You don’t need us to explain how big a deal the Geneva Motor Show is. It is probably the world’s biggest automotive event with every car maker on the planet eager to get people talking about them.
We’ve already laid out our favourite new reveals from this year’s event, but this time, we’ve shifted our focus to the weird and wonderful supercars that broke cover in Geneva.
The Swiss city provided the stage for the unveiling of the new McLaren 720S and Ferrari 812 Superfast, but it was also where Aston Martin revealed the name of its hypercar collaboration with Red Bull.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
The car formerly known as the AM-RB 001 will now be known as the Aston Martin Valkyrie. For those not up on their Norse mythology, the Valkyrie were female figures who choose who may live and who would die in battle. They would then bring half of those slain on the battlefield to Valhalla: the afterlife governed by Odin, Ruler of the Gods. Yes, quite.
Another influencing factor in the name was that it started with a V, just like the Vantage, Virage, Vanquish and Vulcan. So all that mythological backstory was irrelevant, yeah?
Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman said the brand’s model names “need to have deep meaning […] to inspire and excite”.
“The Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve,” added Mr Reichman. “The connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative, and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”
Sadly, no further information was revealed on the car.
Vanda Dendrobium
Singapore may not be celebrated for its hypercars but all that could soon change following the unveiling of the all-electric Dendrobium concept.
This high-performance, zero-emission two-seater is the product of Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics.
Its striking exterior is backed up by some impressive performance figures too,with the car stated as being able to clear 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds with a top speed in excess of 200mph. No word on mile range yet though.
Vanda Electrics’ previous products are worlds away from this – an electric mini scooter and an zero-emission van – but the company aspires to offer a high performance halo product that will sit in the luxury sector. We hope they succeed!
Techrules Ren
Chinese automotive R&D company Techrules revealed the final design for its first series hybrid supercar.
Named Ren, the car sits on a lightweight chassis designed to motorsport standards and the flagship model will use a diesel-electric powertrain producing up to 1,287bhp. That means it can race from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds with a maximum range of 727 miles.
Ford GT
Ford had already revealed all on its new Fiesta ST ahead of the Geneva show, so it chose the event to show off the Ford GT in ‘66 Heritage Edition livery instead.
The model honours Ford’s 1966 Le Mans victory with a shadow black exterior in either gloss or matte finish with silver stripes and exposed carbon fibre. There are also 20-inch one-piece forged aluminium wheels in a gold satin clearcoat with black lug nuts.
RUF CTR
We all have those grand ideas that we never get round to executing and that’s exactly what this 2017 CTR was for Alois Ruf, president and owner of revered sports car manufacturer RUF Automobile.
“The concept for the 2017 CTR is one that I have had in my head for a very long time,” Mr Ruf explained. “We have been waiting for the right point in our history to build our own car and the 30th anniversary of the CTR ‘Yellow Bird’ is that moment.”
This fourth-generation supercar aims to pay homage to the 1987 CTR Yellow Bird in both form and function. It sits on a rear-wheel drive bespoke carbon fibre monocoque chassis and boasts a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.5lbs per horsepower. Meanwhile, the car’s silhouette, narrow body, rear air inlets and fascias are all direct nods to the company’s heritage.
Under the bonnet is a 700bhp 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine that can get it up to 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds with a 225mph top speed.
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