The Vancouver International Auto Show is returning into town this week and I’ve managed to get my hands on the advance media preview vehicle list. Here are the performance car debuts that I am most excited to see in the flesh at this year’s show!

BMW M3 / BMW M4

BMW Canada is making a strong offering of new products this year. The much anticipated M3 sedan and M4 coupe duo will sure to be sure to win the hearts of many BMW fanatics.

Both cars are lighter than their outgoing models and feature a return to the traditional BMW straight-six cylinder design. In this latest iteration, this engine makes 425hp (more than the outgoing V8) but yet sips less fuel.

These cars will do 0-100 km/hr in 4.0 seconds and will be available in late spring 2014 as 2015 models.

BMW M235i

A reincarnation of the limited edition 1 Series M coupe that BMW produced in 2011-12, the 2-series is next in the line of compact sport coupes from BMW.

Longer and wider than the 1-series coupe, this little pocket rocket makes 322hp/332 ft-lbs of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Inside, the cabin has been upgraded and the new car should no longer feel like it plays second fiddle to its bigger 4-series sibling.

VW GTI

The 7th generation of this iconic hot hatchback makes its regional debut at this year’s auto show. Longer in wheelbase and overall length, there is more space inside and the interior décor, while familiar is also completely updated.

A new platform called MQB is both lighter and stronger than before, making this car a sure fire winner with hot hatch fans and VW fanatics alike.

The Vancouver International Auto Show opens to the public from Tuesday noon on March 25th, 2014 till Sunday March 30th.

Stay tuned for more auto show top picks (in different categories) over the next couple of days!