Aston Martin One-77

Concept or production: Production – eventually What is it: Bond’s biggest beastie… Highlights: Aston Martin is building only 77 of these exciting supercoupes, and the fully-final version should be ready by the end of the year.

The interior is still under development, but the car seen here at Geneva is pretty much production-ready – providing the economic turndown doesn’t halt it in its tracks.Cased in an edgy, scooped carbon-fibre and aluminium body, Aston’s fastest ever car runs a 7.3-litre bored-out version of the 6.0-litre V12 block, with power figures expected to hover around 560kW.Australia-bound: No.

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

Concept or production: Concept What is it: Described by BMW as a crossover coupe-come sports activity vehicle. Come again? Highlights: Look past the ridiculous rims and pimped chequered interior, and you’re looking at the next new niche Beemer.

Following Audi’s lead, the Bavarian carmaker is filling in the gaps between its standard cars with polarising but possibly successful appeal (like the X6).A rival for the likes of Merc’s CLS and the imminent Porsche Panamera, the 5-GT is a four-door, four-seat coupe-like sedan, but with flashes of X6 styling.Like the 3 Series Coupe, the GT has a huge cargo area with rear seats folded – 1650L – and has a split hatch/boot dual-access boot like the Skoda Superb.Australia-bound: We would be surprised if it wasn’t in line for production.

Tata Nano

Concept or production: Production What is it: The five-grand mini car for the masses. Highlights: The Nano is steadily gaining in its guestimated RRP, with this Europa model expected to creep over the 5000 euro mark (AU$9770). But it will still be the cheapest thing out there, and better specced than some more expensive cars…

The four-door, four-seat Europa is driven by a three-cylinder all-aluminium fuel-injected engine (the Indian model is a two-cylinder), with a standard five-speed auto and sub-100g/km CO2, which should have it in the four-litre per hundred slot.It also gets Pirelli rubber, ABS, ESP and at least dual airbags, but no word yet on what is standard or optional. Or whether Lotus will let Tata keep the name. We think not.Australia-bound: Possible. Tata says the Europa is scheduled for ‘future launch in international markets.’

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Tata Nano Europa, for future launch in international markets, displayed at 79th Geneva Motor Show.

Geneva, March 3, 2009: Tata Motors today presented at the 79th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select international markets. The company has also displayed the Tata Prima, a concept luxury sedan, and the Tata Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista.Speaking on the occasion at the Geneva Motor Show, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “In India, the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April. The Nano has also generated wide interest in developed countries, since it’s unveiling in Delhi and its presentation here last year. We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets. The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce. They together signify the ongoing evolution in our cars.”Tata Nano EuropaWith a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be stylishly petite but surprises with its spacious interior and generous leg space. The slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres combines excellent space and manoeuvrability, further improving on the benchmark standard set by the Tata Nano. The enhanced spaciousness is complemented by redesigned interiors, marked by smooth curves and a high tech yet gentle feel.To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Tata Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty all-aluminium MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine will be class-leading, providing high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission of less than 100 gm / km meeting the twin goals of being environmentally friendly and stylish – just like the Tata Nano.The Tata Nano Europa meets all safety regulations. In addition to the all sheet-metal body, its energy absorbing design, use of advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags will enhance passenger safety.Just like the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa incorporates exterior compactness with interior comfort and seeks to provide motorists the pleasure and utility of personal mobility combined with affordability and environment-friendliness, in a world where smaller, fuel-efficient cars are emerging as a preferred choice.About Tata MotorsTata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of US$ 8.8 billion in 2007-08. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, a business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has a strategic alliance with Fiat. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America

Hyundai ix-onic crossover concept

Concept or production: Concept What is it: The next Tucson Highlights: The odd moniker (pronounced ick sonic) is probably the least fluid aspect of this car, which at certain angles looks very similar to the Mazda CX-7.

Previews the company’s new hexagon grille, which will probably be introduced when this car hits production, and features a rather groovy diesel with stop-start tech linked to a six-speed dual clutch sequential transmissionAustralia-bound: Eventually, and probably not on those rims…

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‘Urban nomad’ ix-onic crossover concept

• Hyundai concept reveals dynamic new look for compact SUVs
• Use of innovative plastics allows novel rear-screen design
• Premium treatment in stylish ‘X’-themed interior

Ferrari 599XX

Concept or production: Production What is it: The F1 of GTB Fioranos. Highlights: Ferrari has X-rated another car, this time the lovely 599, with a track-only overhaul.

