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2009 Geneva Motor Show While there hasn't been a lot of good automotive news lately, the European auto show season ended on a positive note with the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
German rival BMW showed a 5-series based Gran Turismo Progressive Activity Sedan. This 5-door continues the recent sloped roof styling of such niche models as the X6. While just a concept for now, we expect a production version to be announced before the year is out.
Despite the global financial meltdown, there was plenty of high dollar hardware at Geneva, including this Rolls-Royce concept the 200EX. Look for the production version of the smaller Rolls to be unveiled at Frankfurt in September. Former stable mate Bentley claims this 621 horsepower limited production Continental Supersports is the fastest Bentley ever. On sale worldwide this fall, a greener, flex fuel E85 version will arrive in 2010. When it comes to pure performance cars, few are more anticipated than a new 911 GT3. Due in the fall, expect 435 horsepower, mid-3 second 0-60's and a race worthy suspension. Getting back to reality, Volkswagen unveiled the latest version of its smart looking, and very frugal Polo subcompact, and even hinted at the possibility of it coming to the U.S. in 2011. Hot looking subcompacts also came courtesy of Chevrolet with its production ready Spark, and Hyundai with a 3-door version of its popular i20.
And we wrap things up with the biggest hit of the show, the Infiniti Essence, a sweet looking two-seat concept that gives us a taste of the brand's new styling direction. And that's the latest look at the Geneva show offerings for this week's globe trotting MotorNews |
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Geneva is all about motoring in style. So, the Swiss rolled out the red carpet for the world debut of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. On sale this fall, the E will be available in a coupe as well as the traditional sedan. In addition to the sleek but edgy styling, and more techno goodies than even the S-Class, expect big improvements in fuel economy. And while we won't get quite the selection of engines available in Europe you can opt for a 3.5-liter V6 or 5.5-liter V8 with a BlueTec Diesel to arrive early next year.
Audi had a host of unveilings, including the return of the Allroad Quattro, this time in compact A4 size. On sale in Europe this summer, Audi wouldn't confirm plans for U.S. sales. Another one we probably won't get is the 340 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder TT RS. Two Audis that will be shipped over are the A5 and S5 Cabriolets. Both versions of this 4-seater cloth top convertible will arrive here this fall.
If there is a compact crossover in your future it could be the Ford iosis MAX. If this concept makes production it may well be sold in the U.S.