Geneva Motor Show 2018: Preview

Car enthusiasts will agree that the Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important automobile events to be held every year. The fact that the Geneva Motor Show is the always the first European automobile show makes it extremely important. Going by the present emphasis on electrification, we expect to see a host of electric cars, hybrids, crossovers and also autonomous offerings at the motor show. In addition to the well established names, we also expect to see newer brands venture in the motor show. While there are still few hours left for the motor show to start and showcase a host of concepts, teasers and also production ready models, here is a list of what to expect from the motor show.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBX

Aston Martin will be showcasing the new Vantage that will make its global debut at Geneva. In addition to that, we will also get to see the new GTE Vantage race car that will take part in the World Endurance Championship. There are also reports of the new DB11 Volante and the Coupe along with the DBX Crossover to make an appearance at the motor show.

Audi

Audi will be displaying their entire range of vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the main highlight will be the new A6 sedan that gets a new design and also comes loaded with tech, some of it also shared with its bigger sibling the Audi A8. The new-gen Audi A6 is based on an all-new platform that has made it lighter and also more powerful than the previous iterations. We also expect to see e-Tron versions of regular models to be present at the show.

Bentley

The star of the Bentley pavilion will be the Bentayga. Joining the V8 will be other powertrain options that will be offered in the Bentayga. It is also being said that Bentley might also bring in a hybrid electric version of the Bentayga that will work in tandem with a 3.0-litre V6 and make an impressive 462PS of power.

BMW

It is already known that BMW is working on the new-gen Z4 that is believed to be an outcome of the joint agreement with Toyota. The new sportscar, which is reportedly named Z5, will arrive in 2019. The underpinnings of this car will also form the base of Toyota's new-generation car. . Even though all the test mules are heavily camouflaged, it still flaunts the sporty proportions in the design, new headlights similar to the one seen on the new-gen 7-series and a compact rear section. BMW is also expected to bring the X4 SUV coupe at the motor show.

Ferrari

Pista is Italian for race track which means that the Ferrari 488 Pista should be a delight on the tracks. The company states that the development of the 488 Pista is an evolution of its involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship whereas the extensive weight saving solutions, along with engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic developments have been sourced from racing cars. The Ferrari 488 Pista weighs 90 kg less than the 488 GTB. Additionally, it features the most powerful V8 by Ferrari that makes 721PS at 8,000rpm and generates a meaty 770Nm at 3,000 rpm. As claimed by Ferrari, the 488 Pista has a top speed of 340 kmph and can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 2.85s

Hyundai

Hyundai states that the new-gen Santa Fe will come equipped with industry-first rear occupant alert that monitors the rear seats to detect passengers and alerts the driver when leaving the car. In addition, the 2019 Santa Fe also comes with rear cross-traffic collision warning that is now equipped with an automated braking function. To avoid the risk of collision when reversing out of narrow areas with limited visibility, the system warns the driver and applies the brakes automatically. Also, on display, will be the all-electric Kona crossover that has a claimed driving range of 482km.

Jaguar

The Jaguar i-Pace had been in development for a long time and has finally been unveiled in production guise just before its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2018. The design is as striking on the Jaguar i-Pace as the technology it houses. The Jaguar i-Pace was first showcased in 2016, and the production version is very close to the original concept. The i-Pace is an important model for JLR as it marks their foray into electric vehicles. The Jaguar i-Pace comes powered by two electric motors to drive all four wheels, with 400 PS / 696Nm. The motors are draw power from a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Kia

Kia Motors will be bringing the new-gen Ceed at the Geneva Motor Show. The Kia Ceed is one of the most important models for the automobile manufacturer, especially in the US market. In addition to the Kia Ceed, we believe Kia will also get the new K900 to the motor show.

Land Rover

Land Rover has already released a teaser image of an all-new flagship SUV that is essentially the three-door version of the Range Rover called the Range Rover Coupe SV. Undoubtedly, it will be the most expensive Land Rover SUV. But then only a few can get their hands on it since it will be a limited production SUV.

Lexus

There will be an all-new crossover called the UX that will be seen at the Lexus pavillion. Based on the concept that was first showcased in 2016, the Lexus UX will be based on the Toyota's TNGA platform that also underpins the new Prius and also the Avalon. The drivetrain options that will be offered on the UX might include a four-cylinder petrol along with a hybrid or electric.

McLaren

With 800PS / 800Nm, and a low weight of 1,198kg, we would agree with that description. McLaren says the Senna is their most extreme road-legal car yet. The McLaren Senna comes powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and costs a whopping $ 1 million (Rs 6.45 crore approx). The hypercar stands out with its orange paint and blue highlights, a throwback to the McLaren racing livery from the 1960s

Mercedes-Benz

The new-gen Mercedes Benz G-Class gets a new design but not substantially different from the previous model. In terms of dimensions, the new Mercedes Benz G-Class has got longer by 53mm and also wider by 122mm. Mercedes Benz states that the interior of the new-gen G-Class has got a complete revision. The instrument cluster in the new G-Class looks similar to that of the new E-Class and the S-Class. The company describes it by stating that the the two 12.3-inch displays blend visually into a widescreen cockpit.

Polestar

The Polestar 1 borrow's the S90's SPA platform and therefore the fixed distance between the dashboard and the front axle gives the 1 a long nose, typical to a grand tourer. 600PS of power comes from a hybrid setup comprising of Volvo's 2.0 Drive-E petrol motor, which feeds 382PS to the front wheels, and two electrical motors on the rear axle which supply 218PS to the rear wheels. The Polestar 1 can travel up to 150km on pure electric propulsion, which is one of the highest claims we've ever heard of on a petrol-electric hybrid.

Porsche

German car manufacturer Porsche will be getting the refreshed GT3 RS which does not look too different from the previous iteration. However, it is under the skin that makes the new Porsche GT3 RS a lot different. It will weigh lighter and thereby will be an even more sharper handler on the track. The new GT3 RS will be accompanied by the all-electric vehicle, Mission E.

Tata Motors

The all-new premium sedan concept to be showcased by Tata Motors at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show will boast a stunning design - this is one of the images posted online by Tata Motors' Head of Design, Pratap Bose

The sedan will use Tata Motors' new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy and while details about the car are sketchy at the moment, we expect the concept model to look stunning. Also expected to be on display will be the 45X concept that previewed Tata Motors' upcoming premium hatchback and the H5X concept that previewed its upcoming premium SUV. Both concepts broke cover at the 2018 Auto Expo in India last month where they made a huge splash

Toyota

If you've already read about the new-gen BMW sportcar, rumoured to be called the Z5, then this is something that you should look forward to as well. Since there is a joint agreement between both manufacturers, it is being said that the new-gen Toyota Supra too might make an appearance. The Supra will come with a hardtop unlike the soft top BMW convertible.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen's Tesla beater will be the spotlight of the VW pavillion at the Geneva Motor Show. The Volkswagen I.D.Vizzion concept might not make the same amount of power and performance as the Model S but will offer a greater driving range. Also, on showcase, will be the host of autonomous tech that will be offered in upcoming VW cars.

Volvo

Volvo is expected to bring the new V60 wagon at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the SPA platform, the new V60 gets the new design language that we have seen on the new-gen XC90, S90 and also the XC90. We also expect Volvo to bring hybrid version of the V60 wagon at the Geneva Motor Show.