19 Picks from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept
I was walking pass the Alfa Romeo Booth and this caught my attention. The headlights resemble the SZ's from the 90s – those iconic headlights left a lasting impression on me. Let's hope the production model is just as good looking.
Aston Martin AM-RB 003
At first glance, I thought it was the Valkyrie sitting at the booth, there was indeed one, just not this one that had caught my attention. The new AM-RB 003 has similar design cues as the Valkyrie, but will be powered by a new hybrid turbo V6 engine built by Aston Martin. Thats all we know for now as the specs are not official yet, but that is a rather cool interior.
Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept
This is a different car sitting beside the AM-RB 003, but I actually thought was just the same car in a different colour. What gave it away was the resemblance of the rear to the Vanquish. These colours are really quite interesting!
Audi R8 Decennium
To celebrate a decade of the R8 V10, Audi has released a limited edition R8 V10 Decennium, The Daytona Grey matte paint and blacked-out Audi logo gives the car a stealthy look, and i almost couldn't tell that there was a R8 sitting inside the private lounge through those tinted glass panels. Only 222 pieces will be made.
(Click HERE for more on the R8 Decennium)
BMW X7
First saw the X7 concept at GIMS 2018 and now the production model at GIMS 2019, and I reckon it is one of the few cars that looks very much like the concept, with very minimal changes.
Bugatti Divo
Though it isn't that new in the range of Bugatti models, having to see one in the flesh is really quite amazing. This would be my pick out of the 3 Bugattis displayed at the booth.
Bugatti La Voiture Noire
At €16.7m, this is the most expensive new car to be sold in the world, and it is the only one in the world. Specially handcrafted for a collector, it was inspired from the Bugatti Atlantic.
This car reminds me of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail, which is also a one-off and was once the most expensive new car. The looks of this car doesn't appeal to me as much as the Divo, probably because the jet black colour hides most of the details.
(Click HERE for more of the La Voiture Noire)
Ferrari F8 Tributo
One of the more anticipated cars at the show, the 488 GTB replacement makes its debut at GIMS 2019. I was so excited to see it in the flesh after seeing the pictures online when it was released a week ago. I was waiting at the front of the Ferrari booth 30mins prior to the press conference, just to get a good spot to get some good shots of the unveiling, and it was well worth the wait!
(Click HERE for more of the F8 Tributo)
Koenigsegg Jesko
The Koenisegg Jesko definitely stole the whole show for me. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful car in the show and in the world. Koenigsegg has done a good job in designing the Jesko, taking some design cues from the Agera and Regera.
As a tribute to Christian's Dad, he named the car for him, to thank him for the support through the years. This isn't a Supercar or Hypercar, it is a Megacar. Truly amazing piece of engineering.
(Click HERE to read more about the Koenigsegg Jesko)
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
Lamborghini debuts the SVJ Roadster at GIMS 2019. Having saw a unit on the roads in Geneva while on the way to the exhibition, it looks intimidating on the move. I was expecting to see the Aventador replacement model at the show, but it is a tradition to have the roadster version of every model. Let's also not forget this is the fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring, so we will just be patient and wait!
(Click HERE for more details of the Aventador SVJ Roadster)
Lexus RC F Track Edition
Lots of carbonfibre parts are fitted on the car, especially the major parts like the roof and hood, which helps shed some weight from the car. With a 5.0L V8 under the hood, I am sure Lexus has it all worked out with this lighter setup. Somehow it reminds me of the LFA Nurburgring Edition, which was also spotted running around Geneva these few days.
(Click HERE to check out Artisan Spirit's gorgeous, widebody Lexus LC)
McLaren 600LT Spider
The McLaren 600LT Coupe was recently featured in TopGear Singapore mag's Cars of 2018. Now that the Spider version of it is launched, it is just more than perfect. There is literally no barrier between you and the flames. The one here displayed is done up by MSO, which makes it a lot more appealing.
(Click HERE to read about our drive in the 600LT Spider)
(Click HERE for the 600LT Coupe in TopGear Singapore mag's 2018 Cars of the Year)
McLaren Speedtail
I never thought I would see this car in person. It is one of the most beautiful cars made by McLaren. I love the 3 seat cockpit, sleek and elegant deisgn, but I still find those rims hard to accept, even though it can be removed.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
When I first saw the AMG GT Roadster, I didn't think it looked too bad as it has a character of its own largely due to the fact that there isn't a sloping roof line towards the back. Now that there's a GT R version, the Beast of the Green Hell just got a lot more interesting!
(Click HERE for more of the GT R Roadster)
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
The A-Class has came a long way since it was born. The current generation of it has a lot more appeal than before, especially the dashboard display screen that stretches from the driver's side to the centre console.
I am a big fan of wagons, and shooting brake models appeal to me the most, probably also due to the nature of my work where I need a lot of boot space for my camera gear. The new CLA Shooting Brake has everything I need and want in a car – maybe as an AMG?
Pagani Zonda C12
To commemorate the Zonda's 20th Anniversary, Pagani has fully restored the Pagani Zonda C12, chassis 001, which was the same car that was displayed at the 1999 Geneva Motorshow. It has come a long way and till today, the Zonda is still one of the most favoured Pagani model as compared to the Huayra.
Pininfarina Battista
Pininfarina debuts its first car in GIMS 2019 and it is one that is also very special. The 1900 horsepower Battista is one the fastest EVs on earth. Given that Pininfarina is a car design firm, there is no doubt that the design of the car is totally flawless. Every element sits nicely with each other and it is just beautiful.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabrio
With winter season ending, now is the perfect time to launch the cabriolet version of the new 911. The new 992 cabriolet has a new roof design, which cuts down on the wind noise.
(If it's the 911 Carrera S Coupe you're after, click HERE)
Toyota GR Supra
The moment I stepped into the Toyota, I felt like something was amiss. There are familiar elements around the interior that confuses you as to whether you're actually in a Toyota or BMW. Having seen so many photos circulating around with regards to the new Supra, I finally got the chance to see one in person, and I must say it looks really good.
(Click HERE for more on the A90 Supra)
STORY & PHOTOS Adrian Wong