Concepts, prototypes and production models which were world premieres at the 2019 Geneva motor show are discussed below.
More information about future models can be found by searching PLDB, just-auto’s global vehicle database. Simply click on the link at the end of this list.
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Abarth
The Scorpion logo brand celebrates 70 years in 2019 and has the 595 esseesse and 124 Rally Tribute as debuts at the Geneva show.
Alfa Romeo
The Tonale is a concept which shows what FCA is thinking for the C-SUV segment. This adds to the evidence that after Stelvio, and now this second Italian mountain pass, that the bigger Alfa SUV under development will continue this theme. Rumours say it might be badged ‘Dolomiti’. As for the Tonale production model, that may arrive in 2020 although late 2019 is also rumoured.
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By GlobalDataAlso from Alfa, the almost nine years old Giulietta has some minor updates, the so-called MY19 car premiering at the Geneva show.
Aston Martin
Formerly known as the 003, this future hypercar now has the provisional name of AM-RB 003 and appears at the show as a concept. Some say it will be called Valhalla when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2021. The AM-RB 003 can be thought of as a successor for the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro. Aston Martin says it will make 500 units of this car.
Another prototype making its world premiere is the Vanquish Vision. This V6-powered mid-engined supercar will go into production in 2022, Aston Martin announced at the show. The development code is AM9. Only last week, this vehicle was shown in the annual report as being due out in 2021.
Audi
There are multiple world debuts for the brand at Geneva, the first to be announced being facelifts for the TTS. The TT hatchback and convertible were world debuts at the Paris motor show in 2018. As well as the changes to the cars’ looks, there is an extra 20Nm and a standard seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The 1,984cc turbocharged engine produces 225kW (306PS) and 400Nm instead of 380.
The TT RS Coupé and TT RS Roadster are also facelifted. Power (294kW/400PS) and torque (480Nm/354 lb.ft) do not change and the sole transmission remains a seven-speed S tronic.
There aren’t many missing numbers in Audi’s range of crossovers and SUVs, four and six being the obvious ones. Now comes a preview of a model between the Q3 and Q5. The fully electric Q4 e-tron, officially just a concept, will make production in 2020, but because FCA owns the rights to the Q4 name (the tailgates of some Maserati and Alfa models carry this badge), things are complicated. Audi is yet to state whether or not the Q4 will be available with petrol and/or diesel power too.
It has been expected for a while now, so the announcement of a new SQ5 TDI is no surprise. The diesel-engined alternative to the SQ5 TFSI is powered by a 255kW (347hp) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) 3.0-litre V6 which, in addition to turbocharging, has an electrically-powered compressor and 48V mild hybrid electrics.
Four petrol-electric plug-in hybrid Audis are further world debuts at Geneva along with a change of naming strategy. From now on, e-tron applies solely to EV models, petrol PHEVs instead using the suffix TFSI e. The four debutantes are the A8 L TFSI e, A7 Sportback TFSI e, A6 TFSI e and Q5 TFSI e. Some of these had been previously announced with the old naming system (e.g. A8 L e-tron) but none is yet in production.
Bentley
Having been in the news for all the wrong reasons, Bentley will be hoping that announcing what it claims to be the world’s fastest series production SUV will restore some prestige (and help it return a profit). The Bentayga Speed has a claimed v-max of 306km/h (190mph) with 0-100km/h taking a stated 3.9 seconds. In this vehicle, the Volkswagen Group’s 6.0-litre W12 develops 467kW (635PS) and 900Nm (664 lb.ft). There are carbon-ceramic brakes and inside, Alcantara rather than leather although the latter is a no-cost option.
The Continental GT Convertible had its world premiere at an event in Los Angeles during the week of the auto show back in November. However it was not at the show itself so Geneva is its official public and motor show premiere.
