87th Geneva International Motor Show

The 87th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show has its doors to the public from March 9-19, 2017. The Show is one of the “Top 5” in the world and is the only motor show in Europe that occurs each year and is recognised by the OICA (International Organisation of Automobile Constructors).

Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, a member of the Swiss National Council, officially opened the exhibition of 900 models including 148 world and European premiers. 180 exhibitors share the limelight; they include all of the large manufacturers, smaller exclusive constructors, high performance preparation specialists, resolutely timeless automotive designers, plus suppliers of parts, accessories, and equipment to the automotive sector.

“Technology and Design are the two key words that best characterise the Geneva Show, and that provide the happiness for the more than 700,000 visitors who are expected,” explained Maurice Turrettini, President of the Geneva International Motor Show. Andre Hefti, General Manager of the Motor Show, said “It is also a unique opportunity to discover the latest technologies of “infotainement” that have been launched to assist in driving and other areas to ensure our motoring is more efficient, reliable and comfortable.”

The winner of this year’s Car of the Year Award is the Peugeot 3008. The jury, made up of 58 journalists from 22 European countries, base their decisions on innovation, security, design and value for money.

The Motor Show remains open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the weekends. To better spread out the number of visitors during the day, and to improve their comfort, a 50% discount on the entry ticket price will be available from 4:00 p.m. every day.

SwissEnergy is again a presenting partner at the 2017 Motor Show, once more championing the co2auplancher project and showcasing the Salon Car Collector app, which enables visitors interested in energy-efficient vehicles to easily find their way to them. By “collecting” energy-efficient vehicles through the app, visitors can win a Ford Mondeo Hybrid. co2auplancher is SwissEnergy’s national campaign to promote energy-efficient – or low CO2 emission – vehicles. These include cars with a maximum CO2 emission of 95 g/km in energy efficiency class A – no matter whether they run on fossil fuel, electricity or petrol. Today, there are over 350 models that already meet these criteria.

Here is a brief look at some of the greenest world premieres at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

Lexus LS 500h

The LS 500h is the full hybrid version of the redesigned Lexus LS flagship luxury sedan, which debuted in January at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. The car’s design successfully brings together the virtues of a long-wheelbase four-door sedan with a low, coupe-like profile, positioning the LS perfectly across the two growing sedan and coupe segments.

The LS 500h is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, a technology that transforms the performance and driver appeal of hybrid, providing improved responsiveness and more rewarding, linear acceleration, particularly when moving off from stationary. At the same time, the inherent fuel and emissions efficiency of Lexus Hybrid Drive has been further improved.

The powertrain features a 3.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i V6 petrol engine and two electric motors, together delivering maximum system power of 354hp/264kW. While the LS 500 will be available in Europe exclusively as all-wheel drive model, the LS 500h will be introduced in both rear and all-wheel drive versions.

The car’s dynamic performance benefits also from the coordination of braking, steering and stability systems through Lexus Dynamic Handling. The LS 500h’s Lexus Safety System+ package additionally includes a new advanced safety system, which features the world’s first intuitive pedestrian detection function with active steering among other innovative technologies.

BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition

The line-up of exclusive, limited-run special editions of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car continues to expand in number. The BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition – which will be produced in a limited run and go on sale in April 2017 – owes its striking appearance to a model-specific BMW Individual paint finish. The exclusive exterior shade Protonic Frozen Black shares its canvas with accents in Frozen Grey metallic. A sophisticated application process is employed to transfer the paint to the BMW i8’s carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bodywork. The Protonic Frozen Black finish has a silky-matt shimmer and shines a particularly vivid spotlight on the plug-in-hybrid sports car’s dynamic lines and flowing surface design.

Later in 2017, BMW i will launch the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition, giving customers another way to experience electrically-powered driving pleasure laced with added exclusivity. The BMW i8 boasts a combined fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km, electricity consumption of 11.9 kWh/100 km, and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

The four-litre V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo is combined with an electric motor, resulting in 500 kW/680 hp  of system power and outstanding power delivery (combined fuel consumption 2.9 l/100 km; electric energy consumption 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions 66 g/km). Even when just above idle speed, the Panamera Turbo offers an 850 Nm of torque. That means it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h. The boost strategy of the all-wheel drive Panamera comes from the 918 Spyder super sportscar. In the New European Driving Cycle, the average fuel consumption is 2.9 l/100 km, and the new flagship Panamera can drive on fully electric power for up to 50 kilometres.

Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

The new Niro Plug-in Hybrid, revealed for the first time in Geneva, combines crossover versatility and design appeal with maximum fuel efficiency from its advanced new plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Niro aims to capitalise on two significant trends: rising sales of plug-in hybrid models (forecast to expand to more than 600,000 units per annum by the end of 2023) and continued growth in the compact crossover market.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale across Europe during Q3 2017, pairing an economical 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine with an 8.9 kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack. The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – engineers are targeting combined CO2 emissions below 30 g/km and a zero-emissions pure-electric driving range of over 55 kilometres.

The introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain has minimal effect on the Niro’s packaging and versatility – the car’s high-capacity battery pack is located beneath the floor of the 318-litre (VDA) boot and beneath the rear seat bench, while cabin space is unaffected. An optional Towing Pack – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allows owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300 kg.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid features regenerative braking technology to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while a new Eco Driving Assistant System (Eco DAS) provides drivers with intelligent guidance on how to drive more efficiently under current conditions. Eco DAS includes Coasting Guide Control (CGC) and Predictive Energy Control (PEC), enabling drivers to maximise fuel mileage by suggesting when to coast or brake, and using or harvesting electrical energy depending on the topography of the road ahead. The car’s touchscreen infotainment system displays the battery charge levels and the locations of nearby charging stations.

Volvo new XC60

The new XC60 offers Volvo’s award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 407 hp and acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. “We have a wide range of powertrains. The new XC60 will launch with the diesel D4 engine at 190 hp and the D5 with PowerPulse technology delivering 235 hp. We also have the petrol-powered T5 delivering 254 hp and the T6, which with both turbo and superchargers attached, delivers 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque,” explains Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Product & Quality at Volvo Car Group.

Steer Assist has been added to the ground-breaking City Safety system. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS) now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. The new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside.

Suzuki all-new Swift

The new Swift, though not a world premiere but a European premiere worthy of mention, carries forward the Swift DNA while adopting completely new styling and a performance-enhancing extremely light body and boasts advanced safety technologies. The result is European exterior styling, complemented by a sporty and functional interior, nimble and agile driving, and enhanced peace of mind.

The new Swift features several evolutionary enhances over its predecessor. Here are just a few of them: 120kg lighter vehicle weight (varies according to overall vehicle specifications); 5% more fuel-efficient DUALJET engine; 3% quieter; 8% more aerodynamic; 4m-smaller turning radius; 23mm more vertical and lateral head clearance for the rear seats; 20mm greater centre-on-centre distance between the front seats; and 25%-plus larger luggage space.

Toyota NEW Yaris

A reworked front and rear design gives the new Yaris an even more dynamic appearance. Its interior was modernised with new colours and extensive modifications to the instruments. With the new 1.5-litre (rather than 1.33-litre) petrol engine, it meets the Euro 6c emission standards. The Yaris remains unique in the B-segment in giving customers the option of hybrid power and the chance to experience the smooth, relaxed and intuitive drive, together with excellent fuel economy and best-in-class exhaust emissions (from 75g/km CO2).

In the new Yaris the naturally aspirated 1,496cc engine develops a maximum 110bhp/82kW and peak torque of 136Nm at 4,400rpm. Its responsiveness ensures a comfortable drive both in urban traffic and on the open road. Compared to the 1.33-litre unit, it is 0.8 seconds quicker in acceleration from zero to 100km/h (11.0 versus 11.8), while at overtaking speed in fifth gear the improvement is more than a second, moving from 80 to 120km/h in 17.6 seconds compared to 18.8.

Equipped with the Driveco box, an automatic driver log system, it collects data on test drive journey distances, times and average speeds, plus the proportion of the journey in which car operates in all-electric EV mode, with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. The information can be downloaded and viewed using a smartphone or tablet app, along with comparisons with previous performance, and with the levels achieved by other drivers.

Toyota new i-TRIL Concept

The new i-TRIL Concept has been developed by Toyota Motor Europe in collaboration with its ED2 design studio in the South of France. It showcases innovative aspects of Toyota’s research into how the company can deliver ever-better and more engaging mobility that is kinder to the environment. The concept car has a one-plus-two seating layout and features Active Lean technology. It has been developed as a viable alternative to city cars, small hatchbacks (A and B segment), other all-electric EV models and motorcycles for people who still want to have fun when driving, even at slower, urban traffic speeds.

The Toyota i-TRIL is powered by an electric motor and weights just 600kg. It measures 3,000mm long and 1,510mm high, with front and rear tracks at 1,200mm and 600mm respectively. A hinge between the rear axle and the cabin allows the body and front tyres to lean while the powered rear wheels stay perpendicular to the road surface at all times.

