GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2019

GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2019

FULLY CHARGED

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

The 2019 International Motor Show of Geneva was, how do I put it, erm - electric; quite literally – around 70% of the models on the display brought along by the global automotive manufacturers were either powered by an all-electric/hydrogen or hybrid power. The future has been decided and the trend of the more efficient and eco-friendly power has been set: we are going electric folks!

#INTRO

Is it not funny how when men are offered to go shopping, ie. a shopping mall to look at things we cannot afford for countless hours sounds like a recipe for hell, yet one text message or email offering the same, but with cars involved and we’re packed and ready to leave at an instant. Well that is exactly what happens each time I am offered to cover any motoring event. “Count me in fam”! 

#GENEVAMOTORSHOW

Geneva Motor Shows is one of the largest and most influential car trade shows on the Planet featuring thousands of upcoming consumer car models as well as concept designs. This is a place where the global car manufacturers and trade companies display their existing range of vehicles, as well as share their vision for the future. The event occurs annually and is held at the “Palexpo” exhibition centre situated right at the airport of Geneva in Switzerland. As usual I was there to see what is hot and what is not. 

#ENDOFANERA

Whilst electric cars are nothing new I suspect the fossil fuel based automotive world has finally reached its final life span; I predict we’re only going to see more of the alternative power vehicles offered by manufacturers in Geneva in the next years. Whilst I hope we won’t completely stamp out the ridiculous hypercars drinking RON 102 for breakfast, I also do accept the fact that the EV (electric vehicles) offer better power, more and most importantly instant torque and are more environmentally friendly. It seems that all the manufacturers are aiming for a change in the nearest future and the majority of the stands featured at least a couple of EV models.

#ISITTOOLATE

It depends; if you’re a true hard-core petrolhead that thinks that EV is the devil then you’re maybe a few years too late to attend the Geneva International Motor Show. The transformation had begun a few years ago and there is no stopping now. Electric is the new black! 

On the other hand, my perception and expectations of the Geneva International Motor Show have always been different, I see it as a small time machine, allowing us to look into the foreseeable future and see if we like it or not. Each year I do attend the event with excitement and am glad to see the changes of the motoring industry.

#HIGHLIGHTSOFTHESHOW

Whilst it is impossible for one to stop and see everything on a single day; furthermore, to cover it in more depth, I always try to do my best to give this show a coverage it deserves. 

With great pleasure let me introduce you to the highlights and headliners of the 2019 Geneva International Motor show:

ALFA ROMEO

The Italian manufacturer brought along few upcoming models and celebrated their recent return to the F1 by showcasing their 2019 model. The spotlight; however, was its new SUV, named Tonale. Smaller than the Stelvio this beautiful SUV is sure going to be a huge seller.

AUDI

Audi downscaled their usual "in your face" display and focused mainly towards their all-new EV concept Q4 e-Tron. This was Audis first journey into the modern EV world. The Q4 e-Tron is based on the VW’s MEB platform and launches in 2020.

ASTON MARTIN

The British manufacturer brought along 2 amazing projects, firstly - the 003 - a hypercar featuring an F1 technology; the 003 originated thanks to the Aston Martin and Red Bull F1 partnership, and will be a direct competition to the Ferrari, McLaren and Lamborghini; secondly - a mid-engine supercar -Vanquish Vision. This is aimed as a direct competition to likes of McLaren 720s and Ferrari F8 Tributo.

BUGATTI

Like building million-pound cars isn’t enough Bugatti decided to go even madder by building and bringing along a one-off hypercar to mark its 110 year history. The all-black car was placed on the main spotlight, Bugatti named it, yes - The Black Car (La Voiture Noire). It was inspired by the 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic and is powered by the Chiron’s engine producing 1479hp. This car was sold even before it was built for, wait for it…9.5 million.

CITROEN

Citroen’s highlight was a super funky all-electric two-seater city car inspired by the classic 2CV. It is aimed towards the younger generation drivers. With a limited speed of just 28mph Citroen Ami One won’t break any world records, but could be a potential solution in very busy urban areas and may not require a driving licence in certain countries.

FERRARI

The Italian supercar manufacturer launched the new model F8 Tributo, which by its name already reveals a fairewell tribute to the 488 series. It is powered by the same engine as the 488 Pista; meaning it produces mind blowing 710hp with a a top speed of 200+mph.

FIAT

Marking its 120th birthday Fiat revealed a concept called Centoventi (120 in Italian). This futuristic concept car offered us an insight of what potentially could be the next Fiat Panda (the toy Panda that was hidden inside the vehicle could have been a small hint).

GINETTA

After 9 years of silence the British manufacturer returned with an all new supercar called Akula (shark in Russian) and it is powered by a naturally aspirated 6-litre V8 producing over 600hp and 700Nm of torque. The design may be of very acquired taste, but it certainly looks like a shark. Whether it is good or not, I’ll let you decide.

