Some of the brilliant new cars launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show:
Lamborghini Huracán Performante
Just when you think the Huracán couldn’t get any better, along comes one that can lap the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 6:52.01 minutes. This new car, the Performante, brings further innovations to the already stunning Huracan model. Designed to balance achieving the best lap times on a circuit with the most engaging and dynamic road driving, the car features new lightweight technologies, active aerodynamics with aero vectoring and a new set-up of chassis, all-wheel-drive system and further improved powertrain.
Porsche 911 GT3
The new generation of the radical 911 launches, offering up motorsport-like performance, a systematic lightweight construction and an unfiltered driving experience. It features a four-litre high-revving naturally aspirated engine with 500 hp and was developed on the same test track as the marque’s racing cars. Seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) comes as standard, and the two-seater car, which weighs 1,430 kg with a full fuel tank, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 318 km/h.
McLaren 720S
The McLaren Super Series is the middle of a hierarchy of three similar McLaren car ranges: all mid-engined with composite coachwork and a twin-turbo V8 engine with seven speed twin-clutch transmission. This new 720S marks the start of a new generation for these cars, and is comprised of 90% new parts and technology.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Nothing makes the world a sunnier place like a new Ferrari, and this one is no exception. A revised version of the F12 Berlinetta, the 812 Superfast has 60 more horsepower and a streamlined design. In particular, you’ll notice changes to the rear of the car, where a thicker C-pillar raises the tail and provides a balanced, retro appearance reminiscent of older-style Ferraris.
Aston Martin AMR
Not content with launching a car, Aston Martin have launched a whole line at Geneva this year. The AMR range is designed to bridge the gap between the marque’s track and road offerings, featuring performance and design features taken from the track, alongside increased comfort and practicality from the road. Every model in the Aston Martin range will have its own AMR cousin, the first of which will be the Vantage AMR and the Rapide AMR Pro. The latter, for example, has a 6 litre V12 producing 592 horsepower, and a huge top speed of 210 MPH. Check out the Aston website for full details of the new range – it’s well worth a look.
Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e concept
How do you solve the problem of emissions and fuel economy in a luxury tourer? Bentley shows us one idea in their all-electric EXP 12 Speed 6e, a drop-top luxury touring car powered entirely by battery. Designed to gauge customer interest, the model is designed to use inductive charging to ensure that battery power is always available – Bentley want the car to be capable of driving from London to Paris on a single charge. With its futuristic design and typically high quality materials, echoing the previous electric concept the EXP 10, the car certainly turned heads at the show.