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geneva motor show
In early march the eyes of the automotive world turned to Geneva as its 85th International Motor Show, arguably the world’s most important motoring industry event, got underway.
First Shots Fired In Battle Of The Next Gen GTs
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t started when Bentley unveiled the EXP10 technology, in the beautifully laid-out cabin. Speed 6, essentially slapping Aston Martin’s face However, with morning mist still settling with a Poltrona Frau leather glove and demanding on the first press day at Geneva, Aston Martin “satisfaction at dawn.” retaliated, with a stern “have at you, cad,” as it Taking its cues from the racing success of pulled the parachute silk off its all-new DBX the company’s early years, the EXP10 Speed concept. With a more high-riding coupé look, 6 is, according to Chief Executive, Wolfgang but no less sleek, the DBX is the physical Dürheimer, “one vision for Bentley’s future” embodiment of the company’s “second and could one day be an actual model, sitting century” ideology. According to CEO, Dr Andy alongside the Continental GT. Palmer, it was designed for a world when luxury The concept employs a petrol-electric hybrid GT travel is “not only stylish and luxurious but powertrain, though the chances are, should the also more practical, more family-friendly and car make it into production, it will utilise some version of Bentley’s epic Above: Bentley’s stunning EXP10 Speed 6; Below: Aston Martin’s DBX concept. 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and it would certainly be at home at the heart of the car’s muscular, lithe form factor, with its bulging rear wheel arches, long drooping bonnet and low, reworked grille. Underneath that rakish British Racing Green skin, the interior is nothing short of spectacular, too. All quilted leather and fine wood, mingling with the latest
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more environmentally responsible.” That’s why there’s no continent-crushing V12 under the hood. In fact, there’s no internal combustion of any kind. Embracing the very latest engineering techniques and theories, the DBX concept uses electric, inboard-of-wheel, motors powered by lithium sulphur cells. That’s coupled with a KERS-type braking system, as well a lot of other clever tech like drive-by-wire electric steering, auto-dimming “smart glass” and bespoke driver and passenger head-up displays; all the things a good concept should have. The likelyhood of the DBX becoming a production car in its current form is slim, but whatever does arrive in its place will undoubtedly incorporate some of these of these new-fangled gizmos. What is absolutely certain though, is that the first salvo in the battle of the concept GTs has been fired and the resulting conflagration will only be good for car fans. It's your move, Ferrari.