2014 Geneva Motor Show Preview

The 2014 Geneva Motor Show will open its doors from March 4-16, during which time more than 10,000 media representatives from all over the world and more than 700,000 fans will walk the aisles and scrutinize all the cars. The program this year includes more than 900 vehicles, a test track for electric cars, a retrospective of the 90 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and of course dozens of new model and concept reveals.

So, as we pack our bags and get ready to fly out to Switzerland to bring you all the news and photos direct from the Geneva Motor Show floor, here's our hand-picked list of some of the stars, as well as what we know so far about them. And remember, at any time you’ll be able to access the latest information from the show via our dedicated hub and by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

CONCEPT CARS

2015 Honda Civic Type R concept

Honda Civic Type R concept: One of the more exciting concepts to be revealed in Geneva this week will be a preview of a new sports car from Honda. The new sports car is the hardcore Civic Type R, which won’t make it over to the U.S. but may influence the design of the next-generation CR-Z. As this teaser sketch shows, the concept’s styling has a supercar-like quality to it even though it is based on a humble econo car. Powering it is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering upwards of 300 horsepower.

Quant e-Sportlimousine concept: The Quant is an electric sports car concept created by a company called nanoFLOWCELL. Based in Germany, nanoFLOWCELL claims to have developed an entirely new energy storage system. Though no details on the technology have been revealed, nanoFLOWCELL has confirmed that supplier giant Bosch is collaborating on the project. As for the Quant e-Sportlimousine, it’s said to be over 17.2 feet in length and have seating for four.

Volvo Concept Estate

Volvo Concept Estate: Destined to be one of the most handsome vehicles on show in Geneva this week, Volvo’s new Concept Estate previews the future styling direction of the Swedish automaker’s wagon models like the next-generation V60 and V70. The concept is the third and final vehicle in a series of forward-looking concepts that already includes the Concept Coupe and Concept XC Coupe. Like the previous two, the new Concept Estate to feature only two doors.

Mazda Hazumi concept: Mazda will preview its next-generation 2 compact car with the Hazumi concept in Geneva. As a sole teaser image reveals, the Hazumi closely resembles present Mazda models like the latest 3 and 6 but with a slightly sportier look. Few details are known about the next Mazda 2, but it should be offered as a hatch and a sedan and be built to Mazda’s Skyactiv principles of lightweight design and downsized engines.

Volkswagen T-Roc Concept

Volkswagen T-Roc concept: While America awaits a homegrown Touareg of its own and a bigger Tiguan, Volkswagen's brewing up a third crossover SUV for its global lineup--and the VW T-Roc is the early look at what's coming. Looking like VW’s version of the Nissan Juke, the T-Roc should prove popular in the marketplace, assuming the production version isn’t watered down too much.

Alfa Romeo 4C Roadster concept: The Alfa Romeo 4C is finally set to land in U.S. showrooms this June, initially at select Fiat and Maserati stores, but don’t run out to place an order just yet because an even more stunning 4C roadster could be just around the corner. A concept of the topless 4C is tipped to be revealed in Geneva this week.

IED Turin and Hyundai's PassoCorto sports car concept

Hyundai PassoCorto concept: Hyundai and the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) of Turin have penned their vision of the ideal sports car for the Gen-Y set. Called the PassoCorto, the concept features a mid-engined, rear-drive layout and gets its power from a twin-turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The car on show in Geneva will only be a model, but if built it's said to have a curb weight of just 1,850 pounds thanks to a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. As cool as it sounds, somehow we feel there would be few Gen-Y buyers capable of affording such a car.

Subaru Viziv 2 concept: Subaru is using this week’s Geneva show to preview its future crossover that will fill the void of the discontinued Tribeca, using a new concept called the Viziv 2. The concept isn’t completely new as it is actually an updated version of the first Viziv concept that we saw at last year’s Geneva show. Teaser shots reveal that the Viziv 2 more closely resembles a production model than the previous Viziv.

Hit the next page to see the performance cars that will be on display at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated hub for all the latest updates.

