2019 Geneva Motorshow: Key Car Highlights & New Launches

content: Supercars & Hypercars: Speed, Luxury, and Record-Breakers

If you missed the 2019 Geneva Motorshow, you missed a showcase of some of the decade’s most thrilling cars. From million-dollar hypercars to everyday EVs, the show blended performance with sustainability. Let’s dive into the standout releases, starting with the supercars that stole the spotlight.

Ferrari F8 Tributo: A Mid-Engine Masterpiece

The Ferrari F8 Tributo replaced the 488 GTB, sitting halfway between the 488 and the hardcore Pista. It uses the Pista’s award-winning twin-turbo V8 (a multiple "Engine of the Year" winner) but adds creature comforts like carpets. Its aerodynamic elements—borrowed from the Pista—boost downforce by 10% over the 488 GTB.

Bugatti La Voiture Noire: The World’s Most Expensive Road Car

This one-off hypercar, based on the Chiron, holds the title of the most expensive road car ever made: 9.5 million pounds before tax (12 million with UK VAT). Inspired by the 1930s Type 57 Atlantic, it’s a testament to Bugatti’s luxury and exclusivity.

Koenigsegg Jesko: Chasing 300 MPH

Named after founder Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, the Jesko replaces the Agera. It delivers nearly 600 hp on ethanol (less on regular fuel) and 1106 lb-ft of torque. With two versions—track-focused and top-speed tuned—it aims for a 300 mph top speed. Only 125 will be made, and over 80 are already sold at 2.29 million pounds plus taxes.

Lamborghini’s Dynamic Duo

Lamborghini brought two showstoppers: the Aventador SVJ Roadster (adding 50 kg and 25-30k pounds to the Nurburgring-record-setting SVJ) and the Huracan Evo Spider. Both prioritize raw performance and head-turning design.

content: Electric Vehicles & Game-Changing Platforms

The 2019 show was a turning point for EVs, with brands launching affordable options and innovative platforms.

Polestar 2: Tesla Model 3 Competitor

Polestar’s second production car targets the Tesla Model 3, priced at 35-50k pounds. It uses Volvo’s CMA platform, has dual motors (400 hp, all-wheel drive), and a 311-mile range. Sales start in 2020, with online ordering available.

Honda Urban EV Prototype: Funky & Practical

The prototype (now closer to production) adds rear doors and has a 125-mile range. Honda positions it as a premium urban EV, citing Apple’s success with premium products as inspiration for its price point.

Volkswagen ID Buggy: A Platform Revolution

The ID Buggy isn’t just a car—it’s a showcase of Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform. Its removable body panels and skateboard chassis mean third-party manufacturers can build custom vehicles on the same base. It’s a nod to 1960s Manx Meyers buggies, reimagined for the electric age.

Audi Q4 e-tron: Next-Gen EV SUV

Audi’s fifth EV (launching late 2020) uses the VW Group’s MEB platform. It’s shorter and lower than the Q5, with a 280-mile range and 302 hp. The concept’s interior looks ready for production, hinting at Audi’s future EV design.

content: Compact Cars & SUVs: Everyday Innovation

The show wasn’t all hypercars—compact cars and SUVs got their share of attention.

Peugeot 208: EV Option at Launch

The new 208 (based on Peugeot’s small platform) launches with petrol, diesel, and EV variants. Its funky interior features a 3D cockpit, and it goes on sale late 2019. Peugeot’s strategy: small cars as EV-only, larger ones as plug-in hybrids.

Renault Clio: Revolutionary Interior

The fifth-gen Clio is evolutionary outside but revolutionary inside. It’s shorter, lower, and lighter, with a more functional cabin. A hybrid version arrives in 2020, and a plug-in hybrid follows later in the Captur.

Alfa Romeo Tonale: Compact SUV Concept

This concept (launching in 2022) sits below the Stelvio. Based on the Jeep Renegade platform, it prioritizes driving dynamics—Alfa Romeo claims it’ll be best-in-class to drive. It features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with sporty engine options coming later.

Toyota Corolla Trek: Rugged Wagon

For those wanting a rufty-tufty Corolla, the Trek wagon adds a 20mm lift, scuff plates, and rugged styling. It goes on sale in August 2019.

content: Standout Concepts & Quirky Releases

The show had its share of weird and wonderful cars, from quadricycles to tractor tributes.

Citroen Ami One: No License Needed

This compact concept fits Europe’s quadricycle rules—max speed 28 mph, weight 450 kg. In some countries, you can drive it without a license. Citroen envisions it as a shared or rented vehicle, with sturdy materials for easy maintenance.

Lagonda All-Terrain Concept: Luxury EV SUV

Aston Martin’s Lagonda brand revealed this EV SUV (launching in 2022). It uses a full EV powertrain, has 200mm more ground clearance than the Lagonda saloon, and offers spacious interiors (Aston’s term: "doodles").

Lamborghini Chanson REO Tractor: Tribute to Roots

To celebrate Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday (2016), the Lamborghini family released this tractor. It’s a 3-cylinder (with 6 exhaust-like pipes—3 inlet, 3 outlet) and only 5 were made at 250k euros (same as a Huracan).

content: Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediately Actionable Checklist

Research Koenigsegg Jesko: If you’re a hypercar collector, check availability (over 80 sold already).
Test Drive Peugeot 208 EV: Look for it at dealerships late 2019.
Follow VW’s MEB Platform: Watch for third-party custom EVs built on this chassis.
Pre-Order Polestar 2: Order online for 2020 delivery.

Advanced Resource Recommendations

Autocar’s Geneva Archive: Access detailed videos and articles about the show.
Koenigsegg Official Site: Get the latest on Jesko’s production status.
Volkswagen MEB Page: Learn about the platform’s future applications.

content: Conclusion & Engagement

The 2019 Geneva Motorshow was a mix of high-performance thrills and sustainable innovation. From the Bugatti La Voiture Noire’s luxury to the Volkswagen ID Buggy’s platform revolution, it showcased the future of cars.

Which 2019 Geneva Motorshow car would you most want to drive? Is it the Koenigsegg Jesko’s speed, the Honda Urban EV’s quirkiness, or something else? Share your pick in the comments!