Where else can you witness such a dazzling display of style, seamlessly combined with technological advances, that sets your pulse racing? The Geneva Motor Show is the pre-eminent event of the automotive calendar. Over its 84 year history the show has unveiled more design innovations and outstanding advances than any other exhibition of its type. As with the Oscars, this is the event where the whole industry reveals its new creations to amaze and inspire.
If love at first sight exists, then surely Ferrari’s California T is a contender for that honour. With its revolutionary V8 turbo engine this perfectly sculpted apparition, with its unique combination of exclusivity, sportiness and elegance, is a vision to behold.
Not since the days of the legendary Testa Rossa has the stable of the Prancing Horse produced such a stylish and technologically innovative performance vehicle. As one may expect from a car with this pedigree, the California T boasts true sports-car dynamics. A top speed of 196mph, coupled with the latest-generation Magnaride dampers and reduced steering wheel activity, delivers more precise handling whilst still guaranteeing an incredibly comfortable ride.
When you close your eyes and think of a Ferrari, it is unlikely that the word “practical” is the first thing which to springs to mind. Yet when they unveiled the stunning Grand Tourer, the Ferrari FF with Apple’s new ‘CarPlay’ system, this term could genuinely be included in its lexicon of attributes. The 4 wheel drive GT boasts superstar looks and energetic performance but now as the first car in the world available with Apple’s new infotainment system, it enters a new dimension of high-tech intertwined with effortless style.
“The name’s Bond, James Bond!” Despite many other marques trying to put their stamp on this legend of the silver screen, there is only one auto-manufacture who can genuinely claim to have succeeded – Aston Martin. Therefore, when Q by Aston Martin was unveiled, we were thrilled! “Q”, which stands for Quartermaster, is the inventive genius who creates all of 007’s personalised wizardry to assist him on his perilous missions. Although Aston Martin’s Q-Lounge will not be fitting ejector seats, the vast scope of personalisation options they offer is quite simply staggering. Their ability to tailor-fit their cars to match the dreams of even the most discerning customer is certainly worthy of the Q-Branch analogy.
Aston Martin also debuted their Vantage N430, a bold and exciting new limited edition member of their iconic Vantage V8 collection. Aston’s N-range has always created an eye-popping new twist on a very stylish theme and the N430 is no exception. Designed to generate envious glances, this stunning addition to the range is as exciting to look at as it is to drive – you can’t fail to be impressed.
When the marque of the “Raging Bull” came into view our collective pulses began to race. If we thought the Gallardo was stylish, the Lamborghini Huracán literally took our breath away. It looks incredible. If delivering a staggering 610 horsepower from its V-10 engine is not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, the speed of this wild and beautiful Lamborghini certainly will. Not only topping 202mph, the Huracán also promises a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds. With all that power, you will feel suitably reassured to know that carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard!
Yet the Huracán is not only powerful, she is beautiful too. She is more curvaceous than her predecessor with every detail, both inside and out, created for the perfect combination of star quality allure and athletic performance.
‘Rolls-Royce’ has become synonymous with being the gold standard in elegance, quality and engineering perfection. The sublime Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is the luxurious new offering from these masters of automotive elegance.
Stylishly upgraded, the Series II is much more than a very classy revamp of the Ghost’s elegant curved lines, having been also expertly accessorised for modern living. This majestic car has on-board Wi-Fi, an updated satnav, and a satellite-aided transmission which uses a GPS signal to determine which cog the automatic eight-speed gear box should be using, in preparation for upcoming corners.
This car oozes appeal for those in the luxury market. As one would expect from a car of this calibre, every detail has been masterfully considered and beautifully crafted before it made the grade.
Yet for those who are looking to travel in sedate luxury and style, without compromising their desire for speed, Bentley has just unveiled its new V8 version of the much admired Bentley Flying Spur.
Stately styling is one thing, yet with a top speed of 183 mph this 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 engine appears to glide effortlessly from nought to 60mph in a staggering 4.9 seconds. This elegant 4 door sedan is the ultimate expression of luxurious performance.
The internal styling of the Flying Spur is exceptional, marrying contemporary design and classic Bentley luxury so beautifully. The Flying Spur V8 has an option of the ‘Mulliner Driving Specification’ package. This includes diamond quilting, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals, an indented leather headlining, jewelled fuel and oil filler caps and embroidered Bentley wings to all headrests.
The Geneva Motor Show would not be complete without its dazzling array of concept cars and the 2014 event was no exception. Bugatti revealed their latest concept car, the stylish Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Rembrandt. Bugatti are the grand masters in the production of extremely limited edition, high performance vehicles of character, personality and panache. There is no production date set for the Rembrandt but this does not stop us from being excited by the prospect of its imminent arrival.
Not to be out done, Maserati also displayed their striking new concept, the Alfieri, to celebrate the brand’s centenary. Named after Alfieri Maserati, the engineering genius who founded the company 100 years ago, this chic and stylish GT harks back to their prestigious racing heritage, with modern day sophistication and that unparalleled Maserati envy factor.