2015 Ferrari California T

PERFORMANCE CARS

2015 Ferrari California T: Sure to be one of the show stoppers is Ferrari’s California T convertible sports car. The car is an updated version of the California and it’s the first turbocharged Ferrari road car since the legendary F40 supercar of the 1980s. Ferrari hasn’t released full details on its new California T but the automaker has confirmed the car’s engine delivers 552 horsepower and a massive 556 pound-feet of torque. The news gets better as the messy lines of the California’s exhaust and rear diffuser have been cleaned up significantly on the California T.

Ermini Seiottosei: Historic Italian sports car brand Ermini has been revived and will be showing its first new product in more than 50 years in Geneva this week. That new product will be the Seiottosei sports car, which has been developed together with ex-Formula One competitor Osella. The car will feature a lightweight tubular steel chassis and a 315-horsepower rating. A handful of teaser images reveal a retro-inspired design.

2014 Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake

2014 Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake: The Jaguar XFR-S is already an impressive drive. However, take its 550-horsepower drivetrain and pack it into the svelte body of the XF Sportbrake and you’ve got a surefire hit on your hands. That’s exactly what Jaguar has done with its latest XFR-S Sportbrake, which debuts in Geneva this week. Sadly, since the regular XF Sportbrake isn’t sold in the U.S., this one won’t be either.

2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed: Updates to the Bentley Continental GT Speed for the 2015 model year see the big bruiser earn the title of the fastest production Bentley ever. Yes, Bentley engineers have endowed the GT Speed and the GT Speed Convertible with even more power and torque, boosting the performance of both cars. The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine fitted to the 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed has been tuned to deliver 626 horsepower and a massive 607 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available from just 1,700 rpm.

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4: Lamborghini’s replacement for its aging Gallardo is the stunning new Huracán. The car features similar proportions to the Gallardo, but it’s producing more power, has a dual-clutch gearbox and a slightly lighter curb weight. Hop behind the wheel of the Huracán and keep your foot to the floor, and you’ll accelerate to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, pass 124 mph in 9.9 seconds and finally max out somewhere close to 202 mph.

McLaren 650S: We knew McLaren was planning a more hardcore version of its already extreme 12C supercar, but we never expected the car to take on a whole new look. In Geneva we’ll see the covers come off the McLaren’s new 12C-based 650S, which blends the outlandish styling of the P1 flagship with the svelte lines of the 12C. The car’s engine is delivering 641 horsepower, versus the 616 horses of the regular 12C, and while it has no more drag than the 12C it generates an extra 24 percent downforce at 150 mph.

2014 Opel Astra OPC Extreme

2014 Opel Astra OPC Extreme: In 2002 Opel revealed a wild concept based on its Astra, which essentially packed all the best bits from various racing versions of the car into a single package that would be drivable on the street. Now, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Opel will reveal a successor based on its latest Astra OPC, and this one’s been confirmed for limited production should demand be sufficient.

2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430: Aston Martin’s Vantage line of sports cars is starting to get long in the tooth, but you’d hardly guess it judging by its new V8 Vantage N430. As you may have guessed, the “430” in the title represents the horsepower output, which the car’s dry-sumped 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers at 7,300 rpm, just like in the V8 Vantage S. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automated manual with paddle shifters, and will rocket the car from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 190 mph.

Koenigsegg One:1

Koenigsegg One:1: One of the confirmed ‘hypercars’ for the upcoming Swiss show is Koenigsegg’s new One:1. The car gets its name from the fact that it develops one horsepower for every kilogram of its weight, and according to official info that weight will come in at 1,340 kilograms (2,954 pounds). That means the car is dishing out 1,340 horsepower, which should be enough to see it set some new acceleration records. Sadly, only six examples of the car will be built and all are already accounted for.

2015 Audi TT: Audi will present its third-generation TT sports car in Geneva, ahead of the car’s showroom debut later this year. Several teaser sketches reveal the design of the new car, which borrows some elements from the iconic original launched in 1998 but also packs plenty of new details such as LED headlights with Matrix Beam technology. The car will be launched in base and TTS trim, but we hope a high-performance TT RS version is eventually added.

