Geneva motor show displays big brands via the small screen
The big brands showed up on the small screen despite travel bans: Aston Martin, Audi, Porsche, McLaren, BMW and the futuristic Hyundai.
This year thousands of journalists went to the Geneva motor show without leaving their desks: it was streamed.
The show was a casualty of the coronavirus outbreak and, in particular, a Swiss government edict that prohibited gatherings of more than 1000 people. With just a few days to go, organisers were forced to pull the plug.
However, the industry’s premier annual event is a focus for months of activity. Dozens of new cars were all dressed up with nowhere to go. And, with global sales already struggling before the virus crippled demand, carmakers are desperate for media attention.
So they quickly scrambled to recreate the showcase online. Most of the big brands joined in, some producing bespoke video pieces in place of the usual singing and dancing stage reveals. Others went for informal live performances, the spread of the coronavirus referenced with regret. BMW executives fist-bumped instead of shaking hands.
All were streamed on the Geneva show site at the same time the real press conferences would have taken place.
And, while media did not have to fight for elbow room or to get a glimpse of the cars, the organisers did add one piece of inconvenient realism by making many of the reveals simultaneous.
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK
What is it? Fourth-generation premium hatchback. Sedan variant comes later.
Drivelines? Small petrol and diesel engines driving the front wheels via a dual-clutch automatic (or manual). All-wheel drive and electrified versions to follow.
What’s good about it? More space in sharp redesign, infotainment with 10 times the processing power and comprehensive driver assistance. Due by the end of the year.
ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER
What is it? Two-seat open-top heritage-inspired supercar made by Aston’s Q division.
Driveline? Twin-turbo 522kW 5.2-litre V12 drives rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic.
What’s good about it? Almost entirely built from carbon fibre, it reaches 100km/h in 3.5s. and 300km/h flat out. Just 88 will be built. Prices start at £765,000 for delivery in 12 months.
BENTLEY MULLINER BACALAR
£1.5 million ($A3m) plus taxes
What is it? Eco-luxe two-seat roofless “Barchetta” marks return of the Mulliner name to bespoke coachbuilding. (pictured above)
Driveline? Enhanced 485kW 6.0-litre 12-cylinder powers all four wheels via eight-speed automatic.
What’s good about it? Carbon-neutral production using ethically sourced materials such as rice husk ash paint and 5000-year-old Riverwood. Limited to 12 examples, each unique, all allocated.
BMW CONCEPT i4
What is it? Four-door fastback “Gran Coupe” to target Tesla heartland. Debuts new BMW design language.
Driveline? All-electric with 80kW battery. Power of 390kW equivalent to a V8. Zero to 100km/h in about 4s and range of 600km.
What’s good about it? Enlarged grille houses sensors, revised light shapes. Dashboard comprises wide, curved digital display. Production starts next year.
HYUNDAI PROPHECY
What is it? Futuristic battery car develops ideas in last year’s “45” concept.
Driveline? New electric architecture, but no details.
What’s good about it? Clean lines, minimalist structures focus on efficient aerodynamics. Stretched “lifestyle” cabin. Joysticks instead of a steering wheel.
McLAREN 765LT
$680,000 estimated
What is it? Based on 720S Coupe, another in the Longtail series of track-focused specials.
Driveline? Twin-turbo mid-mounted 4.0-litre V8, good for 563kW and 800Nm. Optimised sequential gearbox.
What’s good about it? More aerodynamic, 80kg lighter and LT specific suspension. Faster, with zero to 100km/h in 2.8s. Motorsport interior. Limited to 765 examples.
MERCEDES E-CLASS
$98,000 estimated
What is it? Updated core large model. Sedan and wagon now, coupe and cabriolet later.
Drivelines? Turbo four- and six-cylinders with
48-volt electric boost, plus plug-in hybrids. Nine-speed automatic, rear or all-wheel drive.
What’s good about it? Next-generation driver systems and infotainment. Revised 320kW E53 AMG achieves 100km/h in 4.5s. Arrives end of the year.
PORSCHE 911 TURBO S
What is it? Next edition of halo 911, as coupe and convertible.
Driveline? Power increases 51kW to 478kW from 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat six. Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What’s good about it? Wider body, mixed-size tyres, adaptive aerodynamics. Quicker by two-tenths to 100km/h (2.7s), and by 1s to 200km/h (8.9s). Arrives second half, from $473,900.
VOLKSWAGEN ID. 4
What is it? SUV to be second in electric rollout.
Driveline? Variety of high-voltage batteries deliver range up to 500km. Initially rear drive, all-wheel drive later.
What’s good about it? On same platform as debut ID. 3 and also carbon neutral. Digital cockpit, ample interior space. To be built and sold in Europe, China and the US.
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