Mustard Storms the CIAS for Media Day…
Media Day 2025 was simply an exercise in dedication. CIAS Media Day was held on the Thursday February 13th, a day before Friday’s grande opening. Wednesday evening overnight, Toronto was hit with it’s first crippling snow storm of the year. The challenge of navigating the City is a chore at best, throw in a snow storm, and forget about it. For those that got up extra early to shovel out in the dark, crossed our fingers that the trucks had been working throughout the night, and made it down to the MTCC in time for breakfast… “this Bud’s for you!”.
Luckily the trucks had been working hard downtown (unlike uptown) and the streets were not too bad south of Bloor. Traffic wasn’t bad once you got into the core, most people knew this storm was coming a day in advance and decided it was a “work from home day”.
OK, on with the Show…
CIAS opening ceremonies 2025 commenced with introductions presentations and interviews – and a showcase from Rob McLeese and his Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance event.
…then it was time for the AJAC Awards.
Once again this year, the nominated (and winning) cars were all EV, and could be driven up to the main stage to accept their awards. The ceremony finished off with the unveiling of the 2025 Mercedes G 580 EV and a surprising demonstration that woke everyone up. The cover was pulled off the Wagon and it went into “on-the-spot” 180º pirouette – thanks to some fancy footwork of AMG performance driver Daniel Morad (and the help of a pre-water’d concrete show floor). That was an unexpected bit of excitement to close the formal portion of the morning.
Once the G-Wagon ballet was complete, Media was cut loose to roam the main floor and hear from the manufacturers and see what they’d brought to Toronto for 2025.
The manufacturers once again brought their top rides to showcase this year, and again, emphasis was placed on EV technology for most brands with the theme of this year’s show being: “Total Immersion”.
There was one new vehicle showcase that had Mustard scratching the old noodle, it was a stunning looking [almost 500HP] ‘Riptide Blue Metallic’ 2025 Corvette ZR-1, yeesh.
What was so astonishing about this display was, this one was equipped with a set of roof racks that had a pair of “his & hers” snowboards strapped to them… Mustard Report is not sure how many readers would be taking this particular [supercar] up into the mountains for a day on the slopes, but if someone does, please document that journey and share it with us!
CIAS Media Day 2025 continues…
After a long morning of awards and checking out the different manufacturer’s displays, the MTCC opened up for everyone to explore the rest of the show. Not too many people strayed all that far, knowing lunch was going to be served soon (and for those of us had been up since 5:30am shovelling out just to get down to the show for 7:30am, it was starting to feel a lot like hunger games). Lunch once again was delicious. A super tasty turkey/cranberry sandwich with all the fixin’s, a side salad and fruit salad desert, with a nice soft chocolate chip cookie! ( Good stuff, thank you CIAS!).
All refreshed from lunch, it was time to check out the Hot Wheel room just outside the lunch-break area. This was cool, not only were we gifted with a Hot Wheel (of our choice on the table), they also had a life size 2016 Star Wars X-Wing Fighter on display… this was a crazy build, not sure if it was a movie prop, or passion project, but it was detailed nicely.
Just off to the side of the X-Wing Fighter car, there was a showcase full of cars that included the original 16 Hot Wheels produced… that was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. If you are of a certain vintage, there is no doubt that you owned most, if not all, the original 16. Neat to see.
Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance…
It is NO secret that this is Mustard’s favourite exhibit. Every year, Mustard is invited up to cover this event in Cobble Beach, and it never disappoints. Like their event, their CIAS exhibit is always an interesting one. This year, their theme was Mercedes. As always, Rob McLeese [and his team] go the extra mile, and this year was no different. They lined up the history of Mercedes, starting with a replica 1886 Benz Patent MotorWagen, it was very cool to see. It made you think what it would have been like back in 1886, seeing one of these things putting down the path (probably scaring the bejeebers out of the horses that were pulling the buggy’s of the day)
The display continued along the wall with iconic Mercedes after iconic Mercedes, representing designs throughout the generations. Right next to the MotorWagen was another super rare oddball (leave it to Cobble Beach Concours), but it was Benz’s first attempt at designing a rear engine car, the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 130H… it was touted to be the “people’s car” but was a fail for Mercedes, however, it paved the way for the Volkswagen Beetle.
Next to the 1935 130H, was a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sport Tourer, this was about as rare as rare gets with only 2 ever built! It was hidden away by it’s owner in a WWII Bunker for almost 60 years. It was discovered after the fall of the Berlin Wall, then brought back to life and went on to win the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance‘s most prestigious “Best-in-Class award”. A total work of art in every aspect of the word art.