Hit the next page to see the luxury cars that will be on display at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated hub for all the latest updates.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

LUXURY CARS

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe: Mercedes-Benz is planning up to six variants of its latest S-Class sedan including the regular short and long-wheelbase models, a new extra-long model, a coupe, a convertible and a sixth, unidentified car. In Geneva this week, we’ll get our first look at the new S-Class Coupe, which will replace the aging CL-Class when it lands in showrooms this fall. At launch, for the U.S., the S550 Coupe is the only model, coming with Mercedes' 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, rated at 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Autobiography: Land Rover is looking to entice potential buyers of its Range Rover Evoque with a new Autobiography trim, which is being introduced for the stylish compact crossover’s 2015 model year update. For the 2015 Range Rover Evoque, the Autobiography trim comes in regular form as well as power-boosting Dynamic. Both feature enhanced body styling, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and premium leather interior details.

2014 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

2014 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe: BMW's answer to a question no one knew to ask, the 2014 4-Series Gran Coupe puts a sleeker, trimmer look on the four-door F30 3-Series--or adds a couple doors to the two-door F32 4-Series, looked at from another angle. Whatever angle you approach the new 4-Series Gran Coupe from, however, you're likely to find something worth looking at. Like its two-door 4-Series coupe counterparts, the 2014 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe will be available in both 428i and 435i specifications. Sales commence this summer.

2015 Lexus RC F Sport: Lexus will show two new versions of its RC luxury coupe in Geneva. One will be a regular RC equipped with a new F Sport package. This package adds some aero pieces along with uprated suspension, brakes and tires. The other will be a new RC F GT3 race car, which signals the Japanese luxury brand’s intention to compete in the international GT3 circuit.

Lamborghini Aventador personalized by Ad Personam, 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Lamborghini Aventador Ad Personam: Lamborghini is renewing its Ad Personam personalization program, which currently is only available for the Aventador range but will soon offer options for the Huracán. In Geneva this week, the Italian supercar marque will show off a unique Aventador developed using new options available through the Ad Personam program. Just some of the material choices include semi-aniline leather, Alcantara and Lamborghini’s own forged composite.

2015 Bentley Flying Spur: An expanded Bentley Flying Spur sedan range will appear at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show this week by offering a less-thirsty V-8 engine option, alongside the existing W-12. Wearing the straightforward title Flying Spur V8, the new model will feature the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged engine as the two-door Continental GT V8. As in the GT, the V-8 produces 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.

2014 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black

2014 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black: In addition to its new V8 Vantage N430, Aston Martin will be showing off a pair of DB9 special editions at the upcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The latest special editions revive Aston Martin’s ‘Carbon’ theme, which was last used on the DB9 back in 2010, prior to the car’s transformation into the Aston Martin formerly known as the Virage. Rather than outright performance, style and what Aston Martin describes as “visual drama” are the hallmarks of the new special editions.

2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class may not have been a success but the German automaker is giving the luxury MPV segment another go, revealing in Geneva its new V-Class. The latest Benz is a full-size MPV catering to families and shuttle bus operators looking to haul upwards of eight people in luxury and comfort. A rugged and more utilitarian version, which will likely be called the Vito, is also in the works. The V-Class has not yet been confirmed for the U.S., but there are indications it may come eventually.

2014 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer: In the early part of 2010, BMW confirmed it was working on a new front-wheel-drive model designed to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and, to a lesser extent, mainstream models like the Ford B-Max and Volkswagen Golf Plus. Well, BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model is finally here, in the form of the new 2-Series Active Tourer. The engine lineup at launch comprises three- and four-cylinder units, all of them turbocharged. The top model is the 225i and at the other end of the spectrum is a diesel-powered 218d.

2014 Land Rover Defender Black Pack and Silver Pack: At the Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover will show off new 'Black Pack' and 'Silver Pack' options for its iconic Defender SUV. Rather than exterior finish, the two packs refer to the shades applied to details such as the roof and grille design on each car. The updates, while minor, should keep the Defender looking fresh until sales finally end sometime in 2015.

Hit the next page to see what else will be on display at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated hub for all the latest updates.