Automopedia is taking a quick trip up to its favourite Canadian Province – We’re headed directly to Quebec City and not just for the poutine! It’s time for 2010′s Quebec Auto Show. And Lamborghini will be there to present a slew of exotic cars as part of their “Expo Lambo” event.

Gilles Lessard, organizer of the show, is very proud to announce “nearly three million dollars of pure-blooded machines!” will be part of Lambo’s piece.

This attraction, located amongst other foreign and domestic car makes at Centre de foires de Québec in Quebec City until March 7, is made up of four Lamborghini’s on loan from collectors: a Super Trofeo GTR, the only one of its kind in North America ($410,000), an LP 650-4 Roadster unique in Canada ($559,000), an LP 670-4 SV ($614,000) and an LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni ($349,860), the only one of their kind in Quebec.

Quebec Auto Show show’s organizers are ready to present a “beefed-up version” for this year. Many of the vehicles will make their first appearance in this part of the Nation: including the 2011 Ford Focus and Mustang, Fiat 500, the new Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti M, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and Kia’s Forte Hybrid.

Every year, the government authorities responsible for running and developing the Centre de foires de Québec promise to expand the grounds. The project currently on the table plans for nothing less than doubling the square footage.

But take it from an auto writer who once lived in Montreal, Quebec: workers love a strike, and their officials love to take their time with any and all projects. So expect this expo center to be finally reinvented sometime in 2019. Gotta love the separatist mentality. But until then be sure to check out one of the biggest car events to hit this part of Canada in 2010!

By the way, for those not in “the know” – this is poutine:

The Source: Auto123

Just like the Phillies making it to the World Series again this past year, Automopedia returned to a snow-covered City of Brotherly Love to gasp at exotic cars at the 2010 Philly International Auto Show. Our second weekend at the 2010 Philadelphia Auto Show involved a blizzard, rude concession workers, and exotic cars. We’ll try to disregard the first two and focus more on the imports. There were many foreign auto makes representing the rest of our globe in Philadelphia, but one make really brought just about every vehicles they had to the show – Audi.

Seriously, from the TDI clean diesel, 2010 Green Car of the Year, The S4, the A5, A6, R8 and every other letter-number combination Audi has, the German make was taking up more space than most of the other “exotics” on the third floor at Philly’s Convention center. And what a good spot, as soon as you walk past those not-so-friendly concession workers.

Porsche, who also brought several models – including the all new GT3, Panamera and Updated 2010 Boxster – was sadly shoved in the back. Whether this was Porsche’s decision or they showed up too late at registration we aren’t sure. Another difference between these German auto makers was accessibility. Porsche had most of its vehicles, aside from Panamera, locked up tight. Audi was an open book…or in this case, an open car door. Maybe they felt jaded?

Land Rover & Jaguar also had a fair amount of vehicles, along with a couple Maserati coupes, a Rolls Royce Phantom (which was too big to fit into one photo) and …why yes, more Audi’s! When all was said and done the first blizzard of 2010 couldn’t keep Philadelphians home – they came out to see what makers had for net year, and to gaze at the vehicles some only dream they could afford.

Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love. The land of cheese steaks, Phillies, them Iigles and the best Italian Market this side of the Atlantic. It’s also home to the 2010 Philadelphia International Auto Show. Buried deep inside the Phila Convention Center, which sits above the amazingly delicious Reading Terminal Market, auto makers, DUB enthusiasts and car collectors piled in to show off their goods.

Wowing the crowd is no easy task, however. With the Auto industry going through public relations (and financial) hell this past year or two, companies have little to show that we haven’t seen before. But I’ll admit, they know how to draw a crowd – sure the crowd may not be able to correctly pronounce “home” “phone” or “young’ins” – but they love automobiles. And even though car makers couldn’t bring too many concepts to the table this year (oh and the noticeable no-show of most Chrysler products) Philadelphians showed up in mass. Of course, every car show needs to begin with a suspended automobile on display…Here’s a little recap of what we thought of Philly’s first weekend at the auto show (and by we I mean me).

Company Logos – The Bigger and Brighter, the Better

If you’ve been to any sort of convention, well you can guess how an auto show is set up. Each company has their section, with the latest models and scantly-clad women on display. This year I noticed something – much like car logos, the signs of auto makers were bigger and brighter. It’s not like the Center City Convention Hall is THAT big. But everyone was outshining the next guy. MINI, ironically enough, had the smallest sign, and even that one was up 7 feet in the air.