BJEV
The Arcfox GT is a debut for the Chinese make. This 4,570mm long electric supercar was first seen as the Arcfox 7 prototype at the 2016 Beijing motor show. BJEV makes the following claims for the scissor-door two-seater: up to 450km of range, a top speed of 260km/h, 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds and 450kW (603hp) from the 66kWh battery pack. The company has been building the Arcfox 7 in small volumes since September 2018. A revised set of specifications was announced on press preview day.
BJEV, a listed company, is in effect a subsidiary of Beijing Auto. It also has plans for more models, one of which will be an electric crossover. A prototype of this vehicle, the Arcfox ECF, was a world debut at the Geneva show. It was styled by Walter de Silva, the former head of Design for Volkswagen AG who retired in 2015.
BMW
The G11 and extended wheelbase G12 versions of the 7 Series have been in production since September 2015 so right on target halfway through a seven-year life cycle, the cars are freshened. This is the motor show debut: a media preview took place in January at a special event in Shanghai.
Other debuts are all plug-in hybrids: improved battery packs for the 225xe Active Tourer and 530e; X3 xDrive30e; 330e; X5 xDrive45e; and 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive.
Bugatti
Meant to be a modern take on the 57 SC Atlantic, La Voiture Noire is a one-off, said to have been commissioned by Ferdinand Piëch. Bugatti claims it cost the buyer €11m (before tax) and that “this unique car has already been sold to a Bugatti enthusiast. It is the most expensive new car of all time”.
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera
The Italian coachbuilder has one world premiere: the Maserati GranBacrio-based Sciàdipersia Cabriolet. Buyers needs to provide a donor car and the company says it will make 15 examples of the vehicle. The powertrain is a 338kW (460PS) and 520Nm (383 lb-ft) 4.7-litre V8 linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Citroën
The Ami One concept was heralded a year ago by this announcement. The 2.5m long EV could be put into production and depending on the region or country of its registration, potentially operated without a driving licence. Unusually, the driver’s door is hinged at the rear and the passenger’s at the front.
Cupra
The Formentor, a concept, heralds a second model for SEAT’s shoutily officially spelt CUPRA brand. Although it isn’t labelled as such in the media release, the body style is that of a coupe-crossover. The eventual production model, which could be named after a former Spanish racing track, Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar, will be the first Cupra not to be based on an existing SEAT model. Having said that, such a model might be added to the SEAT range after an interval. Production should commence at year end, with the sales roll-out across Europe beginning in early 2020. The model name might be either Formentor or Terramar.
Ferrari
The 488 GTB, which was a world premiere at the 2015 Geneva motor show, is given a facelift, a power gain of 50cv and a name change, becoming the 4,611mm long F8 Tributo. The car is powered by a 720cv and 770Nm 3,902cc turbocharged V8. This engine isn’t new though: it is from the 488 Pista and 488 Pista Spider.
Engineering wise, the F8 isn’t too far removed from not only the 488 GTB but the earlier 458 Italia. That car went into production back in December 2009 before gaining a new body and evolving into the 488. Ferrari claims the Tributo’s dry weight to be 1,330kg, top speed to be 340km/h, a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-200km/h time of 7.8 seconds.
Fiat
No sign of the long overdue new 500 until the 2020 Geneva show but a concept, the Centoventi, celebrates Fiat’s 120th birthday and previews the next Panda.
GFG Style
Fabrizio Giugiaro and Giorgetto Giugiaro’s dome-roof Kangaroo concept bounds in as ‘an electric hyper SUV’. Its basis is an aluminium space frame supplied by CH Auto, with orange body panels made from carbon fibre. To look at, the Kangaroo is a supercar with elevated suspension rather than an SUV.
Ginetta
The Leeds-based firm is showing the Akula. The company says this is the Russian word for shark. The supercar also shares its name with nuclear-powered attack submarines. Just 20 cars will be made in 2020, each priced at GBP340,000.
