As usual, the world’s most renowned car makers waited, until March, to show the cards they had hidden in their sleeves. It all happened at the Geneva Auto Show, the most important event worldwide for the automotive industry. Here we review some of the best creations presented at the 2015 exhibition.

Mercedes-Maybach S.

We start with Mercedes-Benz’s top range, the Maybach. The German group raised this iconic brand from the dead with the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S, an ultra-luxury edition of the celebrated Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This time they introduced the elongated version of that model, with an added name: Pullman. The exceptional limousine is poised to become the most luxurious and comfortable car in the world, much more appropriately enjoyed as a passenger than to drive it.

Audi, another of the most recognized German brands in the world, announced the second generation of its R8. After nine years, it comes in two mechanical versions, V8 and V8 Plus. The two-seater focuses on improving its power/weight ratio: the V8 weighs 50kg (110 lbs.) less; while the Plus version delivers up to 610 hp, 85 hp more than its predecessor.

Audi R8 V10.

Showing a remarkable leap in performance and luxury, we should mention the duel between Ferrari and Lamborghini. The Maranello firm continues its Turbo offensive. In this case with the new 488 GTB, which comes with a 670 hp turbocharged V8 to replace the already iconic coupe 458 Italia. Meanwhile, Lamborghini dazzled everyone with a new, more radical version of its already aggressive Aventador. The new model has a very appropriate name, Superveloc, and is the strongest and fastest of the range. It delivers 750 hp (50 hp more than the standard) and acceleration from 0-100 km / h (60 mph) in just 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed over 350 km/ h (218 mph). Porsche, another luxury firm, introduced a new Cayman GT4, a natural “competitor” that promises to rival the 911 range in performance and excitement.

It is inevitable not to mention the news about the car that has reigned the luxury segment over the last decade and now comes to an end after selling the last 450 units produced. The fabled Bugatti Veyron—the fastest and most expensive car in the world—bids farewell with a single unit, called La Finale, which puts an end to the legend of the 1,200 hp.

Finally, the honorable mention goes to another second generation, the GTA Spano. This super sports car manufactured in Spain—the first in the world to incorporate graphene in its production— is another of the great surprises at the Geneva Motor Show. It boasts a 925 hp V10 engine, which accelerates from 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in only 2.9 seconds and can reach more than 370 km/h (230 mph). ■