2015 Geneva Motor Show Highlights

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Geneva Highlights
As international auto shows go, Geneva is one of the most important — it is the only major auto show in Europe that occurs every year. In a clear sign that the auto industry is alive and well, more than 30 new vehicles made their world debuts in the Swiss Confederation. Like the products for which this beautiful republic is known, some cars are sweet while others are a bit cheesy. (Like that last sentence.) With vehicles ranging from hot hatchback to full-blown exotics, there’s something for every taste at the Geneva show — even questionable taste. Let’s sample the highlights.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin DBX
Feeling the need to expand the brand, Aston Martin shows one way of achieving that goal with the debut of the DBX Concept. A somewhat different take on the crossover, the DBX features all-wheel drive, seating for four and generous room for luggage.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin DBX
Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer tasked his team to “expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, “and the DBX Concept is the result. While it is likely that Aston will produce a vehicle similar to the DBX, the vehicle on display in Geneva is clearly just a concept and not ready for production.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin Vulcan
One of the most extreme Aston Martins ever made available to consumers, the Vulcan is an all-new supercar designed specifically for use at the track. Only 24 copies of this 800-plus horsepower beast will be sold, and it is not street legal.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin Vulcan
With a 7.0-liter V12 engine, a 6-speed sequential gearbox, variable traction control, adjustable suspension and race-spec tires, the Vulcan provides a unique opportunity for select Aston Martin buyers to own a vehicle that is basically a race car.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
While the Vulcan is a supercar specifically for the track, this limited-edition Vantage takes advantage of Aston’s knowledge derived from the racetrack and translates it to a high-performance road car. Only 100 Vantage GT3s will be built, and each boasts more than 600 horsepower while weighing less than 3,500 pounds.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Aston Martin Vantage GT3
The GT3 looks the part of a race car with extensive use of carbon fiber, a very larger rear wing as well as a front splitter. Not only do these aerodynamic alterations make the GT3 stand out from the crowd, they also provide significant increases in performance and handling.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Prologue Avant Concept
Giving more credence to the likelihood of the Prologue making it to production in some form, Audi showed off a variant of the futuristic concept that was first shown last fall in Los Angeles. The Prologue Avant Concept continues the design theme from the original, but takes it a step further with the added versatility of a 5-door Avant wagon.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Prologue Avant Concept
While the design looks somewhat futuristic, the Prologue Avant Concept’s powertrain is closer to production — a version of the plug-in hybrid system found in the Q7 etron. With an electric motor and efficient TDI diesel engine, the powerplant puts out an impressive 455 horsepower and can travel around 33 miles in electric-only mode.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi R8
Audi’s sleek mid-engine sports car gets its first major redesign, with this new version debuting at the Geneva Motor Show. Still clearly recognizable as an R8, the design changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary — which was fine, since the outgoing model still looks good. Most noticeable are new LED headlights as well as an updated interior.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi R8
The top-level R8 V10-Plus gets a more powerful 5.2-liter engine that produces 610 horsepower — the most ever in a production Audi. This means the new R8 can reach 60 mph in around three seconds, and boasts a top speed of 205 mph.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi R8 e-tron
Tesla has proven that you don’t have to give up performance if you drive an electric vehicle. Audi furthers that notion with the introduction of the electric-powered R8 e-tron. The high-tech lithium-ion battery pack gives the sports car a range of almost 280 miles. A Combined Charging System (CCS) allows charging with direct and alternating current, making it possible to fully charge the battery in less than two hours.

