Geneva Motor Show: Past Highlights
March 2021 marks the second year of an automotive world without the Geneva Motor Show. One of the largest European automobile salons, Geneva was among the first major shows cancelled in 2020 as the Coronavirus pandemic took hold. Show organizers again cancelled the event for 2021 and put its assets up for sale. While the fate of this huge show remains in limbo, one thing is certain: Geneva has played host to some amazing vehicle reveals. As we contemplate the future of the Geneva Motor Show, we offer a look at some of the most beautiful, exotic automobiles that premiered over the last few years at this amazing event.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
ALPINA B7 —2019
ALPINA has been creating high-performance exclusive vehicles based on BMWs for more than 50 years, and in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show the company unveiled its latest creation, the ALPINA B7. Based on the all-new BMW 7 Series, the ALPINA B7 takes the already impressive luxury sedan and upgrades both styling and performance. Under the hood of the ALPINA B7 lurks a Biturbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 608 horsepower and a prodigious 590 lb-ft of torque — a significant jump in power over the standard 7 Series. With this much power on tap, the ALPINA B7 can reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. Power gets sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission that has been adapted by ALPINA to match with the engine’s performance characteristics.
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Aston Martin Vanquish Concept — 2019
Mid-engine sports cars were the big news at the Aston Martin display during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the Valkyrie, Valkyrie AMR Pro and new AM-RB 003, the British marque showed a fourth mid-engine sports car: the Vanquish Vision Concept. Technical details were still a bit scarce at the time and remain so until further development occurs on this new model — we do know it will be powered by a version of Aston Martin’s new V6 engine that will be used as part of the hybrid system in the AM-RB 003. The vehicle will be built on a unique bonded-aluminum chassis. Aston Martin has announced they still plan to build this vehicle, but it will be a few years before the rollout of a production version.
Audi RS 3 Sportback — 2017
Following the introduction of the RS 3 sedan in Paris the previous fall, Audi chose the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as the venue to premiere this high-performance five door. The compact model boasts a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine pumping out 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. With traction courtesy of Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS 3 Sportback can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 174 mph. With a wide track, sport suspension and large brakes, the RS 3 holds its own against sports cars with much higher starting prices.
Bentley Continental Supersports — 2017
The Supersports resided at the top of the Bentley Continental lineup in 2017 as the British marque’s ultimate example of 2-door luxury and performance. Available as a 4-seat coupe or convertible, the Continental Supersports boasts a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that generates an immense 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. Teamed with a fast-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive, the Continental can reach 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Top speed is listed as 209 mph. The Supersports sets itself apart from the “common” Continental with unique front and rear bumper designs incorporating a carbon-fiber splitter and diffuser, as well as new side sill extensions and hood vents also finished in carbon fiber. The convertible features a multi-layer top to retain the luxurious, refined atmosphere of a coupe.
Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept — 2017
The luxury British marque surprised attending media at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show with a glimpse of a new concept car, the EXP 12 Speed 6e. Not only did this concept provide a look at a possible small, sporty roadster, it showcased Bentley’s commitment to offering an electric vehicle at some point. Smaller than the Continental GT, the two-seat roadster has a clean exterior design with flush door handles and cameras instead of rearview mirrors. The interior appointments of the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept are gorgeous with dark leather, chrome and a solid piece of curved glass for the high-definition screen. Few details on the electric powertrain were revealed during Bentley’s press conference, although some suggested the roadster should be able to drive between London and Paris on a single charge .
BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe — 2018
BMW revealed the Concept M8 Gran Coupe at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as a further evolution of the 8 Series and the M brand. The new 8 Series Coupe arrived later that year, with the 8 Series Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe joining the lineup in 2019. Building on the design of the BMW Concept 8 Series, the broad kidney grilles are flanked by headlights that contain a new interpretation of the BMW four-headlight front end with influence from the M8 GTE race cars, including yellow lighting elements. More than simply a 4-door sports car, the entire theme of the car is the intersection of luxury and performance, with a long hood, flowing roofline and short decklid focusing emphasis on performance.
