Geneva motor show 2018: news round-up and all the cars
Our full round-up of the 2018 Geneva motor show with details on all the big new cars and major news stories.
The Geneva motor show is arguably the world's most influential car exhibition, and 2018’s display certainly strengthened that claim with umpteen new car releases. We can’t wait to drive all the new models in the months to come.
As ever, the evo team was out in force to bring you the latest news emerging from the 2018 Geneva motor show, going from stand to stand, looking for that extra nugget of information from the industry heads on hand.
Below we list the major car launches from the 2018 Geneva motor show and walk you through what each marque brought to the exhibition. Not only will you find the new models that you can expect to see on the road in the coming months, but also a round-up of our favourite cars, hidden gems and out-there concepts. Our live picture gallery contains the best images from Geneva and you can relive the action as it happened with our Twitter feed.
Just scroll down for all our great Geneva Motor show content…
Geneva Motor Show 2018: the star cars
> evo’s best cars at the 2018 Geneva motor show
> Toyota Supra - the long-awaited return of the Supra, albeit in race car concept form. > BMW M8 Gran Coupe - BMW's new 8-series range gains a 4-door flagship.> Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door - two extra doors for the AMG supercar.> Porsche 911 GT3 RS - we're expecting pure-bred Porsche magic from the latest RS.> Ferrari 488 Pista - the successor to the 458 Speciale has big loafers to fill.> Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder - that V10 is going to get louder as the Perfomante blows its top.> Bugatti Chiron Sport - no extra power but a stiffer chassis and less weight.> Ruf SCR 2018 - over 500bhp from a naturally aspirated flat-six, what’s not to like.> McLaren Senna GTR - just a concept now, but confirmed for production.> Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro - a redefining hypercar we can’t wait to experience
Geneva motor show A to Z of manufacturers
The important cars from each manufacturer A to Z. Scroll down for all the Geneva Motor Show info...
True to form, Abt hasn’t let the RS4’s inherent pace stop it trying to extract even more power and speed from the estate. Thanks to its add-on ECU and sports exhaust system (with 102mm carbonfibre tailpipes), the Kempten-based tuner has coaxed 523bhp and 509lb ft of torque from the V6 in its RS4-R.
Alfa Romeo
To celebrate its recent triumphs at the Nürburgring with the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo is producing a limited run of NRING special editions of both models. By and large the changes for the duo are aesthetic and consist of lots of new carbonfibre trim, inside and out. Alfa is also debuting a new flagship trim for the Giulia, as well as new option packages for the 4C.
Alpina
With the current generation X3 making do without a high-performance diesel derivative, Alpina saw fit to fill the void with the XD3. In performance terms it’s on a par with the BMW X3 M40i, developing 328bhp and a whopping 516lb ft of torque. As usual, it's adorned with recognised Alpina identifiers to provide distinction from its petrol-powered counterpart.
Alpine
A year on from its Geneva debut the Alpine A110 returns with two new trim levels to show: Pure and the more luxurious Legende. The pair will succeed the Premier Edition trim which sold out shortly after the car was announced, but neither will carry significant changes over the aforementioned launch model. Alpine has been quick to reveal its second race-derived A110, to follow the Cup car, in the shape of the A110 GT4.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin has unveiled a track-only variant of its forthcoming flagship hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro. As if the standard car’s performance wasn’t impressive enough, Aston Martin has extracted more power from the V12, taking total power past 1100bhp, dropped the weight to 1000kg, and grafted an aero package on that generates 1000kg of downforce.
Aston has also revealed the all-electric Lagonda Vision Concept, which previews the design language that will shape future models under the forthcoming Lagonda sub-brand.
Audi
Audi’s fifth-generation A6 has debutted in both saloon and estate forms, slotting into its familiar place in the the Audi line-up below the flagship A8. Indeed, it’s the A8 that is the influence for the A6’s design, inside and out. As the new model rolls out hotter variants will follow in the shape of the the S6 and RS6. The former has already been spotted undergoing performance testing at the Nürburgring ahead of a late 2018 release.
