The 87th Geneva International Motor Show is in full swing. As is usual, Geneva brings out beautiful supercars and the most lavish parties. Behind all the glitz and glamor are car companies with world premieres designed to intrigue and attract new customers for 2017. I asked Ian Beavis, Chief Strategy Officer for Foote, Cone, and Belding what his favorite cars were from this International Car Exposition and why “Brands that know their customers. Superbly upgraded products that keep their heritage and yet break new ground for their brands. These are smart people who know their customers.” Here are the four new cars that Beavis thought stood out as cars that know their customers.
1. Ferrari’s 812 Superfast in Geneva
Beautifully wrapped in 800 horsepower of pure naturally aspirated power with 0 to 200 of 7.9 seconds. The most powerful production car will take over where the F12 Berlinetta and the F12 TDF left off. The 812 will be graced with the heritage of previous generations of Ferraris made in Maranello, Italy. While keeping the graceful lines that make Ferrari instantly recognizable, Ferrari will bring forth the most technology available, including Electric Power Steering. There are only a few cars that can compete with this beauty and they are the Mclaren 720s and the Huracan Performance.
2. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Concept in Geneva
With Beavis’ comment, you can tell that Mercedes-Benz AMG has taken this four-door 805 horsepower sedan in a different direction, “The quietest AMG yet. I wonder how Porsche will feel about the styling?” Not to be confused, the Porsche four-door sedan has done well on the market, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo will do just as well, if not better. Clearly, the competitors will be Porsche or Aston Martin.
I am told the concept will couple a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to an electric motor that Mercedes-Benz AMG says will total a whopping 805 horsepower.
3. 2018 Volvo XC60 premium crossover
“An all-new version of their biggest seller. Wonderfully executed. Should be a big hit” Ian Beavis exclaimed and he is right. The Volvo XC 90 won numerous awards including the North American International Car Truck Utility of the Year Award (NACTOY), and the Women’s World Car of the Year Award (WWCOTY). The big competitors for Volvo are and will be, Audi and BMW.
4. Range Rover Velar SUV
If the Evoque is too small, the Velar will be juuuusst right, Goldilocks. Beavis likes this Range Rover best, “Fabulous product. Suddenly makes the rest of the range a little dated”, can you tell? Before you buy an Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, or Porsche Macan you’ll want to drive this Velar.