Bugatti Chiron Sport — 2018
The Bugatti Chiron is already one of the most extreme sports cars available, but in Geneva the company revealed an even higher-performance Chiron — the Chiron Sport. The Sport gets the same powerplant as the “regular” Chiron: an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine producing 1500 horsepower and an insane 1180 lb-ft of torque, available as low as 2000 rpm. The Sport features a dynamic handling package that provides a stiffer suspension and torque vectoring while reducing weight by approximately 40 pounds. In an effort to reduce weight to every last ounce, the Chiron Sport has carbon fiber windshield wipers — the first time carbon fiber has been used on wipers for a production car. The Chiron Sport sprints to 62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds and 124 mph in around 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 261 mph.
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Bugatti La Voiture Noire — 2019
Bugatti created a handcrafted, one-off hyper sports car, La Voiture Noire, and unveiled it to attending media on opening day of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show press preview. Produced for a single Bugatti enthusiast, La Voiture Noire is a stunning, sleek grand touring coupe with sculpted bodywork in black carbon fiber — a modern sports car that pays tribute to the legendary Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. Under the hood of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire is the same 8.0-liter W16 engine with quad turbochargers producing 1500 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque that powers the Bugatti Chiron Sport. According to Bugatti, a car collector purchased La Voiture Noire for 11 million Euros — approximately 12.4 million dollars — making it the world’s most expensive new car.
Ferrari 488 Pista — 2018
The 488 Pista — which means “track” in Italian — features several enhancements over the 488 GTB to help it excel on the racing circuit. The Pista gets aero improvements that result in a 20 percent boost in efficiency versus the 488 GTB. The Pista features a lithium battery and new carbon fiber wheels. These tweaks contribute to an overall weight savings of almost 200 pounds. The car gets further enhancement via the most powerful V8 engine ever from Ferrari. The standard 660 horsepower in the 488 GTB gets pumped to almost 710 horsepower thanks to the Pista’s 3.9-liter turbocharged V8. Performance figures are impressive: 62 mph arrives in 2.85 seconds and 124 mph is eclipsed in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of more than 210 mph.
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Ferrari 812 Superfast — 2017
Throughout its storied history, Ferrari has affixed the Superfast moniker to a select number of vehicles, and this new Ferrari certainly deserves the designation. Billed as the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the marque’s history, the 812 Superfast boasts a new 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces a mind-boggling 789 horsepower at 8500 rpm. With a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox, the front-engine 812 Superfast reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 2.9 seconds. With enough road (or track) ahead, this fast Ferrari will top out somewhere north of 211 mph. The silhouette of the 812 Superfast evokes a sleek fastback; Ferrari says it’s reminiscent of the 1969 365 GTB4. At the rear are four round taillights — along with four exhaust outlets — that contribute to the 812’s wide stance.
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Ferrari F8 Tributo — 2019
The 2019 Geneva Motor Show featured the debut the newest and most powerful two-seat mid-engine V8-powered Ferrari ever: the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Replacing the 488 GTB in the lineup, the Ferrari F8 Tributo traces its history back to the classic Ferrari 308 GTB of the 1970s as the most powerful, aerodynamic and sophisticated model to date. The F8 Tributo boasts the most powerful V8 engine in Ferrari history for a series-production model. The 3.9-liter turbocharged 90-degree V8 produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque — 50 more horses than the outgoing 488 GTB. According to Ferrari, the F8 Tributo will sprint to 62 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, reaching 124 mph in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 210 mph.
Hennessey Venom F5 — 2018
In 2010 Hennessey introduced its first new vehicle, called the Venom GT. This extreme sports car has a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine and boasts a top speed of more than 270 mph. The bar was set — high. According to the company, engineers designed the F5 successor to the GT to “be the absolute fastest road car on earth.” The F5 features a new chassis and a carbon fiber body shaped to have the least possible drag. Ultimately the powerplant is most important when creating the quickest car in the world. In 2020 Hennessey introduced the final production version of the F5, powered by a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged Fury V8 that produces 1817 horsepower and 1193 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent gas-powered sports car in the world.
