8 hot, new cars from the Geneva International Motor Show

MANILA, Philippines - The 2017 Geneva International Motor Show seems to be a big highlight in the auto show circuit so far this year with interesting, newsworthy, and downright gorgeous cars. Though environment-friendly vehicles continue as the main trend in Switzerland, it finally goes hand in hand with something petrol heads will all appreciate: high performance.

1. Honda Civic Type-R

Honda isn’t exactly doing that well in Formula One, but that’s not stopping the Japanese powerhouse from launching its hottest hatchback yet: the all-new Civic Type-R. Re-engineered from the ground up, it’s what Honda calls an expression of “dynamic purity.” The 38-percent stiffer body shell and retuned suspension are needed to contain a 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC motor that generates 320hp and 400Nm torque. The all-new Civic Type-R also has a trick driving mode selector that offers greater usability. A new ‘Comfort’ mode is added alongside the ‘Sport’ and track-focused ‘+R’ modes. Each selection tailors the adaptive dampers, steering force, gearshift feeling, and throttle response of the car on demand.

2. Aston Martin AMR

Connecting with its storied racecars, Aston Martin is now releasing a more hardcore range of cars that fall under the “AMR” range. Featuring performance and design upgrades, every model in the Aston Martin range will get the AMR iteration. This starts with the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro. The Rapide AMR has a massaged version of the company’s 6.0-liter V12 now made to produce 592hp. It also gets new bumpers, grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and 21-inch wheels to go with the power bump. Meanwhile, the Vantage AMR Pro is a track-only car using the company’s GT4 racecar as the inspiration. In fact, it lifts its engine, hood, and rear wing directly from the racer. The Vantage AMR Pro gets its own splitters, fenders, side skirt, and rear diffuser. Adjustable suspension and center lock wheels complete the changes.

3. Ferrari 812 Superfast

You are looking at the last normally aspirated V12 Ferrari ever. This is the 812 Superfast, the fastest and most powerful Ferrari in its rich70-year history. It takes over the reins from the F12berlinetta and F12tdf. With 800hp and 718Nm of torque, it’s a perfect tribute to the ultra-rare (only 36 made) 500 Superfast. It’s the first Ferrari to sport EPS (Electric Power Steering). Completely integrated with all the electronic vehicle dynamic controls, ts powerful performance is easier to exploit.

4. Ford Fiesta ST

Ford is wasting no time in “hotting up” its all-new Fiesta by giving it a 197hp 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine. Yes, that’s not a typo. Ford Performance’s first 3-cylinder model offers a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.7 seconds while also boosting (pardon the pun) its fuel efficiency. Along with the new engine, the Fiesta ST gets selectable driving modes that include piping more of that engine soundtrack into the cabin. The Fiesta ST rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and comes with a wide array of goodies including SYNC 3 and a B&O Play speaker system.

5. Range Rover Velar

With a name derived from the Latin word for sail or veiled, the Range Rover Velar is the company’s first road-centric crossover. With an aerodynamic body and aluminum-rich underpinnings shared with the Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar takes Range Rover from the jungle to the urban jungle. Emphasizing on the brand’s classic proportions, the Velar goes for design simplicity with flush door handles and slim LED headlights. Don’t let it fool you though, thanks to its air suspension system, it can still wade through 650mm of water.

6. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is back. And no, your eyes aren’t deceiving you; it’s a crossover. Mitsubishi is resurrecting the nameplate of its storied coupe, calling it the Eclipse Cross. It carries Mitsubishi’s signature styling but fused with coupe-like looks and dynamic SUV mobility. Inside, it feature a horizontal dashboard set with metallic frames. The black/silver monotone scheme creates a sporty, yet refined interior. The thin infotainment display now appears to “float” thanks to being set high. The Eclipse Cross aims to do justice to its namesake by providing excellent power and environmental performance. A new 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo engine mated to an 8-speed CVT transmission makes its debut on this model. Alternatively, there’s a specially tuned 2.2-liter CRDi diesel mated to an 8-speed automatic available as well.

7. Porsche Panamera Turismo

Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of a new body version: The Panamera Sport Turismo. The unmistakable design is now infused with a large tailgate creating the most versatile model in its class. Featuring a unique rear design (complete with the world’s adaptively extendible roof spoiler), the Panamera Sport Turismo is dramatic, yet highly functional. The raised roofline of the Sport Turismo not only accommodates larger luggage and items, but it also allows easier access to the backseat. There, a 2+1 seating configuration can be found. From a technological and design perspective, the Sport Turismo utilizes all the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line launched only last year including a range of five engines already in the Panamera.

8. Subaru XV

The Subaru XV has been a surprise hit for the purveyors of all-wheel drive so much so that the all-new model stays true to its proven formula. It’s basically a toughened up and raised Impreza hatchback. Underneath all the cladding and 220mm ground clearance, it’s underpinned by the Subaru Global Platform has boosts its rigidity. Along with quicker steering and Active Torque Vectoring, it has 50 percent less body roll compared to before. Along with better handling, the Subaru XV benefits from the coveted X-MODE system, which enhances its off-road handling characteristics. The new direct-injection FB20 engine, shared with the Impreza, also allows the Subaru XV to have better response and fuel economy as well.