by Alex Leanse
posted on March 19, 2018
Want to see the hottest new cars ready to hit the streets? Look no further than the Geneva Motor Show. It’s where the latest models are fully revealed, and the bar is raised for automotive technology and performance. The 2018 show was packed with insane metal, and these are the four coolest and most important cars that debuted.
AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
AMG’s new GT 4-Door Coupe is a coupe in name only, since it has four doors. Still, it’s a sporty stunner, with an exterior that drapes an imposing demeanor over an elegant body. Inside, the car drips with leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum, and technology like touch screens replace old-fashioned buttons on the steering wheel. It’s also practical, eschewing an enclosed trunk for a hatchback, so you can take it on high-speed grocery runs.
The GT 4-Door Coupe can be had with a 4.0 liter V8 producing 630 or 577 horsepower. However, the least powerful version is perhaps the most interesting: its 3.0 liter inline-six works in conjunction with an electric motor to make 429 horsepower — clearly, AMG recognizes the performance potential of hybrid drivetrains.
Jaguar I-Pace
When you think of all-electric SUVs, you likely default to the Tesla Model X. Now the falcon-doored EV has a competitor in Jaguar’s swoopy I-Pace. The big cat is powered by a 90-kWh battery mounted between the axles, providing perfect balance to aid handling. That battery turns all four wheels with 512 lb-ft of torque, so it’s sure to provide giggle-inducing launches away from stops.
Jaguars have always had great styling, and the I-Pace makes the Model X look plain in comparison. Especially in the striking red color Jaguar showed the car in, the front end looks angry, and the deep vent in the hood suggests performance. Like the Tesla, range is stated at 240 miles, but the I-Pace starts at $70,495, undercutting the Model X by almost $10,000.
Lexus UX
Today’s car buyers are obsessed with mini-SUVs, and Lexus finally has a competitor to popular crossovers like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Audi Q3. While not the most exciting debut at Geneva, the Lexus UX might be what you see the most of on the road.
The UX wears Lexus’ polarizing styling, with the brand’s signature spindle grille dominating the front. Big wheel arches suggest off-road chops, but taking the UX on tough terrain probably isn’t recommended. The most interesting design feature is the taillights, which span the entire width of the vehicle and have neat fins that protrude off the lenses.
Underhood, the UX 200 packs an efficient 168 horsepower 2.0 liter inline-four. It’s connected to a new type of CVT transmission, which Lexus claims is a major improvement over fun-sapping older versions. For better power and fuel economy, the hybridized UX 250h pairs the two-liter with an electric motor. In any case, expect to see the UX everywhere soon.
Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept
Toyota stopped building the legendary Supra in 2002 — but they’re finally bringing it back. The production car hasn’t been revealed yet, but the GR Supra Racing Concept gives an idea of what to expect. Underneath the track-focused concept’s massive wing and bulging body kit lies a low, sleek two-seater that’s sure to excite enthusiasts.
Information is scarce but Toyota shared a few tantalizing details about the upcoming Supra. It’ll have a lower center of gravity and be stiffer than their lauded 86 sports car, so it’s sure to feel tight and responsive. True to the Supra name, power will come from a turbocharged inline-six — ready to be tuned and modified like crazy. Will there be another Fast and Furious movie created just to feature this car? Only time will tell.
Alex Leanse
Alex has been a car fanatic for as long as he can remember. At 6'10," he might be the tallest auto writer in the world, and whether it's engine timing, exotic car design, or race strategy, there is no automotive topic beyond Alex's interest.
