The 88th Geneva International Motor Show 2018 PREVIEW
Auto shows are the main attraction for the automotive public, and the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show promises to be one of, if not the biggest car spectacle in 2018.
Year 2018 has already proven to be extremely busy when it comes to the automotive world. Countless new models, technologies and rumors have created a web revolving around the car world.
Here are the main preview bites that have circled enthusiast groups, generating an immense amount of hype. Without further commentary, here’s what the Palexpo Arena show is going to host, among others:
Aston Martin Vantage
It’s hard to remember if the British luxury sportscar brand has ever delivered a vehicle that wasn’t stunning to say at least. And since the public has already been used to seeing gorgeous models, the new Aston Martin Vantage debuting at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018 will be nothing below expectations. The twin-turbocharged AMG V8 will power Aston Martin’s entry level model.
Alongside the Aston Martin Vantage we can expect to witness the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro. Designed alongside the road-legal version that’s about to hit the streets in 2019, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is designed for enclosed circuits only. It will obviously pack more power and less restraint compared to the road-legal version, and even attempt to take the face of its Vulcan counterpart.
BMW M8 and M4 30 Jahre Edition
The 8-Series concept presented a while ago was very realistic, so everyone expected to see a working car based on it. It was just a matter of time until it happens. However, the M8 has been idling for quite a while, although it has been firmly confirmed by BMW. Rumors indicated towards a BMW M8 unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.
Alongside, the celebratory BMW M4 Convertible 30 Jahre Edition is expected to catch the eyes and cameras of the press.
Ferrari Pista
The Geneva auto show is expected to host the successor of Ferrari’s 458 Special. Named “Pista”, the McLaren rival is packed with race technology and pushes no less than 720hp to the wheels. There’s not much we know about the actual design apart from various renders, however it is guaranteed to catch every look, as any Ferrari does.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Even though it has already been featured at the Detroit Auto Show, the 50-year celebratory Ford Bullitt Mustang will probably also show up during the Geneva International Motor Show. Packing the Coyote V8 with larger, 87mm throttle bodies and a new “Open Air Induction System”, the Mustang Bullitt won’t lack fans roaming around its stand.
Porsche 991.2 GT3
With a 9,000 RPM redline, body elements inherited from the GT2 and a huge amount of power beneath the chameleon green coating, the Porsche 991.2 GT3 is expected to lap the Nürburgring in 7:05.
Land Rover Defender
It took 70 years of Defenders before we were ready to be enchanted with a V8 engine unit. While everything’s pretty clear about the model, it is still possible that Land Rover will make a stand for the Defender, as well as for the SV Coupe, presenting homage to the original 2-door Range Rover.
Bentley
It is almost certain that Bentley will display its new Bentayga V8 alongside the eco-friendlier plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Furthermore, it would be interesting to see if a third stand is going to be occupied by the variant that’s going to attack Pikes Peak. While we’re full aware (and Bentley makes sure of it) that the 2.5-ton Bentley Bentayga has plenty of power and torque, doubtless it will take a modified version to put out a good impression to the 12.3-mile track.
Morgan Aero GT
Celebrating the final 8 vehicles to come out the factory gates this year, Morgan used its GT3 victory experience and manually redesigned the body panels of the what’s now known as Plus 8 50th Anniversary vehicle. Featuring BMW’s 4.8-liter V8 unit, it’s one of the rare chances we are going to see such a car in public.
Jaguar i-Pace
Passing the concept stage, Geneva Motor Show will be the prime host of Jaguar’s electric SUV. With the great impression of the petrol Jaguar in mind, it is expected that the i-Pace will feature even more tech while maintaining gorgeous looks.
Cupra
Since Cupra has already created a production car to show since the separation from Seat, it is likely we are going to see the 300hp Ateca taking a stand at Geneva. Maybe even the ST version of the current Seat Cupra R may provide a (really) surprising appearance alongside its bigger brother.
McLaren Senna
This is one for the history books. Commemorating the one whom has probably been the best F1 driver in the golden era, McLaren Senna is presented as “the most responsive ang engaging” car you are allowed to take on the road. With 800kg of downforce, adjustable suspension and the meanest McLaren engine yet, Senna will debut at Geneva as the start of a worldwide motor show tour. That’s right, we’re going to see it around for a while.
Mercedes-Benz
With the rumored 4-door Mercedes AMG GT-4, you will be able to carry all your friends not only to, but on the track. Rumored numbers revolve around an 800bhp engine as well as F1 tech including KERS energy recovery system and an electric motor to push those torque numbers up. However, it’s not certain whether Mercedes will let the public see the AMG GT-4 now or keep the suspense rolling until the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
On the other hand, it is very likely that we are going to witness the G-63 AMG with a heightened driving position, a decent amount of power and quality interior.
Techrules
After last year’s diesel turbine shown off at Geneva International Motor Show, the Chinese hypercar maker Techrules announced the reveal of a really low volume, high-end car. A single seater designed solely for the track, it features no less than 6 electric motors and a body layout that resembles more to a fighter jet than a car. While there’s no proof of the absurd 1,350hp number disclosed by Techrules, the overall aspect of the concept definitely points towards a real menace.