Bentley
To broaden the Bentayga SUV’s appeal Bentley has introduced a plug-in hybrid model to follow the recently announced V8 version. The Bentayga shares hybrid hardware with its VW Group stablemate, the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
BMW
Munich's worst kept secret, the new BMW M8, is inching closer to its reveal, however it hasn't arrived in production-ready form just yet. Instead, BMW is displaying the concept version dubbed the M8 Gran Coupe and it's essentially the latest installment of the new 8-series family. Due to share the same drivetrain as BMW's latest M5, the new M8 will be based on the all-new BMW 8-series coupe, which is only the marques second since the original launched in 1989. Unlike the original, we wouldn't be surprised to see the M8 spread into Cabriolet and even four-door Gran Coupe form.
BMW has also bolstered its SUV line-up with the new X4, in essence a shrunken-down X6. We’ve already had a chance to drive it ahead of its public debut. Suffice to say it provided no shocks, falling short of the Porsche Macan.
Bugatti
The Bugatti Chiron Sport promises a more focused edge courtesy of subtle chassis tweaks and a small diet, however the W16 engine has been left untouched, leaving room for a rumoured Supersport version boasting more power. The price for what we expect to be the first in a line of special-edition Chirons stands at £2.36m.
David Brown Automotive
David Brown's a new flagship model based on the Aston Martin, DB5-aping Speedback GT has been shown to the public for the first time. Coined the David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition, it pays homage to the firm’s headquarters in Silverstone, and David Brown Automotive has confirmed it will have 593bhp.
Ferrari
A hardcore track special and one of the most anticipated cars of 2018, Ferrari’s 488 Pista will be a year-defining supercar. Ferrari has liberated an additional 49bhp and 9lb ft of torque from the 488 GTB’s 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 and has also shed 90kg of weight with extensive use of carbonfibre. The resulting performance figures are staggering: 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds; 0-124mph in 7.6 seconds.
Fiat
Fiat and Abarth have presented new versions of their respective 124 Spider models, although neither benefits from any mechanical upgrades. However, the Abarth 124 GT Spider receives a hard-top – constructed from carbonfibre – for the first time, and lightweight wheels, too. Changes for the Fiat 124 Spider S-Design are purely superficial and without a performance focus.
Ford
Ford has announced that the Bullitt Mustang, a limited edition Mustang based on the 1968 cult film of the same name, will be sold in the UK and Europe. Prices and UK specifications have yet to be finalised, but it will retain the same upgraded 5-litre V8 as in the US.
Producing 458bhp and 388lb ft of torque, the Bullitt's extra agrunt comes from a combination of a redesigned induction system and tweaks to the car's ECU. The mechanical upgrades are not what everyone will be thinking about when you roll into the local Tescos though, as those American muscle car looks paired with that nostalgic livery will probably make this one of the most sought after muscle cars to ever reach the UK.
GFG Style, founded by famous Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, has teamed up with Envision to realise the Sibylla concept. Beneath its sporty and futuristic body, which features a glasshouse roof, lies an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain comprising four electric motors.
Honda’s all-electric hatch concept endeared itself to the motoring community when it debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show. As a result, Honda announced the retro-inspired EV would make production in 2019.
Italdesign
Italdesign has returned to the show with a convertible variant of the Zerouno coupe, which received a warm reception at Geneva in 2017. The Duerta borrows the running gear from an Audi R8 V10 Plus, which is integrated into the carbonfibre and aluminium chassis. The bespoke supercar is also clad in carbonfibre body panels with an aggressive aero package. It’s rumoured to have a price tag north of £1million.
Disappointingly, Jaguar hasn't whipped the covers off any new SVR-badged models, rather it has unveiled the I-Pace in production guise, having already shown off the concept last year. The £64k, all-electric SUV boasts impressive performance, with 394bhp and 514lb ft of torque seeing it sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds.