Old Cars are Old

There were many antique and classic cars on display over the weekend at Philly’s Auto Show. From a pink 1955 T-Bird up for grabs to the first car Cadillac ever produced, old school vehicle ran the gambit on the convention center floor. Unfortunately, the DUB vehicle section (which we’ll cover below) garnered much more of a crowd than the antiques. In fact, as one point two kids were chasing a tiny Dachshund around the classic car show floor, and pretty much stole all the attention from these rides. Kids, no respect for their elders.

Merch Tables & Free-bees

As usual these was plenty of free swag to grab. From calenders to toy cars, Sham-Wows and some sort of miracle car wax – stuff was free & stuff was for sale – in the end it’s all probably worthless.

DUB – The White Trash Version of Sporty

I was very impressed with how large the fan-contribution second was at 2010′s Philly Auto Show. Dozens of car lovers were allowed to display their enhanced vehicles in the rear of Convention Hall. A downside to this, however, is they were mostly DUB enhanced – meaning a white guy with neck tattoos threw some lights under his car’s chassis and a ridiculously large stereo system in the trunk, of all places. But suburbanites love DUB, I guess someone has to.

Hybrid Luxury Rides

Everyone makes a hybrid these days, even Ferrari has one! So the next big thing is to make a luxury hybrid car. On display in Philly was SMART’s EV and the Tesla Roadster. Lexus also has a hybrid, the very pretty, and probably somewhat price-inflated HS250h. I’d bet money other auto makers will show up later this week with fancy, eco-friendly vehicles. So check back next weekend for more coverage of the 2010 Philly Auto Show…or as they say in South Philly, “Autao Shaaaaow.”

Automopedia is FINALLY actually going to an Auto Show – In The City of Brotherly Love. The 2010 Philadelphia Auto Show – Live & in Person. We’ll be covering opening and closing day ceremonies for the Epic Auto Event – and checking out some of the more anticipated vehicles being introduced in Center City, including the 2011 Buick Regal, Cadillac CTS -V Coupe, Honda Crosstour and Tesla’s Electric Roadster.

Aside from the same old American / Foreign sports cars, luxury models and green hybrids, there’s a ton of exotic vehicles and concepts headed to Flipadelphia next weekend. Have a look at a selection of fancy rides we want to personally check out January 30th thru February 7th at the Convention Center in Philly. Yes – the one a block from the Greyhound station where just the other day I was offered pocket-loads of speed and crack from someone I thought was a cab driver waiting to pick up fares.

Aston Martin — DBS

The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology. A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivaled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. The DBS is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fiber body panels. Its high level of performance is delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six speed transmission.

Bentley — Continental Flying Spur Speed

The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever. The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models. The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice. The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new color hide. The GTC Speed’s 600bhp W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 553lb ft.

Cadillac — Cyclone

Built on a 104″ chassis, the Cyclone is 197″ long and stands only 44″ tall; the body is made of steel (not fiberglass, like some experimental models); power is provided by the standard 325 HP engine fitted with a low-profile carburetor, a cross-flow aluminum radiator and two fans. The initial white pearlescent paint was replaced later with silver; at the same time, the GM Air Transport logo disappeared from the tall fins, to be replaced by an oblong, vertical Cyclone name badge placed at the extremity of each rear fender. The seats are silver leather.

Ferrari — California

This new car joins Ferrari’s 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfill the expectations of even the most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers. The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort.

Lamborghini — LP 560 Spyder

Since its introduction, the mission for this “baby Lamborghini” has been to maintain the style and attitude of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder cars but be more livable in everyday use. Without too much difficultly, one can claim that the Gallardo LP560-4 is Lamborghini’s best sports car ever. The Gallardo is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 good for 552 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with gated metal shifter is standard, while an automated six-speed sequential-shift manual transmission known as e-gear is optional. Expect 0-60 times in the high-3-second range. In terms of layout and design, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is a true exotic. To keep weight down, the chassis is a composite blend of alloy stampings, extrusions and castings.

