2016 Geneva International Motor Show – Visitor's Guide

As the big debuts from Detroit and Chicago settle into the history books, all eyes turn to Switzerland for the 86th Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Without any major native automakers to hog the limelight, Geneva is considered “neutral ground” for the industry, and consequently, a fantastic opportunity to battle for the attention of a worldwide audience. One look at the growing list of highly impressive vehicles scheduled to drop cover this year confirms just how fierce the competition will be. Long story short – this is gonna be good.

Of course, that’s pretty much par for the course in Geneva. First held in 1905, GIMS is now widely recognized as one of the most important auto shows of the year, regularly attracting a huge diversity of vehicles, from economical commuters, to top-shelf exotics. While all the mainstream manufacturers are sure to make an appearance, smaller niche makes will be there as well, including Radical, Rimac Automobili, and Spyker, among others.

All told, 200 exhibitors from 30 different countries will set up shop, spread out over seven individual halls and more than a quarter million square feet of space. Over 100 premieres will take place over two press days, covered on-site by 10,000 auto journalists. Once the gates open to the public, upwards of 700,000 visitors will file through the halls.

We’ll be bringing you the latest and greatest right here, plus we’ll give you some tips if you plan on attending in person, so check back for updates as things get rolling!

Updated 02/26/2016: The 2016 Geneva International Motor Show kicks off next week, so to get you hyped, we’ve updated this guide with more of the debuts slated to drop cover. Check it out!

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.

What, Where, And When

Things To Do

Like any other highly visible auto show, GIMS is a great place to do a little car shopping, with all the hottest models (future and current) up on display alongside their chief competitors. Events like these are also a car lover’s paradise, with ample opportunities to geek out and share the passion with other auto nerds in attendance.

But that’s to be expected, so what makes GIMS unique?

To help raise green vehicle awareness, attendees this year will have a chance to interact with the exhibitors using the “Salon Car Collector” app on their smartphone (Android and iOS). As you wander through the show, the app will allow you to collect “stamps” from the most energy-efficient cars on display (that is, Category A vehicles emitting no more than 95 g/km of CO2). All who participate will have a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a brand new Ford C-Max Energi hybrid. Click here for more information, or watch a two-minute video about the competition here.

Of course, there will be plenty of exciting sports cars, SUVs, and luxury cars there as well. In fact, just about every facet of the industry will be represented, including electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, concepts, OEM accessories, aftermarket parts, and vehicle maintenance and repair.

Motorsport enthusiasts will undoubtedly be drawn to the TAG Heuer special exhibit, which will house four race cars from across the competition spectrum, including a Formula E car, the Porsche Dempsey Racing 911 RSR (Le Mans), Jo Siffert’s 1970 March 701 (F1), and the Red Bull Racing RB12 (F1). Fiat will also be there with an example of the German market-exclusive Abarth 595 ‘Competizione by TAG Heuer.’ Complementing the race-winning metal will be driving simulators, a mini-circuit with electric karts, and a virtual reality presentation on the history of the Carrera. You can find more information here.

Once you’ve had your fill at the show, Geneva offers ample opportunities for sightseeing and exploring. The city is surrounded by pristine natural beauty and infused with a truly cosmopolitan culture, with standout attractions including the Jet d’Eau, St. Pierre cathedral, and the CERN particle physics laboratory, not to mention countless promenades, shops, and restaurants. The weather can still be pretty chilly this time of year, so come prepared for temperatures in the mid-40s, with highs in the lower 50s, and lows in the upper 30s.

The Venue And Transportation

The Geneva International Motor Show will be held at the Palexpo convention center, which is located in close proximity to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport, roughly a 7-minute walk from the Geneva-Airport railway station. Amenities include available high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access and daycare for children between 3 months and 6 years old.

Palexpo

Route Francois-Peyrot 30

CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex

There are a variety of accommodations conveniently located near the convention center, but even if you aren’t near Palexpo, there are tons of transportation options. For a list of available accommodations, click here. One word of caution though – Geneva can be pretty expensive.

