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The cancellation of this year’s Geneva Motor Show following the coronavirus outbreak has given rise to a new phenomenon – the ‘virtual’ motor show.

The cancellation of this year’s Geneva Motor Show following the coronavirus outbreak has given rise to a new phenomenon – the ‘virtual’ motor show. Rather than unveiling their latest models on a stand full of journalists, manufacturers streamed their own ‘digital’ press conferences to show off their new products. From this flurry of launches, Driver Buddy brings you ten of the big reveals… 

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia saloon was a long-awaited return to form for the Italian brand, so the prospect of a lighter, more powerful version is mouth-watering indeed. The Giulia GTA gets a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 533bhp, an increase of 30bhp over the Giulia Quadrifoglio, while a 100kg weight reduction has trimmed the GTA’s total mass to 1520kg. A stripped out GTAm version, with a roll bar replacing the rear seats and more extreme aerodynamics, is also available.

The Spring Electric Concept previews what Dacia claims will be “Europe’s most affordable all-electric vehicle.” The production version will have a range of over 124 miles when it is launched in the first half of 2021. Not only will it be Dacia’s first electric car, it will also be the first city car in the Dacia range.

For hot hatch fans, the eighth generation Golf GTI was the big news from VW’s press conference. The new model is powered by a 242bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Design highlights include an illuminated radiator grille and fog lights integrated into the honeycomb air intake. Also joining the Golf line-up are the hybrid GTE (with an identical power output to the GTI) and the diesel-powered GTD.

Traditionally, a new Golf GTI would be one of VW’s most important model launches. But given current market trends, arguably the company’s biggest announcement was that it will be launching its first electric SUV later this year. Called the ID.4, it is based on the same MEB platform as the electric ID.3 hatchback, and has a claimed range of up to 310 miles.

Extra power probably isn’t something the McLaren 720S needed, but that’s what this new ‘Longtail’ version gets. Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 now produces 755bhp and 590lb ft of torque, propelling the 765LT from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.2 seconds. It should make quite a noise, too, thanks to a quad-exit titanium exhaust system that contributes to an overall weight saving of 80kg. Despite these impressive numbers, McLaren’s chief test driver Kenny Brack claims the 765LT is “not all about performance,” with linear and predictable dynamics helping to create a “natural and seamless” feel to the way it drives.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is known for its blend of performance and usability, and the latest 992 generation looks set to continue that trend. Available as a Coupe and Cabriolet, it has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat six generating 641bhp. With an eight speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Turbo S should have no problem making the most of that power, as demonstrated by its 0-62mph time of 2.7 seconds.

Koenigsegg claims to have created the world’s first “Mega-GT” with its latest creation, the Gemera. It’s a genuine four-seater with – wait for it – 1700bhp and 2581lb ft of torque. Generating those enormous figures is a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre twin-turbo three-cylinder engine and three electric motors. Yet the Gemera is also practical, with a range of 621 miles (including 31 miles on electric power alone) and space for four full-size carry-on suitcases. Not only that, the Gemera’s environmental credentials can match those of a full EV – when running on the right renewable fuel, it’s capable of being CO2 neutral.

According to Christian von Koenigsegg, founder of the company which bears his name, the Jesko Absolut is “the fastest Koenigsegg we will ever endeavour to make.” The company currently holds the official record for the fastest production car of all time with the Agera RS, which achieved an average speed of 277.9mph. Koenigsegg has not revealed exactly how fast he thinks the Jesko Absolut could go, only saying the car has the potential to reach “unheard-of speed in record-setting pace.”

Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA) first electric car is the third generation Fiat 500. Sold exclusively with electric propulsion, the new 500 has a range of 199 miles. Using an 85kW fast charger, the batteries can be replenished to 80% capacity in 35 minutes. The Fiat 500 is also the first car from FCA to feature the group’s new connected infotainment system, which Fiat brand President Olivier Francois says is “iPhone fast.”

AIWAYS will be the first Chinese brand to bring an electric vehicle to Europe when sales of its U5 SUV start in August. However, the company’s operating model is perhaps just as interesting as the car itself. They plan to adopt an online, direct-to-consumer approach for sales, and will establish a network of partners to take care of test drives, servicing and other customer-facing activities.

'Virtual' Geneva Motor Show - The Big Reveals

UK pricing and specifications for the new Fiat 500 mild hybrid and Panda mild hybrid have been announced, arriving in UK showrooms mid-February and March, respectively.

The ubiquitous Fiat 500 and the diminutive Panda are two iconic models in the current Fiat product range. They represent and perhaps, even define urban mobility with combined annual sales of over 400,000 units throughout the EU and the UK.

With the introduction of mild hybrid technology, the 500 and the Panda provide all the benefits of efficient, compact, lightweight and accessible hybrid driving.

Fiat has confirmed that the new Fiat 500 mild hybrid and Fiat Panda mild hybrid will start from £12,655 and £13,855 respectively.

Both models mark the electrification of the brand and are the first steps towards more sustainable urban driving. That journey continues later in 2020 when production commences of the new 500e in its spiritual home of Turin. Being fully electric, the model will play a key role in the FCA e-Mobility strategy. The new 500e is expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Both models will be available with a new petrol mild hybrid drivetrain that combines the latest 3-cylinder FireFly 1.0-litre engine with a 12-volt belt-integrated starter-generator (BSG) electric motor and a lithium battery. Combined output is 70hp.

Compared to the outgoing 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, the mild hybrid version improves fuel efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 30 per cent without impeding performance. The 500 mild hybrid has CO2 emissions as low as 88g/km with the Panda at 89g/km. Fuel economy for the 500 is said to be 53.3mpg, while the Panda returns 49.6mpg (both WLTP Combined).

The BSG system also ensures a very high standard of driving comfort, allowing for a quiet, vibration-free restart of the internal combustion engine in Stop-Start mode. The system is mounted directly on the engine and is operated by the belt that also drives the auxiliaries.

The mild hybrid drivetrain is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox sending drive to the front wheels only. It is said to improve fuel economy during out-of-town driving, thanks to new low-friction bearings and gaskets and the use of a specific high-efficiency lubricant. The new system also involves lowering the entire power unit by 45mm so the car behaves better on the road thanks to the lower centre of gravity.

Special Fiat 500 Mild Hybrid and Panda Mild Hybrid launch editions

When they arrive in showrooms, the mild-hybrid 500 and Panda models will be available in a Launch Edition trim. These models will be presented in model-exclusive ‘Dew Green’ paint, with seats trimmed in a fabric manufactured from recycled plastic waste.

The Launch Edition models start from £16,795 for the 500 and £14,385 for the Panda. Each mild hybrid Launch Edition will be recognised by a rear-mounted ‘Hybrid’ badge and an exclusive ‘H’ logo (formed by two dew drops) mounted at the base of the B-pillar.

Fiat 500 and Panda Mild-Hybrids Now Available

Tag: fiat

'Virtual' Geneva Motor Show - The Big Reveals

Fiat 500 and Panda Mild-Hybrids Now Available

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