© Audi AG
Audi R8 e-tron
Performance is quite impressive for this electric sports car — the R8 e-tron reaches 62 mph in less than four seconds and achieves just above 155 mph. Unfortunately there are no plans to bring this innovative machine to U.S. shores — but we can hope.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept
One of the stars of this year’s Geneva show, the EXP 10 Speed 6 is a high-performance 2-seat sports car that Bentley is pondering for production. Considerably smaller than the Continental GT, the muscular-looking coupe is a modern interpretation of the classic Bentley design cues including the familiar grille and oval taillights.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept
According to Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, “EXP 10 Speed 6 is one vision for Bentley’s future — a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. . . . It offers thrilling, driver-oriented performance, complete with trademark modern Bentley luxury and effortlessness.” We agree, and could see this new sports coupe competing with the likes of Aston Martin, Maserati or Porsche.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
Not quite a minivan, this 7-passenger people mover is the latest model from BMW. More along the lines of a Mazda5, the Gran Tourer makes good use of available space. The second-row seats slide forward and aft, and the third row can be folded completely into the floor. There are a number of storage locations, and folding tables flip down from the front seatbacks.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
The Gran Tourer is available with a number of engine choices and can also be equipped with full-time all-wheel drive. As interesting as this vehicle sounds — a people mover with the performance of a BMW — the Gran Tourer is not currently slated to come to America.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe
For almost 40 years, Brabus has been refining and customizing luxury and performance Mercedes-Benz automobiles. At this year’s Geneva show, the German company debuted its latest creation, the 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe. Although based on the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe, one look at its clear-coated carbon fiber, aero enhancements and 21-inch forged wheels tells you this is not your standard Mercedes.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe
The twin-turbo V8 engine gets larger pistons for an overall larger displacement, as well as larger turbos which boost the coupe to an insane 850 horsepower. Able to accelerate to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and carrying a top speed of 217 mph, the 850 is the fastest and most powerful all-wheel drive luxury coupe in the world — according to Brabus.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Bugatti Veyron Vitesse La Finale
As the name implies, this is the last Bugatti Veyron to be built in anticipation of a replacement model coming soon. La Finale is the 450th Veyron built, and it is on display in Geneva next to the first Veyron, which emerged from the factory about 10 years ago. Still the fastest production car in the world, the Veyron set the world speed record when it recorded a top speed of 267.86 mph.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Bugatti Veyron Vitesse La Finale
All 450 Veryons have been sold — 300 coupes and 150 convertibles. The Veyron La Finale sports a unique black and red color scheme, and still impresses with its 1200-horsepower 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine. Although we’ve heard and read these stats numerous times for the past 10 years, they’re still mind boggling: zero to 62 mph takes just 2.6 seconds and top speed is almost 255 mph.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari 488 GTB
For the last 40 years, Ferrari has offered a V8-powered sports car. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the Italian car company revealed the latest model in that 8-cylinder tradition — the Ferrari 488 GTB. However, this one is a little different: For the first time ever, Ferrari adds a turbocharger to its V8. The engine is small in size — just 3.9 liters — but it puts out an amazing 660 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque at just 3000 rpm.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari 488 GTB
As expected, 488 GTB performance will be impressive. Sixty mph in less than three seconds, 125 mph in just over eight seconds on its way to a top speed around 205 mph. The new 488 GTB can lap Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in just 1:23 — almost two seconds faster than the legendary Enzo, and just as fast as the F12 Berlinetta. It also beats its predecessor — the Ferrari 458 Italia — by about two seconds as well.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford Focus RS
For car enthusiasts, the Focus RS is one of the most exciting cars at the Geneva show. The RS is the latest model to come from the new Ford Performance Group, and it occupies the top of the Focus lineup. With a sophisticated all-wheel drive-system and a new EcoBoost engine expected to deliver more than 320 horsepower, the Focus RS is a serious sports car, ready to compete with the Subaru WRX STi and Volkswagen Golf R.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford Focus RS
The Focus RS offers a number of innovations, including four settings for the AWD system, with one of them being a “drift mode.” With a bold grille, rear spoiler, large brakes and unique alloy wheels, it will be easy to notice this special Focus. Pricing information has not been released, but we’re told the Focus RS will arrive in U.S. showrooms before the end of 2015.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford GT