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Honda e Prototype — 2019
The Honda e Prototype debuted in Switzerland, previewing the production version that evolved from the 2017 Urban EV Concept. Clearly in the running for the cutest car at the 2019 Geneva show, the Honda e Prototype remains true to the look of the Urban EV Concept with a clean exterior design, long wheelbase with short overhangs, minimalist interior and advanced technology. An all-electric vehicle, the Honda e Prototype offers a wide stance and delivers power to the rear wheels for sporty performance. Honda e Prototype has a range of 124 miles and fast charge capability to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The car has a walk-through flat floor both front and rear to improve the sense of spaciousness. The e Prototype’s sophisticated dual-screen horizontal display is designed for optimal usability.
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Hispano Suiza Carmen — Geneva 2019
One hundred and fifteen years ago, Damian Mateu and Marc Birkigt founded a car company in Barcelona called Hispano-Suiza. Until the mid-1940s the company turned out more than 12,000 luxury automobiles. After what would be considered a lengthy hiatus, the company returned with an all-new model on display at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Named for Carmen Mateu — the granddaughter of the company’s founder and mother of the current president — the Carmen is a fully electric luxury hypercar. Working with QEV Technologies, Hispano Suiza outfitted the Carmen with two electric motors — one on each rear wheel — that combine to generate just over 1000 horsepower. Only 19 Carmens were projected to be built — at a price set at €1.5 million.
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Koenigsegg Jesko — 2019
At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg surprised his father by naming the brand’s newest vehicle after him. The Jesko’s carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is slightly longer and taller than the Agera, which provides a roomier cabin. Styling is clearly Koenigsegg with a massive rear spoiler instantly drawing the eye. The Jesko draws power from a redesigned 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 1280 horses on standard gasoline; when fueled by E85 biofuel, the power rating jumps to an incredible and incredulous 1600 horses. The Jesko has an all-new 9-speed “Light Speed Transmission” designed in-house that allows for practically instant gear changes from any gear to any gear. Only 125 Jeskos will be sold, and at the time of the reveal more than 80 had been spoken for.
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Koenigsegg Regera — 2017
In 2017 Regera was the new flagship of the Koenigsegg line, and in Geneva the company showcased the first delivery-ready example. This first Regera features a green-tinted clearcoat that allows the carbon fiber weave to show through. Designed to provide a more luxurious experience than the typically extreme offerings from Swedish carmaker Koenigsegg, the Regera has memory-foam power seats, a 9-inch display screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. No matter how this car gets appointed, the Agera is all about performance: a twin-turbo V8 engine teams with two electric motors via a unique direct-drive system. With more than 700 horsepower from the electric motors alone, combined output exceeds 1500 horsepower and 1475 lb-ft of torque. The Regera will reach 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and — even more impressive — almost 250 mph in less than 20 seconds.
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Lagonda Vision Concept — 2018
The Lagonda marque has been associated with Aston Martin for more than 70 years. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin announced that Lagonda will become a new luxury brand exclusively dedicated to zero-emission powertrains. As part of the announcement, the first look at what that could mean was showcased as the Lagonda Vision Concept. The Lagonda Vision Concept previews both design style as well as the type of technology and abilities that could be expected from the reborn brand as early as 2023. Looking more like a living room than an automobile, the concept’s four seats swivel like lounge chairs so they rotate to face each other. Similar to many other concept vehicles, the Lagonda is designed to be driven autonomously.
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Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster — 2019
In 2018 the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ coupe completed a lap of the famed Nurburgring-Nordschleife in 6:44.97, setting the record for a street-legal production car. That same level of performance is now possible in an open-top variant: the Aventador SVJ Roadster. Like the coupe, the roadster is powered by a normally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 770 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. With power delivered to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox, the SVJ Roadster can reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and 124 mph in 8.8 seconds. Top speed exceeds 217 mph — certain to be an unforgettable experience with the top down. The carbon fiber roof can be removed via quick-release levers for stowage under the hood. Only 800 Aventador SVJ Roadsters will be sold at a retail price of $573,966.
