Geneva Motorshow Preview: New Aston Martin DB11 and more! [UPDATE: Chiron unveiled!]

This Thursday, the 86th annual motorshow kicks off in the Swiss town of Geneva. Historically, this is one of the biggest motorshows in Europe and this year, expect things to be turned up to eleven. This year we have some of the hottest debuts coming from Aston Martin, Porsche and even a new Bugatti! Before the show kicks off, here are some cars you can expect to hear more about this weekend. 

Aston Martin DB11


Believe it or not, the gorgeous Aston Martin DB9 has been around for 12 years, even though a facelift in 2013 kept it looking fresh. But like any other car produced, its time had to come to an end an now its replacement has been unveiled. Called, the DB11, (The DB10 name was given to the bespoke James Bond car) the new Aston Martin takes a familiar but contemporary approach to its design. While the DB11 keeps the iconic grill and embeds a sleek profile, the new car comes with roof panels in contrasting colours and an ultra-futuristic rear end inspired by the One-77.



It's not only the design that's up to date; the ageing naturally-aspirated V12 has been eschewed for a new twin-turbo unit developed by Mercedes-AMG, tucked under the bulging bonnet. We know that it can produce 600hp but further performance specifications are limited at this point. However, you can guarantee this is the most potent DB yet!

Porsche 911 R

Now if there is one thing that grinds the gears (you'll see the funny side of this statement a bit later) of Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS fans is that they only come with an automated dual-clutch transmission (told you!). Even though modern automatics are faster than their manual equivalents, some people bemoan the loss having a greater sense of connection with the driving experience, especially on track days. But now Porsche has responded by unveiling the 911 R - essentially a GT3 RS with less aero and more importantly, a manual gearbox!


On paper, it sounds like the ideal car for a Porsche Purist. Like the GT3 RS, it houses a naturally aspirated 4.0 Flat-Six producing 500hp behind the rear wheels, sent to the rear wheels. To mark it out as the 911 R, it lacks a rear wing and has unique decals including red stripes which run along the roof of the car.



As this car celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911, expect it to come in very limited numbers - 991 units to be more precise. Even though prices are rumoured to be around $160,000, anyone buying this car knows this will be an appreciating asset if it is well looked after.

Ford Fiesta ST200



Let's look at a performance car that doesn't require taking out a mortgage to buy and run. This is the new Ford Fiesta "ST200" - The last time that badge was used, it was on the back of a Ford Mondeo family saloon 16 years ago. Now it is on the back of a supermini - shows how far we've come in performance!

Since chances of a Fiesta RS are nil at this point, this is probably the hottest Mk7 Fiesta we will ever get. The turbocharged 1.6 engine has been dialled up from 182hp to 200hp, with an extra 15hp available thanks to an overboost function. This isn't really new as you can upgrade a standard Fiesta ST to produce the same output thanks to the MP215 Mountune package, but now it is available straight from the factory. To mark the ST200 out, it comes with a unique Storm Grey paint job, red brake calipers, matte black wheels and a unique badge on the bootlid. The Fiesta ST200 is set to start production in June and deliveries will take place shortly afterwards.

Bugatti Chiron



Ok, I know the Chiron has not officially been unveiled yet, but I thought I would conclude by letting you know that the successor to the engineering marvel that is the Veyron will be making its debut in a matter of days. From the spy shots we have seen so far, expect it to be inspired by the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo (pictured above) without all the race car bits and bobs. Love it or hate it, you have to take interest in it! Stay tuned on Frize Feed for the low-down of the new Bugatti.

UPDATE

The Chiron has officially been unveiled! With an updated W16 Quad-Turbo engine, the Chiron produces 1,500hp - This allows the new car to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.2 seconds and reach 125mph in just 6.5 seconds! With figures like these, it is safe to say Bugatti holds the crown for producing the worlds fastest car. See more info here!



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