MARCH 8, 2017

(RUF Automobile GmbH images)
RUF Automobile GmbH unveiled the latest generation of its famed CTR halo car at the Geneva Motor Show. This is the first RUF sports car to be based on a chassis completely of the firm’s own design with a body that pays tribute to the 1987 CTR “Yellow Bird.” The latest high-performance RUF supercar has a body made completely of carbon fiber and for the first time the bespoke monocoque chassis structure beneath it is also made of carbon fiber, and is a proprietary RUF design. The front and rear crash structures are built with lightweight steel as is the integrated roll cage; both are designed to maximize occupant safety. The rear-wheel drive 2017 CTR has a a twin-turbo 3.6-Liter flat-six with 522 kw (710 PS) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. And with a dry weight of 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs) it has a weight-to-power ratio of only 3.5 lbs per horsepower. Design inspiration comes directly from the 1987 Yellow Bird’s focus on aerodynamic efficiency. The silhouette, narrow body, rear air inlets and fascias are all direct nods to the company heritage. The carbon fiber body recalls the original car’s flushed look. Center-locking 19-inch forged alloy wheels complete the design wrapped in tires measuring 245/35ZR19 in the front and 305/30ZR19 in the rear. Performance? 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds and 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in less than 9 seconds. The top speed is in excess of 360 km/h (223 mph). “The concept for the 2017 CTR is one that I have had in my head for a very long time,” said Alois Ruf, President and owner of RUF Automobile GmbH. “We have been waiting for the right point in our history to build our own car and the 30th anniversary of the CTR ‘Yellow Bird’ is that moment.”

(VW images)
The new Volkswagen Arteon is a premium four-door coupe that will replace the current CC. Volkswagen Head Designer Klaus Bischoff says: "The Arteon combines the design elements of a classic sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback. It’s an avant-garde business-class Gran Turismo that speaks to the heart and head alike." Wow, that's promising a lot. And of course it comes with a lot of new stuff that we're sure makes it very special, but it's certainly uninspired and underwhelming in the photos. Or, as Tom Pease, AE's L.A.-based correspondent put it: "Reminds me of that old SNL spoof for Shimmer: 'It's a floor wax AND a dessert topping!'"

(Lamborghini)
This is the new Lamborghini Huracán Perfomante unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week. It is lighter (carbon fiber technology contributing to a 40 kg weight reduction), it has more power (the 5.2-liter V10 has 640HP and 600 Nm of torque), and it has active aerodynamics, or “Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva” (ALA) as Lamborghini calls it, which contributes to its overall performance. The Huracán Perfomante accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of more than 325 km/h. It also lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:52.01 min. Sticker price in the U.S.? $274,390.00. Editor-In-Chief's Note: The performance numbers of the Huracán Perfomante are indeed staggering, but it's time the world's automakers move on from setting lap times on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Not only does it have little relevance to anything in the real world - even to the 1/10 of the "1 Percenters" who can actually afford the cars in question - but the manufacturer testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife has become the "Swinging Dick-ism" of the auto industry, and it has now been officially played out. It's a great vacation for the True Believer enthusiasts from the various manufacturers that participate, but that's about it. -PMD

(Porsche images)
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a new, naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine delivering 500HP and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. With the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) - specifically constructed and tuned for the GT3 - the 3,153 pound machine accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with a top track speed of 197 mph. Porsche will also offer the 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual transmission for purists. With this transmission, the 911 GT3 weighs in at 3,116 pounds, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top track speed of 198 mph.

The 911 GT3 uses the GT Sport 14.1-inch diameter steering wheel from the 918 Spyder. Sport Seats Plus feature enhanced bolsters for increased lateral support and electric adjustment of the seat back and seat height. There are two other seat options available for the 911 GT3 because after all, it's Porsche, and if they can figure out a way to charge the faithful for more, they'll do it.
A lightweight carbon fiber rear wing, special exhaust air openings and a new diffuser are part of the GT3 package. The lightweight front fascia and the front spoiler are designed for optimum airflow as well. The 2018 911 GT3 will reach U.S. dealers next fall. The base MSRP? $143,600, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Since the new 911 RSR racing car is a mid-engine configuration, and the 718 production cars are already mid-engine designs, when is Porsche going to quit screwing around and make the 911 production car a mid-engine design to match their ultimate racing version of the 911? Because dribbling out yet another iteration of a GT3 that doesn't match its best thinking seems silly. And wrong. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz)
As part of its 50th anniversary, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its GT Concept show car in Geneva. This four-door coupe is powered by a V8 with a high-performance electric motor, the combination developing up to 800HP. Meaning? Vaporware until proven otherwise. The AMG GT Concept "blends the high functionality of performance cars with the sportiness of AMG GT sports cars, and gives a sneak preview of the exterior design coming to the series production model," according to the manufacturer. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Whatever. Let's call this exercise for what it is: It's the Mercedes answer to the Porsche Panamera. The German car companies just can't help themselves, apparently, they have to play out their gamesmanship in the arena just because they can.

(Bentley images)
Bentley introduced the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept in Geneva, saying that it, "brings luxury ownership experience to the EV sector." Bentley’s vision includes rapid inductive charging and connected on-board concierge services. In other words, it's a design exercise, pure and simple. The rest? We'll see.

(McLaren Automotive images)
This is the McLaren 720S unveiled in Geneva. It's the second-generation of the brand's Super Series. This just in: It goes real fast and it's really expensive. The details? A carbon fiber chassis based around Monocage II central structure, key to the 1,283kg dry weight; improved aerodynamics; a new generation of McLaren’s active chassis system, Proactive Chassis Control II; a new, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 720PS and 770Nm, with power-to-weight ratio of up to 561PS per ton; 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds (0-100km/h 2.9 seconds), 0-200km/h (124mph) in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 212mph (341km/h); and braking from 200 km/h to standstill in 4.6 seconds, covering 117 meters. Deliveries of McLaren’s new supercar will commence in May. Prices start at: £208,600 (UK).

(Toyota images)
Here are the high hard ones from Toyota's PR minions: "2018 Toyota C-HR Shifts the CUV Paradigm With Stunning Style, Driving Dynamics and Versatility. Bold, Eye-Catching Style Signals New Direction in Toyota Design. Sharp Nürburgring-Tuned Handling. Standard Pre-Collision System with Active Braking – Toyota Safety Sense P™ (TSS-P) with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Starting MSRP of $22,500." Stunning style? Bold eye-catching style? We don't see it. Maybe you had to be there. And since when is the Nissan Juke something to emulate?