HONDA

One of the main attractions at 2019 Geneva International Motor show was the funky urban EV from Honda that had finally moved closer to being a production car than ever. The price and official figures still remain a mystery, but it is expected to cost around the same as BMW i3 and have a range of 120 miles. It is based on the original and legendary civic and looks spectacular. The car is filled with gadgets and modern toys. Since Honda has plans to have two thirds of their models electric by 2025 I really hope this model is a huge success to kickstart the things into the right direction.

KIA

One of the most spectacular designs of the 2019 show in my opinion came from the South Korean manufacturer KIA; they brought a long a new electric concept car called Imagine. Imagine represents a futuristic vision of the company featuring wireless charging and sleek design. No more details were available at the time.

KOENIGSEGG

If there was one manufacturer that never lets us down at the Geneva show, it was the Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. 2019 was no different and the phenomenal manufacturer unleashed its latest beast – Koenigsegg Jesko. Whilst the name of the car may sound playful and childish, the car believe is not. Powered by a 5litre V8 engine running on either conventional petrol or E85 ethanol fuel (as you do), it is producing … (drum roll) – 1578hp. Long live the Koenigsegg and its bonkerness.

LAMBORGHINI

The raging bull just got more beautiful by going topless with their latest Aventador SVJ Roadster, Lamborghini also brought along the Huracan Evo and Spyder. The huge crowds never left the Italian supercar manufacturer throughout the day – success I’d say!

LEXUS

It was the LC convertible that made the debut at the Geneva, but it was the RC F Track edition that stole the stand. This magnificent track dedicated road legal beast looked fearless and scary. I loved it.

POLESTAR

Parting off as a separate franchise from Volvo, Polestar started it on the big. Polestar 2 is an all-electric car with a range of 200+ miles and aimed to be a direct competition to Tesla Model 3. It is a super pretty car with great power and range.

PEUGEOT

The french are known for their "magnifique" hatchbacks, so yeah why not - they made another one. This time all-electric. The all new e-208 has a real life range of 200 miles and performance to match other sports hatchbacks, so it will be an instant hit I'd guess.

PININFARINA

Pininfarina Battista - if you read this without the Italian hand gestures you are doing it wrong.  The (now) German coachbuilder company unveiled its first hypercar that is powered by Rimac powertrain, 4 to be precise; one motor per wheel. It looks mind blowing and performs even more so - 0-100 around 2 seconds and power output of 1877hp. It is glamorous and bonkers. Do you still think EVs are bad?

PORSCHE

The porker debuted it's 992 topless version and yet again it is bang on the money. Porsches are timeless, their design is smart, beautiful and will never get old. What is not there to like.

SUBARU

Whilst the VIVIZ is nothing new (original debut was back in 2013) the latest steampunk style truck was really impressive. Featuring all wheel drive, crazy technology there is just one thing missing. A bloody release date. Subaru hurry up and get this made!

TOYOTA

Now everybody scream with me.... YES, the Supra is back. And yes it is technically part BMW but who on earth cares when it looks so good. The MK4 supra retains a lot of it's original lines and style whilst enforcing the modern world. The GT4 concept model was everything I hoped for and more.

VOLKSWAGEN

Now picture yourself on a California beach with the all new VW ID buggy concept and your other half beside you just cruising into the sunset; does live get any better. This all new funky concept remains a concept for now, but I really hope this electric beach monster does see the light of day some day as it is insane, I love it.

#EYECANDY

Now whilst there are hundreds and hundreds of unbelievable cars on display, each year there are some that stand out more than others. There were 3 vehicles on the day that made me stop, put down the camera and just admire them for a second and here they are:

PEUGEOT E-LEGEND

I've yet to figure out why the French manufacturer had no intentions of releasing this, but to me it was one of the most beautiful retro-modern concept vehicles I've seen in my life. Rockin old school looks, combined with ultra modern technology it really could be a blast from the past that we need at present. GORGEOUS!

PORSCHE 911: SINGER

I've tried to write this paragraph around 3 times, and each time I just erased it and started again., because where do you even begin in describing this vehicle? You take a perfection, you add perfection and outcome is perfection. A lottery car for anybody, if not, you are not right my friend!

DEVINCI

As you imagined I saved the best for last. Whilst walking around the hall I noticed a retro styled car that really caught my eye. A car company I never heard of before called Devinci had few cars on display and every single one of them was a masterpiece. I really couldn't tell if they were retro cars modernised or modern cars retro'ed. Every aspect of the car was custom made, perfection in every angle and detail. I had a quick chat to the representatives just to find out that Devinci was in fact, yes you guessed it an EV. Founded by an engineer and Pilot Jean-Philippe Dayraut these custom rat rod electric vehicles are sublime. I genuinely am in love and want one so bad. 

#SEEYOUIN2021

Update*
Obviously with this article being posted in 2020 we know that Covid-19 resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show on the health risk grounds, and rightly so, but I am already super excited for the 2021. See you all there. 

#BONUS IMAGES