The 84th International Geneva Motor Show officially kicks off today for the general public.
The 84th International Geneva Motor Show officially kicks off today for the general public. But as always is the case with any international auto show, the event opens doors for the media a few days early, so that we journalists and photographers could get our hands on all the latest information and images and bring them back to you as soon as we possibly can.
A major international motor show always acts like a big platform for car and motorcycle makers to show off their latest work and gauge the response of the audience towards their respective products. And the way automakers usually do it, is by presenting Concept cars of possible future production cars.
We pick out the top five Concept cars among a dozen that we hope will make it on the production line soon.
Maserati Alfieri Concept
When Maserati gets it right, jaws drop to the floor. That was the case at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, when the Italian luxury car brand unveiled the curvaceous Alfieri Coupe Concept. In our opinion, what we are looking at is the next-generation Maserati Gran Turismo. Exactly, how much of the Alfieri Concept will make it on to the production version remains to be seen. If the production version does manage to look anything like the concept car, Maserati is going to have to fight back a hoard of well-heeled car buyers. Details are limited, though we think the Alfieri would continue to use the same 454PS 4.7-Litre V8 engine that powers the current GT. Expect the production version to hit the streets within next 12 months.
Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept
In addition to showing off the 2015 Audi TT, the German luxury carmaker also presented the successor to the mighty Audi TT-RS with a whopping 420 horsepower. This is the Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept. The most amazing thing about this car is where those 420 horses come from: a humble, 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder, the EA888 used in the new Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R and other models. Audi says it’s a new benchmark in the four-cylinder category, one with 210 horsepower per liter, a superior ratio to even Audi’s Le Mans-winning 2001 R18 race car. Should they actually build it — or at least build its engine — it may trump the Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG’s motor as the most powerful production four-banger on earth.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R Concept would do wonders to give the Japanese automaker a huge image boost. With its lowered stance and huge rear wing, this turbocharged hatchback looks like it just came from turning hot laps at a racetrack. Presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the fire-spitting Honda Civic Type R Concept previews a performance-tuned model that is due to arrive in Europe and the UK. This front wheel drive hot hatch is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces approximately 280 horsepower. The only transmission likely to be offered is a 6-Speed manual – though Honda might opt to offer an automatic with paddle-shifters.
Mini Clubman Concept
Skoda Vision C Concept
The Czech automaker has presented its all-new Vision C Concept that previews Skoda’s future design language. The first two models to derive styling cues from the Vision C Concept will be the Fabia hatchback and the Superb sedan. The Vision C Concept is a 5 door coupe model with a seating capacity for four passengers and features a larger boot for carrying luggage. The front fascia of the Vision C Concept coupe comes with a radiator grille as standard along with a set of uniquely shaped head lights. The vehicle looks much wider than most of other coupe models in the segment and Skoda is likely to offer the model in both CNG and petrol versions. Power comes from a 1.4 litre turbo charged TSI engine. The vehicle comes with a larger 3D display on the centre console that is meant for controlling infotainment system.
Hyundai Intrado Concept
Hyundai has presented a stylish new crossover concept in Geneva that is powered by a fuel-cell. Its called the Hyundai Intrado Concept and previews the evolution of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Designed and developed from the inside out, Intrado features an interior focused on usability and adaptability, with innovative materials and contrasting colors. The cabin also features radical construction, for example, the seals of opening panels shut directly against the central carbon frame, displaying the carbon fibre whenever the doors, hood or trunk are opened. Named after the underside of an aircraft’s wing (the area that creates lift), Intrado is inspired from aeronautics, as the car has been shaped by aerodynamics.
All in all, the 84th Geneva Motor Show saw Concept car presentations from a dozen of automakers, previewing their respective future models, Here’s hoping that at least half of them transform into production-ready avatars and hit the streets soon.