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Lamborghini Huracan Performante — 2017
Granted all models in the Lamborghini stable are incredibly sleek and fast, but periodically the Italian automaker introduces a special variant designed for even more extreme performance. At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, that model was the Huracan Performante. Utilizing forged carbon fiber to reduce weight by almost 90 pounds versus the standard Huracan, the Performante uses active aerodynamics to improve performance on the road and the track. The Huracan’s 5.2-liter V10 produces 640 horsepower. These changes delivered the desired effect — Lamborghini reported that the Performante completed a lap of the legendary Nurburgring in 6:52.01, making it one of the fastest production cars ever.
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Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe — 2018
Land Rover debuted a full-size luxury SUV Coupe at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show: the limited-edition 2-door Range Rover SV Coupe. Land Rover said it would build no more than 999 examples of the SV Coupe, and customers would be offered extensive personalization options. Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 557 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the SV Coupe would have been the fastest full-size Range Rover ever produced, and would have been the first Range Rover offered with a 23-inch wheel option. The enhanced luxury and exquisite craftsmanship continued inside with semi-aniline leather front seats featuring a gradated diamond quilt design unique to the SV Coupe. Ultimately Land Rover decided to focus on more mainstream products; the SV Coupe was cancelled before it could be produced.
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McLaren 720S Spider — 2019
In 2017 McLaren introduced the all-new 720S at the Geneva Motor Show. Two years later the 720S was again on display at the show, but without a top. The 720S Spider combines ultimate performance with open-air motoring. The retractable carbon fiber roof raises or lowers in 11 seconds. The entire top mechanism adds 108 pounds, conforming to McLaren’s dedication to lightweight performance vehicles. The 720S Spider’s 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures are on a par with the coupe — the sprint to 60 mph takes 2.8 seconds and 124 mph comes up in a hair under 8 seconds. Top speed is 212 mph; however, with the top open the driver has to settle for a mere 202 mph.
McLaren Senna — 2018
Named for late Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna, the model appearing at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show was the newest exotic from McLaren, designed to be the ultimate performance car for both street and track. The Senna uses the most powerful internal combustion McLaren engine ever put into a road car — a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces a mind-boggling 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at a mere 2,641 pounds, the Senna was the lightest road car from McLaren since the legendary F1. The light weight and enormous power make for some impressive stats. The new McLaren Senna can reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, 124 mph in 6.8 seconds and can complete a quarter mile in only 9.9 seconds. Top speed is listed at 211 mph.
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McLaren Speedtail — 2019
Many would argue that the McLaren F1 is one of the most significant sports cars ever built, breaking a 10-year-old record in 1998 to become the world’s fastest production car by clocking a maximum speed of 240.14 mph. The British carmaker subsequently created some thrilling sports cars, but nothing could really be considered a proper successor to that iconic F1 until the McLaren Speedtail. Referred to as a “Hyper-GT,” the Speedtail is the fastest production McLaren ever, boasting a top speed of 250 mph. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V8 teamed with an electric drive to produce 1055 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque. In homage to the iconic F1, the Speedtail has the driver sitting in the center of the cockpit, flanked by two passenger seats set farther back.
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Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door — 2018
As the high-performance tuning group associated with Mercedes Benz, AMG is best known for producing more muscular versions of existing Mercedes-Benz vehicles — AMG versions can be found on model lines ranging from the C-Class to the highly capable G-Class. AMG has produced two standalone sports cars — the SLS AMG and the current AMG GT — but the brand had never produced a 4-door sports car. The all-new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, offering impressive performance and gobs of power in a sleek 4-door configuration. Joining the ranks of vehicles such as the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7, this AMG GT is a fastback design. Three different variants of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe were produced, including the GT 63 S which can accelerate to 60 mph in about 3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 195 mph.
