Ecological yes, but not docile: amongst the “green” cars, the fleet of super-fast ones is growing apace and the latest Geneva Motor Show provided the opportunity to check out what the near future holds for us. Electric vehicles rule the roost at the latest edition of the Swiss exhibition, where it has seemed evident that, for many manufacturers, the boundaries of speed can also be attained using motors with zero emissions. And Pirelli has played its part, introducing the Elect tag which differentiates the tyres purposely designed by the engineers of the P Lunga brand for the requirements of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. A new family which has been given its debut by P Zero and which was fitted to the superstars of Geneva 2019.
Rimac C two introduces the most powerful hypercar ever made
In 2018, Rimac Automobili, the Croatian manufacturer in the tenth year of its life, launched its second creature which, with a new appearance at the 89th Geneva Motor Show after having been subjected to continuous tests and brought up to date with the latest technologies, has the ambition of becoming the most powerful electric hypercar ever made. Already the champion of power (1,914 HP and a maximum torque of 2,300 Nm) and of acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.85 seconds and from 0 to 300 in 11.8), it also offers an exceptional level of autonomy (650 km), thanks to the work of its four electric propulsion motors. Whilst still respecting a weight of less than 2,000 kg, the C Two promises to amaze people with further upgrades and should make its debut on the world's roads between now and 2020.
Pininfarina, design applied to electric power
The challenge is a head-to-head with the Rimac la Battista racer, the first car manufactured by Automobili Pininfarina. It shares very similar levels of performance with its rival, as a result of its four electric propulsion motors actually manufactured by Rimac. The published level of autonomy remains at 450 km. Those fans who in 2020 desire to speed at over 300 km/h on board one of the 150 examples of this highly refined electric car, will need to be ready to shell out a couple of million euros. Those who really want to go wild can choose the Performance Package, a series of equipment enhancements which will allow them to go beyond the limited top speed of 350 km/h. A further novelty, on which the company is working in order to offer drivers their most highly immersive experience in the world of speed, is the distinctive sound which the hypercar will emit as it zooms past. As if they might need a further specification in order to be noticed.
Italdesign Da Vinci, as in Leonardo, baptises its concept car
The best “made in Italy” bodywork takes to the stage with a second proposal signed off by Italdesign, for which we do not yet have details of the performance. It is called the Da Vinci, and is a concept car which brings together technology and refinement to celebrate the multi-faceted genius of Leonardo, on the five hundredth anniversary of his death. The Firm from Moncalieri assures us that the prototype can be easily adapted to the requirements of various manufacturers and is almost ready for mass production. This is a comfortable four-seater, which from an aesthetic perspective presents super-sportscar details, such as the rear light clusters – inspired by a bio design, to sustain the “green” theme – or the gull-wing doors. As far as the traction system is concerned, the watchword is versatility: the Da Vinci comes with an electric platform equipped with a motor for each axle, but is compatible with a more traditional V8 biturbo engine.
GFG Style Kangaroo Concept, an SUV disguised as a coupé
Another offering created by Italian engineering and which makes versatility its own major strongpoint – albeit at a different level – is the Kangaroo by GFG Style. With the Kangaroo one can for the first time talk of an electric hyper-SUV, a vehicle with high wheels and a low and elongated outline typical of high-performance coupés. Additionally, ground clearance can be adjusted depending on the characteristics of the terrain, guaranteeing the best possible levels of mobility whatever the situation. The electric platform, created in collaboration with CH Auto, comprises two electric motors for a total of around 489 HP and 680 Nm, which launch the car up to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and provide it with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Its autonomy should be over 450 km. Equipped with Pirelli Scorpion tyres, the Kangaroo ploughed across the frozen waters of the St. Moritz lake in the edition number one of “The ICE” (International Concours of Elegance), sponsored by Pirelli. During the event, 50 of the most highly admired cars ever made were on display above an exceptional stage; this was the setting in which Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro had the opportunity to showcase the abilities of their latest creature.
Arcfox GT, the Chinese grand tourer
The Chinese firm Arcfox exhibited in Geneva a grand tourer concept car in its road version (Street Edition) and racetrack version (Track Edition), using a design conceived to slice through the air without creating the slightest resistance. The electric propulsion motors are four in number, one for each wheel, and allow the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.59 seconds, thanks to its power of 1,632 HP and 1,320 Nm.
