The five coolest cars that didn’t debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show

McLaren 765LT

Perhaps the most overly bonkers machine not to be unveiled at Geneva, the 765LT is the latest evolution of McLaren’s 720S. It’s lighter, faster, more technologically advanced and absolutely dripping in carbon.

The 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 now makes 755bhp (or 765PS, hence the name) at 7,500rpm and 800Nm (592lb ft) of torque. Weighing in at 1,339kg, it can accelerate to 62mph from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds, reach 124mph in 7.2 seconds and keep on going all the way to 205mph.

While not exceptionally faster than the 720S, this latest model to emerge from the Woking manufacturer isn’t focussed on straight-line speed. Instead it promises to feel more direct and agile, thanks in part to McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control II system, in which the wheels use fully independent hydraulic suspension and adaptive dampers to control body movement. A 6mm increase in front track width of course helps, as does a front ride height reduction of 5mm – and the 80kg total weight loss, which is akin to ditching your codriver.

Just 765 examples will be built, and marketed for a figure no doubt in excess of the 720S’s £208,000. Don’t worry, though, you’ll get a 12-year extended warranty with it.

Hyundai Prophecy

Name the fundamental elements of a car? Engine, seats, wheels, steering wheel? Scratch that last one, at least according to Hyundai, who’s new Prophecy concept is as far removed from a modern car as could be.

Based on last year’s Hyundai 45 concept, the only thing linking the Prophecy to the current Hyundai range is its drivetrain – electric, of course. Its sleek silhouette and oversized wheels hint at the spaceship-like interior, which features an array of screens and lighting effects. And the steering wheel? Well, that’s been replaced by a joystick – not that you’d really need it, for the car drives itself.

The Prophecy is the embodiment of Hyundai’s future plans, with the South Korean manufacturer promising that 75 per cent of its line-up will be electrified by the end of 2020, with 44 electrified vehicles to arrive by 2025.

Why do we like it? Well it’s just cool.

Koenigsegg Gemera

If it comes to fruition, Koenissegg’s Gemera will be nothing short of a unicorn. Why? Well, it will be the world’s first Mega-GT: a 1,000hp hypercar that can comfortably fit four people plus their luggage, while its biofuel powertrain achieves better environmental credentials than a pure EV. Most pertinently, it will be limited to 300 units – giving it true Unicorn rarity status.

The Gemera will be powered by the Swedish manufacturer’s camshaft-less 2.0-litre, three-cylinder, twin-turbo Freevalve engine. Known as the Tiny Friendly Giant, there’s nothing tiny about this engine, which makes 600bhp and 600Nm of torque alone. Add in three electric motors – one for each rear wheel and another on the engine’s crankshaft – and total power will reach 1,700bhp and 3,500Nm. It’s unsurprising, then, that the Gemera will accelerate from 0-62mph in a blistering 1.9 seconds, carrying on all the way until 248mph. All-wheel-drive, torque vectoring and rear-wheel-steering combine to help the driver reign in this road-going rocket.

But memory foam seats, climate-controlled cupholders, in-car internet, infotainment and wireless phone charging, will make this the most comfortable rocket we’ve ever seen…

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

How do you celebrate 110 years of Italian automotive excellence? But doing it all again, that’s how.

Alfa Romeo pulled the wraps from its new track-focussed Giulia GTA and Giulia GTAm models, which steal a name from the lightweight version of the 1965 Giulia Sprint and a platform from the modern Giulia Quadrifoglio.

But that’s where all similarities with the standard model end, with a 100kg weight saving achieved through the use of carbon-fibre in the drive shaft, bonnet, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches and rear wheel arch inserts. The more aggressive GTAm, meanwhile, ditches the rear seats and adopts carbon-fibre racing seats, rear roll cage, rear wing and six-point harnesses.

Thanks in part to a titanium exhaust system, the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 now makes an additional 30PS, taking it to a total of 540PS. Sauber has tuned the active aerodynamics for increased downforce and handling is further improved by 50mm front and rear track increase, new springs, shocks and bushings plus 20-inch centre lock wheels.

As a result, the 1,520kg GTAm can accelerate to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds. Wow. And the cherry on the cake for the 500 lucky owners will be a GTA liveried helmet, full race suit, tailored car cover and invitation to a GTA driving course.

Bentley Mulliner Bacalar

I know what you’re thinking, but no, Bentley hasn’t named its newest motor after a delicious Atlantic cod dish – unfortunately.

4pm hunger aside, the Mulliner Bacalar is a bespoke, £1.5 million (plus taxes), 200mph brute, which is unattainable for all but 12 of the wealthiest pre-existing Bentley owners and collectors. All have been reserved ahead of delivery in 2021.

The open-cockpit grand tourer is 10 times the price of the standard Bentley Continental GT convertible upon which it is based and comprises two fewer seats and no hood. In fact, it’s only the second two-seat Bentley in 90 years.

The coachbuilt, honey yellow body contrasts with the speedster-style twin black cowls, while there’s barely any chrome to be seen; replaced by details including anodised bronze badges, a black honeycomb grille and the unique headlights. The interior is equally as luxurious, with natural wool, Beluga luxury leather and anodised aluminium knobs. The quilted diamond leather required an immense 148,000 stitches in every seat.

Under the bonnet sits Bentley’s 6.0-litre W12 engine, complete with a new exhaust and other tweaks which boost the power by 24bhp – taking it to 650bhp.