We’ve already seen the Ceed shorn of disguise in pictures, but Geneva marks our first glimpse of it in the metal. As a driving proposition the signs are good for the new Ceed. It sits on a more rigid platform, benefits from independent rear suspension and has been set up to capture some of the handling and dynamic qualities of the Kia Stinger, according to the Korean manufacturer. As the model evolves it could spawn a GT variant, as topped the outgoing Ceed line-up.
It’s hard not be effusive about a new Lamborghini, especially when it’s an SV or Performante model. This rung true when the covers came off the Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder. Just like the coupe, the soft-top derivative receives a 631bhp V10 engine that drives all four wheels via a dual-clutch transmission.
Lexus has augmented its SUV line-up with the new Lexus UX. It will slot into the model range below the NX and contest a congested segment including the likes of the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40. Lexus has also shown off its new range-topping RC 300h model in the shape of the F Sport Black Edition.
Mansory has brought its obligatory band of overwrought models to Geneva – they’re certainly an acquired taste. While the extroverted designs split opinion, the power upgrades will be well received by all. To see Masonry’s take on the Ferrari 812 Superfast, Aston Martin DB11 and McLaren 720S, click the link below.
MAT
evo was first acquainted with the ‘new’, reimagined Lancia Stratos back in 2010. Not only did it look the part, but it drove brilliantly too thanks to Ferrari F430 underpinnings – we branded it a five-star car. The plan to produce a limited run of cars never came to fruition after Pininfarina, who’d been enlisted to build the bodies, pulled out of the project on Ferrari’s orders. Now the model has returned with MAT (Manifattura Automobili Torino) assuming the production role in place of Pininfarina.
McLaren
McLaren’s new Ultimate Series car, bearing the name of legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, has be shown in full to the public for the first time. A quick glance at the Senna confirms that it is built for crushing lap times, and its vital statistics reaffirm this: 789bhp, 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 211mph. We’ll also see the first MSO-fettled Senna, clad in carbonfibre body panels, dubbed the Senna Carbon Theme.
The Senna has already spawned a more hardcore version too– the Senna GTR. Exclusively engineered with track times in mind, the GTR’s extreme aero package makes the cooking Senna look a little limp in comparison. Power will be pushed past 800bhp and drive the rear wheels through a ‘race-style’ transmission.
Mercedes-Benz
Aimed squarely at the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door production car will debut a year after the concept version was revealed. The super saloon will employ a hybridised EQ Power+ powertrain, with a power figure near 800bhp mooted.
Mercedes has already revealed the all-new A-class hatch, complete with new engines, chassis and infotainment system, this too headlines Mercedes' stand at the show.
You’ll also find a facelifted C-class that’s undergone a tech-based refresh but with very few visual updates to show, and Mercedes has revised its flagship saloon, the Mercedes-Maybach S650, in a similar fashion, adding new exterior and interior options to the luxury limousine.
Morgan
The British marque has revealed two milestone cars at Geneva. The first is a final iteration of the Morgan Aero 8, the racing-inspired Aero GT, which will round off 17 years in production for the model. Secondly, an anniversary edition of the Plus celebrates five decades’ worth of the roadster’s existence.
Pininfarina and the Hybrid Kinetic Group have collaborated on an all-electric, four-seater coupe. The sleek GT features bold design features such as double-length gullwing doors, however it still retains the typical coupe shape. Beneath it lies an advanced powertrain which develops 804bhp.
Porsche’s stand, as usual, will be surrounded by those trying to catch a glimpse of the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which looks particularly mean in Lizard Green. Sitting over its rear-axle, below the tall rear wing, you’ll find Porsche’s last naturally aspirated engine in existence boasting 513bhp, 346lb ft of torque and a 9000rpm red line.
Porsche has landed in Geneva with its second ever full EV, albeit in concept form. The Porsche E Cross Turismo carries all the technology developed so far for the Mission E, but wraps it in a more practical bodystyle, akin to the Panamera Sport Turismo, however it rides appreciably higher.