Like always, it would be unfair to the CIAS to spend the entire Mustard Report writing about how great the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is, and the time& effort that they put into what they do, it’s simply something YOU should go experience for yourselves. See it this year on the weekend of September 12 – 14, 2025. For more information on Cobble Beach, you can read previous Mustard Report articles from the main page.
The pitches and people of Media Day.
Every year, throngs of media descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), for an advanced sneak-peek of the Canadian International Auto Show – and this year was no different. The crowds of Media swarmed the manufacturers trying to get the scoop(s) on all the latest and greatest in the world of Automobiles, and to chat with all the other curators of vehicle related attractions, from Mattel to the OPP, to the Hot Rodders and Tuner crowd that brought iron. Its a long but fun day roaming the floors of the MTCC… and interesting to see what is actually considered “media” today.
CIAS 2025, whats more to see…
Exploring all the different levels, areas, and rooms inside the MTCC is what makes this show “a Show!”. [on a side note], when the dogs start barking after hours of walking and carrying camera gear… and when you happen upon an opportunity like this one, it’s “everything” not to hop on and go!
BMW wasn’t afraid to throw a few a motorcycles into the mix, along with their stellar line up of cars and supercars. They had a display on the middle level of their new 2025’s, and, on the lower level, the Toronto Police showcased their new BMW pursuit bike… right beside one of the beloved old Harley fat-boys. Seeing the two bikes side by each was a cool look at the “then & now”. The vintage Harley Police bike’s (Mustard was told) all go up for auction to the highest bidder at various Police auctions. The Police Officer at the display told me these vintage Harley’s can be purchased at a pretty good deal – if you’re a vintage Harley enthusiast.
Other rooms, and other cars…
There were so many Show highlights this year, from exotic cars, vehicle debuts, concept cars, test drives, family-fun experiences and much more, it was one for the AutoShow history books. All in all it, it was once again another great [Media Day] experience for Mustard Report, and a very successful 10 day event for everyone involved.
…If the Mustard Report had to pick it’s “most interesting” at the Show, that award would probably go to the 2025 Cadillac Sollei (and not just because of it’s cool Mustard colour). This EV is the Ultimate $320,000 Luxury Electric Car, if you have to go electric, why not go all the way? The Sollei is a beast amongst beasts, it accelerates from 0 to 100/kmh in under 4 seconds, while offering a smooth and controlled ride with it’s premium GM “adaptive air” suspension. It has a drive range of around 500 kilometres, along with a starting price of (only?) $320,000USD ($461,000CAD). The Sollei definitely redefines luxury in the EV marketplace.
As always, there’s almost too much to see at the Canadian International AutoShow ….and thats always a good sign, it means you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth – it’s full value for the ticket.
As a showcase, Mercedes AMG performance driver @DanielMorad performed the “G-turn” manoeuvre behind the wheel of the new Mercedes G 580 EV, showcasing the SUV’s ability to turn on its axis using four motors and four-wheel drive. That was cool, and some fancy footwork by Daniel.
Ford Motor Co. introduced a hyper-performance version of the Mustang at the this year’s Show. This Mustang comes with GTD badging. Ford claims the car has a top speed of 325/km- and will lighten your wallet $440,000CAD. If you’re a Mustang person, orders are now being taken, so hurry. Of note… the GTD is built in Markham ON, good news for we Canadians (for now).
The Audi RS6 Avant station wagon was showcased as part of the Audi Haus display. This was one impressive looking machine. It packs a real punch with a twin-turbo V-8, quattro all-wheel drive drivetrain, and a finely tuned performance chassis… it takes the “standard family station wagon” blueprint far into the realm of extreme-performance automobiles. Definitely 2 Mustard thumbs up.
You cannot fit the entire Show into one Report, this is just a taste to wet the appetite. If you’re ever on the fence about attending this Show (for whatever reason), Mustard Report recommends that you toss aside aside any doubt and just do it, there’s something for everyone, young & old, at the Canadian Intl. AutoShow. So with another year in the books, cheers to the CIAS, well done! – PS, don’t forget, Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance returns in September, mark it in your calendars now!
About the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto…
Celebrating “the automobile” since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions. With annual attendance in excess of 370,000 visitors, 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.
Thank you once again Canadian International Auto Show Toronto for affording Mustard Report the opportunity to cover, and be a small part of your GIANT Event! Looking forward to seeing you again in 2026!
