Without a doubt, the Geneva International Motor Show is one of the most looked forward to events of the motoring calendar, and 2017 most certainly did not disappoint. With unveils left, right and centre in the latest technology and models, it was easy to miss an important story. So, luckily we’ve rounded up our top stories from the 2017 event for you all in one place.
Bentley unveil new electric concept – EXP 12 Speed 6e
Bentley Motors took the opportunity to share its ambition to define the electric luxury segment with the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said:
“The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high quality materials and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach.
An all-electric Bentley will not compromise the quality, refinement and high performance levels expected of the luxury brand. These renowned Bentley characteristics such as immediate, effortless surge of torque and grand touring range will be combined with new high performance technology such as rapid inductive charging and state-of-the-art on board concierge-style services for an effortless ownership experience.
Audi brought the world debut of the RS 5 Coupé to Geneva
Reaffirming its status as the indisputable head of the A5 pack and a cornerstone of the Audi Sport stable, the all-new RS 5 Coupé makes its world debut at the 87th annual Geneva Motor Show this week, delivering phenomenal pace from its brand new V6 biturbo TFSI, a lighter overall weight and a healthy hike in torque. The very latest in Vorsprung durch Technik is also comes to the fore, from the cutting-edge driver assistance and connectivity systems to the even more comprehensive specification as standard. Ordering for the 450PS, sub-four second gran turismo is expected to open from May this year, ahead of first examples reaching UK roads this summer.
“The new Audi RS 5 Coupé is the gran turismo among the RS models from Audi Sport. The high-performance Coupé combines elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability.
The car’s V6 biturbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, in describing the new model.
McLaren
Global debut of the McLaren 720S
McLaren gave the 720S its global debut on March 7th at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, introducing the second-generation of McLaren’s Super Series and simultaneously raising previously accepted limits of performance in the supercar sector.
“Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland. This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.” – Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
The new 720S is lighter, faster and even more dynamically capable than its McLaren 650S predecessor, with unparalleled levels of interior space and sophistication and a breadth and depth of abilities that will engage and exhilarate the driver. One glance at the 720S identifies it as a bold reinterpretation of McLaren’s design language; rooted in aerodynamic principles, the beautiful form has nothing superfluous about it: immediately and undeniably a McLaren, the new 720S is arguably the most distinctive and remarkable McLaren yet.
McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’ by MSO
Just 24 hours after the new McLaren 720S was revealed in all its glory at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, McLaren Automotive is highlighting the level to which buyers of its new Super Series will be able to personalise their car by unveiling a dramatic, bespoke 720S, created by McLaren Special Operations.
The McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’ by MSO signals the almost limitless scope of personalisation possibilities available to buyers who opt to commission their new Super Series car from McLaren Special Operations, the bespoke vehicle division of McLaren Automotive.
“The MSO mission is to fulfil customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,” explained Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “The lean, sculpted beauty of the new 720S provides the perfect starting point for owners to be creative and the specification of this MSO 720S ‘Velocity’ showcases a taste of the customisation options that are possible.”
Jaguar Land Rover hit us with a triple
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled three ground breaking new vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show – the Range Rover Velar, Jaguar I-PACE Concept and ‘Project Hero’ a bespoke humanitarian version of the Land Rover Discovery. The Range Rover Velar and, for the first time in Europe, the Jaguar I-PACE Concept represent major innovations in their segments, sharing a compelling combination of iconic British design and creative engineering.
The Range Rover Velar
The launch of the new Range Rover Velar is another new chapter in the Jaguar Land Rover story. True to the company’s tradition of engineering integrity, it establishes the capability, quality and technology trends of tomorrow.
It will be built exclusively in the UK using Jaguar Land Rover’s leading lightweight aluminium intensive architecture and powered by the latest ultra-clean UK-built Ingenium petrol and diesel engines.
The Jaguar I-PACE
The Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar’s first electric performance SUV Concept, has been engineered without compromise to deliver a brilliant package, long-distance range, fast charging times and exhilarating performance.
With plans in place to take Jaguar Land Rover’s three vehicle manufacturing plants in the UK close to their operating capacity, the I-PACE will be manufactured at Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria. With more than 100 years’ experience, Magna Steyr has extensive contract manufacturing expertise working with many car manufacturers globally.
Project Hero
‘Project Hero’ has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross features innovative drone technology and will be trialled by emergency response teams over the next year.
Project Hero is an advanced communication vehicle created to support Jaguar Land Rover’s partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network. It is hoped that it will help the Red Cross save lives by speeding up response times to disasters.
Since 1954, Land Rover has supported the Red Cross and supplied 120 vehicles to the IFRC for deployment in all corners of the globe. Project Hero is the first to be supplied with a roof-mounted drone which enhances the outstanding capability of the all-new Land Rover Discovery. A fully integrated landing system, featuring self-centring technology, enables the drone to land on Project Hero when the vehicle is in motion – a world first.
Zenith Collaboration
In addition to the unveil of the Velar, Swiss watchmaker Zenith has unveiled the new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition watch.
