As Europe's first major motor show gets underway, car makers will unveil their most important models of the year
The Geneva Motor Show has finally kicked off with a host of new cars and specially commissioned vehicles that will hit the road later this year.
Last year's event saw the launch of the Chiron, Bugatti's successor to the record-breaking Veyron, as well as the Centenario, another ultra-rare hypercar from Lamborghini.
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With more supercars and mass volume vehicles set to appear, here's all the metal that's been revealed so far:
(Image credit: Alain Grosclaude/AFP/Getty images)
Audi RS5 coupe
Geneva saw Audi take the wraps off its highly anticipated RS5, revealing the first major upgrade to its hardcore coupe in nearly seven years.
Gone is the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine in favour of 2.9-litre biturbo petrol V6. Although power remains the same at 444bhp, Audi has managed to pack an extra 125lb-ft of torque, bringing the total to 442lb-ft.
Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, reports CarBuyer, while a "different suspension setup" should improve handling and comfort.
Top Gear adds that while the outgoing model felt "too heavy" and "taxing", this shouldn't be a problem in the updated model, which weighs 3,649lbs, 132lbs lighter than the previous model. Speccing the optional carbon fibre roof sheds a further 22lbs.
Prices for the UK have yet to be announced, although Audi says the RS5 will go on sale in central Europe this summer for €80,900 (£70,900).
Aston Martin surprised many at Geneva by revealing a pair of track-focused versions of its popular GT cars, the Vantage and Rapide.
They are the first batch of vehicles to be released under Aston's racing-inspired AMR sub-brand, which will spawn lightweight versions of its cars for use on track.
The Vantage AMR Pro is powered by a 500bhp V8 engine derived from the championship-winning GT4, says Autocar. Aston Martin has also bolted on a large fixed rear wing and carbon fibre front splitter, both of which help generate downforce at higher speeds.
The magazine also says the Rapide AMR will be powered by a 592bhp naturally aspirated V12 unit from the Vantage GT12. It's packed with carbon fibre trim inside and can house four people.
Aston Martin says it will only produce seven examples of the Vantage AMR Pro, while 210 Rapide AMRs are planned for production.
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Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon is a five-door executive coupe that will be positioned above the Passat saloon.
It's been ushered-in as a replacement to the Passat CC, says CarBuyer, although it "will assume a position upmarket" to partner upcoming Touareg SUV. This should place it in competition with Audi's A5 saloon and the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe.
There's also a host of new technology features, including VW's emergency assist that now has the ability to safely steer the car into the left-hand lane if the driver is "incapacitated", adds the site. It will also get "predictive beam control", which uses GPS to anticipate corners and change the lights accordingly.
Pre-orders have opened in German, with UK sales expected to commence later this year.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
Lamborghini has taken the wraps off its lightweight, hardcore Huracan Performante supercar which boasts active aerodynamics and a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine.
Under the front splitter sits a small flap that can be electronically activated to reduce the effect of drag. When the flap is open, air is passed underneath the car and channeled towards the rear diffuser. Once the flag closes, the splitter becomes a conventional fixed aerodynamic device that delivers more direct handling on high-speed corners.
A small flap in front of the rear wing channels air through the spoiler to reduce drag, helping the Huracan Performante reach a higher top speed. Closing the flap filters air over the wing for better rear-end grip.
Other additions include excessive use of the company's carbon fibre-derived forged composites and a multipiece rear diffuser. There's also a twin-exhaust layout similar to the Huracan GT3 race car and a more angular design to the front splitter.
The Huracan Perfomante will hit showrooms in the summer, reports Autocar, with prices starting at £213,000.
Click here to find out more about Lamborghini's hardcore Huracan.
Porsche 911 GT3 Gen II
(Image credit: www.richardpardon.co.uk)
A facelift version of Porsche's hardcore 911 GT3 has made its public debut at Geneva.
The German car giant has redesigned the front end in line with the current range of Cayman, Boxster and Carrera. The thick daytime LEDs have been replaced with lights that are much thinner in design, while the rounded edges of the front-bumper are now sharper and more aggressive.
Porsche has also replaced the 3.8-litre flat-six engine with an all-new 4.0-litre naturally aspirate unit, which produces 493bhp and revs to a roaring 9,000rpm. Fans will be pleased to know that the company has reintroduced a six-speed manual gearbox as an alternative to the standard PDK transmission.
Click here for all the details of Porsche's revamped 911 GT3.
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