafts. I found this display intuitive and educational.
Inside the Vancouver Convention Center, attendees were greeted by elite dream machines and supercars. Over 30 automotive brands and dealer groups showcased more than 200 vehicles. Audi and Cadillac debuted their Formula 1 display cars. The Canadian debut of Oilstainlab was also showcased. The VIAS electric vehicle test drive feature was popular amongst the attendees. The supercar eleganza and elite dream machines were two of the show’s marquee exhibits.
The elite dream machines featured the most powerful and luxurious hypercars. Prestigious brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and more were displayed. This feature of the VIAS offered a chance for car enthusiasts to witness the art and innovation of elite vehicles. This showcase was neat as these elite dream machines were personal collections of passionate owners across British Columbia. I admired their craftsmanship. Each of the exotic masterpieces turned heads with outstanding flawless designs, outstanding performance specs.
The supercars showcase highlighted the redefined standards of performance and luxury. I was captivated by an unrivalled collection. From Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Aston Martin, to name a few. Each manufacture showcased a masterpiece of precision engineering and artistry.
I was left speechless with the Audi Revolut Formula 1 display car, the Audi R26. The spectators were crowded taking pictures and making videos of this masterpiece. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the future of motorsport engineering. The Audi R26 is a statement from the German manufacturer as their next era: precision, innovation, performance, and global ambition on the world’s biggest racing stage.
The second manufacturer Cadillac showcased their own Formula 1 display car. This was a jaw dropping and inspiring moment. The MAC-26 (Mario Andretti Cadillac) showcased the razor-sharp aerodynamics with sculpted carbon-fibre bodywork, and refined precision of its performance driven design. I was intrigued by Cadillac’s lineup of SUVs, especially the Escalade. By adding their name to the Formula 1 circuit, everyone is now aware of Cadillac’s new ambitions.
Another intriguing manufacturer is Oilstainlab. Their HF-11, made its Canadian debut at the VIAS. The hypercar creators are twin brothers Nikita and Iliya Bridan. Oilstainlab is their un-medicated version. It is a pure manifest of automotive excess and fun. Attendees had the opportunity to see the HF-11 up close. This includes both vehicles and a HF-11 shell that illustrates the raw form and craftsmanship behind this machine. The pricing for the HF-11 is a jaw dropping $2.5 million. I was amazed as this is the future of automotive engineering.
The test drive experience was the most popular feature amongst attendees. The Elevate Test Drive experience showcased electric vehicles from the most progressive automotive brands; Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Jeep, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, Kia, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Volvo. Moreover, battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid vehicles were also available from the above mentioned manufacturers. The test drive offered a great opportunity to experience the future of transportation with 37 vehicles in rotation. The test drive was designed at 20 minutes from start to finish. Attendees registered in scheduled time slots on a first-come, first serve basis. The routes were preplanned by each manufacturer, based on a 10 minute drive through downtown Vancouver. Also, family and friends were allowed on as passengers. This experience is a great way for potential buyers to make the switch to a battery electric vehicle.
All in all, the Vancouver International Auto Show was a great success. A record breaking number of 139,991 visitors attended over the five day event. A highly recommended event for all auto enthusiasts.