Given the high-profile nature of GIMS, there are several package deals out there for interested attendees. The first is offered through Geneva’s tourism website here (click the “Geneva International Motor Show Package” box), and includes a one-night hotel stay, breakfast, admission to the show, public transportation access, and a chance to win a luxury car. Pricing starts at 71 CHF per person ($71.52 at current exchange rates, 02/24/2016).

If you already have your accommodations figured out, there are still several deals available that bundle just the admission fees and transportation. Participating providers include Unireso (note: this link leads to a French-language website), SBB RailAway, and SNCF (note: this link also leads to a French-language website).

Bus transportation is provided via TPG, including connections to and from France. You can download the TPG app for updated timetables here (iOS) and here (Android).

Car sharing is another option. Click here for more information.

Alternatively, you could also simply drive there, with paid parking available through the duration of the show.

If you plan on taking the Great St. Bernard Tunnel in from Italy, present your one-way tunnel ticket (no older than 72 hours) and show admission ticket for a toll-free return trip.

More transportation info can be found here.

Show Schedule And Tickets

Per usual, the journalists will have first access, with all the major reveals and debuts taking place during the designated press days, March 1st through the 2nd. We’ll be bringing you all the latest, so make sure to stay tuned to TopSpeed!

Afterwards, the public gets access, with general admission granted March 3rd through the 13th. Hours are 10 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday. The least crowded times to attend are weekdays after 4 pm.

Tickets cost CHF 16 ($16.12) for adults, CHF 9 ($9.07) for pensioners, the disabled, and children (ages 6 to 12), and CHF 11 ($11.08) per person for groups of 20 or more. Tickets sold onsite after 4 pm are half off (same day entry, cannot be combined with other discounts).

You can buy tickets at the gate, or online here.

You can also get combined transportation/show tickets wherever Unireso and TPG tickets are sold.

Press Days Exhibitors Conference Schedule

There are nearly 70 conferences scheduled over the course of the two press days at GIMS. Check out the complete schedule by clicking here.

For a complete list of exhibitors, click here.

Crossovers, SUVs, And Wagons

Audi is adding another entry to its RS Performance roster, this time with the compact Q3 crossover. To help the five-door CUV standout, there are new bits and pieces for the exterior and interior, while under the hood is 367 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque – good enough for a sprint to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. While Audi did bring the Q3 to the U.S. for the 2015 model year, odds are we won’t be seeing this pumped-up variant come stateside any time soon.

Read the full review here.

Unless you live in Europe, odds are you’ve never heard of the Mokka compact crossover. However, throw a Buick emblem on it, and you might recognize it as the Encore. Either way, the Mokka is heading to Geneva to show off its brand new facelift, giving us a potential preview of things to come for the Encore. In front is a new fascia with LED lighting elements, while inside is a new dash and upgraded infotainment tech. Motivation includes two diesel options and a single gas-powered unit.

Read the full review here.

Volvo is resurrecting the V90 nameplate after leaving it untouched for nearly two decades, but more importantly, the new model is actually coming to the U.S. The S90 sedan was tapped for underpinnings, exterior styling, and the interior, while a plug-in hybrid drivetrain provides “around” 400 horsepower. Look for the new V90 to arrive stateside sometime next year.

Read the full review here.

The Optima Sportswagon was originally revealed in concept form as the Sportspace, which dropped cover just one year ago in Geneva. Essentially a longer iteration of the Optima sedan, the Sportswagon seeks to combine performance and utility into one cohesive package. In back is nearly 20 cubic feet of storage, while drivetrain options include a 1.7-liter diesel and a 2.0-liter gas unit.

Read the full review here.

TopCar, a tuner based out of Russia, has announced it will reveal its newly upgraded Mercedes GLE in Geneva, and as you might expect, it’s chock-full of aggression. Adorning the exterior is a body kit consisting of 20 individual pieces, with ducts and flares and spoilers upping the SUV’s visual impact substantially. There are currently no details on what TopCar did to the GLE’s interior or drivetrain, but we’re expecting enhancements in those areas as well.

Read the full review here.

Originally released in 2013, now is the right time for Peugeot to update the 2008 SUV. Included in this mid-cycle refresh is new styling inline with the rest of the automaker’s stable, new infotainment features like MirrorLink and Apply CarPlay, and a new range-topping GT trim level. Drivetrain options include a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel.

