Geneva Motor Show Preview

The Geneva Motor Show begins in Switzerland on Thursday, March 7 and it’s one of the two largest annual European motor shows with a legacy of over 100 years.

It’s the show that usually provides the first glimpse of the hottest new concept cars as well as production vehicles.

The only downside is that some important manufacturers are not attending this year reportedly because of the scarcity of hotel rooms and the expense of doing business in Switzerland. They include Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Hyundai, Vauxhall/Opel, Infiniti, Mini, and Tesla.

Here’s a sneak preview of six of the most exciting launches.

Mitsubishi: Engelberg Tourer Concept

One of Australia’s favourite manufacturers, Mitsubishi showcases its new SUV concept. Appropriately named after a Swiss ski resort, the Engelberg has been teased to the public via a single image and promises a machine with full off-road capability.

Aston Martin: 'Son of Valkyrie' hypercar

It’s expected that Aston Martin will unveil its mid-engine sized ‘Project 003’ hypercar, a very limited edition, with only 500 models expected to be produced.

It’s been co-developed with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and features a petrol-electric hybrid supertrain competing with The McLaren P1 and LeFerrari. The ‘Son of Valkyrie follows the similarly limited-run 1000bhp Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro.

Ferrari: F8 Tributo

The F8 Tributo will become the most powerful mid-engined V8 Ferrari supercar. It replaces the 488 GTB and features a 710bhp 3.9 litre engine, a 49bhp increase on the 488 and the same amount as Mclaren’s 720S.

Mazda: new SUV

Another favourite with Australian car buyers, Mazda launch a new compact SUV at Geneva.

It features an understated and compact design. Mazda says the CX-4 will be the second model in its new generation line-up after the Mazda 3, utilising Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design. It sits between the CX-3 and CX-5, both well-received cars.

Volkswagen: ID Buggy

A popular site at European motor shows for years, I.D. now becomes ID and this year’s EV concept twist is a beach buggy addition to the usual urban styles.

Although it might not reach production its versatile chassis pays homage to the world’s longest produced model, the Beetle, axed last year after 80 years of production.

Pininfarina: Battista

Hyped as “the most powerful Italian performance car ever”, it promises 1900bhp with a drivetrain developed by Croatian EV company Rimac, it can reach 250mph and covers 0-60 in under two seconds.