Hispano Suiza (and Hispano Suiza)
The Spanish luxury car make and aero-engine company is being revived by the Carmen, which its maker terms a ‘fully-electric hyperlux grand tourer’. The car takes its name from Carmen Mateu, the grand-daughter of Hispano Suiza’s founder. Developed in Barcelona by QEV Technologies, the vehicle uses a carbon fibre monocoque. A media release sums up QEV as the technology arm of Mahindra Formula-E Racing, plus the European R&D facility for BAIC. As for Hispano Suiza, this car brand, which dates to 1904, is owned by the fourth generation of the Suqué Mateu family. The company name is Hispano Suiza Cars.
There is understandable confusion over the name of another GT, the Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC. This model, which is not electric and instead has a 798kW and 1,050Nm 5,204cc V10 engine, is from a company called Hispano Suiza Automobilemanufaktur AG. It is unclear how and when what will surely be a legal battle for the rights to the name will be resolved.
Honda
After the Urban EV concept was revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt IAA and with the production model set for a debut at the 2019 edition of the German show, Honda is showing what it calls the ‘e Prototype’ at the Geneva salon. Images and details were revealed on 27 February. This tiny rear-wheel drive car is said to have an EV-specific platform. Among its unusual features are a wide dashboard screen; the charging port located in the middle of the bonnet; and timber trim for the interior which, like the steering wheel, has the look of Hondas from the 1960s and 1970s. The prototype’s range is said to be a mere 200km.
Italdesign
A concept called DaVinci is a world debut for the design consultancy at this year’s Geneva salon. Quoted as being 4,981mm long and with roof-hinged doors, the DaVinci is an electric grand tourer which ItalDesign says it could adapt for any number of brands to badge as their own.
Jeep
The Cherokee Trailhawk, a special version of the recently facelifted SUV for extreme off-roading, is one world debut. The other two are the Renegade PHEV and the Compass PHEV.
Kia
The brand is showing a concept which was created in Europe. Kia Motors has design studios in various countries and their concepts always have a three-letter code to denote the region or country followed by one or two numerals. So while the concept’s name is Imagine by Kia, its code is: KED13 (13th concept from Kia Motors Europe’s Design department). Insiders have hinted that it is one half of a project to offer two electric vehicles: one a Kia and the other a Hyundai. The first of the two, which will reach production ahead of the Hyundai, can be thought of as a Stinger BEV.
Facelifts and a more premium look and feels for the interiors of the Niro HUV and Niro PHEV are also world debuts. As the EV is less than a year old, it does not receive any adjustments to its appearance.
Koenigsegg
The Jesko is the replacement for the Agera RS. Its maker says the hypercar can reach 482km/h (300mph). Powering the Jesko is a 1600PS twin-turbo 5.0-litre V8 which runs on E85. The car is named after Christian von Koenigsegg’s father.
Lagonda
The revived brand is showing a concept called All-Terrain. In May last year, Aston Martin confirmed that it would ‘unveil’ an electric Lagonda SUV in 2021 and that this would be the brand’s first new model in some years. The vehicle would be styled as an ‘evolution of the Lagonda Vision Concept revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show’. Aston Martin appears to be trying to position Lagonda as a marque which sells battery-electric vehicles to people who might also be considering a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. A Lagonda SUV will be launched in 2022 and built in Wales, Aston Martin says.
Lamborghini
The Huracán EVO, announced in January, is a facelifted Huracán. The car gains the 470kW (640hp) and 600Nm 5.2-litre V10 from the Huracán Performante, while there is also rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring. The Huracán EVO Spyder is another world debut. Deliveries commence from later in March.
Another world debut is the Aventador SVJ Roadster. Lamborghini will build 800 examples of this car, which is powered by a 566kW (770PS) and 720Nm 6.5-litre V12. That’s the same specification as the 900 units of the Aventador SVJ which the company stated during 2018 Monterey Week that it would be building.