Range Rover
Range Rover will go back to its roots and offer a two-door model dubbed the SV Coupe. So far it's been photographed in testing and Range Rover released a teaser image of the opulent cabin that seats four. It’s being pitched as a rival to the forthcoming Rolls Royce Cullinan, with a price tag of £240,000.
Rimac
The Croatian manufacturer has unveiled the Concept Two having already teased the all-electric hypercar. Its predecessor the Concept One, offered up 1073bhp, so you can expect the Concept Two to have even more power as it places the Bugatti Chiron in its sights.
Ruf, once again, has arrived in Geneva with a show-stopping car dripping with evo appeal, the SCR 2018. Don’t be fooled by the appearance, though. It may look old-911, but it’s all modern. A carbonfibre tub reinforced with an integrated roll cage provides the mounting point for front and rear subframes, and under the rear deck you'll find a naturally aspirated 4-litre flat-six engine that produces 503bhp.
SEAT
SEAT’s strategy to launch Cupra as a stand-alone brand has been confirmed by its first model, the Ateca Cupra. Some 296bhp from a 2-litre turbocharged engine will make this the first non-premium performance SUV sold in Europe. We're also being showin the Cupra e-Racer track car while another hot model making its public debut – this time under the SEAT banner – is the Leon Cupra R ST to follow the sell-out hatchback-bodied version.
Skoda
Skoda has shown the Vision X concept in full having teased the crossover shortly before the show. With Skoda’s SUV ranks short of a junior model, the Vision X could be previewing a production model to fill the void. Furthermore, it showcases the brand's latest design language and developments in hybrid powertrains.
Startech
Startech, a subsidiary of renowned Mercedes-Benz fettlers Brabus, is showing the Aston Martin DB11 V8 SP610 at the 2018 Geneva motor show. A visual makeover is joined by further upgrades that elevate the V8 DB11’s performance beyond that of the V12 version.
Subaru
Last year, Subaru revealed a concept at the Tokyo motor show dubbed the Viziv Performance Concept. It was well received, billed as the long-term spiritual successor to the WRX STI, so Subaru has pressed forwards with an estate version, called the Visiv Tourer.
The Chinese R&D firm returns to the exhibition with a track variant of the Ren supercar that appeared last year. Its high-spec powertrain combines micro-turbine technology and electric motors to deliver 1287bhp, permitting a 0-62mph time of three seconds and a 205mph top speed.
Touring Superleggera
Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera has revealed its latest project and it’s called the Sciadiersia. Starting life as the two-door Maserati GranTurismo coupe, the Sciadipersia shares that car’s 454bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine and six-speed ZF automatic or single-clutch semi-automatic gearboxes. The interior is also based heavily to the GranTurismo sharing a similar basic layout, albeit finished with luscious waxy leather and solid polished aluminium trim pieces.
Toyota
We've been hopeful that the new Toyota Supra's reveal would happen at the Swiss show, alas Toyota has revealed another concept version instead. Regardless of the bad news, we already know much about the exciting new model, including its adoption of Gazoo Racing nonmenclature.
More mainstream, but equally important, is Toyota’s third-generation all-new Auris. Built on the brand's latest architecture, it will go head-to-head with the VW Golf.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has brought the next step of its I.D concept series to Geneva, this time in the form of a fully autonomous executive saloon. Called the I.D Vizzion, the four-door is around the same size as a contemporary luxury car such as the Audi A8, but differs from it, and all other production cars by its total lack of driver controls.
That’s because the I.D Vizzion is a ‘level five’ autonomous vehicle, meaning that under no circumstances must the driver need to take control of the car. This may not sound appealing to you or me, but one can’t deny the shifting nature of mass manufactured cars so it makes sense to be preparing for this autonomous, if boring future.
Zenvo
The small Danish supercar outfit has debutted a road-legal variant of the TSR, a track-only racer derived from the TS1 GT. As a result, Zenvo’s third TS model is expected to use the same twin-supercharged 5.8-litre, flat-plane V8, which sends 1177bhp to the rear axle via a seven-speed gearbox.
Geneva Motor Show 2018: news feed
The latest Geneva Motor Show news from the evo team...
