With spring just around the corner, the annual Geneva Motor Show has become the traditional spot for manufacturers from around the world to introduce their latest sports cars. For the 2016 event, the show illustrated the broadening definition of the term “sports car,” with world debuts of conventional vehicles from the likes of Lotus and Chevrolet, but also a Lexus hybrid and an Audi SUV.
2017 Abarth 124 Spider
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc, Driving
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc, Driving
John LeBlanc, Driving
John LeBlanc, Driving
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc, Driving
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc, Driving
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc
Abarth 124 Spider
John LeBlanc
What is it? The anticipated hotter version of the recently introduced Fiat 124 Spider makes its debut here in Geneva. Working with the Abarth Racing Team, the new roadster receives more aggressive styling and a retuned iteration of Fiat’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder, now making 170 horsepower and 184 lb.- ft. of torque. The Abarth 124 also gets a short-throw six-speed manual or six-speed automatic automatic with paddle shifters.
Why does it matter? Fiat was keen to communicate that the Abarth does the zero-to-100 km/h run in only 6.8 seconds and tops out at 238 km/h — a half-second quicker and 16 km/h faster than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 124 Spider’s chief rival and platform-mate.
When is it coming? The hotter Abarth 124 Spider is expected to arrive later in 2016.
Should you buy it? If you can’t wait for a Mazdaspeed version of the new MX-5, the Abarth 124 Spyder offers more performance in virtually the same package.
2017 Porsche 911 R
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Porsche 911 R
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The new Porsche 911 R is being hailed as the purest driver’s car yet created from the automaker’s latest generation of its legendary rear-engine sports car. Using the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine from the track-ready GT3 RS, the 911 R pumps out 500 horsepower and replaces that car’s PDK transmission for a manual gearbox.
By ditching its rear seat and adapting other weight-saving strategies, the 911 R’s curb weight of 1,370 kilograms makes it the lightest 911 you can buy. As such, Porsche claims the 911 R can scoot from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 323 km/h.
Why does it matter? For all the Porschephiles whining the German sports car maker was going soft with slush boxes and turbos, Porsche says the 911 R has been “maximized for driver interaction and feel.”
When is it coming? The limited edition – only 991 copies will be built – 911 R arrives in Canada this fall, with pricing starting at $211,000.
Should you buy it? If you can handle a 500-horsepower 911 and with a clutch pedal, the 911 R seems to be the real deal.
2017 Lexus LC500h
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lexus LC 500h
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The lowercase ‘h” stands for “hybrid, as the new Lexus LC 500h is the gas-electric version of the Lexus LC 500 coupe we saw at the North American International Auto Show in January. The new hybrid system combines a 295-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 gas engine and a four-speed automatic, plus an electric motor that uses an infinitely variable continuously variable transmission. Total system output is rated at 354 horsepower, with a claimed zero-to-100 km/h time of less than five seconds — a half-second behind the gas-powered LC 500.
Why does it matter? Toyota and Lexus have invested a lot in hybrid technology. There was no way the flagship LC coupe was going to be sold as gas-only model.
When is it coming? It’s expected that both the gas-only and hybrid versions of the Lexus coupe will go on-sale by the end of 2016.
Should you buy it? The hybrid LC 500h may be a rare beast. Lexus says that seven in 10 LC Coupes will be for the U.S., with the gas version expected to be the big seller.
2017 McLaren 570GT
McLaren 570GT
John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren 570GT
John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren 570GT
John LeBlanc, Driving
McLaren 570GT
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The new McLaren 570GT – as in, Grand Touring – joins the 570S 540C as the third model in the British sports car maker’s recently announced Sports Series family. The GT shares its front end, dihedral doors and twin-turbocharged, 562-horsepower V8 with the 570S upon which it’s based, but a new panoramic roof, side-opening rear hatch and 220 litres of cargo space behind the front seats sets the GT apart.
The extra cargo room, and what McLaren is saying is the “most luxurious and refined” interior of any McLaren to date, makes the 570GT the best-suited dirty weekend McLaren yet.
Why does it matter? Pushing into Porsche 911 territory, the new 570GT makes a lot of sense for buyers who want to use their McLaren in a more leisurely manner than, say, setting lap records at their local track.
When is it coming? We expect the 570GT will reach Canada sometime this summer.
Should you buy it? Your significant other probably thinks so.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? Inspired by the original 1963 factory racecars, the new Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is a street-legal track car that bridges the gap between the base Stingray and topline Z06 models. The Grand Sport adopts a new chassis tuning, upgraded cooling systems and a bunch of tech from the Z06, including Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires and Brembo brakes.
Power comes from the Stingray’s 6.2-litre V8, making 460 horsepower. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard, while a an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic is optional. According to Chevrolet, the Grand Sport is less than one second off the track record for the previous-generation Corvette ZR1 on the road course at General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground.
Why does it matter? The Corvette has a strong following as a track car; the Grand Sport fills that role.
When is it coming? Both coupe and convertible versions will be available this summer.
Should you buy it? If you want to take your Corvette to the track and can’t afford the near-$100K Z06, the Grand Sport has your name on it.
