Car Throttle » Geneva 2009

Geneva Motor Show Recap & Roundup

Tony — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:30:40 +0000

With the Geneva Motor Show winding down, CarThrottle has covered 30 launches from the show. Now, they’re all here in one place for you to view.

A lot has happened at the show, with a large amount of production and concept cars unveiled. I was particularly surprised at the level performance cars that came out! While it exhibits automobiles of every class, size and shape, it’s clear the Geneva Motor Show is the show of choice for the world’s high-end manufacturers to debut their wares.

It’s good to see high-end manufacturers still alive and kicking.

Aston Martin probably was the biggest letdown from the show. Everyone had high hopes for it’s revival of the Lagonda brand, and I don’t think anyone suspected it would be brought back for a crossover. It looks like Aston Martin plans for Lagonda to be it’s crossover brand that helps it to expand in emerging markets.

I guess that’s better then a Aston Martin branded crossover, eh? Especially for the purists out there. If it something that strengthens Aston Martin by attracting new buyers, then I suppose it’s a good thing. I can’t help but be a bit disappointed, even though it’s an very nice vehicle for what it is.

Out of the show’s debuts, I’d say most surprising one of them all has to go to Opel. They really delivered more then anyone expected with the Ampera and produced a stylish vehicle every bit worthy of it’s price tag and fanfare surrounding the Voltec powertrain.

In the supercar category, my personal favorite of all has got to be the Spyker C8 Aileron! Wow, what an amazing vehicle. Spyker really outdid themselves, and I hope they get the credit (and sales success) they deserve from the new design. I suspect they will.

Well, those are some of my thoughts from the show, I’ll let you be the judge for the rest. Be sure to post your thoughts in the comments section! Thanks for making CarThrottle your Geneva Motor Show headquarters!
————————————–

Alfa Romeo Mi-To GTA
Aston Martin DBS Volante
Lagonda (by Aston Martin) Concept
Aston Martin One-77
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Audi A4 All-road Quattro
Audi TT-RS
Bentley Continental Supersports
BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
Bentley 200EX Concept
Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire
Citroen DS3 Inside Concept
Dacia Duster Concept
Fiat 500C Convertible
Ford iosis MAX Concept
Frazer-Nash Namir by Zagato
Hyundai ix-Onic Concept
Infiniti Essence Concept
Koenigsegg Quant Concept
Lamborghini LP670-4 Super Veloce
Lotus Exige S 260 Sport
MazdaSpeed3 (Mazda 3 MPS)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
Opel Ampera
Pagani Zonda R
Protoscar LAMPO
RenaultSport Megane S
Saab 9-3X
Spyker C8 Aileron
TECHART X6 and Cayenne
2010 VW Polo
Wiesmann Special Edition Models
Zagato Perana Z-One

Geneva 2009: Official Zagato Perana Z-One

Tony — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:10:10 +0000

Zagato is a Italian coachbuilder and design house steeped in tradition. Most of the time, the vehicles they produce wear another manufacturer’s badge and are Zagato’s interpreration of a specific model. With the Perana Z-One, Zagato is creating it’s own, self-branded vehicle.

While it’s own creation (and self-branded) the Perana Z-One is a result of the design houses’s collaboration with a South African performance and production company, Perana Performance Group.

The proportions are perfect, helping to lend the V8 sportscar a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. While good looking, it’s not particularly unique in the world of automotive design.

I’m thinking more along the lines of the original Anteros (a coachbuilt vehicle based on the Corvette). To my eyes at least, this isn’t a truly Italian design. The clean flow of lines is interupted by the business of the fender vents. To me it’s just not a jaw-dropper.

The rear end tells a different story. I stand by my previous assessment that this angle is by far the car’s best view. It has a great stance and the lines work together very well. I like the rear a lot, in fact.

While Zagato isn’t my favorite of the Italian design houses (let’s be honest, they’ve designed some bizzare stuff) they are capable of great things. In my opinion, this car is the best example of what Zagato can do:

That’s the Spyker C12 Zagato, a truly amazing and beautiful design in any sense of the word. I encourage you to check it out further, you’ll be inclined to agree.

But regardless of my stance on the design, there’s no questioning the Zagato Perana Z-One looks to be a screaming deal. Word still has it that the price will be around 50,000 euros, translating to roughly £44,309.75 GBP and $62,716.89 USD at current exchange rates. Wow! That’s not much higher then the price of a Corvette.

An powerful car by a famed Italian design house for that kind of money? I supect Zagato will have no trouble selling out it’s planned 999 unit production run. How they plan to turn a profit? Now that’s a different story…..

