Geneva International Motor Show 2017

And now for something completely different. I'm not a hardcore petrolhead, but I do like cars. According to the news, that unfortunately means I am very old. I really love my own car although we spend too much time together on weekdays. I've recently been watching the original Top Gear a lot and since I had some unused holidays, I was inspired to try something new and give serious car journalism a whirl. How hard can it be?

My Precious, on our honeymoon drive last fall.

I hopped on a train (a real petrolhead would never do that) and traveled to the French end of Switzerland. My destination was the Geneva International Motor Show and the plan was to test-sit and document as many vehicles as possible. Salon international de l'automobile is one of the largest annual motor shows in the world, in the same league with Paris, Detroit, Tokyo, Shanghai or even Frankfurt, so there was many more cars than I had the time and energy to mount. Landing down in sports cars and getting up again is a sport in itself.

Brand new models that premiered in Geneva 2017 included a rejuvenated French beauty called Alpine A110 and an elegant German fastback from Volkswagen named Arteon. Ferrari introduced 812 Superfast, McLaren showcased their new 720S and Lamborghini exhibited an absolutely stunning Huracán Performante. As a Volvo guy I was really interested in the completely redesigned Volvo XC60 (I went through a "I need an SUV"-period last summer but then I got better). Unfortunately the fine people at Volvo's stand were mostly Swedish which triggered my natural inferiority complex, limiting any meaningful discourse with them.

All the major manufacturers participated in the show except for Tesla. Instead, Tesla had a booth at the nearby train station, proving that they are not even trying to target real petrolheads. Another conspicuously absent clique was the whole Chinese car industry (well, except for Volvo). I was surprised to see for instance General Motors' Cadillac with a rather major presence; I didn't even know that Caddies are actually sold here in Switzerland.

There was surprisingly many visitors given that it was a weekday. The atmosphere was dense, I obviously wasn't the only one with BO issues. The price range in the food court was in the class of "Swiss Premium" and I didn't bring enough water or snacks to survive the whole day, so I was quite light-headed in the end of the exercise. I really enjoyed the visit regardless and I will probably go again. Especially if Volvo releases that new S60 next year!

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Volvo XC60

The Swedes have done a stellar job, XC60 is just as pleasant both from the inside and outside.

Since I'm a nerd, I had studied the specs in advance. When I was asked if I have any questions about the XC60, the only thing I could think of was "Yes. When are you releasing the new S60?". Not this or next year, he said. But Volvo just starte… — Since I'm a nerd, I had studied the specs in advance. When I was asked if I have any questions about the XC60, the only thing I could think of was "Yes. When are you releasing the new S60?". Not this or next year, he said. But Volvo just started selling the Classic edition of S60/V60, meaning the end of the current model. Fake news or alternative facts?

Mercedes AMG GT Concept

805bhp hybrid hypercar with "Formula One driving dynamics" , they say. — 805bhp hybrid hypercar with "Formula One driving dynamics" , they say.

Although just a concept, Mercedes says that "the show car gives a sneak preview of the exterior design of the coming series production model".

Alpine A110

The French have resurrected Alpine brand and this is the new 2018 A110. The car has clearly inherited that classic '70s rally look. Alpine A110 was one of my show favourites, I would choose this one over an Audi TT in a heartbeat. Just because it is so pretty.

Lamborghini Huracán Performante

Huracán Performante is the fastest production car ever in Nürburgring Nordschleife. — Huracán Performante is the fastest production car *ever* in Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Huracán Performante has an active wing and flaps to reduce drag on straights. A vital feature when cruising down the streets of Dubai or Monaco.

In my books this is the most beautiful supercar currently available.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

812 is Ferrari's most powerful v12 street car ever.

McLaren 720S

This emotional commercial should make you teary.

Aston Martin Rapide AMR & Valkyrie

Aston Martin Valkyrie is a new hypercar, shipping in 2019. Estimated cost is somewhere between 2-3M£.

Everyone knows that Aston Martins are drowsy low-powered weaklings. Finally this major grievance shall be addressed! Aston Martin launched a new performance-oriented sub-brand called AMR (Aston Martin Racing), featuring even more powerful versions of their standard models.