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Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet — 2017
The classic G-Class has been part of the Mercedes lineup since 1979, but this vehicle represents the first time the Maybach name has been associated with the go-anywhere SUV. The G650 Landaulet carries its rear passengers in luxurious seats taken from the flagship S-Class sedan, and — for the first time in a G-Class — the push of a button retracts a large folding top for open-air enjoyment. A glass panel can be electrically raised between the front and rear seating areas, and it can even be changed from clear to opaque with the press of a different button. Rear seats in the Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet have folding tables as well as thermal cupholders that can be heated or cooled. The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet does not lack power — its AMG biturbo V12 engine generates 630 horsepower.
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Pagani Huayra Roadster — 2017
The Pagani Huayra is one of the most extreme and unique vehicles on the road, and the roadster promised to be even more exclusive. The Huayra is fitted with an extremely light hardtop of carbon and glass that is easy to install, but there is no place for storing it in the car; a fabric and carbon cover stored in the car can be used in case of emergency. Lighter and stiffer than the coupe, the roadster exhibits the same incredible performance thanks to its Mercedes-AMG V12 engine tuned to produce 764 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
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Pininfarina Battista — 2019
The Pininfarina name has adorned some of the most beautiful cars ever built, but rather than being the design house for another car company, the Battista is built by Pininfarina. Named for Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina who founded the Carrozzeria Pininfarina coachbuilding company in 1930, the new Battista is an all-electric hyper GT car with a stunning carbon fiber body and carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Although the design is completely Pininfarina, the fully electric powertrain comes from Rimac. The Battista gets four electric motors — one at each wheel — for a combined output of 1900 horsepower and almost 1700 lb-ft of torque. Pininfarina claims the Battista is the most powerful street-legal car ever designed and built in Italy.
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Polestar 1 — 2018
Polestar has been building special high-performance versions of Volvo models since 2013, and in 2018 Polestar launched as a standalone electric performance brand. The first of at least three prospective models from the brand, Polestar 1 is a 2-door GT car with seating for four, built on Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture. As a showcase of what to expect from Polestar, the Polestar 1 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels while two electric motors drive the rear wheels. A third electric motor acts as an integrated starter generator. The Polestar 1 can travel up to 93 miles on electric power alone.
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Polestar 2 — 2019
After many years as Volvo’s performance arm, Polestar became a standalone electrified performance brand with the debut of the high-performance Polestar 1 coupe in 2018. At the 2019 Geneva show Polestar debuted the all-electric Polestar 2 — a volume model aimed squarely at the Tesla Model 3. Designed as a 5-door fastback, the Polestar 2 is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture platform that integrates the battery pack into the floor for improved chassis rigidity and reductions in noise, vibration and harshness. Polestar 2 is equipped with two electric motors driving all four wheels. Total output is a healthy 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Polestar 2 certainly stands out from the crowd with its frameless side mirrors, unique LED headlights, proximity lighting and illuminated Polestar logo.
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Porsche 911 GT3 RS — 2018
Porsche chose the 2018 Geneva Motor Show to introduce the latest iteration of its legendary 911 — the GT3 RS. As the race-bred, high-performance 911, the 911 GT3 RS joined the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS — both of which were new for the 2018 model year. Like the 911 GT3, the front and rear fascias of the GT3 RS are made of lightweight polyurethane, the hood and front fenders are carbon fiber, and the roof is magnesium. The GT3 RS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine producing 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever offered for a street-legal 911. The 911 GT3 RS achieves 60 mph in 3 seconds flat, with a top track speed of 193 mph.
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Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo — 2018
At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche provided a peek at the company’s plans for electrification with the debut of the Mission E electric sports car. Three years later Porsche took the wraps off the next step in its move toward electrification with the debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo. Engineers configured the original Mission E concept as a sport sedan, while this newest concept was designed to offer the utility and versatility inherent to a crossover utility vehicle. The Mission E Cross Turismo features two synchronous electric motors that deliver more than 600 horsepower to all four wheels with the ability to distribute torque to each wheel as needed. Recently Porsche took the wraps off the Taycan Cross Turismo — the company’s newest electric performance car based on this concept.
