Porsche has reveals its new 911 GT3 in Geneva. The German brand says the road car’s 500 horse power, 4-litre engine is virtually identical to the one in the 911 GT3 Cup race car and - with the six-speed sports manual gearbox - it sprints to 62mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 198 mph. The new two-seater sits 25 mm lower than the 911 Carrera S while improved aerodynamics such as the large carbon fibre rear wing ensure it stays on the black stuff. The new Porsche 911 GT3 is on sale now priced at just under £112K in the road.
Volvo has revealed its second generation XC60. The new SUV is described as one of the safest cars ever made - and includes additional new crash avoidance technology such as Steer Assist and Oncoming Lane Mitigation. The all-new model is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, while a 407 bhp petrol-hybrid tops the range - delivering a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds. The new Volvo XC60 is set to go into production next month.
Mercedes has revealed its first ever performance hybrid by AMG in Geneva. The four-door GT Concept is powered by a V8 petrol engine coupled with an electric motor for a total power output of 600 kW - which translates in to 805bhp - helping the GT accelerate from rest to 62mph in under 3 seconds. The concept has 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as well as an F1 derived hybrid powerpack, ensuring that maximum electrical power is always on tap.
A new McLaren Super Series model has been teased in heavily camouflaged guise. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the second-generation car is said to offer ‘phenomenal stopping performance’ thanks to its standard-fit carbon-ceramic discs and bespoke Pirelli tyres. The new supercar can sprint to 124mph in 7.8 seconds - then brake to a standstill in just 4.6 seconds and 117 metres - second only at McLaren to the the P1.
Jeep has pulled the covers its all-new Compass SUV at the LA Auto Show. Described as having best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, the new SUV is available in four trim levels and with a choice of five engines – two diesel and three petrol. All models come with Jeep Active Drive, which can send 100% of the total torque to any wheel, as well as a Jeep Selec-Terrain system for up to five off-road modes. UK spec has yet to be announced, although a spokesman has confirmed that the Compass will be coming to our shores.
Alfa Romeo has revealed its first ever SUV - the Stelvio. Available in three trim levels, the range-topping Stelvio Quadrifoglio - unveiled in Los Angeles - has a 2.9-litre V6, delivering 505 bhp, for a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. All-wheel-drive is standard across the range along with a carbon fibre driveshaft, dual exhaust, alloy wheels and an F1-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with push button start. Alfa Romeo has yet to confirm when the Stelvio will arrive in the UK.
A special exhibition was held at the Paris Motor Show, celebrating the role of the car on the silver screen. ‘Engine! The Car at the Movies’ displayed historic film cars ranging from a 1977 ‘Transformers’ Chevrolet Camaro - albeit a replica - to the actual Porsche 908 driven by Steve McQueen in the 1971 ‘Le Mans’ film. A replica of the Ford Mustang from the 1968 film Bullitt - also starring McQueen - was on show alongside a Dukes of Hazard 1969 Dodge Charger, aka The General Lee.
Modern day film cars included James Bond’s new Aston Martin DB10 from the film ‘Spectre’ as well as the DBS which was heavily crashed in ‘Quantum of Solace’. No movie car collection would be complete without a ‘Back To The Future’ De Lorean - flux capacitor and all - which was joined by a fellow 80s icon - a recreation of the Ghostbusters converted Cadillac ambulance, also known of course as the Ectomobile.
Paris saw the unveiling of some new super-sexy Grand Touring cars. Ferrari pulled the covers off its new GTC4Lusso T. Replacing its predecessor’s V12 engine with a turbo-charged 3.9-litre V8, the new model is aimed at buyers seeking a sportscar that is drivable on a daily basis, says Ferrari. Switching from four-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has reduced weight, making it only a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph than the V12. Porsche revealed the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which was making its world debut at the Paris Show. The all-wheel drive super-coupé’s electric motor combines with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine to deliver a total system torque of 700 Nm – enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, or a 31 mile range in pure electric mode. And finally, there was a show debut for the Mercedes AMG GT R. Joining the new Roadster model, the hard-top GT R - finished in a Nurburgring-inspired ‘Green Hell’ paintwork- is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 with 585bhp for a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 198mph.
As the Paris Motor show enters its final week, we round-up some of the top concept cars making the headlines. Mercedes revealed its new Generation EQ SUV. Said to preview how future Mercedes electric cars might look, the concept is powered by two electric motors and has a range of up to 310 miles. Volkswagen unveiled its new zero-emissions I.D. concept. Based on an all-new vehicle architecture, VW says the I.D. will be the first of a new fleet when it launches in 2020, with prices comparable to those of the current Golf. The Lexus UX features rear-hinged doors, sharp lines and a coupe like roofline. The concept is expected to heavily influence a forthcoming CT200h hatchback replacement in a more SUV-like guise. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi pulled the covers off its GT-PHEV Concept. The GT stands for Ground Tourer, with the large SUV’s plug-in hybrid system using three electric motors and a 2.5-litre petrol engine for a combined hybrid cruising range of over 720 miles and CO2 emissions as low as 26g/km.