Geneva 2009: The Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

Jim — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:22:55 +0000

It has been 18 years since the last Aston Martin Lagonda was built, and if you remember, it was a stunning sedan. So it’s quite a surprise that the new Lagonda Concept, unveiled at Geneva is not a competitor to the Rolls Royce Phantom, but a competitor to the Porsche Cayenne.

According to Aston Martins press release, the Lagonda is “the luxury car of the future”, whatever that means. It is suppose to launch the Lagonda Brand into a different direction that the traditional Aston marketplace. Instead of producing a heart stopping performance sports car (that Aston Martin is known for), or a lush performance limousine, the company chose to re-introduce their storied nameplate with a crossover.

While the design is quite arresting, the whole Luxury Crossover category has certainly been done to death. Practicality is not this Aston’s main suit though, as it only seats four, in incredible comfort, with the finest materials available. And while the concept is four wheel drive, the company states that they are exploring various drivetrain options including flex-fuel, diesel, and hybrid. According to the press release, this Lagonda will epitomize the intersection of craft, design and technology with Aston Martin’s established high performance expertise.

Photo Credit: Autobolg.it

Geneva 2009: Production Aston One-77 Revealed!

Tony — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:10:22 +0000

It’s here and it’s pure gorgeousness! After the endless leaks of teasers and tidbits of information on the Aston-Martin One-77 over the past (well, it seems like forever) we finally get an undisguised view of the the production vehicle.

Finally, real headlights! Not the blacked out mockups that have been driving me crazy. Tell me that isn’t amazing? The One-77 is absolutely fitting of it’s role as the ultimate Aston Martin ever.

Along with the new images of the exterior comes a reveal of what’s under the skin. Aston Martin has on display at the Geneva Show the first completed carbon fibre and aluminum chassis that will underpin the car.

In other words, you’re looking at Aston Martin One-77 #1.

Take a good look at that interior; it’s the only glimpse of it you’ll get until later this year! Aston Martin is content to torture us with the slow release of information.

What else can I say? Aston-on-steroids, über-Aston….the list goes on. How about Concours d’Elegance 2050! The beautiful lines exhibit a timeless design that will wear well with time.

This car’s pricing is another case of if you have to ask, you’re missing the point. This a car that will be bought and stored, destined for museums and history books as the ultimate embodiment of everything Aston Martin.

Top Photo Credit: Autoblog.com

Geneva 2009: Koenigsegg Quant Concept

Tony — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:21:29 +0000

Well, as expected, new pictures, details and information on the Quant concept has been released . We first got word of the car last month a little less then two weeks ago when the company leaked a teaser of the front end.

With the new releases we find out a lot of information we didn’t know previously; very little details were supplied along with the original teaser photo. I’m in serious like!

Look at that long, flowing side body line that morphs right into the front fenders. It’s a very futuristic look that still manages to be beautiful, an undoubtedly hard feat for designers to pull off. Beautiful and futuristic usually don’t go together in the same sentence.

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s hard to believe that’s a Koenigsegg design!

Hopefully, it’s a harbinger of a future styling direction from the company. The car serves as more then just as a design excercise though.

The Quant is an electric vehicle and some amazing claims have been made in that regard. There is an electric motor powering each rear wheel, which helps to save weight by eliminating the need for gears and a differential.

In fact, the entire car weighs in at only 3,924 pounds, an very low number for a electric vehicle of this size.

Some of the technology used on the Quant Concept is a result of a collaboration with a company called NLV Solar AG . NLV Solar lended it’s expertise in solar technology, with it’s special photovoltaic paint coating the entire vehicle.

The battery pack technology, dubbed Flow Accumulator Energy Storage (FAES), weighs in at around 1,000 pounds and contains no hazardous materials or heavy metals.

How does a 312-mile estimated range and full-recharge in 20 minutes from a commercial grade power source sound? (!!) If true, these represent huge steps forward for electric vehicles and battery technology in general.

Consider my interest piqued! For now the Quant is just a concept (and definitely not a thinly guised production model either) but Koenigsegg says it’s exploring possibilities for production.

I’d love to see this make it to production; it’s a large, luxurious Grand Tourer that seats 4 and would signal a whole new (and I think very prosperous) future for Koenigsegg. Sign me up!

