Pacific International Auto Show is Canada's Must See New Vehicle Event

Subaru Canada should be commended as well, for coming to the event with its revised 2006 Forester, also unveiled the week

The new 3-Series is the most important new car introduction in BMW's recent history. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

before in New York. The upcoming Tribeca crossover SUV was also on display.

BMW's freshened 7-Series also made the show, as did its new 3-Series. Both were Canadian reveals, with the latter being the most important new car introduction in BMW's recent history, and one of the most significant luxury cars of all.

The only world premiere was more of a tuner car than anything scheduled to roll off of a Volvo production line, but the specially-built Evolve S40, making 325-hp from its hyped-up 5-cylinder engine, was part of the Swedish automaker's program, sitting alongside the brand's new V8-powered XC90.

Volvo wasn't the only automaker to have tuner cars as part of its display. Kiddy-corner to its stage was its parent's

The only world premiere at the show was the specially-built 325-hp Volvo Evolve S40. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

display, Ford. Just in front of a pretty red Mustang convertible was a row of new Mustangs, featuring custom bodywork and other goodies from Saleen and Steeda, the two best known tuners for the blue oval brand, the latter put together by Vancouver's local go-fast boys, Bishop's.

Ford also had its new Fusion, the car that will without doubt increase traffic in the brand's showrooms, on a rotating stand, as well as a gorgeous deep blue coated GT supercar behind a makeshift fence, teasing all who wished they could get closer; a sobering reminder that it's not even available above the 49th parallel.