Yes, we know this car has been shown before, but appearing in Europe in the same hall as Ferrari and Lamborghini makes this showing a bit more special. In fact, a banner hangs outside the show hall with a picture of the new GT and the phrase LaFORD — a jab at the latest supercar from Ferrari, La Ferrari.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford GT
We did learn a bit more about this exotic besides the fact that it will boast more than 600 horsepower from its EcoBoost engine. Ford says they will build just 250 GTs per year, and when asked for how many years, the vague answer was “several.” As for price, while no official number has been given, Ford execs claim the GT would likely be priced similar to a Lamborghini Aventador, which starts around $400,000. Start saving your pennies — the GT is expected to go on sale late in 2016.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Honda Civic Type R
The current hot Civic in America is the Si — 205 horsepower and great fun to drive. Customers in Europe get a much more potent Civic — the Type R. One glance and it’s clear this model is something special, with an aggressive-looking grille with a wide front splitter, side skirts, lightweight 19-inch wheels, a large rear spoiler and quad exhaust pipes. The Civic Type R is much more than just a styling exercise: its turbocharged VTEC engine puts out more than 300 horsepower — good enough to reach 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Honda Civic Type R
To help put power to the road, the Civic Type R features a new 4-point Adaptive Damper System that controls each wheel to deliver exceptional roadholding performance, maintaining a stable, flat ride. This means the ride is more comfortable for everyday driving. Another aid to great handling is an almost completely flat underside, which optimizes downforce for much better roadholding at high speed. Unfortunately Honda has no current plans to bring this hot little number to the States.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hyundai Tucson
An all-new Hyundai Tucson is expected to debut at next month’s New York Auto Show, but we got a sneak peek here in Geneva as the new crossover debuted for the European market. The Tucson is clearly quite popular in Europe; the two vehicles on display in Geneva are receiving considerable attention — in fact, it took forever to get a clear vehicle shot for this story. The most obvious change to the small crossover is the grille — big and bold, it contains echoes of the grille on the luxurious Genesis.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hyundai Tucson
Not only does the Tucson get a new look, the interior has been updated with new features and better use of space. Since there are significant differences in engines and packaging between what is sold in the U.S. and overseas, we’ll have to wait until next month to get more details on this popular little crossover.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Infiniti QX30 Concept
The QX30 Concept shows the direction Infiniti plans for a new premium compact crossover, combining the lines of a coupe with the higher seating position and all-wheel drive of a crossover. Nissan’s luxury brand intends to enter the compact segment with the Q30 later this year, and a sport coupe based on the Q60 Concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show next year, followed by a crossover inspired by the QX30 Concept.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Infiniti QX30 Concept
The QX30 design is highlighted by a distinctive shoulder line that flows rearward from the headlights, swoops down and widens before it wraps into the rear glass. Large 21-inch wheels and tires makes the body look wider and thicker. The satin chrome front bumper, kick plates under the doors and the rear skidplate add a rugged vibe.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Flying Huntsman Concept
The legendary Land Rover Defender is one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever built, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. The Huntsman concept — created by British-based Kahn design — sits about six-inches wider and 40 inches longer than a standard Defender. The addition of a second rear axle makes this concept a 6×6 behemoth. The standard Defender engine wouldn’t handle the additional heft; it gets replaced by a GM LS3 V8 putting out 430 horsepower.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Flying Huntsman Concept
“With the Huntsman Concept, I set out to create something fashionable, iconic and revolutionary which carries on the spirit of the Defender,” said Afzal Kahn, CEO and creative director of the Kahn Group. “It’s a truly British icon in the same way the Wrangler is to the US, the G-Class to Germany or the Land Cruiser L70 to Japan. It’s instantly recognizable — if you saw one on the Moon, you’d know it was a Defender.” Kahn Design is weighing consumer interest in the vehicle, but we’re told if you want one and have the funds, it’s likely they’ll build it for you.

© Mike Meredith Automotive Content Experience
Kia SPORTSPACE Concept
Geneva marked the world debut of the Kia SPORTSPACE Concept, a sleek, sporty wagon designed by Kia’s Frankfurt design studio. Purported to be a first glimpse of the 2016 Optima, the SPORTSPACE has Kia’s signature tiger nose grille, and is intended to provide stylish, exciting transportation for four.

