Audi rode the R8 supercar to an astonishing brand-building boost in the late 2000s, but the halo of that wonderful bit of engineering has faded. Volkswagen's luxury brand is now hoping for an R8-like lift from the new TT sports car unveiled in Geneva.
The new TT will go on sale late this year with a look that takes its cues from the mid-engine R8. If Audi gets the TT right, it will juice the brand at a time when a little Audi pizzazz is needed.
Other Geneva unveilings heading to Canadian showrooms:
(Photos: AP Photo, Reuters)
BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
Yes, it’s silly to call a car with four doors a coupe, but that’s where we are in the automotive world. BMW says the 4-Series Gran Coupe is derived from the actual 4-Series two-door, only with more head room and trunk space.
Ferrari California T
When Ferrari is touting a cut in fuel consumption of 15 per cent for the restyled California coupe/convertible, you know the world has shifted. “Green” issues resonate even with supercars. The “T” part points to the turbocharged 552-horsepower, 3.9-litre V-8.
Hyundai Intrado concept
Speaking of “green” cars, Hyundai is pushing the promise of hydrogen fuel cell cars. The Intrado has Hyundai’s latest fuel cell power train and also suggests the brand’s new design language.
Ford Focus
The facelifted 2015 Focus will get amazing fuel efficiency from the available 1.3-litre EcoBoost three-banger and it will also have Sync 2 which is designed to fix issues with Ford’s current infotainment interface.
Jeep Renegade
Here we have the first Jeep with purely Italian roots. When the Renegade goes on sale late this year, it will be imported from Fiat’s plant in Melfi Italy. Who sees hints of Honda’s unsuccessful Element here?
Mazda Hazumi concept
Mazda’s subcompact has long needed a re-think and here is what the company has in mind – what Mazda says is "the ideal form of the company's next-generation subcompact car."
Mini Clubman
Another auto show, another Mini model. The Clubman is getting bigger and apparently more practical, including four proper doors.
McLaren 650S
McLaren says this is the "fastest, most engaging, best-equipped and most beautiful series-production supercar yet."
Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe
Say good-bye to the current CL and welcome the S-Class coupe with all the latest S-Class sedan updates.
Nissan Juke
The Juke is Nissan’s No. 2 seller in Europe, though it has its detractors in Canada. The basic design won’t change much, but the updated Juke will be more fuel efficient and useful.
Volkswagen T-ROC concept
VW is planning a makeover of the Tiguan small SUV and this concept hints at the plans.
Volvo Concept Estate
Volvo has unapologetically embraced station wagons again and this concept points to what we can expect down the road.