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Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA
It was perhaps inevitable when it was launched in the UK earlier this year, that the new MiTo would soon be available as a ‘hot’ version. As expected, the GTA Concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show featuring a 4-cylinder 1750cc 240 HP turbo engine. The Gran Turismo Alleggerito or GTA, has undergone a severe weight reduction programme and not only ensures an excellent power-to-weight ratio, but also lowers the center of gravity, enhancing agility and driving precision. Hence the decision to use components of ultra-light carbon fiber, for example the tailgate spoiler, the roof and the mirror fairings. Use of aluminum for the braking system, suspension and some parts of the chassis further reduces the car’s weight. Sporting a larger air intake up front and 8C-inspired side vents, the MiTo GTA is set to make its mark on the market.
Bentley
Centre of the stand was the new Continental Supersports, based on the Continental GT. The Supersports is the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever with 630 PS (621 bhp), maximum torque is 800 Nm @ 1700 to 5600 rpm. The engine is a 5998 cc W12, twin-turbocharged.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a 329 km/h top speed
It is a muscular two-seater, 110 kg lighter than the Continental GT Speed. The Supersports is also Bentley’s first FlexFuel performance car, running on E85 and 98 (95) RON fuel. It represents stage one of the company’s commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. The Supersports will be available worldwide from autumn 2009, with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010 following regulatory approval.
BMW
BMW has established a reputation for advanced engineering, not only serving driving pleasure but also with EfficientDynamics aimed at getting results in fuel economy without impairing performance. The European debut of the new Z4 cabrio-coupé was BMW’s most important exhibit. Fitted with three straight six power units ranging from 150 kW/204 hp to 225 kW/306 hp it features Dynamic Drive Control and optional Adaptive M Suspension, thus enabling the purchaser to choose the right specifications for his motoring needs. A World debut was the new BMW 730Ld with the newly developed 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel making its appearance in the long-wheelbase version of the BMW 7 Series. It offers exemplary fuel economy and emission management in this category. The new BMW 116d and 116i at the other end of the spectrum offer amazing consumption figures such as 4.4 litres/100 km for the 85 kW/115 hp diesel, offering an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. CO2 emission is just 118 grams per kilometre. The entry-level petrol engine offers an increase in torque by 25 to 185 Nm. It meets the EU5 emission standard. The BMW X5 SUV celebrates its 10th Anniversary. It is now seconded by the X3 and X6 Sports Activity Coupé, and Concept X1. Global sales of BMW X models amount to 1.3 million units at the time of the Geneva Show early March. For BMW addicts Geneva offered new services from BMW ConnectedDrive, the BMW Performance Power Kit and further Original BMW Accessories.
Surprise appearance was the Concept 5 Gran Turismo.
Chevrolet Spark
All-new Chevrolet Spark made its world debut at Geneva. The first pictures of Chevrolet’s new global entry into the lively mini car market was unveiled by GM’s North American president Troy Clarke at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2009, announcing at the same time that the model would also form part of the brand’s North American range, reflecting the brand’s commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry. Powered by a choice of 1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines, the five-door Spark has a distinctive, angular cabin that matches its bold exterior styling – a look that is designed to appeal to young and mature drivers alike. Developed largely in Europe, the Spark will go into production in Korea in the final quarter of 2009, with European sales – including the UK – starting early in 2010. It will go on sale in the USA the following year.
Citroën C3-based DS Inside concept
The stunning Citroën DS Inside concept made its public debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The company also announced that it will be launching brand new models at the rate of one every six months for at least the next three years, and, one of the aspects of Citroën’s forward planning is the announcement of a whole new, and totally separate, affordable premium model range – christened DS (Different Spirit). The Citroën DS Inside displayed at Geneva is a concept car realisation of the first of this future DS range. From a team headed up by British designer, Mark Lloyd, the DS Inside is characterised by its strong visual presence and styling. The concept is based on the smaller of the forthcoming DS models, the DS3, and will be the first to be launched in 2010, followed successively by the DS4 and DS5. The models will be positioned as premium models in, respectively, the small, medium and large car segments.