© Mike Meredith Automotive Content Experience
Kia SPORTSPACE Concept
A full-length panoramic sunroof provides ample natural light. Luxurious leather complements carbon fiber and anodized aluminum, and the driver receives a configurable digital display. The driver and passengers sit on hand-woven single-piece gloss black leather seats, and the cargo area features steel rollers for loading that retract into the floor when the engine starts.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Koenigsegg Regera
Koenigsegg’s newest megacar, the Regera adds more luxury to the usual Koenigsegg formula of extreme lightweight cars that are more like race cars for the street. The Regera is a 2-seat mid-engine coupe made from carbon fiber and Kevlar, with a removable hardtop that can be stored in the front compartment. Only 80 hand-built examples will be produced, powered by an 1100-horsepower 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 combined with a Direct Drive electric propulsion system with three electric motors for a total output of more than 1500 horsepower.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Koenigsegg Regera
The Koenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission replaces a traditional transmission and adds a pure electric mode, while creating direct drive to the rear axle from the internal combustion engine. The electric drive system uses three power-dense YASA axial flux electric motors, with one motor for each rear wheel providing direct drive to that wheel and the third motor on the crankshaft. Koenigsegg claims that the Regera will accelerate from 150 kph (93 mph) to 250 kph (155 mph) in 3.2 seconds and will accelerate from zero to 400 kph (249 mph) in less than 20 seconds.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Aventador SV
Lamborghini debuted the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce in Geneva, with increased power, lighter weight, improved aerodynamics and new technologies. The power from the naturally-aspirated V12 engine has increased to 750 horsepower, and with all-wheel drive the Aventador LP 750-4 SV will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of more than 217 mph.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Aventador SV
“The new Aventador Superveloce continues the Lamborghini tradition of SV models, pushing the boundaries in terms of performance and pure driving emotion,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. The original Aventador debuted four years ago as the flagship of the Lamborghini line and has been the most successful V12-powered Lamborghini model.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lexus LF-SA Concept
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the first Lexus model, the flagship LS 400, and this ultra-compact, sub-B-segment 2+2 city car explores new territory for Toyota’s premium brand. The LF-SA represents an extreme expression of the brand’s design philosophy, with the highly sculpted surfaces and angular patterns exploding from the center Lexus logo.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lexus LF-SA Concept
The front of the car is dominated by the most extreme version of the brand’s spindle grille, with a three-dimensional shape that carries through the front fenders and defines the sides of the car. Despite the compact exterior dimensions, designers aimed to create a spacious interior that emphasizes the driver. The LF-SA has a fixed driver’s seat and adjustable steering wheel and pedals. The front passenger seat slides to allow rear-seat access. The information system includes a hologram-style digital display in the instrument panel and a wide-angle head-up display.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Lotus Evora 400
In Geneva Lotus debuted the new Evora 400, the latest version of its flagship mid-engine 2+2 coupe. The Evora 400 is powered by a 400-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine equipped with an Edelbrock supercharger. The driver can choose between Drive, Sport and Race engine mapping modes and an active exhaust valve control. Standard equipment includes a lightweight composite rear diffuser, a 3-element rear wing, red brake calipers, 10-spoke alloy wheels (19 inch front and 20 inch rear), Michelin Pilot Sport tires, Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Lotus Evora 400
The standard interior configuration features-leather trimmed seats with technical fabric inserts. An Alcantara Pack and a Leather Pack are optional. The Alcantara Pack includes leather and Alcantara trimmed seats, Alcantara instrument panel fascia and binnacle top with silver stitching, Alcantara door inserts and gunmetal trim. The Leather Pack includes leather and perforated leather trimmed seats, leather instrument panel fascia, black leather binnacle top, perforated leather door inserts and gunmetal trim. A Black Pack includes black roof, black sills, black mirror caps, black splitter and a black Lotus logo on the rear.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren 675LT
The new 675LT was developed with a focus on optimized aerodynamics and light weight, along with increased power and track-focused dynamics. The 675LT designation reflects the 675 horsepower output of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and the long-tail design to improve aerodynamics. McLaren produced a long-tail version of the McLaren F1 GTR in 1997 and one of the updates was a wider track, front and rear. The 675LT also features wider front and rear tracks, as well as lighter, stiffer springs.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren 675LT
The McLaren 675LT uses a 7-speed SSG transmission with Normal, Sport and Track modes, which has been recalibrated for shifts that are twice as fast as previous versions. The 675LT features a carbon fiber MonoCell chassis. The suspension is aggressive for a better feel on the track, but retains the adjustable ProActive Chassis Control for drivability and comfort on the street. Priced at 259,500 pounds (approx. $395,000), 675LT deliveries will begin in July 2015 and production will be limited to only 500 examples.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren P1 GTR
The track-only McLaren P1 GTR debuted in Geneva painted in a yellow and green livery, inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR chassis #06R that was one of five F1 GTRs that competed at Le Mans in 1995. All changes to the P1 GTR from the road car are specifically for track performance, including a wider track, lower ride height, aggressive front splitter, 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels and the a fixed rear wing. Lightweight components and motorsports technologies have saved more than 100 pounds in weight, and aerodynamic changes result in 10 percent more downforce than the P1 road car.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
McLaren P1 GTR
The powertrain of the P1 GTR has been extensively revised for optimum track performance, combining the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an enhanced lightweight electric motor for total output of 1000 horsepower. The P1 GTR was only offered to current McLaren P1 owners and McLaren is developing a P1 Driver Program for driver training, testing and evaluation, and track sessions.

