Supercars, Led By Mclaren, Hog The Headlines In Geneva

McLaren 570S

Supercars, Led By Mclaren, Hog The Headlines In Geneva.

“Whatever happened to electric cars and fuel sipping new technology?”

GENEVA, Switzerland – High performance gas-guzzling sports cars, led by the McLaren 570GT, made the headlines at the annual Geneva Car Show, as the European industry sought to divert attention away from more mundane issues like Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal.

McLaren unveiled its new machine before Geneva opened because it probably looked at the quality of the opposition there and wanted to grab its share of the spotlight.

Aston Martin DB11

The 570GT shared the limelight with VW subsidiary Bugatti, which launched its new 1,482 hp Chiron, replacing the Veron at a price of $2.4 million. Aston Martin highlighted its DB 9 replacement, the DB 11, powered by a new 5.2 litre-V12 motor, while Ferrari got the message and unveiled its GTC4 Lusso a couple of weeks ago. BMW’s hot new 600 hp 7 series flagship, the M760Li xDrive flaunted a 6.6 litre V-12 engine. Lamborghini showed its limited edition Centenario. Maserati had its first SUV, the Levante, while Mercedes was probably wondering why nobody was looking at its C-Class convertible.

Whatever happened to electric cars and fuel sipping new technology? The answer is the industry will have to revert to more modest, environmentally friendly vehicles before too long, as tough European Union fuel consumption rules for 2020 loom, and the price of oil returns to more normal levels.

Dull compared with Bugatti

Bugatti Chiron

The amazingly fast new McLaren might even seem a bit dull compared with the Bugatti and the Aston Martin, but that wouldn’t be fair. After all, the 570GT is powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo gasoline mid-mounted motor producing 562 hp and 443 pound feet of torque. It weighs just under 3,000 pounds and rockets to 60 mph from rest in just over three seconds. The standing quarter mile will come up in 11.1 seconds. The power is delivered through a seven-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. You can select three modes – Normal, Sport and Track. On a race track, where many 570GTs will find themselves, it will reach 204 mph. Prices are likely to start at around $200,000 before tax.

Meanwhile in less exotic areas of the show, Kia of Korea will steal a march on the opposition with its new Niro, the first small and affordable hybrid SUV. VW, hoping that nobody will want to talk about diesel software which cheated the U.S. government, will launched the revamped Tiguan. Audi’s new Q2 will also plunge a toe into this sector.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) subsidiary Alfa Romeo, storied but stricken Italian sports car maker and which has been about to launch a revival for years now, finally showed key versions of its Giulia. The range-topper was launched at the Frankfurt Show in September. Sales should start by the end of May. Fiat, long dependent on just the little 500 city car, launched the bigger Tipo.

The Geneva Car Show will open through 13 at the Palexpo centre.

McLaren 570S