Next month, Geneva will play host to one of the most spectacular car shows in the game.
From luxury hypercars to eccentric concepts, the lineup is always a knockout. This year, among all the McLarens, Mercedes, Ferraris and Lambos, some lesser known rides will also take the floor. Here are six marques you’ve probably never heard of set to throw their horsepower in the ring.
Gemballa: the Avalanche and GTR 780 EVO-R
The reincarnation of the mid-’80s, 385-horsepower Avalanche is coming. With way more horsepower, naturally. “We will be presenting two supercars in Geneva, the Gemballa Avalanche and Gemballa GTR 780 EVO-R, which both set new standards in performance and style. They are also set to break some records,” according to Gemballa CEO Steffen Korbach. What we know thus far: the Avalanche appears to have a custom hood, loads of carbon fiber trim and modified door scoops, with an aggressive spoiler in the rear. “With an uncompromising design, extreme performance of [809 horsepower] and primal torque of more than [700 lb-ft], the Gemballa Avalanche is an indefinable creation of engine sounds, power, and acceleration to blast you across the horizon,” Gemballa stated. Pricing has yet to be released.
Vauxhall: the Insignia Sports Tourer
Think of Vauxhall as the UK’s Buick. Middle management will enjoy Vauxhall’s IntelliLink system with touchscreen, a “personal assistant” service, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a head-up display and loads of luggage space for the new fam. Prices start at around $25,500.
Italdesign: Unknown Ultra-Limited Supercar
When they say ultra-limited, they mean it. Only five units will be built by the end of 2017. Built for the super collector, the ride’s bodywork is made entirely from carbon fiber, with the chassis built from a blend of aluminum and carbon fiber. Via a 5.2-liter V10 engine, the ride will jet from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and top out at about 205 mph. “The exterior is characterized by the two sides of the same medal,” said Head of Innovation Design Filippo Perini. “[The] outlines are distinctly softer and smoother, in keeping with the Italian Gran Turismo tradition. The lower part is modeled from aerodynamics … The outcome ensures extremely high impact without ever being design for design’s sake.”
Skoda: the Citigo
A lot like the VW Up, but cheaper. The Citigo is sporting a new front bumper, grille and headlights, with new alloy wheel paint colors. They tweaked the instrument cluster a bit and added a stowaway umbrella under the passenger seat. Expect Skoda to show some updated Rapid and Rapid Spaceback models at Geneva as well.
SsangYong: the XAVL
For the “eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long SUV.” A little gratuitous, Korea, but we’ll bite. It’s a family-friendly SUV with an attitude. Size-wise, the XAVL is similar to an Audi Q5, but it somehow manages to fit three rows of seating. Little else is known, but connectivity is said to be a key feature. Legroom, however …
Seat: the Ibiza
Wide, low, short and fun for the whole family, the Seat Ibiza will only come in five-door form. There’s loads of leg- and headroom and a very accessible starting price of around $16,500.
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