The Geneva Motor Show is the main event of the automotive year, as car manufacturers bring their best and brightest ideas to the Swiss city.
Both journalists and the general public marvel at the superb selection of new production vehicles – ranging from top of the line supercars to affordable hatchbacks and family cars.
After an eventful 2018 event, we take a look at the best vehicles to be publically displayed in Geneva.
McLaren Senna GTR Concept
Based on the recently-introduced Senna hypercar, the track-going GTR Concept version is even more extreme than its road-built sibling. Displayed as a preview of the 2019 production model, this concept track monster comes with even more aerodynamic fairings than on the standard Senna. Fitted with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Senna GTR has “at least” 814bhp at its disposal, yet weighs the same as the road version. Safe to say this car will be ballistic when it’s eventually made.
Ferrari 488 Pista
The 488 Pista joins a long line of race-inspired Ferraris that includes the 458 Speciale and 430 Scuderia – with this model based on the firm’s current V8 supercar offering. Coming with a Formula One-derived S-duct in the bonnet, a dolphin-tail spoiler and an improved undertray for even more aerodynamic performance, the Pista takes the already excellent 488 and adds extra power to make it the ultimate road-going version. With 711bhp, this car can get from 0-60mph in the same time as the legendary LaFerrari – 2.7 seconds.
Kia Ceed Sportwagon
Based on the recently-introduced third generation hatchback, the Ceed Sportwagon is larger and more spacious than ever before, and includes the latest technology from the South Korean manufacturer. With Kia’s newest design features, such as the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, and a range of efficient engines available, the Ceed Sportwagon will be on sale in the final quarter of this year.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
Based on the AMG GT two-door super sportscar, the GT 4-door combines insane AMG performance with family practicality. This superfast saloon can be specced in either four- or five-seat layouts, and underneath includes all of the technical gubbins that make AMG models so impressive. With a choice of three potent engine setups – including a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 630bhp – the AMG GT 4-door will become one of the fastest production family cars on the road.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder
After unveiling its track-derived Huracan Performante last year, Lamborghini has chopped the top-off the extreme supercar and will now offer a Spyder version. Fitted with all the same dynamic equipment and a screaming V10, the open-top model does weigh 125kg more than the coupe – but that only adds 0.2 seconds to the 0-60mph time, meaning it can still get to the mark in 2.9 seconds. Prices start from a snip over £195,000 – but who cares when it looks like that?
Range Rover SV Coupe
Combining Range Rover luxury with a coupe design and Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations nous – and you get the Range Rover SV Coupe. This limited-edition two-door model does start from £240,000, but what you get is the fastest Range Rover yet – with a top speed of 165mph – and unbound opulence with a truly high-end interior finish. Only 999 will be made, which is a shame as it arguably one of the best-looking SUVs out there.
Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept
Yes, the Supra name is returning to the motoring world – but in this instance, it will take the form of a racing car. The Gazoo Racing Supra takes many of the styling details from the original 90s model, but this car is very important as Toyota confirmed a road-going version is on the horizon. Hurrah for all JDM fans then, as the Supra is coveted as one of the best Japanese models from that decade.
BMW M8 Gran Coupe
As showstoppers go, this M8 Gran Coupe Concept is near the top of the list. This concept is a preview for the upcoming flagship model which will be the pinnacle of the BMW line-up, with the production version due to be shown by the end of 2018. With chunky dimensions connected by flowing lines, the M8 is a rather attractive prospect and will be the brand’s flagship for many years to come.
Bentley Bentayga Plug-In
Fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and electric powertrain, the luxury Bentayga is going green with this hybrid alternative. Described as the “first luxury hybrid”, the Bentayga Plug-In can be driven on all-electric mode for 31 miles of no-emission driving, but still includes all of the luxury and lavishness of the normal Bentayga. Order books for this model open later this year.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
As one of the most hardcore versions of the ultimate sports car, we couldn’t not mention the 911 GT3 RS. The GT3 RS has perennially been one of the best road cars on the market, and with this latest version more powerful than ever, expect it to retain that mantle. The naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre straight-six produces 513bhp and gets you from 0-60mph in an impressive three seconds. It can also reach a top speed of 194mph – making it the third-fastest current Porsche production model.