Mazda
One of a few surprises at Geneva 2019 was the arrival of a model called CX-30. A CX-4 already exists in China and this SUV is similar in that it is larger than the CX-3 but smaller than the CX-4. The CX-30 has Mazda’s SPCCI (Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition) engine. Production starts in the coming months and there will also be 1.8-litre diesel and 2.0-litre mild hybrid engines.
McLaren
The 600LT Spider was announced in January. The Long Tail, which is part of the Sports Series range, is the third of the 18 cars which the company stated last July that it would be launching as part of ‘Track25’ which is due for completion at the end of 2025. This business plan is an extension of the former Track22 which McLaren announced at the 2016 Geneva motor show. As well as the three extra years, another change is that all future models will be hybrids. Further, the company now aims to build and sell 6,000 cars in 2025.
The car itself isn’t at Geneva but McLaren’s CEO announced the Grand Tourer, an additional model which will be revealed in a few months’ time. This is to be the fourth car for Track25.
Mercedes-Benz
The first diesel-engined version of the G-Class is a world premiere. The G 350 d joins the only other variant, the G 500 (G 550 in North America) which is powered by a biturbo 4.0-litre V8. The diesel is Daimler’s OM 656 which is a 2,925cc in-line six. In the G 350 d it produces 210kW (286hp) and 600Nm. Drive to all wheels is via a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The first deliveries are due to take place later in March.
Also in the G-models family, the GLC-Class’ facelift is being seen at the Geneva show for the first time. Other changes include new engines: M 264 replaces M 274, while for the diesels, OM 654 steps in for OM 651.
Another debut for the three-pointed star brand is a facelift and powertrain changes for the V-Class. This big MPV, which is sold in some countries as the Metris or Valente, had its world premiere at the 2014 edition of the Geneva salon.
Mercedes’ press release on the V-Class also slipped in a paragraph about Concept EQV. This is a preview of an electric version, stating that “Mercedes-Benz Vans will….provide an initial outlook on the electric future of its MPV at the Geneva International Motor Show with the near-series study „Concept EQV”, which will celebrate its premiere there”. The EQV is being developed to compete with the production version of Volkswagen’s I.D. Buzz concept. The production model will be revealed at the Frankfurt IAA Cars in September.
The CLA-Class Shooting Brake is another world debut. As with the sedan, which was a world debut at CES in January, the 4.7m long second generation model moves into the D segment. The first deliveries will commence in September.
Daimler has also quietly announced some special editions which mark the end of certain models, one being the SLC-Class Final Edition and the other the last V12-engined S-Class, the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Final Edition. The company is phasing out V12 engines from the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG brands, and limiting their use to Mercedes-Maybach vehicles. Mercedes-AMG is also premiering the GT R Roadster.
Another new model from Mercedes-AMG is the GLE 53 4MATIC+. Or if you’re Mercedes-Benz USA, the GLE 53, (and not available there until late 2020). The 2,999cc in-line six-cylinder petrol engine has outputs of 320kW (435hp) and 520Nm. It is boosted by an electric compressor, a turbocharger and a motor. The outputs of the latter are 16kW (22hp) and 250Nm, and they feed into a 48V electrical system. There is pneumatic suspension and drive to both axles is via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The car industry’s slow but steady move away from cow hides is noted in the media information for this model too, with “the top part of the instrument panel covered in ARTICO man-made leather”.
Mitsubishi
The Engelberg Tourer concept is an SUV with a PHEV powertrain. The name is a link to the Swiss winter sports resort.
Another world debut is a new generation of the ASX, which may again be sold as the RVR and Outlander Sport in some countries. Unlike other Mitsubishi SUVs, no plug-in hybrid variant is expected but instead, there should be an EV. The new model is smaller than the previous one so as to make room for an additional SUV which would sit between the ASX and Outlander. Mitsubishi Motors will probably now use the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B architecture for this model.
MMC is also bringing the facelifted L200 to a motor show for the first time. The updated pick-up was announced to the media in November 2018.