© Mike Meredith Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Maybach Pullman
There is a new level of luxury and exclusivity from Mercedes-Benz —the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman chauffeur-driven limousine. At 6.50 meters (21.33 feet) in length, the Mercedes-Maybach Pullman offers generous room for two passengers to be transported in the utmost comfort, with executive seats as the standard configuration. Two additional passengers can ride in fold-down rear-facing seats. Also standard is full leather interior, including leather headliner and door frames.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Maybach Pullman
For privacy, a partition separates the driver from the passenger compartment. This glass wall can be lowered electrically, or it can be changed from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button. Three instruments in the roof of the passenger compartment inform the occupants about current temperature, vehicle speed and time. The Pullman is powered by a V12 Biturbo engine that produces 530 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Prices start at about a half million Euros (approx. $551,000)

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-AMG GT3
Mercedes-Benz showed its latest race car, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 which will be sold to customer teams to compete in the FIA GT3 series. Based on the Mercedes-AMG GT production car, the performance improvements for racing include a widener body, larger air inlets, fender louvers, a rear diffuser and a large rear wing. The main structure is an aluminum spaceframe, and the body is primarily carbon fiber.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-AMG GT3
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is powered by a 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine with a sequential 6-speed racing transmission mounted at the rear axle. The engine and transmission are connected with a rigid torque tube with a driveshaft inside. The transmission has an integrated locking differential, and the driver shifts via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 succeeds the SLS AMG GT3, which has earned 187 wins since 2010. The first customer cars are expected to be delivered by the end of 2015 for the 2016 season.

© Mike Meredith Automotive Content Experience
MINI Countryman Park Lane
The Countryman Park Lane is a new design and color combination for the Countryman: Earl Grey metallic paint with a new color — Oak Red — for the roof, mirror caps and optional sport stripes. The Park Lane gets 18-inch light alloy wheels in Turbo Fan Dark Grey, and the MINI ALL4 Exterior visual package adds silver body elements for the front valance, rear valance and side sills.