Geneva 2009: A Hybrid Supercar, with a 50′s Nameplate; The Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro

Jim — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:28:18 +0000

Introducing the fastest Hybrid ever, The Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro. This shockingly (pun intended) orange dream machine is a colaboration between Italdesign Giugiaro, and a company named Frazer-Nash. According to the press release, Frazer-Nash is a company that specializes in the design, construction, and marketing of hybrid systems, and has a direct link to a historical automotive manufacturing company that was founded in the UK by Archie Frazer-Nash.

The car sports a carbon fiber chassis, a gasoline rotary engine that displaces less than 1 liter, two electric motors (one in the front, and one in the rear), and a huge battery pack. The power output is reported to be in the range of 370HP, with a claimed 0-60 time in 3.7 seconds. The range is reported to be 1,200 miles, and top speed of 187 MPH. Who knows, but this sounds like a lot of vaporware.

The concept is named Namir, which is Arabian for “Tiger”, and is more in keeping with it’s intended audience. The chassis, body, and mechanical layout was handled by Italdesign, while the electrical and electronics were developed by Frazer-Nash. The prototype was constructed in the Italdesign Giugiaro Plant.

Photos Credit: Autoblog.nl

Geneva 2009: Ford iosis MAX Concept

Tony — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:44:47 +0000

Ford has released images and details on one of it’s concepts set to debut at the Geneva Show tommorow, the Ford iosis MAX Concept (Ford’s weird non-capitalization, not mine).

Say hello to the next Focus! This time it will be a fully global one too, as part of Alan Mullaly’s restructuring of Ford and the way it conducts business.

This is being done in order to save money by eliminating product development overlap and also cost effiences due to increased economies of scale.

The iosis MAX Concept offers a good preview of what to expect from the next generation Focus’s style. This particular concept references the 5-door, Europe-only (for now, anyway) Focus C-MAX line.

The iosis MAX is a continuation of Ford Europe’s Kinetic design language onto the Focus. It’s very nice and shows an more upmarket design then we see with the current model. It’s a natural evolution for the hot-selling car.

The interior, while obviously decked out in conceptual fashion, offers a hint of the dash design we can expect from the next-generation Focus.

Expect to see a similarly oriented center console and vent area. Other Ford concepts have exhibited this look as well as the production Fiesta interior. The look is inviting, offering a lot of space for it’s compact size.

Notice the lack of a B-pillar that helps to offer easy, unimpeded access to the cabin. The iosis MAX Concept showcases good packaging, and offers a unique take on door openings like a tailgate that can be opened even with limited space available behind it.

While I doubt it, hopefully some of these differentiating ideas will carry over to the production C-MAX. Ford has been making great strides lately and it’s great to see innovation at the automaker.

So while we’re waiting for the production Focus, in the mean time we can get a preview of what to expect from the Ford iosis MAX.

Geneva 2009: 2010 VW Polo MK V Unveiled

Tony — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:59:57 +0000

VW’s has released pictures on information on the new Generation 5 Polo. This time around, the car will be coming to the U.S as well. This will help as VW further standardizes it’s global lineup. Let’s take a look!

The Polo is a handsome hatch to be sure, beating all of it’s competitors in the segment (Honda Fit, I’m looking at you) by leaps and bounds.

The look is clean, chiseled and uniquely VW. Far better then the current Polo; it’s visually substantial in a way the previous model wasn’t.

VW style has taken a new direction starting with the Golf and Scirocco and it’s one I like very much. VW is finding it’s styling “mojo” again.

I see a bit of retro Volkswagen in there, do you? VW is drawing a bit from it’s past with it’s new models, and that is no bad thing.

I’m noticing the chrome on the controls and that very cool steering wheel! While not overtly retro, it’s a throwback.

It’s how the little changes work together that makes the difference. The dark coloring and liberal use of chrome combine to form a classic look that does connect with VW’s past but still manages to be relevant. How about those pinstripe seats!

Stylish! I could see this doing very well in the U.S if priced and marketed right. There is just no comparison with it and any other similar offerings on the market today. There’s a reason VW does so well with it’s smaller models like the Polo and Golf.

While growing larger in dimensions, Volkswagen says the weight has actually been reduced by 7.5%! That’s no small feat, and an admirable achievement to be sure that helps to increase fuel economy.

It’s set to go on sale in VW’s home market Germany by the end of June, with other European markets coming 2 weeks later. The U.S could see it as early as 2010. Good job VW, now just give us the Scirocco and we’ll be happy!

Geneva 2009: Official Info on Opel/Vauxhall Ampera

Tony — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:23:51 +0000

Wow! The Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is has been shown (officially anyway) and boy do I like it. Details and new pictures of this revolutionary electric vehicle can be found after the jump.