Morgan
Provisionally termed the ‘wide body roadster’, the production name is Plus Six. The car brings with it a new aluminium and ash platform. The engine is BMW’s biturbo 3.0-litre in-line six as featured in the Z4 and Toyota Supra, while there is a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Nissan
The Japanese company is showing a crossover concept called IMQ. Its general look is expected to have been a guide of what to expect from the third generation Qashqai.
Peugeot
The 208 is, along with the Renault Clio, arguably the most important new model at the show. The styling takes cues from the 508, especially at the front where what must be the suggestions of lion’s claw slashes shape the DRL. At the rear, the word PEUGEOT is picked out in small letters, while the recharging flap for the EV is on the left-side where the fuel cap for most Asian brand cars would be. In contrast to its deadly rival the new Clio, this car looks genuinely different to the outgoing model so it will be fascinating to see if the little Peugeot can turn the tables and outsell the Renault. And how many people will see the 208 and think that it looks way more premium than the DS 3 Crossback? Production of the 208 isn’t due to start until September.
A BEV version is also a world debut. This variant has a body-coloured grille as well as special badges on the tailgate and on the car’s sides. The single motor of the e-208 is claimed to have outputs of 100kW and 260Nm, while there are three driving modes. Space inside the car and its boot are said to be identical to that of the petrol and diesel versions. A 50kWh battery pack offer range of up to 340km according to the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedures) certification protocol or 450km according to NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). The battery ‘is guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 km for 70% of its charge capacity’.
Also from Peugeot, the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered concept. This preview of a high performance PHEV 508 hatchback is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine and one motor which have claimed combined torque of 500Nm.
Piëch Automotive
Co-founded by the son of the former head of Volkswagen AG, Zurich-based Piëch Automotive AG plans to build an electric sports car called Mark Zero. Anton Piëch has the advantage of his father’s surname plus of course that also makes him the great grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. The other partner in this listed firm is Rea Stark Rajcic.
Pininfarina
Mahindra and its subsidiary say they will release the Battista, an electric hypercar, in 2020 via a new company, Automobili Pininfarina. The firms told the media in April 2018 that the Munich-based AP would “manufacture high technology, extreme performance, luxury electric vehicles for the most discerning global customers.”
Potential buyers of this 1400kW model were given a private viewing of the prototype during the 2018 Monterey Week. Formerly known by its PF-Zero codename, the Battista is named after the company’s founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina. Rimac will be a partner for battery technology. The car’s range is claimed to be up to 450km, with pricing to be close to the two million euro mark. Production is to be capped at 150 cars.
Polestar
The 2 is the first EV for Volvo’s electrified division and is being aimed at the Tesla Model 3. Looking pretty much the same as the Volvo 40.2 from May 2016, the 2 follows the 1, which instead has a petrol engine as well as electric drive. The 2 uses CMA, power is 300kW (408PS), there are two motors, a 78kWh battery pack and the maximum ‘targeted range of 500km’.
Polestar says the car has ‘a standard vegan interior’ which is a clever move: going after those customers who find it difficult to know if a car contains components which caused suffering to animals. Also, unlike the 1, the 2 will also be available with right-hand drive. Production begins in China in early 2020.
Porsche
After the new generation 992 series coupe was revealed at the LA show last November, now comes the 911 Cabriolet. The first open-top versions are the Carrera S and Carrera 4S. Each is powered by a turbocharged 311kW (450hp) 2,981cc flat six engine. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h (30mph).
Two other debuts are the 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T. Each has 20-inch alloy wheels painted in high-gloss titanium grey, lowered suspension and a 220kW (300PS) 2.0-litre engine. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is a further world premiere. This comes in two versions ex-works: the ‘Trackday’ for amateur racing drivers and the ‘Competition’ for international motor racing. The engine is a 313kW (425hp) 3.8-litre flat six.