© Mike Meredith Automotive Content Experience
MINI Countryman Park Lane
Inside the MINI Countryman Park Lane, surfaces are finished in Cross Stripe Grey with Carbon Black trim for the doors and center console, designed exclusively for this edition. The MINI Countryman Park Lane is available with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. A high-end equipment package called the MINI Countryman Park Lane Chili is available, which includes LED fog lights, sport seats in fabric/leather, automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor with automatic light control and a leather sport steering wheel.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Nissan Sway Concept
Nissan gives us a look at a future compact hatchback with the Sway concept, applying bold design to a relatively conservative auto segment. The Sway boasts four distinctive design elements: a V-motion grille, a floating roof, boomerang lights and a kicked-up C-pillar. Sway follows the new design language of last year’s Lannia Concept and the new Murano; it’s Nissan’s first application on a European hatchback.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Nissan Sway Concept
Sway gets swathed in Bluish Dawn Grey — gray paint with hints of blue that become visible under the right lighting conditions; particular body elements receive splashes of orange paint for contrast. The interior employs a darker blue with ivory, as well as orange highlights that match the exterior. The interior incorporates techniques from industrial architecture, such as structural aluminum elements; the “gliding wing” dashboard is inspired by Nissan’s IDx, first shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
In Geneva Porsche premiered the ultimate road version of the 911: the new 911 GT3 RS. Taking engine, aerodynamic and lightweight design modifications to a higher level than the 911 GT3, Porsche has incorporated motorsports technology while still maintaining street drivability. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS has lapped the North Loop of the famous Nurburgring racetrack in 7 minutes and 20 seconds — five seconds faster than the 911 GT3. The 911 GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engine that develops 500 horsepower and 338 lb-ft of torque, combined with a specially-developed PDK transmission with motorsports functionality such as paddle neutral declutching and Pit Speed limit button. The 911 GT3 RS will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Lightweight design elements include a magnesium roof, carbon fiber engine cover and carbon fiber luggage compartment lid, which along with other lightweight components reduces the weight by 22 pounds over the GT3. The GT3 RS uses the 911 Turbo body with RS aerodynamic additions, including a front lip spoiler, wheel arch vents in the front fenders and a fixed rear wing. The hood and roof include a 30 cm (11.8 inch) recess which Porsche calls a reference to classic air-cooled 911 models. The interior is derived from the GT3, including Alcantara elements with full bucket seats based on the carbon fiber seats from the 918 Spyder. The 911 GT3 RS GT4 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015 with a starting MSRP of $175,900 (plus a $995 destination charge).

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Cayman GT4
The new Cayman GT4, the first Porsche GT version of the mid-engine coupe, has been upgraded for improved performance — from the aerodynamic design to engine, suspension and brakes — and includes many components from the 911 GT3. The ride height has been lowered 30 mm (1.18 inches) to improve aerodynamics. Up front is a new spoiler, three large air inlets and an air vent at the front of the hood; a fixed wing adorns the rear decklid. The Cayman GT4 is powered by a 385-horsepower 3.8-liter flat 6-cylinder derived from the 911 Carrera S engine.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Cayman GT4
Equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts, the Cayman GT4 lapped the North Loop of the Nurburgring in 7 minutes 40 seconds — the same time as the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3. Porsche performance numbers include zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top track speed of 183 mph. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system, carbon fiber seats and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app. The Cayman GT4 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015 with a starting MSRP of $84,600 (plus a $995 destination charge).

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rolls-Royce Phantom “Serenity”
A Rolls-Royce Phantom is already an exclusive vehicle, but there is an entire team at the automaker chartered to create personalized bespoke Rolls-Royces. Their latest creation is the Rolls-Royce Serenity. While the exterior is understated, the effort creating this look is impressive. Its Mother of Pearl paint is the most expensive one-off paint ever developed by Rolls-Royce — the color achieved in a three-stage pearl effect and hand polished for 12 hours.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rolls-Royce Phantom “Serenity”
The elegant interior makes use of the finest hand-woven silk embroidered with copper-colored branches and white petals. The crimson flower petals are then hand painted directly onto the silk — an effort that takes up to 600 hours of work per panel. The Serenity is at the extreme end of personalization, but a full 85 percent of all Rolls-Royce motor cars sold around the world are commissioned with some level of bespoke content.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE
With the debut of this sleek 4-door coupe and the SUV concept shown earlier this year in Detroit, we are getting a very clear look at the design cues we can expect to see on future production models from Volkswagen. “The Sport Coupe Concept GTE is another milestone of expressive design. With this concept car, Volkswagen is not only showing a new model’s design, but also initial glimpses of a new design era,” said Klaus Bischoff, head of design for Volkswagen. The wide stance and bold grille —along with the sleek coupe-like silhouette — give the concept an aggressive, sporty look.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE
Under the shiny new skin is a plug-in hybrid system that features a turbocharged V6 as well as two electric motors that combine to produce an impressive 374 horsepower driving all four wheels. With an electric range of 32 miles and a top speed of 155 mph, the GTE is estimated to achieve 118 mpg. Although this car won’t go into production as shown, we expect to see a vehicle with similar styling and powerplant in the near future.