SUVs, supercars making noise at Geneva show
GENEVA — Automakers are putting a slew of new SUVs and highperformance sports cars on display at the Geneva International Motor Show as they try to keep up momentum in an industry facing uncertainties from Brexit and possible changes in U.S. trade policy.
Jaguar Land Rover showed off its Range Rover Velar, a sportutility that promises crisp handling and acceleration. General Motor’s Opel division unveiled the Crossland X, based on a platform shared with PSA Group.
The vehicle is a sign of more to come, since PSA Group has agreed to buy loss-making Opel from GM. The Crossland taps into a trend of building ever-smaller SUVs; this one is a little shorter than the Astra compact hatchback that serves as the brand’s mainstay.
PSA Group itself had a new SUV, from its high-priced brand DS. The DS7 Crossback has headlights that adjust to driving conditions and distinctive scale-pattern rear brake lights.
Analysts say consumers like SUVs’ higher riding position in traffic, and the perceived added space to carry things.
A specialty of the show in wealthy Geneva is breathtaking hypercars — sports cars with ever-bigger engines and quicker acceleration. This year is no exception.
McLaren’s 720PS sports car caused a pedestrian traffic jam at its unveiling as journalists and industry workers crowded the display stand to take pictures and cellphone video of the sleek, bright-orange speedster. Weighing only 1,283 kilograms unfuelled, the car’s 720 horsepower engine pushes it to 100 kilometres per hour in only 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 341 km/h. Delivery to customers starts in May; prices in the U.K. start at 208,600 pounds (about $340,000 Cdn).
Ferrari’s 812 Superfast has flaps that shift position to improve aerodynamics, and a giant 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder engine. The Huayra Roadster from Italy’s Pagani shows striking design, with sweeping curves and side mirrors on curving pylons.
The Geneva show opened to the public Thursday and runs through March 19 at the Palexpo exhibition centre next to Geneva’s airport.