Digital Trends just returned from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show — one of the most significant auto shows in the world. While we were there, we glimpsed all of the latest and greatest automotive offerings. Of all the shiny bits of metal unveiled in Switzerland, though, 10 grabbed our attention. So we decided we ought to compile the best into one list. In alphabetical order, here they are.
Aston Martin DBX
Thought that Aston would never make a crossover or an EV? Well, that was mighty stupid of you, because it has gone and made both … in one! Meet the DBX and it shows the way forward for a new class of Astons, ones that should attract a different kind of buyer to the British brand. Each wheel has its own electric motor, so no linkage is needed, leaving loads of room in the platform for passengers. And what lucky passengers they are indeed, as the DBX has a simply stunning interior.
Aston Martin Vulcan
Now for something completely different from Aston: the 800-horsepower Vulcan. Standing at the Aston booth in Geneva, I asked an Aston rep if the production car – limited to 24 examples – will actually look like that. Aside from a few minor tweaks, he assured me, it will indeed. That’s good for the lucky chaps who can afford the Vulcan. Sadly, it won’t mean much to you, because you’ll never see one on the street, as it’s a track-only V12 monster. Curse and bless you, Aston.
2017 Audi R8
The first-gen Audi R8 had a good, eight-year run. Now, though, it’s time for a new one … and the 2017 Audi R8 seems to be very promising so far. Gone are the manual transmission and the V8 options. In their place, Audi has included two flavors of V10 – 540 or 610 ponies – and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, which sends power to all four wheels through a new quattro system. Though based upon the Lamborghini Huracan, the R8 has its own wheel track and suspension, which should make it a bit more livable. And if you want something totally different, there’s an all-electric e-tron version, too.
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept
Just when we thought Bentley design couldn’t get any finer, the Crew, England crew (sorry, not sorry) has gone and reshaped what we thought was possible by combining old-world charm and cutting-edge tech. With 3D-printed steel and copper metalwork accented by milled, quilted woodwork, the softest leather we’ve ever felt, and a curved 12-inch touchscreen, the Speed 6 is a study in modern bespoke luxury. And, though we don’t know what’s under the metallic British racing green hood, we don’t care; we’re in love with the concept anyhow.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda’s most mental Civic, the Type R, has finally been unveiled in Europe. With 305 horsepower routed down to the front wheels, you might think it un-drivable. Honda has proved otherwise, though, as it was able to lap the ‘Ring faster than any FWD car before it. You might shed a single tear to learn it won’t be coming to the U.S. If you wish hard enough, maybe Honda will bring it Stateside.
Koenigsegg Regera
When plug-in hybrids first came out, I hated them, because they were the combination of the worst parts of both gasoline and electric powertrains. Now, though, Sweden has had a supercar stab at the technology, and I’m coming around to it. With 1,500 horsepower and a plug for electrons, the Koenigsegg Regera seems to be the best of everything. Let me explain. Not only does it have more torque than the tectonic plates, the Koenigsegg has a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi, power-adjustable memory foam seats, and doors that can be opened remotely. So, this seems to be a hypercar that won’t kill you after 30 minutes behind the wheel or the polar bears.
Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce
Yes, it’s true that no one on the planet can look graceful getting out of the Aventador – not even President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. That doesn’t matter, though, because onlookers will both fear and respect you, especially in the Superveloce. Italian for “super fast,” the hard-and-fast Aventador tells people you both A.) Have a respect for style and B.) Don’t fear death. That’s good, because with a 0-to-60 time of 2.7 seconds, thanks to its 750 horsepower and 170 percent more downforce than the ‘standard’ Aventador, you’ll need both to operate it without soiling yourself.
2015 Morgan Aero 8
Morgan is an super old-school automaker. It has the cross-eyed looks of the 1930s with wood chassis technology of the 1830s. That is, it did, at least. Now, though, the new Aero 8 has a reshaped rear-end and also an aluminum frame … for some reason. While we love the sound and all-round concept of this car, we’re wondering why Morgan bothers to modernize at all. If you’re going to make a decidedly retro, British sports car, why not go all the way? Why add modern touches like a metal chassis? Stick to what you know: wood frames, V8 growl, and getting sunburned during a rainstorm. Leave the rest to the Germans.
Porsche Cayman GT4
The Cayman GT4 might very well be the last car of its kind from the Germans … perhaps ever. It has a big wing, a manual transmission, 385-horsepower, naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat six, and two seats. If it’s not a driving enthusiast dream machine, we don’t know what is. 0 to 60 is dispatched in 4.1 seconds on the way to the 183-mph top speed. Not only does this car indicate Germany’s dedication to driving dynamism, it also indicates a new Cayman is around the corner – all of which excites us very much.
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003
What happens when a man wants to build a car better than Ferrari? Usually, not a whole lot. That is, unless you’re James Glickenhaus and you have piles of money to throw at the problem. With a 3.5-liter V6 producing around 600 horsepower under that sleek carbon fiber body – weighing less than 2,645 pounds — it should give the men in Maranello a run for their money … which you’ll need plenty of to score one of these. Unlike comparably powered Ferraris, the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003 is going to run around $2.53 million.
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