It isn't all Concepts and performance cars in Paris as many forthcoming production models were also on show. Kia revealed its all new fourth-generation Rio. With a ‘progressive’ new design and a longer wheelbase, Kia promises class-leading practicality and safety. Nissan’s all-new 5th generation Micra is aimed at the European market as opposed to the global design of its predecessor. It will come with a 0.9-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel unit when it launches in March 2017. The new Audi RS 3 made its debut in saloon form. The RS 3’s transversely-mounted 2.5-litre TFSI engine delivers a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 174mph. Hyundai pulled the covers off it all-new i30. Designed in Europe the i30 features a newly developed Cascading front grille, while power comes from a downsized engine line-up including an all-new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The 2016 Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of some highly anticipated performance cars. Ferrari revealed an open top LaFerrari Aperta. Thelimited-edition Aperta is available with a carbon-fibre roof or soft top and retains the same spec as its stablemate - resulting in a sub 3 second dash to 62 and a top speed of over 217mph. Honda gave a world debut to a new Civic Type R Prototype. Previewing an aggressive design direction for the production Type R - with plenty of carbon fibre and large 20-inch alloys - previous prototypes have often proved to be almost identical to the road car, which is set for market launch in late 2017. Hyundai chose Paris to launch its new performance N sub-brand with the RN30. Based on the new i30, the concept features a limited-slip differential, a lower, wider stance thanks to a motorsport-inspired body kit and is powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre turbo engine. Japanese electric vehicle specialist GLM unveiled its new G4 concept, based on the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS. Formally powered by a V8 petrol engine, this electric reworking has a total system output of over 540PS, with twin motors launching the G4 to 62 in less than 3.7 seconds.
The Paris Motor Show saw plenty of new SUVs as the segment continues to grow. Audi unveiled its new Q5 which has a completely fresh design. 90kg lighter than its predecessor, it features air suspension, revised engines and a focus on connectivity and technology. Meanwhile Peugeot revealed its seven-seat 5008. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, a sporty GT model will also be on offer when it goes on sale in Spring, 2017 SsangYong's LIV-2 premium SUV is set for market launch next year as the all-new Rexton. Power will come from either a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a newly developed 2.0-litre petrol turbo. Suzuki flyweight Ignis made its European debut in production-ready form, while no SUV round-up would be complete without Land Rover and in this case, the all-new Discovery.
Land Rover has revealed its all-new seven seat Discovery SUV at the Paris Motor Show. The new model is up to 480kg lighter than its predecessor, helping to deliver enhanced efficiency - with CO2 emissions as low as 171g/km. The engine range has been expanded to now include a 240PS diesel unit, while on the inside the new Discovery debuts Land Rover’s ‘Intelligent Seat Fold’ technology which allows you to adjust the second- and third-row of seats using a smartphone app. The new Land Rover Discovery is set to go on sale in Spring next year priced from £43,495 on-the-road.
BMW has revealed a new Concept X2 at the Paris Motor Show. Previewing a forthcoming production model, the compact concept has a sporty design with a stretched roofline, short overhangs and a heavily raked windscreen. Up front, huge air intakes give it a low-slung look while the tapering roof line finishes with a rear spoiler. Muscular wheel arches house large 21-inch-alloys, while grey body cladding contrasts with the Luminous Red paint finish.
Mercedes has unveiled its new AMG GT Roadster in Paris. The open-top two-seater will be available in two model variants when it goes on sale in 2017. The base model is powered by a 476 bhp 4.0-litre V8 while the flagship AMG GT C Roadster is tuned to deliver even more horse power, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and top speed of 196mph. AMG RIDE CONTROL and a widened track help with high speed cornering and if it rains, the roof will close in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.
Citroën has revealed a new CXPERIENCE concept ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut next month. The plug-in hybrid features a new body style and is powered by a petrol engine combined with an 80 kW electric motor, for a total power output of 300bhp. The low slung concept is only 1.37m tall and features an elegant ‘living room’ inspired interior accessed via rear-hinged doors. The concept’s front end includes an original light signature with a new take on the Citroën's layered headlight identity, while at the rear, a concave window improves aerodynamics.
Hyundai has released a short teaser film featuring its new generation i30. Set to be fully revealed online next month, before debuting at the Paris Motor Show, the new i30 is designed, developed, and tested in Europe. Penned by Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, it features flowing lines, a new Cascading grille and sculpted body. Hyundai also promises the new i30 will have an ‘efficient and dynamic’ engine line-up when it launches later in the year.
Mercedes-AMG has unleashed a new beefed-up R version of its GT supercar. Making its public debut at Goodwood, the new Merc is powered by a 4.0-litre, V8 engine with 585bhp for a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 198mph. Finished in a Nurburgring-inspired ‘Green Hell’ paintwork, the new GT R features a wider track, modified suspension, new aerodynamics front and rear and a lightweight construction - all designed for maximum driving dynamics.
Ever wondered how Goodwood owner and resident Lord March gets his breakfast? Well, to celebrate Ferrari’s attendance at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, a California T Handling Speciale - set to be showcased at this year’s Festival in late June - was driven by drift record holder Mauro Calo as he sped around the estate collecting the necessary ingredients for a good fry up. The Handling Speciale package adds a new stiffer suspension and modified gear-shifts for a sportier gear selection.. and it certainly seemed to help drift expert gather his groceries.
The new Sony PlayStation game ‘GT Sport’ was launched at London’s Copper Box Arena, to a wheel-spinning, tyre smoking fan-fare. Inviting a host of manufacturers to bring their specially made extreme concept cars, the floor was packed with dream machines - all of which feature in the new console game. A few privileged gamers were among the first to try out the new software, which was sanctioned by the FIA and built from the ground up to make global online competitions a reality. Speaking of reality, stunt drivers were on-hand outside to give guests a taste of real world racing.
