Geneva plays host to one of the most interesting auto shows of the year, where supercars and conceptual masterpieces play alongside far more pedestrian offerings. This year looks to be no different.
The London Taxi Company (LTC) is testing its electric black cab, on sale at the end of 2017, in extreme conditions in Norway’s Arctic Circle.
McLaren
The 720S mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercar is the successor to the 650S Coupé. At 1,283kg it is 18kg lighter than its predecessor, but by borrowing construction notes from the P1 hypercar, the 720S integrates the upper part of its chassis with the monoqoue carbon-fibre “tub” (and given the moniker “Monocage II”), which results in extreme strength and rigidity and incredibly thin pillars (subsequently, McLaren claims it has the best visibility of any supercar in world).
BMW
BMW has revealed the 2017 “semi-autonomous” 5 Series Touring at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The car is intended to “point the way to automated driving with the help of new assistance systems”. The 5 Series Touring has Crossing Traffic Warning and Priority Warning, Lane Change Assistant and Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, and evasion aid.
LAMBORGHINI
Automobili Lamborghini’s Huracán Perfomante has a 5.2-litre V10 engine producing 640hp and 442lb ft of torque. It’s 40 kilograms lighter than a standard Huracan coupe and in October the Performante set a production car lap record of 6:52.01 around the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. The car’s top speed reaches 202mph and it realises 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds.
Mercedes
Mercedes has unveiled the GT Concept car, built within its AMG performance division. The four-door hybrid is a preview of its “third completely independently developed sports car”, has a 4.0-liter V8 engine and can reach 100km/h in less than 3 seconds.
Porsche
First unveiled back in 2012, Porsche has finally revealed the production model for its Sport Turismo concept. The estate car, which is loosely based on the Panamera sedan, comes in five different versions and will start shipping in the UK in October. It’s available with a range of engines up to 500 hp and four-wheel drive – there’s also a large tailgate, low boot loading-sill and room for five people.
FERRARI
The aptly-named Superfast will hit a top speed of 211mph thanks to its 6.5-litre V12 engine.
Like the McLaren, it’ll also hit 62mph in 2.9 seconds – making the prospect of a match-up between the two extremely exciting.
Ferrari has opted for a new electronic power steering assist for the 812, which could make it easier to wrestle around corners at top speed once it gets on the track. For the meantime, we’re content to just sit back and look at it.