Look at that! Tell me that doesn’t look incredibly more dynamic and futuristic then it’s Chevrolet (and U.S) counterpart, the Volt. GM’s European brands did a fantastic job with it’s adaptation of the Volt for European markets.

Like I said in my earlier, the Ampera has an almost conceptual look, as it displays prominently the new Opel styling language previewed by the GTC and Flextreme concepts.

Details inside the headlights have been changed along with the new, swooping intake design. The lighting is an more intense blue, and a new light pipe streaks throughout the lamp. The Volt’s amber turn signal marker also disappears as well.

I thought the only really recognizable changes we’d see were to the front of the vehicle. I wasn’t quite right; the back sees some pretty significant redesigning as well.

The glass rear hatch area found on the Volt is gone; everything is smoother and a chrome line now runs horizontally providing visual width.

Also redesigned is the lower bumper area, with the addition of scoop-like indentations on both sides of the car. (Maybe they incorporate another lamp? It’s hard to tell)

Notice anything else? Detailing in the taillights, like the front, has been changed. The red lighting area is smaller, with an grey tint surround applied to the lower half. This isn’t just a quick re-badge job; clearly thought was put into this.

The meaningful improvements (not only changes) continue in the interior. The Ampera employs use of color to great effect, replacing the Volt’s Aquatic greenish-color door inserts with a brilliant red.

The black/red combination works really well, with the seat inserts and upper dash pad color lining changed as well.

Look at that center stack! The Volt’s standard white trim is replaced with a piano-black finish and it looks excellent. While minor, details make a big difference; the Ampera has much more of an upscale, luxury car feel vis-à-vis the Volt.

No this is not a concept! I know it looks like one, but this is an actual production vehicle.

So in case you couldn’t tell by now, I’m highly impressed with the Ampera! Originally when I heard there would be an Opel version of the Volt, I expected few changes as it made it’s Transatlantic crossing. Not so, as you can see.

The Volt is a great vehicle; I love it and still do. But I must admit Opel has taken thing up to a new level with the changes they have employed.

The Ampera offers everything you’d expect from a pioneering vehicle like this. A futuristic design, beautiful interior and revolutionary propulsion. Once again, GM’s European brand shows the rest of the company the way.

Geneva 2009: Dacia Duster Concept to Debut at Geneva

Jim — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:33:41 +0000

Dacia, that Romanian car company that used to make obsolete Renaults behind the iron curtain is about to introduce their latest concept in Geneva. This will be their first crossover concept, and is aimed squarely at the softroader lifestyle market. It is decidedly different, with different door configurations at each side. The Left side looks like a traditional coupe, with a large conventional door. The Right side is more of a people carrier, with a pair of doors, only with a twist; The rear door is hinged at the rear, more of what the Americans call a suicide opening arrangement.

This is clearly a styling exercise to try and vault Dacia into the minds of European Shoppers, and it comes on the heels of their very successful Logan model. It is equipped with a 1.5L cDi Diesel, producing 105HP. According to Dacia’s press release, it only emits 139g of CO2/km. No word on when or if it goes into production.

Dacia’s Press Release

DUSTER: THE CONCEPT CROSSOVER FROM DACIA UNVEILED AT GENEVA MOTORSHOW

• Dacia is breaking fresh ground and springs yet another surprise with the unveiling in Geneva
of Duster, a futuristic, image-building crossover that promotes the same values for which the
brand has stood from the beginning.

• Duster is Dacia’s first concept car and the fruit of close collaboration between Renault Design
Central Europe in Bucharest, Romania, and Renault Design Technocentre in Guyancourt,
France.

• Duster’s athletic stance adds an undeniable sporty feel to the brand’s hallmark robustness.

• Inside, the use of colour, generous cabin space and an original modular layout ensure a
particularly convivial ambience for occupants.

ROBUST AND SPORTY

Duster – Dacia’s first concept crossover – is proud to be different. Seen from the driver’s side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose
Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement.

Duster’s height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Duster sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep – made possible by the absence of a central pillar – highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Duster’s graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car’s robust, dependable credentials. Like Logan, Duster is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree.

Special care has gone into Duster’s aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle’s flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear.

The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Duster stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filter-equipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS

This futuristic crossover showcases the brand’s core values – namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity – in a surprising form, yet Dacia’s hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Duster’s cabin.

The concept car’s two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver’s seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior’s sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver’s side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter’s receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Duster’s compact overall dimensions .

Duster is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat ‘daily driver’ layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver’s seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.