The purist Fezza cannot be driven on the road nor used in any current competition with its long list of outlandish mods. The powertrain has been fiddled from intake to exhaust, now producing 522kW and revving to 9000rpm.A new traction management system called the ‘High Performance Dynamic Concept’ debuts on the car, seeking maximum grip under hard driving through engine management and suspension. This is linked to a ‘virtual engineer’, like an extreme chrono, which shows the effectiveness of the car’s setup on an LCD screen and ultimately making it easier to tune.The body gets bigger air ducts, winglets, splitter and spoiler, and it is fitted with 19-inch full slicks.Like the previous FXX, Ferrari will be holding exclusive invite-only track days for owners and interested parties in 2010 and 2011.According to Ferrari, it laps Fiorano in 1:17 secs. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is timed at 1:23.9secs…Australia-bound: No.Also-shows: A Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) pack for the 599, with track-mod suspension, thinner rubber and a fatter look.

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Ferrari at Geneva with the HGTE package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world premiere of the 599XX

599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GTE packageWhen it first debuted, the 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.The car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20″ split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”.599XXWhile based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms – as in the new crankshaft – and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.The 599XX is characterised by an innovative electronic concept called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new “virtual car engineer”, a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle’s efficiency.The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630 kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.The “Actiflow” system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce. while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

Giugiaro Frazer Nash Namir

Concept or production: Concept What is it: A new concept from an old British carmaker. Highlights: Fraser Nash was a British automaker who, back in the 1920s and ’30s, made less than 500 chain-driven cars before giving the manufacturing game away and importing BMWs instead.

Ironically, this defunct brand has charged back into the motoring world with hybrid-electric drivetrains and cars, the latest of which is a collaboration with the Guigiaro design studio.The FN hybrid drivetrain is based around a 814cc rotary, which drives a power generator charging a big 400 volt Lithium battery. This in turn charges the axle-mounted electric motors, which develop a combined power output of 270kW to hurl the Namir to a 0-100km sprint of 3.5secs.And all the while sipping 2.6L/100km… Who said rotaries were thirsty?Australia-bound: No.

Infiniti Essence

Concept or production: Concept What is it: A stunning luxury performance coupe concept with a hybrid drivetrain Highlights: With 20 years of performance cars and variants under its belt, Infiniti are suddenly turning to the electric movement to ensure 20 more.

This futuristic coupe, sleek and overstyled, hides a hybrid under its metal that develops 448kW. And it’s rear-wheel-drive.The coupe is 4.7m in length, with the powerplants located in the front and a lift-back rear (to fit matching Louis Vitton luggage, no less).The two-seater is plush and enveloping inside, with tubby footwells and high consoles to encapsulate the passengers.Infiniti also demo’d new reverse crash prevention tech on the Essence, called ‘Back-up Collision Prevention’.Australia-bound: Here’s hoping that when this car makes it into production, it stays almost exactly the same as its prototype here…

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INFINITI ESSENCE: THE MAGNIFICATION OF “INSPIRED PERFORMANCE”