Peugeot Instinct Concept

The Peugeot Instinct Concept embodies the inseparable link that unites the brand with the notion of pleasure, through the experience of the autonomously driving vehicle. Peugeot’s concept is a station wagon with a timeless style, and active aerodynamic elements finish off the purity of the lines.

Developed in collaboration with electronics giant Samsung, the Peugeot Instinct Concept makes use of the Artik Cloud platform, which syncs with the user’s devices. This enables the car to learn its user’s lifestyle and preconfigure settings for the driving modes, seat, interface, ambient lighting and audio. The car integrates data that the user wishes to share with it: data from smartphones, smart watches and home automation. Daily activities are performed smoothly and without interruption. From home to work and leisure, Peugeot’s Instinct presents a new seamless range of uses.

The concept car offers four travel modes: two driving modes (Drive Boost or Drive Relax) and two autonomous modes (Autonomous Sharp or Autonomous Soft). The Peugeot Responsive i-Cockpit redefines the passenger compartment to suit the uses specific to autonomous driving. Interfaces are configured before, during and after use, according to the travel mode selected and the user profile. The driver retains control at all times. In autonomous mode, the driver can therefore perform a manoeuvre using the i-Device installed on the central console.

Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept

Hyundai Motor celebrates the world premiere fo its hydrogen-powered Future Eco (FE) Fuel Cell concept car. The concept car foreshadows the next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. With a range of more than 800 kilometres between refuelling, the FE Fuel Cell Concept represents the next step for Hyundai Motor towards realising its ultimate ambition of creating a zero-emission Hydrogen Energy Society. The FE Fuel Cell Concept’s flowing form is inspired by nature and water – the car’s only emission – with the clean and calm design emphasizing its non-polluting nature. One of the most notable characteristics of the new concept is its internal air humidifier, which recycles water emitted by the car’s clean hydrogen energy circulation to create a more comfortable cabin environment.

When compared with the current generation system used in the Tucson ix35 Fuel Cell, the new technology is 20% lighter, and achieves 10% greater efficiency. In addition, the power density of the fuel cell stack is increased by 30%, boosting the car’s range significantly.

As another reinforcement of the car’s eco-credentials and focus on customer convenience, the FE Concept features portable battery packs – charged by the car’s energy output – to power passenger devices. Meanwhile, the trunk features an integrated storage and charging space for an electric scooter, demonstrating how Hyundai Motor is developing mobility solutions to match future lifestyles.

ZOE e-Sport Concept

The ZOE e-Sport Concept is the fully electric concept car that embodies Renault’s commitment to the idea that electric cars can be fun and fast. The sporting credentials of the ZOE e-Sport Concept extend beyond the car’s styling and the same striking blue livery as the Renault e.dams team’s front-running Formula E single-seaters. The bodywork of the ZOE e-Sport Concept is made entirely from lightweight carbon fibre, which helps to ensure outstanding acceleration from zero to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. The car tips the scales at a mere 1,400 kg, including 450 kg of batteries.

Quant 48VOLT Prototype

The Quant 48VOLT features for the first time the new nanoFlowcell 48VOLT low-voltage drive with the world’s first variably controllable mobile flow cell for a constant source of electrical energy and all-new low-voltage electric motors providing propulsion of race-car proportions. The extravagant bodywork of the Quant 48VOLT underscores the unique standing of the flow cell super sports car, while the naked figures hint at just what can be expected from this electric powerhouse – all-wheel drive with 760 hp (4 x 140 kW), 2.4 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and a top speed of 300 km/h (limited). An improved cell membrane in the nanoFlowcell, six cells arranged in series and new, innovative low-voltage motors deliver sports car performance for the very first time from a low-voltage architecture.

Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept

Luxury brand Bentley finally delivers an all electric concept car. Bentley’s vision is for customers to benefit from high-speed inductive charging and provide a range sufficient for grand touring requirements. An electric Bentley would, for example, be able to drive between London and Paris or Milan and Monaco on a single charge and the on board experience will be enhanced for both driver and passenger thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art technology.

Renowned Bentley characteristics such as immediate, effortless surge of torque and grand touring range will be combined with new high performance technology such as rapid inductive charging and state-of-the-art on board concierge-style services for an effortless ownership experience.

A fusion of cutting-edge technology and beautiful materials is evident right throughout EXP 12 Speed 6e’s luxuriously appointed cabin, ensuring that the brand’s use of technology is not cold or emotionless. The entire central console, for example, is hewn from a solid piece of elegantly curved glass encompassing a high-definition OLED screen. All of the car’s principle onboard controls are accessible from here, including navigation, entertainment and climate control.

The wing mirrors – which are cameras rather than traditional reflective glass – are exceptionally sleek and were inspired by the sculptural form of stealth aircraft fuselages.

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