If you’re after a slightly more sensible automobile from the Aston Martin stable, this special-edition Vantage GT3 packs 600 hp. The track-inspired road car (the most powerful road car Aston has ever built) is around 220 lb lighter than a V12 Vantage S thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber. Like the Vulcan, the GT3 will be sold in very limited numbers - just 100 lucky buyers will be able to pick one up.
Audi R8
This is not a facelift. It might look
like one, but Audi assures us the new R8 is an entirely new model. Teased in the image above, the replacement for the ageing supercar (launched in 2007) features optional laser headlights and will share its chassis with the Lamborghini Huracan. Awesome. There’s even expected to be an all-electric e-tron version shown at Geneva.
Audi Prologue Avant concept
We first saw Audi’s drop-dead gorgeous Prologue concept car at last year’s L.A. motor show. But now the German manufacturer’s treating us to a wagon version. It could hint at a new top-of-the-range A9 model, and we really, really want it. Anyone who says wagons aren’t cool needs to take a look at this.
Audi RS3 Sportback
Take one Audi A3 Sportback, chuck in a 2.5-litre 367-hp engine and a quattro all-wheel
drive system and what do you get? A compact luxury car that’ll hit 60 mph in four seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph. It’s the second-generation version of the RS3, a model that never made it to North American shores. Sadly, we doubt this one will come here either.
Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur facelift
Speaking of Bentley, this new Bentley Continental GT might not look a lot different to the current model, but the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is now packing 590 hp - up from 575 hp. At the same time fuel consumption is improved, thanks to cylinder deactivation technology.
BMW 1 Series
Although BMW no longer sells the 1 Series in North America, we’re hoping that one day the German brand will. In Europe, the nameplate is reserved for a pair of three and five-door hatchbacks that are roughly the size of a VW Golf. For 2015 they’re going under the surgeon’s knife, and will feature a slightly new look. The critically acclaimed 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the Mini Cooper will also find a home under the hood of certain models.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
While we’d love to see the 1 Series hatchback here, BMW can keep this one for Europe. The 2 Series Gran Tourer is the car we thought we’d never see – a front-wheel drive, seven-seat mini-minivan. Think of a Mazda5 without the sliding doors and you won’t be too far off the mark.
BMW M4 MotoGP safety car
Do pace cars come much cooler than this? Sure, we love the matt black paint job and giant rear wing but what makes this M4 so special is water injection. Without getting too techy, the idea is that water sprayed into the air heading for the combustion chamber. This cools it down, resulting in more efficient combustion. So, better fuel economy and more performance. To come on BMW road cars of the future? Possibly.
Borgward
Remember German manufacturer Borgward? Maybe not - it went bust back in 1961. But the carmaker has issued a teaser video suggesting it’ll make a big return at Geneva 2015. It’s one to keep an eye on.
Ferrari 488 GTB
This is what’s going to be drawing the masses to the Ferrari stand at Geneva. It’s the 488 GTB, the turbocharged replacement for the popular 458. Its 4.0-liter V8 engine produces 670 hp and can hit 60 mph in less than three seconds.
Ford Focus RS
Ford couldn’t wait for Geneva to show off its new Focus RS, and who can blame it? It’s loud, brash and has tons of power. Just what you want in a car to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Subaru WRX STI. The 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine (borrowed from the new Ford Mustang) will produce “in excess” of 320 hp, while a new all-wheel drive system promises outstanding levels of grip. It’s going to be savage.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX debuted back in Detroit, but will get its first outing for European in Geneva. This stunning-mid-engined sports car combines a V6 engine with three electric motors; it makes more than 550 hp and is all-wheel drive. The only thing different about model bound for Switzerland is the fact that it wears a Honda badge as Acura does not sell cars in Europe.
Hyundai Tucson
This is the new Hyundai Tucson, and it’s a surprisingly handsome crossover. It was designed under the careful watch of Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for making Kias look good over the past few years. In addition to its nicely styled exterior, Hyundai has amped up the cabin quality. Watch out Honda CR-V.
Infiniti QX30 concept
What’s a premium manufacturer without a desirable crossover these days? Nissan’s upmarket sub-brand, Infiniti, is expected to launch the QX30 next year - but for now, we’ll be seeing the concept version at Geneva. The QX30 will share its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Kia Sportspace concept
If we were to say the words “Kia Optima wagon” to you, the pace of your heart beating is unlikely to change. But look at the picture above. This is the Sportspace concept, and it hints at the design of the new Optima due later this year. Please just build it, Kia. It’s stunning
Range Rover Evoque facelift
Range Rover's ever-popular Evoque gets a facelift which is set to debut at Geneva. It will feature new LED headlights and new four-cylinder Ingenium engines (as seen in the new Jaguar XE). We could even see a convertible version - is the world ready for an Evoque convertible?
Lexus GS F
The BMW M5-rivalling Lexus GS F will also be making its European debut at Geneva, after we got our first glimpse at Detroit last month. Its 5.0-litre V8 engine packs 477 hp
Lexus LF-C2 concept
And, like it or not, the LF-C2 is also coming following its Detroit debut. It’s a 2+2 convertible version of the Lexus RC coupe.
Lotus Evora 400
In a bid to take Lotus sales to another level, the English sports-car maker is launching its fastest road car yet. Power from the Evora’s 3.5-litre V6 has been boosted to 400 hp, meaning a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.
McLaren 675LT
McLaren’s been teasing bits of its 675LT for a while now, but it’ll finally be taking off the covers at Geneva. With 675 hp (you guessed it), the Longtail will be a more powerful version of its 650S supercar.
Mercedes-Maybach Pullman
After the ultimate in chauffeur-driven luxury? The 6.5-metre long Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is set to rival the Rolls-Royce Phantom. We’d hate to have to decide between the two.
Mitsubishi L200
One Mitsubishi Geneva unveiling we do know more about is the L200. Think of it as Mitsubishi's version of the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado. The company’s describing it as “sport utility truck” and it’ll be powered by a new 2.4-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With the midsize truck market growing in popularity, perhaps Mitsubishi should consider offering the L200 here.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Latest Porsche 911 GT3 not extreme enough for you? The Stuttgart manufacturer is set to
launch a 911 GT3 RS at Geneva, with a brand new six-cylinder engine and
a PDK automatic gearbox. It's expected to make over 500 hp.
Porsche Cayman GT4
This excites us more, however. It’s a 385-hp version of the Cayman, powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine from the 911 Carrera S.
It’ll come with a manual
gearbox and hit 62 mph in
4.4 seconds and reach a
top speed of 183 mph.
Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Camry is the most popular car on sale in the United States. The Avensis is its
European cousin. This is the
latest version which boasts a
snout that’s similar in appearance
to the Yaris subcompact
hatchback. We have to admit – they’re pretty slick looking.
Volkswagen Golf GTD Wagon
Speaking of never say never, this is the new Volkswagen Golf GTD Wagon, the performance version of the Golf SportWagen that’s set to go on sale later this year. Not only does it boast the same attractive styling and performance suspension as the GTI, it also gets 44 more horses and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. We’ve heard that VW is seriously considering selling the GTD hatchback in the U.S. – we’ve got our fingers crossed for the SportWagen version.
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