Geneva Motor Show 2018 Report: Each Brand's 'Now' Seen in Production Models
Geneva Motor Show 2018 | 2018 Geneva Motor Show
Geneva Show 2018 Report 1
Each Brand's 'Now' Seen in Production Models
The Geneva Motor Show 2018, which began on March 6th and closed on the 18th. As a historic motor show and one held in a location without major manufacturers, it is always a vibrant and international exhibition. This report is by Fumio Ogawa, who visited the show. The first part focuses on production models that reveal each brand's 'now'.
Text & Photographs by OGAWA Fumio
A Dense Show Packed with New Models
The historic Geneva Motor Show, now in its 88th year, was held in March. The notable aspect was the sheer number of new models.
The Geneva Motor Show venue is next to the airport. This location has not changed for a long time. While the venue is not particularly large, the 2018 show was exceptionally rich in content.
Looking at the new models, a characteristic feature was the variety, broadly divided into SUVs, sports cars, sedans, hatchbacks, EVs, and hybrids.
Mercedes-Benz, in particular, left a strong impression. The "AMG GT 4-Door Coupe," Mercedes-AMG's "G 63," and the new "A-Class" consistently drew crowds.
Geneva Motor Show 2018 | 2018 Geneva Motor Show
Geneva Show 2018 Report 1
Each Brand's 'Now' Seen in Production Models (2)
Mercedes Explores All Possibilities for Next-Generation Cars
Mercedes-Benz also had much to see in terms of environmentally friendly vehicles. This was the "EQ" line. They displayed vehicles in a large space at the show.
The reason for specifically mentioning 'EQ' is that while it is a Mercedes-Benz concept, it encompasses all current concepts for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz A class
Mercedes-Benz C class
'EQ consists of four categories: EQ Boost (mild hybrid with a 48-volt battery), EQ Power (plug-in hybrid), EQ Power+ (performance plug-in hybrid), and EQ (EV and FCV - fuel cell vehicle).'
Wilko Andreas Stark, who oversees future strategy at Mercedes-Benz, explained this at the venue.
Mercedes-AMG G63
Mercedes-AMG GT 53
Mercedes-Benz prominently displayed the Smart EQ (already sold as EV-only in Europe and the US) which will be fully electrified from 2025 onwards, and a diesel plug-in hybrid variant of the best-selling 'C-Class'.
'We are still determining what will become the mainstream for environmentally friendly cars in the future. While China and the US will likely favor EVs, I don't think it will be that simple in Europe, and plug-in hybrids will become the mainstream.'
Stark continued, 'Therefore, our company's stance is that we must do everything we can now. However, our motto is to always create the best product in every category.'
Geneva Motor Show 2018 | 2018 Geneva Motor Show
Geneva Show 2018 Report 1
Each Brand's 'Now' Seen in Production Models (3)
Super Sports Cars Also Make a Splash
As for EVs, Jaguar announced the "I-PACE". Audi also brought a concept model (likely near-production) of the "e-tron," scheduled for release in the summer of 2018.
Another interesting trend was super sports cars. Among mass-produced models, Ferrari's "488 Pista", McLaren's "Senna", and Lamborghini's "Huracan Performante Spyder" were unveiled.
TOYOTA GR Supra Racing Concept
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The GR Supra Racing Concept, based on the Supra jointly developed by Toyota and BMW, was a prime example. It garnered significant attention.
Porsche unveiled the latest version of the "911 GT3"- a semi-racing specification that goes beyond the "911 GT3 RS". The neon green car captivated visitors throughout the show.
Ferrari 488 Pista
McLaren Senna GTR
McLaren unveiled the race version of the 'Senna,' the 'Senna GTR.' The Senna, with its limited 500 units sold out before release, was popular. What about the Senna GTR, limited to 75 units and priced at 1 million pounds?
Aston Martin also brought the 'Valkyrie AMR Pro.' Based on a hyper sports car powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine developed by Cosworth, the body was developed with F1 designer Adrian Newey.
Geneva Motor Show 2018 | 2018 Geneva Motor Show
Geneva Show 2018 Report 1
Each Brand's 'Now' Seen in Production Models (4)
The SUV Craze Continues
In the SUV segment, Lexus exhibited the "UX" (Creative Urban Explorer), a compact model planned for release in the near future with a total length of 4.5 meters. It was also popular, with a constant stream of photographers.
BMW displayed both the new 'X4' and the previously released 'X2.' The X4 has a track record of selling 200,000 units of its previous model, and BMW appears to have high expectations for these two sporty SUVs.
BMW X4
AUDI A6
In the sedan category, Audi announced the new 'A6.' It shares a structure with the "A8" and "A7 Sportback". As such, it is equipped with advanced monitor controls, similar to a smart tablet.
Peugeot debuted the new '508.' Its distinctive front mask, with LED position lamps resembling fangs, is a notable feature. The sedan's adoption of a fastback body is also noteworthy.