Read the full review here.

Maserati is the latest convert to camp SUV, and its first effort with the controversial body style is the Levante. Outside, there’s styling similar and the Kubang concept that preceded it, as well as the Ghibli luxury sedan. We have yet to see shots of the interior, but the Ghibli is expected to provide cues there as well. Drivetrain options are still under wraps, but we do know there will be adaptable air suspension, AWD, and an eight-speed transmission.

Read the full review here.

Renault is releasing a wagonized variant of the fourth-generation Megane, which debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show this past September. As expected, the exterior is pretty much a carryover from the hatch, and although there’s no word on interior appointment or drivetrain options, odds are those will be carryovers as well. Look for a large central touchscreen for the cabin and six different engine options under the hood.

Read the full review here.

Sedans, Hatchbacks, And Luxury Cars

With the hugely popular C-Class already available in a coupe, sedan, and wagon body style, Mercedes is looking to expand even further with the addition of a new ragtop variant. Designed from the ground-up for extra-atmosphere duties, the C-Class cab is still expected to look somewhat similar to its fixed-roof siblings, and it should come with the same drivetrain as well. Hopefully, we’ll see a high-powered version from AMG sometime in the near future.

Read the full review here.

Falling between the C300 and top dog C63, the C43 is a mid-grade two-door that manages to carve out a nice spot for itself in the established Mercedes pecking order. Outside, you get the usual sporting cues, while amenities in the cabin are plentiful. Under the hood, AMG is responsible for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, which produces 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, blessing the coupe with a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.

Read the full review here.

Take the enormous sixth-generation 7 Series, keep all the luxury inside, and drop BMW ’s most powerful production V-12 under the hood, and you get the M760Li xDrive. While not quite the M7 we’ve all been dreaming about, this thing gets close thanks to 600 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.92 second 0-to-62 mph time. Keeping all that thrust in control is adaptive suspension and the Bavarians’ AWD system.

Read the full review here.

To fill the gap between the regular Flying Spur V8 and Flying Spur W12, Bentley will introduce the new Flying Spur V8 S in Geneva. The changes are subtle but effective, with a few tweaks to the front end, unique large-diameter wheels, and optional tinting for the taillights and headlights. Meanwhile, the interior is bathed in the usual Bentley opulence. As you’d expect, there’s a V-8 for motivation, but output was bumped to an S-level-appropriate 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque – 21 horsepower and 14 pound-feet more than the base-model Flying Spur V8.

Read the full review here.

It’s been six years since the Mulsanne was originally released, which makes this mid-cycle update a bit overdue. Aesthetic changes are minimal, while there’s new wood trim and glass switchgear in the interior. Joining the base model sedan is both an extended wheelbase version and a sportier “Speed” variant, with an extra 10 inches of length for the former, and a healthier 6.75-liter V-8 for the latter.

Read the full review here.

Better safe than sorry, as they say, and this new Merc limo is the safest option out there. That’s because it’s equipped with VR10-level ballistic protection, which makes it the highest-rated armored vehicle available for civilian purchase. Inside, there’s still tons of luxury and opulence, while a twin-turbo V-12 provides the motive power.

Read the full review here.

The V40 nameplate was originally used for the wagon version of the S40 way back in 1995, but these days, it’s better known as a hatchback. This latest model was released in 2012, and now, Volvo has decided it’s about time to give it a refresh. There are new headlights outside, plus new trim and upholstery inside, while the drivetrain options march forward with two diesel units and two gas units. While currently only offered overseas, rumor has it we’ll get the next-gen model sometime in 2018.

Read the full review here.

Sports Cars And Supercars

Spyker C8 Preliator

Spyker finally seems to be emerging from its financial rough patch, and it looks to make its triumphant return in Geneva. The Netherlands-based producer of niche sports cars is officially on the list of exhibitors this year, leading many to speculate as to what it has in store. Fanning the flames is the above teaser image, which shows the front end of something called the Preliator, which means “warrior” in Latin. Word is it’s some kind of electrified performance vehicle.