Fiat 500C convertible
The press and public were treated to the world preview of Fiat’s newest addition to the 500 range, the 500C. It will be launched throughout Europe this spring and according to the company, it is an expression of ‘freedom and excitement’ made in the image of the original cabriolet of 1957. Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C is of the ‘open source’ design, implying the addition of new functions to an existing product. Featuring an innovative soft top, a fully fledged ‘window to the sky’ the new 500C offers the same three powerplants as the 500: the 1.3 liter 75HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. The new 500C incorporates the innovative ‘Start&Stop’ system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. It also features a glass backlight and a built-in center high-mounted stop light.
Honda Insight mild hybrid
The new Insight, made its European debut at the Show and has been designed to offer a practical five-seat family car at an affordable price with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions. The Insight combines an optimised 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine with a compact thin electric motor. In the cabin, the upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is sited, features a colour changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy. In a further effort to draw the driver’s attention to his style of driving, the ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple economy meter. A display in the centre of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle of the range with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals. The exterior has a more pleasing and aerodynamically profiled body, which helps the Insight to achieve 101 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.4l/100km fuel consumption. The Insight will go on sale in Europe from the end of March 2009.
Infiniti Essence
Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti’s 20 years history as a creator of performance cars, while at the same time exploring the brand’s future. This dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. Essence showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. Massive presence it has, and if the number of ‘heavies’ guarding the car and the striking models was anything to go by, it certainly attracted due attention. The designers’ aim was to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language in a shape that the 20-year-old marque has never before attempted. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate. The company literature sums up Essence, “Essence is simple and amazingly complex, classical and totally dynamic all at the same time.”
Jaguar XFR
The new XFR is the latest model to boost the Jaguar sports saloon range and is equipped with the all-new, AJ-V8 Gen III R supercharged engine delivering a massive 510 horsepower. The result in the new XFR is a 0-60mph sprint time of just 4.7 seconds and will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The new XFR features Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics – technologies being introduced for the first time on this and the XKR sports car. The electronically controlled differential and suspension system work together to optimise traction under acceleration and cornering.
Kia
Next to the Soul models which will be delivered to the Swiss market from May, a show surprise was presented in an attractive MPV with model name Kia N° 3. With dimensions of 406 mm length, 174 mm width and 195 cm height (high!) it is a product in the B-segment where Kia was not represented. The Kia C’eed Hybrid is also a new model.
Lagonda
A real show surprise was the Lagonda CONCEPT. The large motorcar was announced beforehand, but nobody had a look at it. “The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future,”says Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez, “a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.” Lagonda is committed to innovative propulsion technologies. Critically, the brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. It is a powerful four-wheel drive, four-seater car. “An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination”. A short history:- Lagonda was founded in 1899; car production started in 1909 (100 years ago!); in 1910 Lagonda began exporting to Russia; Lagonda won Le Mans in 1935 with a lightweight version of the M45; Aston Martin’s David Brown purchased Lagonda in 1947; in 2009 Lagonda will celebrate the centenary of car production. Under the leadership of Dr Ulrich Bez, Lagonda will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world. Reflecting its remarkable history, Lagonda will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East.
Lexus
Following the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, the new Lexus RX 450h Crossover introduces second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive to the RX range. On sale from the summer, the RX range now enters its third generation as the world’s best-selling premium crossover. The RX 450h shares its predecessor’s series/parallel hybrid drivetrain configuration, employing a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors working in tandem to provide an ‘intelligent’ electric four-wheel drive capability. Comprehensive enhancements have effected a 10% increase in engine power, a 23% reduction in fuel consumption to just 6.3 l/100 km, and low CO2 emissions of 148 g/km. A further new model is the IS 250C with a three-part folding roof structure in lightweight aluminium, opening and closing in 20 seconds. Power unit is a 2.5 litre V6 coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission and will be on sale in the summer of 2009. The 2009 IS Sports Sedan range has been updated to incorporate comprehensive revisions in design, driving dynamics, safety and technology. The final drive ratio of the IS 220d Sport version has been revised from 3.2 to 2.9, improving driveability but also reducing the CO2 emissions from 195g/km to 179 g/km. On the standard 220d the CO2 emission drops from 163 g/km to 148 g/km by reducing internal friction.
