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.
Bentley has revealed the all-electric EXP 12 Speed 6e concept. The open-top sports car previews the luxury brand’s electric car strategy and features a new, advanced powertrain which includes rapid inductive charging. Cutting-edge technology and fine materials combine inside the luxurious cabin with plenty of leather and a handmade cut-away steering wheel which comes with an instant boost button on top. Bentley’s electric car roll-out kicks off with a hybrid Bentayga in 2018.
Hyundai’s first high-performance model - the i30 'N' - is being put through extreme winter testing in Sweden. World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville got behind the wheel, powersliding through snow and ice over a frozen lake to get a feel for the new car’s performance and handling. Reporting back to the engineers, the aim is to fine tune the Electronic Stability Control, Limited Slip Differential, steering, suspension and tyres. The Hyundai i30 N is set to hit showrooms later this year.
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.
Renault has taken its all electric ZOE hatchback and added some Formula E race-car knowhow, to create the striking ZOE e-sport concept. The battery-powered hot-hatch is driven by two electric motors delivering a total system output of almost 460bhp - launching it from rest to 62mph in just over 3-seconds. Aerodynamics additions include a flat undercarriage, a rear diffuser and a large carbon fibre tailgate spoiler.
Vauxhall has pulled the covers off its new urban crossover - the Crossland X. Seen here with sister company Opel badging, the new model is described as compact on the outside, and spacious on the inside with an SUV-look, and an elevated seating position. Technology features include a head-up display, a panoramic rear view camera and LED headlights. Power comes from a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with manual and automatic transmissions. The Vauxhall Crossland X arrives in showrooms this summer.
The new Volkswagen Arteon has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Replacing the CC, the five-door GT becomes the top model in the VW range - and combines sports car elements with the space of a fastback. The Arteon will be available in three trim levels: standard, elegance and R-line - seen here - and comes with a choice of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Top of the range models get the dual clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the new Arteon are expected to start from around £30k.
The Geneva Motor Show has seen the covers come off the most powerful production Ferrari ever - the aptly-named 812 Superfast. Power comes from a 6.5-litre V12 engine, pumping out a hefty 800 PS - 60 more than the F12berlinetta - for a sub 3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 211mph. The 812 Superfast is described as having near-perfect aerodynamics and is also the first Ferrari to feature Electric Power Steering. The asking price is expected to be in the region of a quarter of a million pounds.
Unveiled in Geneva the FE Fuel Cell Concept previews Hyundai’s next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The FE, which stands for ‘Future Eco’, is inspired by nature and water - the car’s only emission. Power density of the fuel stack has increased by 30% compared to the current generation system, boosting the car’s range to more than 500 miles. Hyundai says that elements of the FE Concept will influence an SUV Fuel Cell model set for launch in 2018.
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.
Land Rover has unveiled its brand new Range Rover Velar, at a start-studded event in London. The stylish, luxury SUV slots between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, and features new slender full LED headlights, flush door handles and state of the art infotainment with 2 10-inch HD touchscreen. The Velar is available in four trim levels and with a choice of six petrol or diesel engines, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the road pricing starts from £45k for the 2.0-litre diesel, topping out at over £85k for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol powered ‘First Edition’.
In the latest round of Euro NCAP’s crash tests, Fiat’s 500 and Ford’s all-new Ka+ scored just three out of five stars apiece. After more than 10 years on the market, the 500 was recently facelifted, but this did little to improve safety, according to a Euro NCAP report which noted poor protection for the driver and rear seat passenger. Fast forward 10 years to Ford’s brand new Ka+, which was described as offering ‘mediocre safety performance’ - lacking the more sophisticated restraint systems offered by most of its rivals, including the Citroën C3 which scored higher marks in the same tests.
Jeep has launched a new, limited edition ‘Desert Hawk’ Renegade with a dramatic stunt in which top British Sandboarder, Alex Bird, became the first in his sport to be towed by a car in the UK. Bird reached speeds of up to 40mph, as he performed several stunts and jumps, negotiating 90-foot sand banks. Powered by a 170 bhp 2.0-litre diesel, the Renegade tackled the sand dunes with the help of standard-fit all-wheel drive, an 8.7-inch ground clearance and a dedicated ‘Sand Mode’. On sale now the Desert Hawk starts at just under £29k OTR.
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.
Celebrating Aston Martin’s recent partnership with Red Bull Racing, the British brand has revealed special edition V8 and V12 Vantage S models. Finished in the F1 team’s Mariana Blue, and inspired by the race car’s livery, carbon fibre detailing includes a front splitter and rear diffuser. On the inside, embroidered headrests and a 12 o’clock steering-wheel stripe add to the sporty interior. The special edition models are finished with a signature from F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen on a commemorative sill plaque.
Chevrolet has pulled the covers off a life-size LEGO Batmobile to celebrate the release of “The LEGO Batman Movie”. Inspired by the caped crusader’s ‘Speedwagon’ featured in new movie, the special project measures 17-feet long and uses 344,187 individual bricks. Master LEGO Builders started with the tyres, and then built the car from the ground up around 5 separate lower sections. The special Batmobile will now feature in Chevrolet’s latest ad campaign while the new movie is in cinemas now.
Toyota has revealed its second generation Prius Plug-in. The new car can now achieve a higher maximum EV speed of 84mph, and can also cover twice the distance of its predecessor, more than 30 miles. The Prius Plug-in also debuts a world first range-extending solar roof delivering a 'pumping charge' to the main hybrid battery which, in itself has doubled in capacity. On-the-road prices start at £29,195 after the UK Government’s plug-in car grant.
Jaguar drivers can now use their car’s touchscreen to pay for fuel with a new onboard cashless payment app. Once installed, drivers can pull up at any Shell service station and select how much fuel they require and from which pump. After refuelling, the customer is charged via a cloud based system using Paypal or Apple Pay and an electronic receipt is displayed on screen, as well as being sent by email. The app is available to download now.
A new flying car - the PAL-V Liberty - has gone on sale. Powered by two fully certified Rotax airplane engines, when driving, a lowered suspension and tilting cockpit adds to a ‘sports car feel’ says PAL-V. The car can transform into a gyroplane in under 10 minutes, and needs as little as 90m to take off from either a grass or concrete airstrip. Maximum flight speed is 110mph with a 310 mile range. Fully compliant with existing safety regulations on both the ground and in the air, prospective owners will need a license to fly.
