It’s Europe’s, if not the world’s, most respected car industry shindig so as the Geneva Motor Show officially kicks off, we’ve trawled every nook and cranny of the exhibition centre to bring you six of the biggest, boldest and most photogenic new cars on display this year.
Ferrari 488 Pista
Pista is Italian for track, as you of course already knew, so no prizes for guessing that this version of the 488 GTB has been stripped back and tuned up with frighteningly fast lap times in mind. The most powerful Ferrari V8 ever built with 711bhp, it’s capable of hitting 62mph in 2.9 seconds, as quick as Ferrari’s range-topping hypercar, LaFerrari. The nose has been stunningly redesigned to allow air to pass through the front bumper and increase downforce, while weight has been reduced across the board – from the wheels to the minimalist interior. The order book opens soon at £252, 695.
Jaguar I-PACE
Electric cars are once more the hot topic this year, so Jaguar’s first ever all-electric model couldn’t come soon enough. Ian Callum has designed this Tesla-rivalling SUV to be visually different from the rest of the Jag line-up and to reflect the brand new dynamics that power it. The result is a brilliant blend of future-facing design and engineering that has ‘car of the year’ written all over it. Metaphorically of course.
Aston Martin Lagonda Concept
Aston’s sister brand of sorts, Lagonda, has been dusted off and given a high-tech makeover to mark the plan to launch two super-luxury electric saloons to rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley by 2021. While this is very much a dreamy concept that wouldn’t look out of place in the next Blade Runner movie, the intention is clear – to lure the luxury buyer who wants sci-fi cool instead of old-world charm.
BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe
The new 8 Series is one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2018 and this concept of what will closely resemble the sportiest M8 model ramps things up again. A four door luxury performance saloon that will likely have the same groundwork as the recent M5 – a 4.4 litre V8 with power approaching the 600bhp mark. In the metal, it’s a mesmerising and menacing sight that will also cause you to rethink your views of green cars - officially Salève Vert.
Audi ABT-RS4 R
German tuning firm ABT Sportsline has produced what might just be the ultimate Dad car. A 523bhp tuned up beast, with more side skirts than a fashion show and performance figures that will no doubt beat its already impressive stats. Oh yes and you can still put the shopping into its sizable boot space. What suburban dreams are made of.
Range Rover SV Coupé
This two door ‘coupé’ from Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team plays on the heritage of the 1970s original and will be both the quickest and most expensive Land Rover ever built. With only 999 made at £240,000, it also puts the marque into the increasingly competitive ultra-luxury SUV sector.
