As you are reading this, Geneva is hosting one of the biggest international motor shows happening every year for the past 89 years now. Car manufacturers from all over the world rush to get the best display areas showcasing their latest vision. Hundreds of media crews come in, a few days prior to the opening for their million dollar shot, before the scene becomes too crowded by the thousands of fanatics expected to visit.
In its 89th edition, GIMS is focusing on the future of Mobility: New automotive technologies are rapidly and fundamentally changing our world. Such change is being spurred on by companies in the automotive, high-tech and consumer electronics industries. The electric and alternatively powered vehicles have quite a presence this year.
Moreover, a flock of celebrities, race car drivers and motor sport madmen are already present. If you’re lucky enough, you might rub shoulders with the likes of Kimi Raikonnen or discuss the latest tech with Christian Von Koenigsegg.
As usual, Geneva never lacks in glamour and elegance with top marques. Everyone has something to prove; the elevated number of world premieres makes of this exhibition the hottest hub for everything and everyone automotive. Every brand is dressed to impress. From classics to concepts, everyone has something to show.
Koeinigsegg revealed its latest creation, the Jesko, named after the founders father , and running on a 5 liter, 9-speed lightweight transmission, this beast delivers 1600 hp on E85 Biofuel, and claims to be the ultimate road-legal track monster able to reach 482 km/h. koenigsegg also presented a full carbon fiber Regera. Pagani on the other hand, unveiled their 20 year edition classic, the Zonda while McLaren showed off the new 600LT Spyder, the 720s Spyder, a GT3 race car and the speed tail, a limited edition model only accessible to the elite few, with a promise to only deliver hybrid sports and super sport series car by 2024 with no SUV in mind.
Porsche premiered their 8th edition of the iconic 911 as a convertible, branded 992 cabrio and my personal favorite, the Carrera 4s, not to forget their electric models, the Maccan and Panamera. Lamborghini showcased the spyder version of the Huracan Evo and the Aventador SVJ Roadster, while Ferrari unveiled their long awaited 488 replacement, a mid engined V8 known as the F8 Tributo. And what a reveal it was. A 488 pista with no hybrid nonsense. Absolutely no disappointments from the brand with the prancing horse.
The exquisite crown Jewel of the show and the jaw dropping art deco surprise was Bugatti’s latest one off creation. La Voiture Noire, the highest form of automotive haute couture; the resurrection of the 57SC Atlantic. This 16.7 million euro masterpiece is already sold.
Aston Martin presented an array of hypercars with cameras for side mirrors, from the vanquish vision, to the AM-RB 003 whose concepts and technology are taken directly from F1TM and applied to the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which was also on display. Not to forget the long awaited Lagonda. They also showcased the latest DBS superleggera Q edition in a private James Bond themed lounge. Vodka martinis, shaken not stirred, were on the menu.
High end tuners such as RUF, Mansouri and techart as well as design powerhouses like Pininfarina had loud and colorful statements too. Italdesign showed off their latest GTR 50 Concept while Stratos displayed 2 rally tribute editions, one in the legendary Alitalia war paint.
Special appearances by the Swedish madman Christian Von Koeingsegg, Magnus Walker and international automotive blogger “shmee” caused quite a stir.
Surprisingly enough many well known brands, such as Hyundai & Volvo were on the no show list
GIMS opens from the 7 to 17th of March at Palexpo in Geneva. It’s not an exhibition to be missed, where Classics, concepts, race cars and mechanical unicorns are on display. My advice is to take your time to savor the design details, while admiring the beautiful fusion of engineering and art.
By: Patrick G. Karam
@PATRICKKARAM