The five reasons we’re excited about the 88th Geneva Motor Show

The International Geneva Motor Show is one of the biggest events in the automotive calendar, boasting cool concept cars and unveiling hot new collaborations – and as the 88th motor show launches at the Swiss city's Palexpo exhibition centre on 8 March, this year is proving to be bigger and more cutting edge than ever.

From PAL-V's luxurious flying car to Lagonda's futuristic limousine – or even Renault's self-driving robo-cab – concept cars the likes of which are usually seen only in the Tokyo Motor Show are making their way to debut in Switzerland this year, as the Geneva Motor Show becomes ever more technically daring. This is also seen in the electric automotive launches – with Volvo's Polestar daring to take on Elon Musk's Tesla in its European debut. With our excitement revving up, here's Tempus' pick of what's to come in Geneva.

Mazda Vision Coupe wins Concept Car of the Year

One of the most exciting cars at this year's show is the Mazda Vision Coupe, winner of the 11th Car Design Night Geneva's Concept Car of the Year award. Held on the 6 March, just days before the Motor Show opens to the eager public, the awards honour the very best in innovative automotive design. The Vision Coupe exemplifies Mazda's new KODO design philosophy, which emphasises the bond between driver and car through control placement, interaction, and the clean lines of architecture. >>

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille launch their first timepiece

Richard Mille and McLaren Automotive are launching The RM 11-03 McLaren watch at this year's motor show, the first timepiece in a 10-year contract of collaboration between the two luxury brands. McLaren design director Rob Melville worked with Richard Mille engineer Fabrice Namura to create the sporty, mechanical watch, which takes its style cues from the supercar brand. It's one of many premieres for McLaren this year – the brand is also unveiling its highly anticipated track-only concept car, the McLaren Senna GTR Concept.

Maserati premieres special editions cars

While other brands are debuting their newest concepts, Maserati is going back to black with the European premiere of its matte black Nerissimo Editions of three popular lines. The Italian luxury brand's Ghibili, Quattroporte and Levante cars have been remodelled in black chrome, grille bars, door handles, exhaust tips and window trim for the Motor Show. The brand also announced that the Quattropporte's GranLusso and GranSport trims will now be available across the range, while others in the range received an internal restyling. >>

Rolls-Royce drive art appreciation forward with Dan Holdsworth

Luxury car brand Rolls-Royce is dominating this year with its new Phantom range, but the award-winning car is not the only work of art the brand is focused on. Works by British photographic artist Dan Holdsworth will be premiered at the Motor Show as part of the brand's Art Programme, with three cinematic screens in the Rolls-Royce suite exhibiting previously unseen work. "It is incredible to have been commissioned by the Rolls-Royce Art Programme, which has enabled me to realise this important new work of art," Holdsworth said.

TAG Heuer gets behind the wheel

Watch brand TAG Heuer is revelling in its motorsport legacy at this year's show, announcing a new partnership with luxury car brand Aston Martin while celebrating its incredible history of automotive collaboration. The brand's 1000sqm stand will feature vehicles from its history – such as showcars from its Red Bull Racing and Formula E collaborations. Heuer's work with motorsports began in 1971, when the brand became the sponsor and official timekeeper of Scuderia Ferrari.