Maserati — GranTurismo 4.7

The Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty. The GranTurismo is powered by a 405-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 found across the Maserati range. Power is sent to the rear wheels through the ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission. Expect a weight distribution of 49 percent front/51 percent rear, which should ensure excellent maneuverability. Meanwhile the GranTurismo’s suspension will be a double-wishbone setup, but it’ll be supplemented by Maserati’s Skyhook active damping system. Throughout the rest of the car, extensive use of carbon composites and aluminum should provide the GT with an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio. A hardtop convertible version of the GT, powered by a larger-bore version of the 4.2 and delivering around 470 hp, should arrive later in the year.

Rolls-Royce — Phantom Drop Head

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a large, five-seat ultraluxury sedan available in regular and extended-wheelbase as well as a Coupe and Drophead models. A long-wheelbase version known as the Phantom EWB adds an additional 10 inches of backseat legroom. Most of today’s top luxury features come standard, including HID headlights, 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, automatically closing rear doors and trunk, four-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, an integrated communication system and a navigation system. A surround-sound audio system, designed by Lexicon, features a single-CD head unit with an instrument panel-mounted changer and auxiliary input jack. The Phantom is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 with 453 horsepower. The key to this Roller’s 5.7-second 0-60 time is the engine’s 531 pound-feet of torque and its six-speed automatic transmission.

Cheese steak photo via: kendralovely.blogspot
Vehicle descriptions via: PhillyAutoShow

It has been an interesting week in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show – we witnessed more dance routines, cool concept autos and some empty booths. Everyone had their very own Hybrid or Electric Vehicle to show off, though we are still waiting patiently for that pee powered car.

As we guessed earlier with our NAIAS Predictions alternative fuels and smaller trucks were both on hand to wow everyone in Michigan. Let’s have a look at what come to pass this week of January, 2010.

Utility Returns to GM – GMC Granite Concept

Many compared GMC’s new suicide door “utility” concept, the Granite, to Kia’s Soul or Nissan’s Cube. While in looks all three are similar, GMC has really impressed critics with their groundbreaking (for GM that is) small truck look, and a dashboard straight out of Blade Runner. According to GMC: “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.” Hold your horses there GM, let’s see what’s up when the production model comes to life.

Honda CR-Z – The Hybrid Coupe

It’s a six-speed manual transmission matted to a hybrid gas/electric drive – the hybrid sports car: brought to you by Honda. CR-Z hearkens back to a time when two-door Hondas had no back seat and a flat rear hatch. Advertisements for the hybrid Honda CR-Z started popping up on auto websites long before the car dropped at NAIAS. But now, the cat is out of the bag, and it’s great on fuel.

Toyota FT-CH – The Baby Prius

Toyota is starting a “Prius family” – we don’t know if it will be the basic American nuclear family or some weird polyamorous open relationship thing, where the Japanese auto maker just brands everything with a ‘hybrid’ logo. Anyway, the first lucky adopted child is Toyota’s FT-CH – “One of several fancy eco-friendly cars coming your way from the world’s largest hybrid producer, this New Toyota is a small aquatic creature-looking vehicle that strays away from almost anything related to the brand – aside from “hybrid” logo and Toyota seal.” Still in development phase, expect to see FT-CH and possibly many other Prius-related vehicles in 2011.

Lexus LFA – The Museum Piece

The much-anticipated Lexus LFA boasts a 552 horsepower V10 engine and leaps from 60 in 3.6 seconds up to 202 mph. That is reason enough to keep it up on a pedestal, behind an armed guard and locked gate. What’s the other reason? This particular Lexus, which made an appearance in Detroit, costs $350,000.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is – Too Much Name

BMW has always been accused of having their head up their bums. Right? Maybe it’s just our opinion. But let’s face it, they make fantastic automobiles. Their 2011 Z4 is not exception. But it’s name. why BMW – sDrive35is? It’s all marketing, and everyone is mocking it. Not really sure if this particular BMW will be taken seriously with such a confusing group of random letters and numbers.

2011 Mustang 5.0

And finally we present to you, your 2011 Ford Mustang GT! It has a 5.0-liter V8-powered GT, which produces 412-horsepower and up to 390 ft-lb of torque – pushing the racer to 60 mph in under 4.7 seconds. Using the six-speed automatic the car generates a 17/25mpg rating. That, my friends, is up from the 4.8 V8 in last year’s model. Well played Ford, well played.