Maybach
The Maybach Zeppelin was presented as the rebirth of the 1930 Maybach with the same name of which the brochure of that time said that it represented the desire to create the best out of the best, a motor car satisfying the latest wishes, with a distinct character of noble elegance and power. The 2009 Zeppelin differs from the ‘ordinary’ 57 and 62 models by special paintwork, lamb hide carpets and a choice of interior odours in crystal bottles. The 6 litre V12 engine delivers 471 kW/640 hp, the extra 28 hp making it the most powerful Maybach ever. Only 100 are being made and the first Maybach Zeppelins, of which the sales started at the Geneva show on 3 March, will be handed over to the customers in September 2009. The Maybach 57 Zeppelin costs € 406,000, the 62 Zeppelin € 473,200, whereas the special patented odour system, exclusive to the Zeppelin, can be installed at an extra € 3,950.
Mazda
With the economic recession in mind Phil Waring, CEO of Mazda Motor Europe GmbH, was happy to be able to announce that Mazda sold more than 340,000 vehicles in Europe in 2008, the highest volume Mazda achieved in Europe ever. A world première onthe Mazda stand at Geneva was the Mazda3 MPS. This powerful version of a successful recent example of latest Mazda design, features a 2.3 litre turbo direct injection petrol engine producing 260 hp. Another world debut was the CX-7 with Mazda’s new 2.2 litre diesel engine. For the first time in a Japanese car, it uses a selective catalytic reduction system to reduce nitrogen oxyde emissions. In addition to this new models the stop-start system i-stop in combination with a new 2 litre d.i. engine, meeting Euro 5 standards, and lowering the fuel consumption by 12%. New for Switzerland were the B-segment concept Kiyora and the face-lifted MX-5 with 7% lower fuel consumption and an optional automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz
The most important new model on the Mercedes-Benz stand was the new E-class, a European debut, as this was first launched in Detroit. However, the E-series Coupé was presented as a world debut in Geneva and found wide acclaim with its elegant styling. The new E-class (W 212) is offered with a comprehensive range of engines, meeting the latest environmental standards. Some of these engines made their world debut in Geneva. The 30th anniversary of the off-road G-class is celebrated with two special models. The S400 Hybrid was presented in Europe for the first time as well as the extreme version of the SLR, produced in a limited series of 75 units.
Mini
Mini boasts three world debuts in Geneva:- the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, MINI One Clubman with an economical 1.4 litre four cylinder engine of 70 kW/95 hp, and the MINI One 55 kW. The John Cooper Works Convertible combines extreme performance with the possibility to enjoy this with the roof down as long as possible. Produced in Cowley, UK, MINI recorded record sales in 2008 and expects to be equally successful in 2009 because of the unique combination of a range of features no other manufacturer is able to offer in this segment.
Mitsubishi
The I-MIEV is presented here in its production version for the first time. With a new body, the Sport Air concept should combine environmental protection and sporting qualities. As a Swiss première the Colt Cleartec with stop-start system and lower rear-end ratio offers lower fuel consumption with delivery starting this summer. Further firsts for Switzerland were the Pajero DID 3 and 5 door with 147 kW/200 hp diesel, L200 Pick-up with 131 kW/178 hp and 4wd Lancer Sportback Rallyart with 117 kW/240 hp.
Nissan
The Qazana crossover concept, designed for production in the UK, was launched in Geneva as a world première. The passenger version of the NV200 multi purpose van belonged to the same show category. New for Europe were the 370Z as successor to the 350Z, and the Cube, in Japan already a classic microvan, in its third completely new version with either 1.6 litre petrol engine or 1.5 litre diesel, expected at the end 2009. From this summer the new small car, Pixo, will be sold in Europe. The well known 4wd X-trail was presented in a special luxurious Platinum version. The Nissan Nuvu had a stand in the show section of electric vehicles.
Opel Ampera
The revolutionary Opel Ampera celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. GM’s European president, Carl-Peter Forster, unveiled the extended-range electric vehicle and announced plans to put the car into production in late 2011. The five-door, four-seat Ampera will also be offered with right-hand drive in the UK under the Vauxhall brand. The Ampera’s wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds, and for journeys up to 60 km (MVEG), it runs on electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery’s energy is depleted, electricity from an engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km. The Ampera can be plugged into any household 230v outlet for charging.