ESSENCE: THE CONCEPT“An Essence owner is characterized by his or her fearless self confidence; he or she is an intellectual hero rather than just a successful money maker.”Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product PlanningEssence began life not in the design studio but in Infiniti’s product planning department. Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product Planning, and his team might not, at the start of the project, have known how Essence would look, but they did know what it had to be, why it had to exist – and who it would appeal to.“Essence is a brand icon,” Francois Bancon said. “It is driven more by a conceptual approach than by any design execution. It is not just an object. It isn’t a teaser for a new model. It is solely dedicated to Infiniti brand promotion, to demonstrate and advocate the Infiniti unique values.”The concept called for a very clear understanding of who the super-luxury coupe’s potential customers would be. Painstakingly, Bancon and his team of advanced product planners built up a picture of a typical Essence owner. It was a profile that showed an uncompromising, risk-taking 42-year-old passionate about the best things in life, but equally passionate about not flaunting them. “These consumers don’t need to demonstrate to others,” said Bancon. “They are already at the next step of achievement that leads to rewarding themselves first.”Francois Bancon went on: “We wanted a new way of mixing various ingredients to get a car that was reserved but with a big presence, something trendy but also indicating the next trend. We wanted a car that aspired to become a cult. It had to be exclusive, smart and mysterious. For the driver, it had to sum up the six-word essence of Essence:Everything I want, nothing I don’tESSENCE IN DETAIL1. DESIGN: DYNAMIC ADEYAKA“The design embeds a sense of mystery, a sense of being in the know. Essence is not about showing signs of wealth and success.”Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of DesignWith breathtaking good looks and perfect proportions, Essence exerts a powerful pull on all those who love cars. It looks like a driver’s car, one that would be right at home spearing down the world’s grandest motoring routes.But Essence is no aggressive sports car. Infiniti’s “Dynamic Adeyaka” attitude ensures Essence is single-minded, but also inviting, sophisticated and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions.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. Essence speaks of power but not intimidation.The bonnet is, as you would expect of an Infiniti, long, and the rear deck short. Together with a flowing “wave” profile between muscular front and rear wheelarches, Essence at first appears to be in the classic sports car mould. But there is nothing retro about Essence.The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. Imagine juxtaposing flowing water with the stark outline of a canyon landscape.The rear section also features complex surfacing with concave “scoops” that flow down the rear pillars from one of Essence’s most distinctive design cues: a C-shaped kink to the side windows’ trailing edge. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the “kanzashi”, a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Essence represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.Essence’s front is characterised by Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille, set at an angle that suggests the car is about to leap forward. There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 4.7m-long car appear anything but big in the flesh.The grille is framed by subtle strips of stainless steel but there’s little other trim and no other grilles or intakes, not even foglights. At the front as over the rest of the car, Essence eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The door handles are slithers of push buttons flush with the body while even rear-view mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars.More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the boot opening and framing the vestigial spoiler. Edged by more stainless steel, the spoiler appears to have been pushed out from within the car.The windscreen flows back into a full glass roof that then tapers down towards the boot opening – making just one more memorable view of a car that doesn’t have a wrong angle to it.On design, Essence is simple and amazingly complex, classical and totally dynamic all at the same time. Most of all as the epitome of “dynamic adeyaka” it boasts massive presence. Once seen, never forgotten.2. INTERIOR: DRIVER-FOCUSED“Detailed artistic expression and the rich warmth of the human hand go far beyond mechanical precision.”Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of DesignFor a driver’s car, the perfect driver’s cabin. Essence’s interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on the job in hand: to give the person behind the wheel a feeling of absolute control. And yet all this driver focus goes hand in hand with a passenger area dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to the Japanese people, and also to Essence.The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the centre of the dashboard. The result is two very distinct cocoons. The driver’s side is themed black, the passenger’s “cocoon” an earthy red.A flat-bottomed steering wheel and chronometer-style dials announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. There are no gimmicks or sci-fi solutions here, just single-minded dedication to driving. Witness the technical nature of the displays, the short, alloy-topped gear selector and, just in front of it another finger-flick away, the bright red engine start button.The car wraps itself around the driver who can quickly relax with the Infiniti trademarks of supportive seat and perfect driving position. There are more Infiniti cues such as the big gearchange paddle shifters behind the wheel and the analogue clock in the centre of the dash.Infiniti designers believe the best functionality works behind the scenes, appearing only when needed. They call this “hidden tech”, and it’s the key to the functional minimalism that dominates the control layout. By not baffling drivers with buttons or overburdening them with information, Essence offers a sense of well-being to everyone, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying the energizing driving experience.With the materials used – leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware – the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth. Attention to detail is such that even the leather seams on the seat backs differ from left side to right side. Why? So they can accurately reflect the way Japanese men and women tie their kimonos.Essence’s interior promotes a sense of well-being which is key to the Infiniti driving experience.3. DRIVETRAIN: POWER WITH RESPONSIBILITY“Infiniti’s performance feel has been captured as natural dynamism, like energy rising from within.”Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product PlanningEssence’s drivetrain is designed to meet the highest expectations of owners by delivering the one thing everyone expects of an Infiniti – sheer driving pleasure. In Essence that pleasure is taken to new heights, at the same time as previewing an innovative green hybrid engine.Essence is unusual even in the rarefied atmosphere of the world’s fastest road cars by being able to call on a mighty 600PS (592bhp). The power guarantees high performance responses on any road, in any situation. Essence is not, however, an intimidating sports racer. Like the design, the performance is designed to be sophisticated and unobtrusive – performance with a human touch.The hybrid system is a logical extension of Infiniti parent group’s groundbreaking green commitments. It offers power with efficiency, and high performance with zero-emissions running, by combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. These can work independently or together as a “parallel” hybrid system.In congested urban areas, the electric motor alone is all that is needed for Essence to glide silently between stoplights, with no tailpipe emissions.When the traffic clears, Essence responds with a highway performance that few cars could match. In “power assist” mode the full 600PS is unleashed with both petrol and electric power working together.A key difference over some other hybrid systems is that both the V6 and the electric motor feed their power only to the rear wheels. Performance is more linear, response is crisper – and driving pleasure further enhanced – as a result.Infiniti’s familiar 3.7-litre V6 gasoline engine is fitted with twin turbochargers, boosting power to 440PS (434bhp). A new direct-injection fuel system ensures the engine works more efficiently than ever in Essence.Essence previews a new type of electric motor, called 3D Motor, that was designed to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets.In Essence, the motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 160PS (158bhp), drawing power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.Optimized energy useage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches which “switch in” the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter, further enhancing responsiveness and driving pleasure.4. SAFETY: A COLLISION-FREE FUTUREOn a global level, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies.Essence previews some of the next-generation safety features that will ensure Infiniti cars remain among the safest on the road. Chief among them is a “Safety Shield” that goes a long way towards the Infiniti engineers’ dream of a collision-free car.The Safety Shield adds two new technologies to the Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems that are available in today’s production Infinitis. Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver’s intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically.The warning system and pre-emptive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.5. PRACTICALITY: A VERY BESPOKE SOLUTIONThe team behind Essence harked back to an early motoring era to find the right solution for carrying luggage. The result is as classy as luggage ever gets, surprisingly practical and dreamily romantic. It also re-establishes the historic ties between a carmaker and one of the best-known names in luxury goods – Louis Vuitton.Vuitton first worked with a coachbuilder – the famous Kellner company – in 1908, equipping one of their early luxury limousines with a set of bespoke luggage. Other coachbuilders quickly beat a path to Vuitton’s door in Paris. Made-to-measure Vuitton trunks were an integral feature of some of the greatest cars of the first part of the 20th century.The collaboration between Infiniti and Vuitton revives the idea of a set of the highest quality luggage made to fit exactly a car’s boot area. In Essence there are three rigid pieces: a matched pair of slender briefcases atop a large trunk. All are made in the new Damier Graphite canvas and feature sleekly integrated handles and an overall design in harmony with the car itself.There is hi-tech, too. A button on the key fob electrically opens the boot lid, allowing the boot floor to slide silently rearwards. This is one boot an owner will never have to struggle to access.In a nod at tradition, the cases even bear the initials of their owner – SN, standing for Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design.6. INFINITI: 20 YEARS OF PERFORMANCE CARSThe Essence has been 20 years in the making. For that is how long the essence of the marque – its very being, a distillation of everything that Infiniti stands for – has taken to reach its current state of perfection.The idea behind Infiniti was first discussed in 1985 but it wasn’t until November 1989 that the first Infiniti model was sold in North America. Today it is the fastest growing luxury brand in the US.But it is also far more than just a US brand. Today Infiniti has more than 230 dealers in 15 countries with worldwide sales of 150,000 annually.Infiniti’s success is down to many things, not least the “Dynamic Adeyaka” attitude behind every Infiniti model. When Adeyaka meets The Total Ownership Experience the result is the three pillars of Infiniti: driving pleasure, hospitality and peace of mind.All these values are perfectly summed up by Essence which is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show of 2009 not only to coincide with the marque’s 20th anniversary, but also in the midst of the brand’s current challenge: to take on the European market.