Let the purists scoff – the California T is still massively appealing. Sure, its front-engine, 2+2 layout is a bit off the beaten path for the Prancing Horse, but that hardly matters when you drop the roof and crank up the turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8. With 560 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque on tap, this grand tourer brings the goods, but like any good performance marque, Ferrari is taking it further with a new track package, which includes a sharper throttle, throatier exhaust, and stiffer suspension.

Read the full review here.

Touring Superleggera has a long history of producing some very impressive builds, from wild Ferraris to lithe Minis. Now, in celebration of its 90th birthday, the Italy-based high-end coachbuilder says it’s coming to Geneva with an “open sports car,” the first such body style for the company since the1962 Fiat 124 Cabriolet. We expect a sort of “greatest hits” approach, with oodles of style and speed.

Read the full story here.

You could easily argue that the Boxster is synonymous with the Porsche brand, especially when you consider how it tops the charts as one Stuttgart’s biggest sellers ever. With that in mind, any changes to the model are a pretty big deal, and this latest update is no exception. There are a few tweaks to the exterior styling and interior layout, but the biggest news by far is what’s happening in the drivetrain department. Say goodbye to the naturally aspirated six-cylinders of yesteryear and say hello to a new turbocharged four-banger.

Read the full review here.

Remember the FF? The AWD, four-seater Ferrari with space in the back for actual, physical objects? Meet its replacement – the GTC4Lusso. Like its predecessor, the GTC4Lusso still comes with a shooting brake design and AWD, while that all-important 6.2-liter V-12 gets mounted just ahead of the cockpit. Long story short – expect top-shelf performance mated with a modicum of practicality.

Read the full review here.

British-tuner-turned-coachbuilder Kahn Design wowed us in the past with a variety of modified Land Rovers, and now, the company looks to step into 007 territory with the WB12 Vengeance. The letters refer to the car’s wide-body stance, while the number references the cylinder count under the hood. While we now know what the Vengeance will look like on the outside, we’re expecting a reveal of the interior in Geneva. All told, only 20 examples will be built.

Read the full review here.

BMW pretty much hit a homerun with the i8, posting solid sales numbers and gathering seemingly endless critical praise since the model was first introduced in 2014. To capitalize on that success, Bimmer will offer a new special edition of the hybrid sports car, calling it the Proton ic Red. Helping the new model standout is an exclusive red paint job for the exterior, plus new stitching and carbon-fiber trim inside.

Read the full review here.

The time has come to replace the DB9, and Aston Martin isn’t going halfway. Dubbed the DB11, the new model starts with a fresh architecture. Thanks to recently leaked images and a rash of spy shots, we also know what it’ll look like inside and out, with the Mercedes S-Class providing instrumentation for the interior, and Aston’s characteristic sleekness updated for the exterior. Powerplant options will include both a turbocharged V-12 and a turbocharged V-8, the latter of which will be sourced from Mercedes’ AMG tuning house.

Read the full review here.

Jaguar Land Rover’s tuning division, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), is known for churning out some wickedly quick products, but this one tops them all. Let’s start with the exterior, which draws cues from the Jaguar Project 7, a limited edition F-Type inspired by the old D-Type racers from the ‘50s. There’s also tons of premium luxury in the cabin space. Most exciting, however, is this range-topper’s supercharged V-8, which pumps out a heart-stopping 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, making for the most powerful (not to mention fastest) production Jaguar ever created.

Read the full review here.

Just like the coupe, the F-Type SVR Roadster is packed with new aero, the latest technology, and eight cylinders of supercharged power. Throw in the option to go topless, and you get one very tempting Jag.

Read the full review here.

How do you make the P1 even better? More carbon fiber. That’s what McLaren thinks, anyway, and judging by these photos, we’d have to agree. The automaker’s custom tuning house, McLaren Special Operations (MSO), was called upon to create the unique carbon-fiber body, which doesn’t change the overall shape, but does add an extra degree of composite deliciousness. Complementing the stunning exterior is a 24-carat gold exhaust heat shield and new carbon black Alcantara upholstery.

Read the full review here.

