Aston wants to deliver 400-mile range by turning to next-generation solid state batteries.
Its become something of gospel that auto shows are losing their luster. And, while a few recent events might have fallen short of expectations, we can’t say that about this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The annual event, arguably the most important of the European car shows, brought out dozens of distinctive new cars, trucks, crossovers and concepts, a significant number of them set to reach beyond European shores.
So, here’s a list of the 14 hottest and most significant debuts – ranked alphabetically, rather than by importance – from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show:
Aston Martin Lagonda Vision Concept:Aston is billing itself the world’s fastest-growing brand. While that might depend upon how you do the math, there’s no doubt it is rapidly expanding its line-up. And this concept previews two upcoming models that will mark the return of the Lagonda badge. More significant is Aston’s decision to make Lagonda all-electric – and to use the distinct layout of a battery drivetrain to help deliver an unexpectedly roomy and luxurious interior.
2019 Audi A6
Audi A6: The German maker’s eighth-generation midsize model maintains its reputation for distinctive looks, inside and out, though new styling director Marc Lichte has made the new A6 “a distinguished ambassador for the new Audi design language.” Don’t worry. There’s nothing fussy about it, though it does add a few more creases and sharp edges. There’s also a new, fully digital operating system inside the new Audi A6, including some of the semi-autonomous technology first seen on the flagship A8.
2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
Bentley Bentayga PHEV:The British ultra-luxury brand was one of the first to recognize that high-line buyers were as infatuated with SUVs as more mainstream motorists. The Bentayga is already available with a broad mix of drivetrain options. But it now becomes the first in its class to also add a plug-in hybrid package. It’s as quick as the V-8 version of the SUV but can get around 25 miles in pure electric mode. And who else offers an optional wall charger designed by the legendary Philippe Starck?
BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe
BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept: Think of it as a concept in name only. As with so many of the other show car on display in Geneva this year, we expect the Concept M8 Gran Coupe reveals what’s coming to the BMW line-up in the not-too-distant future. And that’s fine by us. We already know there’s a new 8-Series coupe coming, but the “M” on the Gran Coupe stands for “more” of everything: more power, more doors, more room and lots more luxury features.
Hyundai Le Fil Rouge concept
Hyundai Le Fil Rouge Concept:Few brands have done more to transform their product line-up – and image – more dramatically than Hyundai. And the Le Fil Rouge Concept assures us that the transformation is far from over. Translated as “common thread,” the aggressive, coupe-like sedan’s design is expected to influence much of what Hyundai does in the coming years. “We will open a new era for Hyundai design,” says styling chief Luc Donckerwolke.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar I-Pace: It took Jaguar years to get the courage to build its first station wagon. But it has dived into the deep end of the pool when it comes to SUVs. The I-Pace will, by mid-year, become the British marque’s third utility vehicle – and its first to run entirely on electric propulsion. Twin motors, one per axle, produce a combined 394 hp, enough to launch from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. By mounting the drivetrain under the floorboards, meanwhile, I-Pace tucks a near full-size cabin inside a compact body.
2019 McLaren Senna
McLaren Senna: Okay, we had to take a long pause before choosing our favorite supercar, and the new Ferrari 488 Pista came close. But how can you ignore a vehicle named for one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time – especially when it boasts 800 horsepower and weighs in at a mere 1,750 pounds? If you agree, start writing that $1 million check as soon as possible. The British marque plans to produce a grand total of just 500 of these carbon fiber masterpieces.
Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door Coupe:We were already in love with the original, two-seater, but despite some trepidations, the AMG team proved they could really add another two doors to the GT and retain both its looks and performance – while also
2019 Mercedes-AMG C43
adding a surprising measure of practicality. The AMG GT Four-Door Coupe will come in three distinct versions, starting with the hybridized 53 making a solid 429 hp, and stretch to the track-ready GT 63 S, with a twin-turbo V-8 punching out 630 ponies.
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept:Porsche has a history of taking risks; remember how skeptics dissed the original Cayenne SUV? It’s getting lots more respect readying its first all-electric model, the Mission E next year. And now, Porsche is
Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo concept
making clear that isn’t a one-off. The Turismo Concept shares the same platform as the Mission E coupe, and delivers the same sort of performance and range. But, as with the AMG GT Four-Door, it adds a CUV’s practicality – or will, if the concept goes into production.
Rimac Concept Two:A Croatian car? Rimac started out as a garage project, and while it hasn’t turned into another Apple it is making big waves in the performance
Rimac Concept Two
sector by introducing a series of battery-powered supercars. And the Rimac Concept Two threatens to blow away every contender in Geneva, its four-motor drive system collectively delivering a full 1,914 horsepower, enough to hit 60 in just 1.85 seconds, with a top speed of 258 mph. Oh, and Rimac claims it will also manage 404 miles per charge.
Subaru Viziv Tourer concept
Subaru Viziv Tourer: Ever since Crocodile Dundee started hyping its crossovers, Subaru has built a reputation as an SUV brand. But it really made its original rep with some darned good wagons, and if the latest in a string of Viziv Concepts, this one dubbed the Tourer, is any indication, Subaru is determined to prove that wagons are still a viable option. The show car is expected to heavily influence the next-generation WRX model.
Toyota Supra Racing Concept
Toyota Supra:Okay, what we got in Geneva was a Gazoo Racing Concept, but have no fear, Toyota isn’t going to campaign the GR version without a production model in showrooms, likely in the very near future. The product of an unusual joint venture between Toyota and BMW – which will badge its version the next-gen Z4 – the Supra coupe will opt for a classic front engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. You can get a chance to (virtually) drive it in the PlayStation Gran Turismo game come April.
Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept
Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion:Forget diesels. Volkswagen is making a major commitment to electrification, with its various brands aiming to add 50 all-electric models by 2025. The VW marque itself will even launch a pure electric sub-brand and it’s now revealed four upcoming models with the Geneva debut of the I.D. Vizzion. Something of a replacement for the old Phaeton flagship, the coupe-like battery sedan will also serve to introduce VW’s evolving autonomous technology.
2019 Volvo V60
Volvo V60: The Swedish automaker actually landed two new models worthy of attention in Geneva, including the first from its new Polestar sub-brand, the plug-in hybrid Polestar 1. But the big buzz centers around the V60 which is another reason why we shouldn’t be writing obituaries for the station wagon. It bears a strong resemblance to Volvo’s bigger V60 but doesn’t just look like its blueprints were downsized. It retains a real presence and offers a mix of style, performance and practicality.