Pagani Zonda R
Based on the demand from its customers, the Pagani team has created the Zonda R using bespoke engineering solutions to meet the performance demands for a trackday version of the highly popular Zonda F. The central monocoque of the ‘R’ is made of a Carbon-Titanium composite, increasing rigidity while reducing significantly the weight. Bolted directly to the chassis is the Mercedes AMG 6.0 litre race derived V12 engine developing 750 hp and 710 Nm of torque. Track day enthusiasts will be able to find vehicle setup thanks to a fully adjustable suspension and wing configuration. Blistering acceleration will see the 0-60 mph sprint completed in less than 2.7 seconds. All this fun can be had for €1,460,000.
Peugeot
Centre-stage was reserved for the world première of the new 3008 crossover. In the next few years the 3008 will be sold with front wheel drive only. As an MPV it offers a passenger compartment that is as practical as it is prestigious for driver and passengers alike. Grip Control, Dynamic Rolling Control, heads-up display, Distance Alert parking, automatic electric parking brake are part of the technological equipment which contributes to driving enjoyment and safety. The first offering produces a mere 130 g/km of CO2 . In two years the 3008 will be the first hybrid vehicle available across the group’s range. The beautiful 308 CC offers features such as a neck heating (“Airwave”) system, pyrotechnic deployment bars and as a world exclusive, the head airbag. The 308 CC convertible-coupé will be for sale soon.
The Geneva show was used as a display of Peugeot’s role as a producer of low CO2 vehicles, and other key environmental initiatives by combining a small carbon footprint, a high level of safety and a global mobility solution with two, three or four wheel (cycles, scooters, cars) vehicles. One in every six new vehicles sold in Europe emitting less than 120 g of CO2 per km is a Peugeot. The exhibited 207 1.6 litre Hdi FAP of 66kW/90 hp with special low aerodynamics and optimised engine calibration will lower the level of CO2 to 99 g/km soon. The new 107 already offers 106 g/km and the medium sedan 407 1.6 litre Hdi FAP 80 kW/110 hp with emission as low as 129 g/km will be available on the market soon. So-called micro-hybridisation – the second generation Stop & Start will be deployed as part of a very large series in the ranges from 2011. With regard to the electric car, Peugeot has been a pioneer since 1995 with the 106 (the most popular electric car in the world so far) and is pursuing more than ever its monitoring based on the most promising technologies. Prologue Hybrid4, RC Hybrid4 and Hybrid3 compressor concept cars are the demonstrators of the Peugeot’s environmental approach.
Porsche GT3
‘Road-Going Athlete with Racing Ambitions’ is the way the press kit worded the introduction of Porsche’s latest GT3 model. Making its world debut at the Geneva show, the new 911 GT3 now features a more powerful version of the proven six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. The increased engine capacity, now 3.8-litre, develops maximum output of 435 bhp (320 kW), an increase of 20 bhp over its predecessor. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance, enabling the new GT3 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaching 160 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 312 km/h or 194 mph.
Renault Sport Mégane & Scénic
As the latest in a long line of Renault sporting models, the new Mégane Renaultsport is characterised by its extreme performance and handling. Powered by a 250 bhp engine, the Mégane Renaultsport offers a choice of two chassis, ‘Sport’ and ‘Cup’. Derived from the Mégane F1 Team R26 and the Mégane R26.R, the new Mégane Renaultsport benefits fully from the company’s experience in this field. Renault also chose Geneva as the venue to launch their new Grand Scénic and Scénic models, which will be available in both 5- and 7-seat format, with the emphasis on travelling comfort. Both models will offer distinctive styling with roomy interiors, comfort-related appointments, stowage solutions and high-tech equipment.
Rolls-Royce RR4 concept
Rolls-Royce’s eagerly awaited 200EX/RR4 was unveiled to the press at Geneva. This, the latest experimental car from Rolls-Royce, explores the design direction for a new, dynamic and modern, four-door Rolls-Royce. EX cars have offered RR designers and engineers the opportunity for contemporary innovation and this experimental model has been used to showcase new components and engineering techniques as well as exterior and interior designs. “Modern automotive engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application. 200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas,” explained Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering, at the car’s launch. The company’s designers and engineers have created 200EX, pointing the way to RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010. 200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models giving 200EX a powerful but unobtrusive presence, while in typical Rolls-Royce style, the rear-hinged coach doors give the car a sense of theatre.
