Motor shows are a supreme opportunity to showcase and launch iconic new cars, technology and innovation. They are the fashion show of the car world where designers can really show what they can do. Each motor show represents a chance for industry to network and see what competitors are doing. The shows are also a great opportunity for brands to increase competitive advantage and up their game and advertise the innovations that they have created annually.
1 - The London Motorshow
Held on 3-6th May each year, the London Motor show is one of the most iconic in the motor calendar. If you want to see prestige supercars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie which has a 6.5 litre V12 engine that has the ability to produce 900 brake horsepower. With only 150 manufactured, you’d need to be fast if you want to buy one and make sure that your platinum card budget will stretch.
If it’s something Italian you’re after, you could look towards the Lamborghini Aventador S with its V12 engine. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever be able to open up the throttle to test out it’s top speed of 217mph. If you’re after a more traditional icon like the Mini, you’ll find a remastered version of the 60’s model worth a tidy £75,000 if you’d like to bring it home. The London Motorshow is one of the newest shows and is certainly making its mark in unveiling the top end of innovative models such as the Riversimple Rasa which uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate high power.
2 - Geneva International Motor Show
First conceived in 1905, the Geneva international Motor show has grown exponentially and now hosts 200 exhibitors of some of the world’s most innovative car manufacturers. It is now one of the premier events in the motor trade calendar which has the capacity to enthral and act as an opportunity to unveil the latest technological innovation in motor vehicles.
Le Salon Internationale L’automobile is renowned the world over for concept cars such as the Zenvo TS1 Z10 and the Pininfarina H2 Speed which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. It has also debuted the Volkswagen T Cross breeze and the new electric hybrid car the Porsche 918 Spyder whose production ended in 2015.
Also in 2015 the Geneva Motorshow witnessed the unveiling of the Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce which can do 0-150 (MPH) in 12.8 seconds. 2017 will see the unveiling of the Ferrari
812 Superfast. Ferrari’s most powerful road car which has an 800hp V12 coupe capacity. The Geneva Motor show is very much regarded as a level playing field for car manufacturers and neutral ground on which to showcase the very latest car technology and innovation given that Switzerland does not have a car manufacturing industry of its own. Geneva is the go to event for all involved in the car industry and those who love it alike.
3 - The Luxury Motor Show
The luxury motor show, is just as it suggests, the showcase for luxury cars. Held in Nottingham each year in May, the event has over 300 display vehicles and over 25 supercars. Bringing together the luxury with the exotic, the unusual and the innovative, the luxury motor show will present you your dream car and beyond. With brands like Tesla, Jaguar, Lamborghini and Porsche, you’ll have the opportunity to get close to some of the world’s most iconic luxury models.
Luxury will abound with VIP areas and the chance to win a host of prices including auctions. In 2015 the event attracted 600,000 visitors and boasted a 70 supercar convoy for patrons to marvel at. Passengers can ride in over 25 supercars and watch in awe as they’re driven round the track. A prestige event which attracts high end sponsors like Tattinger and the holy trinity of hypercars Ferrari LaFerrari, Mclaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, it’ll be difficult to find a more luxurious car show with all the greats.
4 - Frankfurt Motorshow
Right up there with some of the most prestigious motorshows, Frankfurt is held from the 14-23th September. Used as a launchpad for concept cars such as Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo, which is driven by its W16 engine with the power to drive all 4 wheels. You’ll have the opportunity to see a range of high end prestige brands including Rolls Royce, Jaguar, alongside traditional favourites such as Nissan, Volkswagen, Renault.
Frankfurt motor show attracts a global audience with stunning models from Bugatti and Bentley vying for attention. The Mercedes AMG Hypercar which has a Formula 1 engine but can operate as an electric vehicle with a 1.6 turbocharged V6 engine and a 1000 brake horsepower will be unveiled in Autumn 2017. This is just one such example of how innovation is being driven by sustainable development and is a mark of hope for the future of supercars in the hybrid sector.
5 - International Motor show Monaco 2017 (SIAM 2017)
Held from 16-19 February, 2017 was the first international motor show in Monaco. Opened by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, the show is designed to showcase the best of innovation, sustainability and prestige vehicles. Futuristic cars manufactured by high end brands such as Porsche, Tesla, Lamborghini Maserati and Aston Martin to name a few will be shown across venues in the principality of Monaco including the Palais des Princes de Monaco, Quai Albert I, Casino Square and Gildo Pastor Center.
With a unique emphasis on the ecological impact of vehicles on the environment, the show will also host a number of plenary sessions at the Grimaldi forum with guest speakers which will discuss responsible and sustainable development. SIAM 2017 demonstrated some of the most exciting, high end, stylishly beautiful and innovative supercars available.