Renault
The fifth generation Clio, which was revealed to the media on 28 January, changes platforms to CMF-B, will be available with a hybrid powertrain, and will also feature Level 2 autonomy (speed and steering can be automated). The company also told the media in October 2017 that by 2022, it would offer 12 fully electric models as part of its so-called Drive The Future plan. A future e-Clio is therefore expected.
The main production sites should be Bursa in Turkey and Novo Mesto in Slovakia. Flins, which also makes the current model, will reportedly build the car in relatively small volume (<25,000/annum) on a CKD basis. The French plant should instead increasingly become a site for the production of ever more electric vehicles and in high volumes. The Alpine plant in Dieppe will again make the RS derivative. There should also be a version with elevated suspension so as to compete with the Hyundai i20 Active and Ford Fiesta Active.
Another world debut for Renault is a Twingo facelift. The styling changes are mild and are the first since this shape model premiered at the 2014 Geneva show. The updated engine range now consists of the same 898cc three-cylinder petrol unit in three forms: SCe 65 (65hp/95Nm), SCe 75 (75hp/95Nm) and turbocharged TCe 95 (95hp/135Nm). The 65hp and 75hp versions are linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the TCe can be optionally fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission which Renault calls ‘EDC’. There is no mention of the 110hp Twingo GT which joined the line-up back in 2016.
SEAT
The el-Born concept is a preview of the brand’s first EV on a dedicated platform: it is closely related to the VW ID. However, the as yet unseen e-Mii, a low-volume and high-priced version of the second generation of the brand’s smallest model, will be SEAT’s first series production electric car. That arrives in certain countries at the end of the year. This will be followed in 2020 by a larger, bespoke EV based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture. This is to be around the same size as the Leon with a range of up to 500km. Whether or not this will use the el-Born name is yet to be confirmed.
Keeping things electric, SEAT is also displaying the Minimó, a tiny EV prototype similar to the Renault Twizy and Citroen Ami One concept. This 2.5m long 1+1 quadricycle was first shown at Barcelona Mobile World Congress in February. Distinctive features include asymmetric doors and a single headlight.
Škoda
The Kamiq is a production version of the Vision X concept which was unveiled at the 2018 show. Size wise, this model can be considered the overdue successor for the Roomster Scout which was discontinued in 2016. The Volkswagen Group is delaying its Czech subsidiary’s entry to the B-SUV segment until mid-2019, so as to give the Volkswagen T-Cross a good chance of establishing itself.
Mladá Boleslav is the lead plant, and build of a longer wheelbase variant will also take place in India. A unique architecture, MQB A0 IN, will be that model’s basis.
As for production in China, should this happen, the name will have to change as there is already a Skoda Kamiq there. This 4,390mm long crossover, which looks a lot like the 4,382mm long Karoq, is manufactured by the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture. It became available in June 2018. ‘Kosmiq’ had been rumoured for Europe’s Kamiq, so that could be what the vehicle ends up being called in the PRC.
The Geneva show is also the first time that the public gets to see the Vision iV. This design study provides a preview of Skoda’s forthcoming MEB architecture battery electric model. Such a model is due out in Europe and likely China too from the second half of 2021. Even with the arrival of the Scala there is still quite a size gap above this model and below the Octavia. The brand might therefore position a future EV into that niche. That would mean a length of between 4.4 and 4.6 metres. Some say there will be two models, in the same way that the Kodiaq is supplemented by the Kodiaq GT in China.
smart
The brand’s sales have bounced back in recent times, in Europe at least, and the Daimler division is building on that by trying to keep smart in the news via the forease+. This is an update of the forease, a convertible concept from last year’s Paris motor show.
SsangYong
Project C300 becomes a series production model from June, which is when it will start being built at Pyeongtaek, SsangYong’s only plant. Styling wise, the new Korando looks like the SIV-2, a concept from March 2016’s Geneva motor show. The new Korando launches almost exactly one year ahead of the brand’s first EV, the project code of which is E100.