Saab 9-3X
‘The Smart All-rounder for Outdoor Enthusiasts’ is the way Saab described its new 9-3X model. Saab have cleverly positioned their rugged all-round newcomer at the foot of the Crossover mountain, promising to take active individualists to the start of their adventure.
For the first time, Saab have coupled its E85-capable BioPower engine technology with their cross wheel drive (XWD) system. The 9-3X is also available with a 2.0-liter petrol engine while the 1.9 TTiD diesel variant comes with front-wheel drive. All three fuel variants are efficient, four-cylinder engines turbocharged for added power. Saab’s designers raised the chassis 35 mm higher than the standard two-wheel drive version so that it can handle rugged driving terrain, and is specifically designed for those who frequently use gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on asphalt.
Seat
The Exeo sedan celebrated its world debut at the Paris Motor Show last October, and its station wagon version, Exeo ST, was introduced in Geneva. This largest model in the Seat range promises to be a very useful business and family car and will be on sale before next summer. The 6-engine range – three petrol and three diesel – and equipment list are the same as with the sedan. The diesel engines are equipped with common rail technology for the first time. The entire range complies with stringent EU5 emissions regulation. The only differences lay in the length of the body, which is 4.666 mm and the boot volume of 442 litres with rear seat in normal position. The Exeo ST is equipped with an upper cargo net that increases safety by preventing objects from falling into the passenger compartment. Both Exeo models are manufactured at the factory in Martorell near Barcelona. The mid-range Seat León and Altea appeared in Geneva in their 2009 guise. The front and rear ends carry the new design identity traits; considerable improvements have been carried out to the engines, like the common rail technology for the diesels, and the equipment includes sophisticated comfort and safety elements. The León range also includes the sportier FR version while a new CUPRA version is in the pipeline. The Ibiza ECOmotive keeps CO2 emissions at 99 g/km.
Toyota
Toyota chose to introduce their two world debuts at a press conference on the eve of the press preview days in the Hotel Intercontinental instead of the usual press conference on the show stand. The advantage is a chosen attendance instead of thousands of journalists crowding the stand whereby a lot of the message is lost. Toyota now stands as the largest motor manufacturer in the world, replacing the troubled General Motors, but Toyota also booked their first loss of more than a billion euros, in a long history. So there is definitely no reason for resting on their laurels, and to show their resilience, Toyota plans to launch 16 models in Europe by the end of this year. Each car will be optimised for fuel efficiency, low emissions and powerful driving performance. The Prius celebrates its 10th anniversary this year as the first commercially viable full hybrid vehicle. Its sales growth is impressive and allegedly only limited by the supply of batteries. The Prius has been fitted with a new generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive, while other Toyota models are being revised with Toyota Optimal Drive.
The new Prius was introduced to Europe in Geneva for the first time, and as a real world première the new compact MPV, Verso, made its first appearance. The styling of both new models met with approval from the assembled motoring press at the press conference, the new Verso in particular. Production of the new Verso will start on 19 March at the Turkish plant in Adapazari and sales will begin in April. The Toyota fleet average will beat the 140 g/km mark this year, providing a stronger position to meet even tougher emission standards in the future. Tadashi Arashima, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor Europe, keynote speaker at the conference, stated that “we must look beyond the current financial crisis, and that we must focus on R&D for today and tomorrow.” … “We are considering cars that are both lighter in weight and smaller in size (like iQ), as well as cars that are powered by alternative energies like electricity from renewable sources and hydrogen.”
VW Polo
VW’s fifth generation new Polo was introduced as a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, bringing new standards to the supermini class. Sharing design cues with other models within the VW range, such as the Golf and Passat, the new Polo looks like it really belongs in the VW family. However this commonality of design and styling brings all models closer together in terms of looks, and frankly greys any hopes of individuality. The new Polo sees five new engines introduced which include the TSI and common rail TDI for the first time and fuel consumption is also improved through a 7.5% reduction in the car’s weight. Production of the 5-door variant will begin at the end of March, followed by the car’s launch in June with sales beginning just two weeks after lauch.
Glen Smale & Pim van der Veer
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