2017 Audi RS Q3 Performance
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi RS Q3
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The new Performance model is the highest-performing RS Q3 yet. Tweaking the existing turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder gas engine, the compact SUV makes a healthy 362 horsepower and 343 lb.-ft. of torque –improvements of 27 horsepower and 11-lb.-ft. of torque over the already-cooking RS Q3. Audi says four-tenths of a second have been removed from the regular RS Q3’s zero-to-100 km/h time, now a staggeringly quick 4.4 seconds That’s also one-tenth slower than a BMW M3.
Why does it matter? At this year’s Canadian International Auto Show, the German automaker announced the launch of Audi Sport in Canada to better challenge rivals from BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz AMG sub-brands. Initially, we’ll get the 2017 RS 7 and R8 under this sub-brand.
When will Canada get it? The RS Q3 Performance is on sale now in Europe. It hasn’t been confirmed for Canada, but being a small SUV and a new Audi Sport model, the odds look good for the sportiest Q3 to arrive here at some point.
Should you buy it? If the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 isn’t your sporty small crossover cup of tea, the Audi RS Q3 Performance gives you an alternative.
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? A follow-up to last year’s Evora 400, the new Evora 410 Sport — not surprisingly — is a more powerful and lighter version of the aging British two-seat mid-engine sports car. As you may have guessed, the “410” moniker relates to the Lotus’s horsepower rating from the Toyota Camry-sourced supercharged 3.5-litre V6 (the number also refers to the engine’s 302-lb.-ft. torque rating in newton-metres). As in the 400, a manual or autobox with six gears can be had. Using more lightweight materials has resulted in the 410 Sport weighing a feathery 1,324-kilograms for the stick version and 1,337 kg for the slushbox version — or 92 kg less than the Evora S.
Why does it matter? Now that there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C, the “affordable” mid-engine sports car market arguably stands at three, if you include the Lotus and the redesigned Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman (that also debuted here in Geneva).
When will Canada get it? A total of 150 Evora 410 Sports will be made. Not sure if any will come to Canada.
Should you buy it? Only nerdy Lotus fans need apply. Everyone else should just go buy a Porsche.
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? The new GTC4Lusso is an updated versions of Ferrari’s FF grand tourer, first seen here in Geneva in 2011. Subtle exterior styling and aerodynamic tweaks, as well upgrades to the interior (mainly in the infotainment department) are the 2+2 Ferrari’s main changes.
Still powered by a 6.2-litre V12, horsepower power goes up from 651 to 680. Ferrari claims the extra juice allows for a 0-100 kms/hr time of 3.4 seconds — three-tenths faster than the FF. Top speed remains at 346 km/h.
Why does it matter? I suspect it matters to anyone who thought the FF needed a longer name. Other than that, the improvements are strictly minor.
When is it coming? Ferrari will gladly take your money (or your first born) now. How long it takes for your new GTC4Lusso to arrive is anyone’s guess.
Should you buy it? If you like the idea of an all-wheel-drive, 2+2 Ferrari hatchback, the updates to the old FF should make the new GTC4Lusso a better all-around proposition.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? Hard to believe, but this is the first ever Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible. Based on the recently introduced C-Class Coupe, the two-door, four-passenger cloth-top version shares similar dimensions. The Convertible’s top can be opened or closed in 20 seconds at up to 50 km/h.
Inside, it’s a near-C-Class Coupe clone, with some Convertible-specific details like Mercedes’ Airscarf heating and Aircap anti-draft systems. Expect the convertible engine’s lineup to match the C-Class Coupe, including a high-performance Mercedes-AMG model with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 making 469-hp in base trim and 503-hp in C63 S, which are also making an appearance here in Geneva.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible
Handout, Mercedes-Benz
Why does it matter? Mercedes-Benz finally has a convertible to rival the likes of the Audi A5 Cabriolet and BMW 4 Series Convertible.
When is it coming? Expect the open-air C-Class to arrive in Canada later in 2016.
Should you buy it? If you like the C-Class Coupe but want open-top motoring, the Convertible seems like a no-brainer.
2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
John LeBlanc, Driving
What is it? Adding the letters SV to the existing F-Type R is much more than a mere badging exercise, so says Jaguar. The new F-Type SVR coupe and convertible’s aerodynamic styling is an upgraded take on the already-aggressive R’s bodywork. The suspension has been retuned as well, with thicker anti-roll bars added, new shock absorbers and wider rubber wrapped on 20-in forged alloy wheels. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.
The F-Type SVR is powered by Jaguar’s familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8, here making 567 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, going to the road via all four wheels and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you need to ask, zero-to-100 km/h takes only 3.5 seconds and top speed is 333 km/h in the coupe. The convertible tops out at 324 km/h.
2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
John LeBlanc, Driving
Why does it matter? With the German high-performance sub-brands like BMW’s M and Mercedes-AMG clearly in its sights, Jaguar keeps upping the ante when it comes to offering high-performance models.
When is it coming? Both the F-Type SVR coupe and convertible are available to order now for summer deliveries.
Should be buy it? If you want the highest-performing Jaguar F-Type, the SVR is it.
2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
John LeBlanc, Driving