So what was the star of the 2009 Geneva Auto Show?

The show itself. The fact that in the face of all the troubles on the world economic fronts–with a special emphasis on the auto business–Geneva still put on a display of glamour, color and excitement. A few stands were dressed down, with Chrysler’s looking like a thinly spaced parking lot, though right next door its old partner Mercedes-Benz had a stand that looked like an overfilled lot. And just down a bit the aisle Rolls-Royce was showing its dandy-looking, BMW 7 Series-based 200EX. Amazing how that Rolls Phantom body shape, which is not all that attractive full size, can look quite good in a smaller size.

Aston Martin’s stand was overflowing. The DBS model goes open-top with a Volante version, while the small Aston is now full-bore with a V-12. On the first press day the stand’s big feature was the styling mock-up of the upcoming One-77 supercar next to a example of its carbon fiber-aluminum chassis, a delicious example of the engineering art, with the emphasis as much as the art as the engineering. For the second day, the big news–and we mean physically BIG–was the Lagonda concept. Based on a Mercedes GL chassis, the Lagonda is, let’s say, unusual looking.Lamborghini gave us its latest SV (SuperVeloce) in the form of a Murcielago LP 670-4 with all-wheel drive, while Ferrari presented the 599XX, which looks like a race car, but isn’t. A “select group of clients” will be able to buy the 522-kW V-12 carbon fiber technical laboratories to use on track days. Bugatti had a Veyron done in flat blue, while Bentley’s Continental Supersports has 463 kW, 799 Nm of torque on petrol or E85 and will get to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds…with all the luxury expected from a Bentley…but no rear seat.Of course Geneva is tuner heaven, from Louis Ruf to Alpina to Brabus, which this year also showed the Tesla electric sports car.There were the usual odd concepts, like the latest bizarro from Rinspeed, the iChange, which is electric, powered and has a body that adapts from one to three occupants. Giugiaro worked with Frazer Nash in England to create the Namir, claimed to be the world’s fastest hybrid. Mixing gas and electric motivation, it is said to get to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph.Dramatically slower and less exotic was Mitsubishi’s all-electric i MiEV Sport Air bean-shaped small car concept, while dramatically more desirable was Infiniti’s Essence grand touring car, which mixes a 434 kW 3.7-liter turbo V-6 with a 158-kW electric motor…and is quite attractive.Looking like a concept, but ready for delivery if you’d like one is the Zagato Perana Z-One. Built in South Africa, the Corvette LS-3 V-8 sports car will have a price somewhat under 100,000 Euros and 0-100 km/h in around 4 seconds.There was one other concept that drew great interest, but not the classic “oohs” and “aahs” from an appreciative crowd: BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept. Leaves one scratching one’s head in much the same way the X6 does.And then there are the real cars from super cheap (Nano Europa), to fun (Fiat 500C with its open roof) to quick (Mazdaspeed3) and economical (VW Polo). Ditto with the U.S.-bound Chevrolet Spark. And we can’t wait to drive a production version of the proposed Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA.So, what about Geneva 2010? Are we seeing a true firming of confidence or a last gasp…can the show be as glamorous, colorful and exciting a year from now?Here’s hoping…

Aston Martin Lagonda concept

Concept or production: Production, eventually What is it: The first fresh concept from Aston Martin in its (second) revival of Lagonda, timed to celebrate the British marque’s 100th anniversary. Highlights: Apparently, you can’t use Aston Martins all year round in some countries, and the luxury performance car maker thinks it is missing out on sales in these less-hospitable but sometimes quite cashed-up climates.

Re-enter the Lagonda, another Brit brand from the early 1900s that Aston has once before taken under its wing – though this was back in the bigger -is-better Eighties, and its shape and appeal was not as timeless as the DB Astons (though the 1993 Lagonda Vignale was not a bad attempt).The Lagonda concept is actually a crossover sedan built on a Mercedes-Benz GL chassis, and apparently able to tackle the sludge and snow of countries like Russia, where only Bond himself is brave enough to drive in the depths of winter.Ignore the stilts for increased wheel articulation, and the overall silhouette is quite stately, and maintaining luxury flagship musts like a huge V12 engine and 22-inch rims gives it some cred amid the Bentley and Roller crowd.Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said “The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future.”However, we cant help but think the vertical grille and impressive nose would look better on the prow of a cruise ship rather than the brow of a cruiser…Australia-bound: No.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the oldest and most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing.

The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda. Ultimately, Lagonda will be a strong presence in 100 global territories, vastly increasing the global brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.Reflecting its remarkable history, the brand 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.“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 new propulsion technologies, new materials and elegant forms, creating a functional luxury for the near future. Critically, the brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda will epitomise the intersection of craft, design and technology with Aston Martin’s established high performance expertise.The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance avant-garde luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out. The LAGONDA CONCEPT is a powerful four-wheel drive, four-seater car that will satisfy the most discerning and demanding owner.“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package.

Audi has made the second big luxury small car reveal at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with its all-new A3.

As a direct competitor the BMW 1-Series and new Mercedes A-Class, Audi has given the new A3 an 80kg reduction in curb weight and three new turbocharged engine choices including one diesel and two petrols.

The 2.0 litre diesel will produce 105kW/320Nm with a 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds while using 4.0 l/100km. The 132kW/250Nm 1.8 litre petrol engine reaches 100km/h in 7.2 seconds and uses 5.6 l/100km.

The new A3 will go on sale here in early 2013.