If you want to see what the world’s leading luxury and performance brands are bringing to the market, you have to get to the Geneva Motor Show. This year is no exception. Every major brand had something new and interesting to showcase. In some cases, these are exceptional concept cars, like the Bentley EXP10 Speed 6 and Infiniti QX30 that won’t be on the market for a while. For this post we’ve gone from stand to stand, looking for the five best cars you’ll be able to buy this year.
1. Koenigsegg Regera
Powered by a twin-turbo 5.0 Liter V8 combined with 3 electric motors that make up its direct-drive system, the Regera from Swedish Supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg, produces 1500 face-melting horsepower. The result, a car that can go from 0-60 in 2.7 seconds, 0-250 mph in 20 seconds, from 90-150 mph in just 3.2 seconds and is rumored to have a top-speed of 255 mph. The price for such awe-inspiring performance? A mere $1,890,000 for each of the 80 that will be produced.
2. Mercedes-Benz Maybach Pullman
Mercedes-Benz revived the Maybach brand last year at the LA Auto show with a fairly understated launch. Let me tell you, there is nothing understated about the Pullman. Measuring a full 21.3 feet long, its rear club lounge has plenty of room for four people seated facing each other behind the partition window. The Pullman is sure to be a favorite of government leaders and captains of industry. Prices start at $567,000 unarmored. Obviously if you need protection, it will cost you a bit more.
3. Audi R8
Audi is doing its best to stay ahead of the pack by introducing a new R8 that is lighter and more powerful than the model it replaces. Featuring a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 610 horsepower, it will get you to 60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds and top out at 201 mph. The big news is that in addition to the V10 and V8 engines which will be available at launch, Audi is working on an all-electric E-tron version which should be available soon. Pricing is yet to be announced.
4. Ferrari 488
We’ve already written at length about this car, but seeing it in person is the only way to truly appreciate its beauty. Yes it’s powerful (661 horses) but what’s more amazing is that the sculpted bodywork is the most efficient ever to wear the prancing horse badge. Add to that the active aero elements and the Ferrari sticks to the pavement at speed by creating 325 pounds of downforce at 155 miles per hour. Pricing will be available shortly.
5. Lotus Evora 400
Rumors of Lotus’ demise seem to have been greatly exaggerated. Yes, the company has gone through tough times, shedding some 240 employees from its headquarters in Hethel. Purveyors of light, quick and sharp handling sports cars, Lotus have transferred all that knowledge into the Evora creating a car that produces a very modest 400 hp to achieve performance numbers that will provide a lot of real world enjoyment. We are awaiting pricing, along with our test drive