Geneva was a great place for John and Jane Doe to pick out their next car, but what about the Pop Superstar and the Oil Tycoon? Where do they go? Geneva did not fail them. They were able to choose from a cornucopia of Million Dollar trinkets.
Golden Anniversary Gem
Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary present to itself was an extremely exclusive model at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Only three Lamborghini Veneno will be built and sold (plus an additional kept by the company). Aerodynamics and cornering stability were clearly the only focus as seen by the numbers: 6.5 liter V-12, 7-speed tranny, all-wheel drive, 750 hp, 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. No shrinking violet, indeed. I would love for you to be able to call up your Lamborghini retailer and put in your order, but alas, all three units have already been sold to customers (who will soon have lots of new “friends”).
The name Veneno is, of course the name of a bull, famous for being one of the fastest and toughest bulls in the history of bullfighting.
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Alfa’s Lotus fighter
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a ‘go’ for Europe, anyway. Orders were being taken for the ‘Launch Edition’ a unique lightweight version. The special car includes a carbon aerodynamic kit, rear aluminum diffuser, Bi-LED headlights and 18″ (front) and 19″ (rear) alloy wheels. 911, be warned! (sorry, Ryan)
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McLaren: From F1 to P1
McLaren is using every one of its 50 years of racing experience on the P1. The result is a car that has an unprecedented amount of downforce for a road vehicle: similar levels to a GT3 racing car and yet with even greater ground effect. This downforce not only boosts cornering and braking performance. It also helps balance, stability and drivability at all speeds.
The best driver’s car in the world must also have exceptional straight-line performance and instant throttle response. To deliver this, the McLaren P1 uses an innovative IPAS petrol-electric powertrain comprising a substantially revised 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, coupled to a single electric motor, collectively known as M838TQ. Combined power output is 916 PS (903 hp). As important as absolute power is the electric motor’s ability to provide instant torque, making the powertrain superbly responsive. It is also amazingly efficient. Carbon dioxide emissions are less than 200g/km, and it can cover more than 10 km in electric-only mode.
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The Ferrari French Connection
The LaFerrari is the first car in Ferrari history to be powered by the HY-KERS system with a 6262 cc V12 that punches out 800 CV and revs to a maximum of 9,250 rpm, a record for an engine of this displacement. It also features a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio and a high specific output equal to 128 CV per liter. The engine is coupled with a 120 kW (163 CV) electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 963 CV. Everyone is getting into the electric act. It will be interesting to see how Ferrari brings this technology to the road.
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Spyker! (‘Nuff said)
Spyker is a manufacturer of meticulously built automobiles whose beauty is equaled by their unrivaled craftsmanship, having said that, we are head-over-heels with joy over the prospect of a new Spyker GT car. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is a compact, 2-door mid-engine sports car that will offer the discerning driver of the highest standards a new choice, delivering a rare combination of heritage, design, performance and exclusivity. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept will begin production in early 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in autumn of 2014.
The name “Venator” is Latin as well, translating to “Hunter” – a nod to Spyker’s “Hunter” fighter aircraft in the company’s past. It is also a description of how the well-heeled will search for the cash to buy one.
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The Agera is Golden
Anyone was celebrating something at Geneva. Koenigsegg has officially built 100 units over the past ten years (hence the Swedish word for ‘hundred’, hundra).Along with the “standard” twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 1,040 horsepower, the commemorative one-off edition delivers hand-laid 24-karat gold leaf along the carbon body, including the exhaust, rear deck struts and coil springs. $1.6 million get it, so hurry while supplies last.
What was your favorite super car at the Geneva Motor Show? Leave a comment and let us know!
