Here is a quick roundup of the unveilings and new products involved in automated vehicles and electric powertrains at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, one of the largest shows in Europe. A lot was shown off, so let’s get to it.
Audi unveiled a Q8 Sport Concept as a performance take on the Q8 concept study introduced in Detroit earlier this year. This is a mild-hybrid crossover aimed towards showcasing what the company can do with both a performance-oriented vehicle and one with simple electrification. Read more here.
The Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e concept was unveiled as an electric car from the uber-luxury nameplate that features high speed inductive charging. Meant to gauge public and consumer feedback, the two-door, two-seat EXP 12 Speed 6e utilizes high-speed wireless charging and have enough juice per charge to be a realistic “grand touring” car for Europe.
Hyundai Motor unveiled a concept study of its next-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FE Fuel Cell Concept. The underpinnings of this concept are likely to be what power the replacement for the Tucson FCEV. The cells in this new concept are 30 percent lighter and more energy dense. Read about it here.
Kia introduced a Niro Plug-in Hybrid crossover and Optima Sportwagon PHEV. These plug-ins use the same PHEV powertrain found in the Ioniq models from Hyundai. The Niro is a compact crossover and the Optima Sportwagon is a station wagon version of the Optima sedan.
The Lexus LS 500h performance luxury hybrid deubted as a multi-stage hybrid. Aimed as a 2018 model year production model, this luxury sedan uses Lexus’ new Multi Stage Hybrid System, which will be unveiled in full in papers to be presented by Toyota engineers at an upcoming SAE conference in Detroit.
Mercedes-AMG unveiled a GT Concept performance hybrid that uses a Formula One-inspired hybrid technology from Petronas. With a total output of 805 horsepower and a sub-3-second 0-62 mph time, this model also bears a new “EQ Power+” moniker coined by AMG. Get more info here.
A surprise Pininfarina H600 hybrid executive car concept was unveiled as a collaboration between the Italian design house and Hong Kong-based EV manufacturer Hybrid Kinetic Group. The H600 is a hybrid luxury sports sedan that uses a microturbine generator as a range-extender for an electric powertrain that powers the car from 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Read about it here.
Renault unveiled a ZOE e-Sport Concept race car. Based on the ZOE platform, the e-Sport Concept has a 0-62 mph speed of 3.2 seconds and is designed after the carmaker’s three years’ experience in Formula E Championship racing.
The Toyota i-TRIL Concept Car was unveiled as a “2030 mobility vision” from Toyota Motors Europe and their design studio in Nice, France. It’s meant as a future-generation A and B segment car for urban driving. Find more here.
The Volkswagen Group unveiled Sedric, it’s new fully autonomous, self-driving shuttle-style car. The Volkswagen Group is using Sedric to highlight the major importance of fully automated driving in the future strategy of the company.
Volvo unveiled a new XC60 with a plug-in hybrid model. The XC60 premium SUV makes up about 30 percent of the company’s global sales and the new PHEV rendition will deliver a total of 407 horsepower.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.