SsangYong revealed the extended length Rexton Sports Khan in January but Geneva is the public debut for the model with Musso Grand badging.
The brand’s concept is called Viziv Adrenaline. Unless there is an additional model in the pipeline, it is hard to understand what this small SUV represents: the XV/Crosstrek is not even a year old so it cannot be showing the outline of that vehicle’s successor. The Adrenaline might well herald an EV. Such a model would logically be a JV with Toyota.
The Levorg, meanwhile, gains a normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine as a world premiere, and there is a new bonnet pressing.
Even though neither Jaguar nor Land Rover has a stand at the show, Tata continues a decades-long tradition of being there. This year it reveals the production version of the 45X concept. The model name of this B segment hatchback is Altroz and the car is claimed to be the first for ALFA, a new TML platform. An Altroz EV is another premiere.
The H2X concept also has its world premiere. This is a preview of a 4.2m long SUV which some say could be sold as the Blackbird.
Another debut is the curiously named Buzzard. A perplexing press release appears to say that for reasons unknown, India’s Harrier is being displayed as the Buzzard Sport. As for the Buzzard, this could be the name for a future long-body version of the Harrier/Buzzard Sport?
Toyota
There is no world debut news of any significance from TMC, including not even a single premiere from Lexus. Instead, it fell to Toyota Motor Europe to announce two new variants of the Corolla. These are the Corolla GR Sport and an estate with raised suspension, the Corolla Trek.
Vinfast
The Vietnamese firm displayed the Lux V8 at the show. Based on the Lux SA2.0 concept from last year’s Paris motor show, this prototype also has its origins in the previous generation BMW X5. The engine of this prototype, however, is a 6.2-litre V8.
Volkswagen
An electric design study, the ID. Buggy is a new take on the VW Beetle-based Meyers Manx dune buggy from the 1960s. Volkswagen says the MEB-based, rear-wheel drive concept shows “…that this fully electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models. Like the Beetle chassis of yesteryear, the modular electric drive matrix has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche series”.
Facelifted versions of the Passat sedan and estate are amongst the other world debuts for Volkswagen. The styling changes are minor and include fresh bumpers and grille plus the availability of so-called IQ.Light, which Audi brands as Matrix LED. MIB3, an infotainment system, is also new, as is a redesigned digital instrumentation cluster. There are new engines too, and the GTE returns (it was pulled last year). Its plug-in hybrid system has a larger 13kWh lithium-ion battery which allows a claimed range of up to 55km. ‘Travel Assist’, meanwhile, replaces Traffic Jam Assist. This is a level 2 semi-AD system which allows the Passat to drive itself at up to 210km/h (130mph) although the driver’s hands must be on the steering wheel. If warning sounds are ignored after sensors detect hands having been removed, the car will be slowed to a stop.
Another world debut for Volkswagen is the T-Roc R. This is powered by a 221kW (300PS) and 400Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. All-wheel drive is standard.
The brand’s best seller might be only five months away from being replaced yet Volkswagen has one last version to add to the line-up of the Mark VII range. This is the Golf TCR GTI which was announced in production form in January.
Another premiere for VW is a diesel V8 in the Touareg. The 310kW (421PS) 4.0-litre engine has been made compliant with the norms of Euro 6D-TEMP. Volkswagen UK notes that it will not be importing this variant but whether or not other RHD markets will is not yet clear.
Zenvo
The Danish sports car maker is premiering the TSR-S. This hypercar is powered by a 1,193PS and 1,100+Nm 5.8-litre biturbo V8 and features what is termed a zentripetal wing. This can be used to both brake the car and stabilise it in corners.
Brands which have no stand at the show include Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini, Opel and Volvo.
Future product program intelligence
Additional data on vehicle life cycles and future product plans, such as code names, production plants and expected annual build, are available in PLDB from QUBE.
