Geneva Motor Show: Lots of motorsport in the hall
YES TO MOTORSPORT The Geneva Motor Show, which opened on Thursday, is not only a current showcase of performance in terms of production and concept vehicles. Many manufacturers are also showing what they can do in racing. The latest racing car, which even celebrated its world premiere in Geneva, was only seen by the visitors present on the two media and dealer days. No sooner had the [...]
The latest race car, which even celebrated its world premiere in Geneva, was only seen by the visitors present at the two media and dealer days. No sooner had admission been granted on Tuesday than Audi Sport presented the new RS5 DTM for Europe's most popular touring car racing series. Due to some changes in the technical regulations, Audi modified the aerodynamics and the engine of the racing coupé from Ingolstadt. One of them will be driven by the Bernese factory driver Nico Müller. However, he has not yet been able to drive it, which is to happen at the next test in Vallelunga (I).
Audi has also been officially represented in Formula E since this year. The Abt Schaeffler FE02, with which Audi is committed to the electric racing series, can be seen at the Abt stand. Other current e-models can be seen at the stand of the FIA, DS, Jaguar and Renault. At the French company, you can draw a visual comparison between Formula E and Formula 1 with two racing cars on display side by side. With three wins by Sébastien Buemi in three races, the Renault Z.E.16 is currently the best car of the current generation.
Formula 1 is also represented at the booth of world champion Mercedes with a Silver Arrow hanging on the wall. The Renault F1 at the Infiniti stand, which is only up to date in terms of its paintwork, has a peephole in the rear panel that allows a superficial glimpse of the Renault partner's hybrid technology.
The ACS presents a Sauber Ferrari in 2017 livery on its stand. However, this is not a new C36, as advertised, but a C33 from 2014. However, this is also an eye-catcher.
The World Rally Championship, on the other hand, is present with three truly up-to-date vehicles. Citroën is making its factory return this year with the C3 WRC. Toyota does the same with the Yaris WRC, which with Jari-Matti Latvala at the wheel was already good for triumph in only its second WRC round. Hyundai's i20 Coupé WRC is also an eye-catcher.
The Hyundai RN30 is still a concept car under the "N" label in preparation for the planned launch of a high-performance model for the road. However, a touring car based on the New Generation Hyundai i30 is also planned in accordance with TCR regulations, powered by the same 2-liter turbocharged engine.
Peugeot has already scored two major successes with the 3008. With the 3008 DKR desert buggy, which has little in common with the production model that has just been voted Car of the Year, the French won the Dakar Rally in South America in January. Both can be admired at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The Subaru Impreza WRC STi GRC has been developed for the Global Rallycross Championship, which is only known to insiders. Under the hood is a two-liter boxer turbo with around 600 hp.
The BMW M6 GT3 on display at the stand of the tire company Falken delivers a similar performance. This car will be used by Alexandre Imperatori from western Switzerland in this year's Nürburgring 24-hour race at the end of May. One of the opponents will be Nico Müller, whose 2015 winning car (Audi R8 LMS) is on display at the TAG Heuer exhibition. With another Formula E racer, a Porsche 911 R and an old Red Bull RB6 F1, this special show unfortunately offers nothing spectacular.
Speaking of Le Mans: Of the three manufacturers involved in 2016, only Toyota will be showing a hybrid sports car. Spectators are even allowed to sit in the dummy cockpit. This gives them an almost claustrophobic experience. Racing simulators for game-loving Salon visitors are also on display at the Ford, Hyundai, Seat (where the new Leon TCR is on show) and TAG Heuer booths.
The Swiss private team Rebellion, whose name refers to the watch manufacturer, shows the Oreca LMP2 on its small stand, with which they will compete from 2017. The retired Rebellion R-One based on LMP1 regulations is at Zenvo.
Another Swiss team is taking a two-pronged approach to GT3 endurance racing this year: In the Blancpain Endurance Series, Emil Frey Racing is continuing to field its in-house developed and further modified Jaguar based on the old XK. The F-type exhibited in Geneva is to become the successor model if the factory provides support. Lexus is doing this with the RC F GT3 exhibited in Geneva, which Emil Frey Lexus Racing will enter outside the Nordschleife for the first time in 2017. The Safenwil-based company will receive its own Lexus soon.
