The most interesting prototypes at the Geneva Motor Show

We take a look at the prototypes from the Geneva Motor Show to see the novelties that manufacturers will bring to their upcoming production models.

The Geneva Motor Show always leaves a string of prototypes for every taste. From concepts very close to what the final production model will be, to futuristic designs that are hard to see on the roads. We have already previewed news about some of them, such as the Audi e-tron prototype that will hit the streets at the end of the year, or the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo which will be the first electric SUV to come out of the Stuttgart factory. A multitude of future cars that also had their share of the spotlight at the Geneva Motor Show 2018. And which we tell you about below.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes: SKODA

The Czech manufacturer surprised at the Geneva Motor Show with a prototype of what will be the third model in its SUV range. The Skoda VISION X is a crossover in the line of the Kodiaq and Karoq, but with a new operating concept in terms of infotainment and connectivity, featuring a huge touchscreen in a futuristic-looking interior. But its major novelty lies in the newly configured hybrid propulsion system it proposes Skoda. This is a combination of CNG (compressed natural gas) and petrol propulsion, plus two electric motors. The internal combustion engine is a turbocharged TSI G-TEC unit of 1.5 litres and four cylinders that produces 130 CV of maximum power and drives the front axle. The electric unit delivers its power to the rear of the vehicle, and can move fully electrically for 2 kilometres. Traction can be all-wheel, front or rear depending on driving needs, with performance figures of 9.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and a top speed of 200 km/h.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes: HYUNDAI
The new design concept of Hyundai

was presented in Geneva in a simply marvellous concept car. The so-called ‘Le Fil Rouge’ Vision Concept represents a reinterpretation of the Coupé Concept seen in 1974. A stylised coupé saloon that represents the new design line of Hyundai, known as “Sensuous Sportiness”, which will be implemented across all of the South Korean manufacturer’s new models. Proportion, architecture, design and technology are the 4 keys to this design pattern, which come together perfectly in the design of a ‘Le Fil Rouge’ that captivates at first sight.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes: SSANGYONG

Ssangyong

presented at Geneva one of the most anticipated prototypes of the Show, the e-SIV whose initials stand for “Electronic Smart Interface Vehicle“. A showcase in which the Korean manufacturer displayed everything its upcoming SUVs could become. The vehicle offers an NEDC range of 450 kilometres, with an electric motor of 140 kW of power and a battery that delivers 61.5 kWh. At 4.46 metres long, 1.87 wide and 1.63 high, it presents a fairly attractive coupé design. But its weapons of mass seduction lie in the interior, with a technological equipment that allows level 2 autonomous driving (expandable to level 3 with an extra sensor) and an intelligent interface that guarantees total connectivity. A futuristic infotainment system, intelligent comfort options and total connectivity in terms of safety and driving assistance. The Ssangyong e-SIV promises a lot.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes:

NISSAN
The Nissan IMx KURO

was presented for the first time in Europe after making its debut at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The electric crossover prototype is an advance of the future of Intelligent Mobility Nissan, based on the connection between the car and the driver through the pioneering Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) technology. With this system, the vehicle receives and interprets the signals sent by the driver’s brain, achieving an almost total fusion. How is this achieved? The driver of the future will wear a device that measures brain wave activity so that it can be analysed by the autonomous systems. In this way, the car can predict and detect the driver’s symptoms and sensations and thereby act by turning the steering wheel or decelerating. All of this between 0.2 and 0.5 seconds faster than the driver.

A technology applied for the first time in this Nissan IMx KURO, an electric SUV concept with 600 kilometres of range, 320 kW of maximum power and an impressive 700 Nm of torque. Performance with brain reading included.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes:

HONDA
Honda will make its entry into the European electric vehicle market in 2019

, when the production model of the Urban EV Concept seen in Geneva arrives. Although it first appeared at Frankfurt 2017, Honda has once again shown this compact prototype with a retro air that represents the future of the manufacturer’s battery electric vehicles. And this is no joke, since orders will be accepted from early 2019. Seating for 4 occupants distributed across two rows of bench seats, fabric upholstery, wood finishes and a touchscreen that stretches across the entire dashboard to the sides of the doors to offer all kinds of information. That is the Urban EV Concept.

But it was not the only Honda prototype in Geneva; the sporty version of the EV Concept and the Honda NeuV were also present. The latter is a more advanced prototype equipped with numerous autonomous driving functions and artificial intelligence.

Geneva Motor Show prototypes:

BMW
According to BMW

, this prototype is a version very similar to what the definitive model of the BMW M8 Gran Coupé will be. The prototype presented at the Geneva Motor Show is the preview, in M version, of the new 8 Series that BMW will bring to market in 2019. The prototype features a four-door bodywork wrapped in a radical design without losing an ounce of elegance, with aggressive lines extending from the front grille to the rear. Without providing data on engines or power figures, BMW has left us eager for what will undoubtedly be the new flagship of the Bavarian brand.

Other prototypes at the Geneva Motor Show

Volkswagen brings the future closer with the ID VIZZION.

Renault EZ-GO: the “robot car” for the cities of the future.