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Rimac C Two — 2019
The Rimac C Two was one of the most extreme cars on display at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show — a high rung to reach. The second model from Croatia-based Rimac, the C Two is billed as the most powerful electric hypercar in the world. The C Two draws power from four electric motors — one at each wheel — for a combined output of 1914 horsepower. Almost 1700 lb-ft of torque is generated instantly for acceleration that would leave any other car in its dust. The sprint to 60 mph takes 1.85 seconds and the C Two passes 186 mph in 11.8 seconds. Top speed is listed as 256 mph, and Rimac claims the C Two has a range of 550 km (about 342 miles) with its 120 kWh battery capacity.
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Subaru VIZIV Adrenaline Concept — 2019
Subaru debuted the VIZIV Adrenaline Concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show — a bold new design for a compact crossover that builds on the Subaru design philosophy of “Dynamic x Solid,” with a much more aggressive execution. The vivid blue paint contrasts with the black body protection and silver roof to create a dynamically strong impression with a clear link to Subaru’s rally racing heritage. Current Subaru models have protective cladding on the fenders, but VIZIV Adrenaline body protection extends from bumper to bumper, with nearly the entire front fenders covered. The VIZIV Adrenaline features a unique windshield shape, and the silver and black roof reinforces the body structure and ties in with silver skidplates front and rear.
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Techrules Ren — 2017
The Geneva Motor Show also hosts introductions from car companies unknown to most people in the West — Techrules, for example. In 2017 the Chinese automotive research and development company debuted what it called a final production version of its first hybrid supercar. The unique design features seating for three with the driver in the middle (like the McLaren F1) and was created by world-renowned automotive designers Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro. Utilizing the company’s unique Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle system, the Ren features two motors in front and four at the rear for a total of 1287 horsepower. Techrules claims the Ren has a range of 727 miles from 80 liters of diesel fuel, and that it can sprint to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds.
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY — 2019
The Volkswagen ID. BUGGY was one of the most fun vehicles introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show — the latest addition to VW’s series of electric concept vehicles. Both retro and modern, the ID.BUGGY concept takes inspiration from classic California dune buggies of the 1960s, complete with big 18-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tires. In true beach-buggy fashion, the concept has no doors and no roof. The ID.BUGGY’s open interior offers plenty of room but only seating for two. Built on VW’s new MEB modular electric drive platform, the ID. BUGGY features a rear-mounted 201-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels. This layout mimics the 1960s Beetle-based dune buggies with their engines mounted in back; an additional electric motor could be added to the front axle for 4-wheel-drive capability.
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Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept — 2018
The I.D. Vizzion Concept that premiered at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show was the fourth model in VW’s I.D. family — the most advanced of its time. Providing a look at what might be possible in 2030, the I.D. Vizzion sedan offers Level 5 autonomy which means its “digital chauffeur” can take complete control of driving tasks. There is no steering wheel or visible controls — the vehicle is operated by voice or gesture control. As with the other I.D. concepts, the Vizzion features an all-electric AWD system employing two motors and two transmissions. A 111-kWh lithium-ion battery resides beneath the floor for better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity. The front wheels are driven by a 101-horsepower electric motor, while a 201-horsepower motor drives the rear wheels for a total output of 302 horses.
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Zenvo TS1 GT — 2017
One of a few car companies that call the Geneva Motor Show their hometown event, Zenvo introduced the TS1 GT in 2017 to celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary. This exotic has power and performance that easily compete with some of the biggest names in the industry. Motivation for this menacing-looking sports car comes from a twin-supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine producing a stunning 1163 horsepower, teamed with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. To harness all that power, the TS1 has massive carbon-ceramic ventilated brakes. Zenvo claims the TS1 has a top speed of 233 mph. This isn’t a bare-bones supercar — occupants enjoy power-adjustable carbon sports seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display and a high-end audio system. Pricing has not been released, although it is likely in the million-dollar range.