In case you were unaware, the 675LT takes after the incredible McLaren F1 GTR “Longtail,” sporting longer dimensions, more power, and lower weight. The model was a smash hit, so McLaren followed it up with a convertible “Spider” variant. Unsurprisingly, each of those was promptly scooped up as well, so to celebrate its success, McLaren went to MSO to create a custom one-off version for display in Geneva. Upgrades include unique exterior paint and (surprise, surprise) extra carbon fiber.

Read the full review here.

Here’s a rich person problem for you – you wanna drive your two-seat, mid-engined, super-powered sports car, but it’s just a shade too impractical. Enter the 570GT, which joins McLaren’s Sports Series of daily drivers as the most “refined and road-biased McLaren yet.” That said, it’s still pretty quick, with a 0-to-60 time around three seconds and a top speed over 200 mph.

Read the full review here.

Taking the already impressive LC 500 and adding some electrified motivation, Lexus is expanding its hybrid lineup with a new luxury sports coupe called the LC 500h. It looks a lot like its V-8-powered sibling, both inside and out, but under the skin is a new drivetrain consisting of a 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor. Surprisingly, this powerplant is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, which is about half as many gears as you might expect. Nevertheless, a sprint to 60 mph still takes less than five seconds.

Read the full review here.

The Pagani Huayra is already a beastly machine, but now, the Italian automaker is prepping an even more hardcore version called the BC. Specifically focused for track use, the BC comes with new aero, new alloy wheels, more lightweight materials in the cockpit, and even more output from the 6.0-liter V-12 mounted behind the driver. Incredibly, the car remains street legal.

Read the full review here.

The AF10 gets a substantial update this year, and fans of insane output numbers should get excited. Outside, the spaceship-like design gets a few changes here and there, while specifics on the cabin are still unreleased. The biggest news, however, is with the drivetrain, which gains a hybrid power unit good for – brace yourself – 2,080 horsepower and 1,681 pound-feet of torque. No, seriously.

Read the full review here.

The problem with creating something like the Veyron is that making a follow-up is no simple matter. Nevertheless, after years of waiting, Bugatti is giving it a shot with the Chiron. Like its predecessor, the Chiron comes packing four-digit power and crazy technology, making for a strong contender for fastest production car on Earth.

Read the full review here.

After a solid result at the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Rimac Automobili is ready to unleash a production version of the Concept_One. Not only does it look the part of a true-blue hypercar, it can walk the walk as well, with 1,072 horsepower, 1,180 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-to-62 mph time of 2.6 seconds. Oh, and did I mention it’s all-electric?

Read the full review here.

Concept Cars

Concepts can be tricky – sometimes, they look like they were plucked straight from the assembly line, while other times, they’re clearly nothing more than blue-sky thinking. This slick two-door from Opel looks like it should fall into the latter category, but don’t be so quick to judge. After all, the nameplate harkens back to the original Opel GT, first seen between 1968 and 1973, and again between 2007 and 2009. Furthermore, this new concept bears a turbocharged, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine tucked into the nose – definitely a powertrain ready for mass production. Maybe what we have here is indeed a preview of things to come.

Read the full review here.

Ah, to be in a band… making music, doing shows, touring the country. To do all that, you need the right ride – maybe something like the Citroen SpaceTourer Hyphen. Inspired by French pop music group Hyphen Hyphen, this concept is drenched in sunglasses-please colors inside and out, plus it’s equipped with more ground clearance, bigger tires and wheels, 4WD, and a diesel powertrain, all of which should get you to the gig trouble-free.

Read the full review here.

Old-school rally fans are sure to recognize the Alpine name, calling up memories of the A110 WRC -competitor that slid its way to numerous victories in the early ‘70s. Now, Renault is gearing up for Alpine’s return, prepping for the revival with a variety of concept vehicles. The latest is slated to make its geographically appropriate debut in Geneva, and it looks much closer to production-spec than the others, giving us a good taste of things to come from the French automaker. Expect low weight and solid performance from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Read the full review here.

Czech automaker Skoda will show up in Geneva to show off its latest design language, this time around in form of a new SUV concept. It’s called the VisionS, and it recalls certain elements from the automaker’s previous concept vehicle, the VisionC. Interesting features include a touch panel that replaces the door handles, and a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Whether or not Skoda will give us a look at the interior remains to be seen.

Read the full review here.