The greatest motor show

Switzerland is popularly known for its banks, chocolates, expensive watches and of course, the ageless Roger Federer.

But the country is also best known for its annual showcase of fine motorcars — the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS).

It is in the psyche of car lovers. Just type “Geneva”, and Google would instantly list down the Geneva auto show as the first choice.

Considered as one of the biggest and flashiest car events in the global calendar, the GIMS has been the melting pot of car buffs, designers, tech geeks and global brands.

It has become the mecca for car enthusiasts to discover and manufacturers to unveil the latest best offerings in the industry.

True to its long prestigious tradition, the 87th GIMS, which is happening now until March 18, 2017, has paraded some of the most exotic cars mankind can find on earth.

The world’s top automotive designers and constructors of exclusive high-performance vehicles are on the floor to showcase their creations.

In fact, carmakers would spend thousands of man-hours to design specific cars just for this event in Geneva.

The 87th edition of the motor exhibition features more than 180 exhibitors within the 106,000 sq m of exhibition space, comprising six halls.

Some 900 vehicles, including 148 world and European premiers, are being shown to guests and potential buyers.

GIMS GM Andre Heftim said the exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover the latest technologies of “infotainment” in driving and other areas to ensure more efficient, reliable and comfortable motoring.

But what transcends this car show in Geneva to another level is the presence of supercar brands like Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Porsche and Koenigsegg.

Some of these manufacturers are delivering cars with 1,000 horsepower (hp) or 10 times your typical to the market mother’s car.

Here are two brands that have “the industry abuzz” at the Geneva event.

The Ferrari Way

All car buffs have at one time or another dreamt of owning, or at the very least want to be behind the wheel of one of the most prestigious car brands on the planet.
And the prancing horse manufacturer did not disappoint spectators at the GIMS.

Recently, the Maranello-based Ferrari SpA kicked off its 70th anniversary celebration with the world premiere of its most powerful production car yet — the 800cv 812 Superfast.

The unveiling of Ferrari’s flagship V12 Berlinetta reflected its continuous commitment to the V12 heritage roots, a trademark of the 70-year-old company.

The Italian sports car manufacturer remains the only manufacturer to have continuously produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines.

Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12, the 812 Superfast is the benchmark for the mid-front engine sports car segment and able to generate 789hp with 718Nm of torque.

The 812 Superfast is striking in both its highly innovative design and aero package topped with unparalleled handling.

It is the first for Ferrari to introduce electric power steering to fully exploit the potential of the car’s performance.

The 812 Superfast is also equipped with the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system that combines the electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept based on tyre dimensions and the rear- wheel steering.

Ferrari said the challenge was to design the most powerful road-going engine in the brand’s history, while cutting fuel consumption and emissions, and retaining Ferrari’s 12-cylinder soundtrack.

The engine’s maximum power-to-fuel consumption ratio has also been improved, Ferrari claimed, attesting to the engine’s exceptional efficiency in urban driving contexts.

Ferrari said all the developments have boosted the maximum power output to 800cv at 8,500rpm (an impressive 60cv more than the F12 Berlinetta) and a maximum torque of 718Nm @ 7,000 rpm — a completely unprecedented achievement for a naturally-aspirated Ferrari production engine.

The new 812 Superfast is also fitted with Ferrari’s F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has been further evolved to meet the car’s track driving performance targets and cope with the boost in maximum revs to 8,900rpm.

Maserati Wants a Say Too

Maserati SpA did not want its Italian competitor to take all the spotlight in Geneva.

The Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer unveiled the special edition versions of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio Sport and the Levante Ermenegildo Zegna (E Zegna).

According to Maserati, the production run of the special versions will be limited to 400 units to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 3500GT — the first GT car segmented in1957.

The main unique features of these new and exclusive versions include the New Rosso Italiano three-layer paint for the exteriors, reinterpreting the red of Fangio’s 250F — F1 champion in 1957 — and emphasising the link with Maserati’s heritage.

The interiors have also been redesigned that revolve around Poltrona Frau leather or Alcantara upholstery, while the new interior stitching is available in four different combinations.

Other distinguishing interior details are the door sills in carbon fibre, featuring the special edition logo and the dedicated plate on the central tunnel with a carbon-fibre holder.

Having sales recorded 42,100 vehicles globally last year, Maserati’s first ever sports-utility vehicle, the Levante comes with a brand new conceptual E Zegna silk interior in beige.

The brand new “Chevron” beige silk fabric is coupled with full premium beige leather on the front and rear seats. The same new beige silk fabric with a “Nattè” pattern is used to enrich the interior door panels, while a “Jersey” pat- tern has been chosen for the roof lining and sun visors.

The new E Zegna beige interior will further enrich the current line-up of luxury interiors, available in 100% silk in anthracite colour, combined with full premium leather in black, red and tan.

The Levante on show is based on the Diesel version, equipped with the 275hp 3.0-litre V6 Turbo and the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The GranTurismo Sport Special Edition has a 460hp 4.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated Ferrari engine, which will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, or 4.7 seconds with MC shift transmission. The hood, made entirely from carbon fibre, produces additional down- force at the front, improving steering feel and driving control at high speed, according to a release.

As these latest Maserati’s and Ferrari’s models may take a while to reach our shores, keep your eyes peeled as these engineering marvels are worth the wait.