What to expect at the 87th Geneva motor show

Now in its 87th year, the Geneva motor show is one of the oldest, most prestigious and one the widely covered events on the global automotive calendar. Most major car markers use it as an event to showcase latest mainstream models, tech and also some of the finest supercars. On March 9th when it opens we should expect no less. Here’s a preview of some of the most awaited cars to be unveiled at the Palexpo.

Ferrari 812 Superfast
Pictures of this one are already setting the net on fire. The 812 Superfast is Ferrari’s most powerful series production model yet and will be showcased to the public and press for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. Ferrari’s latest supercar is actually a significantly upgraded version of the F12 Berlinetta. It is rumoured to be the last Ferrari supercar to use a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine and will introduce a new chassis technology.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be showcased for the first time after the UK based carmaker confirmed its launch at the Paris motor show last year. The Sportbrake is an estate version of the new XF with which it will share engines as well, a 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 in petrol and diesel.

Kia Picanto
The Picanto wil be Kia’s smallest car and will feature a fresh look, more premium interiors and various tech features. Kia will also offer the Picanto in a sporty GT-Line trim.

Range Rover Velar
Range Rover is betting big once again with it’s all new mid-sized SUV-coupé the Velar. To be positioned between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport it promises to be the most radical-looking Range Rover yet.With the Velar, Land Rover is looking to fight the Porsche Macan, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé.

Lamborghini Huracán Performante
The Sant'Agata based supercarmaker will showcase its Huracán sportscar in a bantam weight version. The Performante variant will accelerate faster to 100 kph and have a higher top speed. It is expected in both Coupé and Spyder variants.

McLaren P14
The McLaren P14 will replace the 650S sportscar and will be unveiled at Geneva. The P14 is an evolution of the car it is replacing and is expected to get a great deal more power.

Mercedes-AMG G65 4x4² Landaulet
G65 4x4² Landaulet is the final model on the current G-class platform and is expected to be replaced by a heavily updated model in international markets later this year. This limousine-cum-off-roader is powered by a 630hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12.

Mercedes-AMG E 63 Estate
The E63 Estate in ‘S’ trim hits hundred in 3.5 secs making it the world’s quickest station wagon. This makes in only 01. secs slower than its saloon sibling, but 0.2 secs faster than its closet station wagon rival the Audi RS6 Avant.

Pagani Huayra Roadster
Pagani Huayra will be shown too, but in roadster guise this time. Interestingly, this roadster is 80 kgs lighter than the hard top. It will be powered by a Mercedes-AMG M158 twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12, reworked to produce a peak output of 764hp.

Porsche 911 GT3 facelift
Porsche will launch a facelifted GT3, a high-performance variant of the 911 sportscar. It continues with the current 3.8 litre naturally aspirated engine but will also offer an optional manual gearbox.

Pininfarina Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo
Has been developed in conjunction with two-time F1 champ and Indy 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi. This track special model is expected to be powered by a 600hp naturally powered V8. Will be available as a download on Sony’s playstation game Gran Turismo.

Seat Ibiza
To be unveiled at Geneva and will go on sale in international markets in July. It will be followed by the Arona small SUV later in the year.

2017 Suzuki Swift
The new European spec Suzuki Swift’s motor show debut will take place at Geneva. A hybrid powertrain is amongst the many options expected to make it to Europe.

Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Eclipse is a potential game changer for Mitsubishi which is now under Renault-Nissan management. The vehicle’s looks have been derived from Mitsubishi’s XR-PHEV concept car, first showcased in 2013.

Techrules GT96
A supercar from Chinese EV company Techrules, the GT96 is expected to be launched. This car features an innovative turbine-recharging EV hybrid which was previewed at last year’s show. Power output for the concept is pegged at 1,044hp, with 0-100kph coming in 2.5sec and a 349kph top speed. It will have an electric-only range of 150km and a total range of 1,931km.

Toyota Yaris hot hatch
The performance version of Toyota’s Yaris will be showcased at Geneva for the first time. The exact name has not been revealed yet but it is expected to be named after Toyota’s motorsport outfit Gazoo, which is racing the Yaris in WRC this year and has already chalked up its first win. It’s already confirmed to offer more than 213hp on tap.

Volvo XC60
Volvo will showcase its new generation XC60 small SUV in Geneva this year. Spy shots indicate that it is likely to draw quite heavily from its XC90 sibling. It will compete with the Audi Q5, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mercedes GLC and BMW X3

Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen will replace its Passat based CC 4 door with the brand new Arteon. VW wants to  move the car away from its Passat roots with the new name but continues with the coupe-like styling of its predecessor. There are rumours of a sporty estate variant as well.

Volkswagen T-Roc
Based on the T-Roc concept first showcased at the 2014 Geneva motor show, Volkswagen is expected to launch a new small SUV with the same name. It will be interesting to see how different the final SUV will be from the original concept.

Alpine A120
Alpine will showcase for the first time, the production ready version of its A120 sportscar. Alpine is a French sportscar brand owned by Renault.  

Citroën C3 Picasso
The Picasso is a name reserved for an MPV variant in the Citroën lineup and the brand will launch the replacement for the C3 Picasso at Geneva this year. Alongside will be its sister car, the Vauxhall Crossland. Both share platforms and engines. Citroën parent company PSA group is currently in talks with GM to purchase the Vauxhall and Opel brands.

Dendrobium electric hypercar
Another super exotic hypercar and for the first time from Singapore. The Dendrobium electric hypercar was developed in collaboration with Williams F1 tech. Although details are scarce, it is expected to face-off with the AM-RB 001 and Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercars, when released you can expect it to be built in miniscule numbers.

Nissan Qashqai facelift
Nissan will launch the facelift of its popular Qashqai SUV and will be equipped with Nissan's latest single-lane autonomous tech, named ProPilot. To take on premium SUVs like the Q3,  the Qashqai is expected to feature a new premium trim called Tekna+.

Vauxhall Crossland X
Opel/Vauxhall are expected to showcase their new SUV, the Crossland X. It will share a platform with the Citroën C3 Picasso (refer above).

Subaru XV
Based on Subaru’s new global platform, the second-generation Subaru XV small SUV is to be launched at Geneva. It will continue to feature Subaru’s signature boxer engines mounted in a way that's said to reduce vibration.

Zenvo TS1 GT anniversary model
Danish supercar maker Zenvo will launch an anniversary version of its TS1 GT hypercar in Geneva commemorating its 10th anniversary. This hypercar is powered by a twin-supercharged 5.8-litre V8 that produces more than 1,166hp.