Let’s recount a few of this year’s Geneva Motor Show spectaculars. Some news worthy, some remarkable.
Italdesign has created the Parcour and Parcour Roadster, although they were controversial, they certainly did not disappoint. Powered by a 550 hp Lamborghini V10, the Parcour hints at a modern-day interpretation of the famed Lancia Stratos.
Everyone was celebrating something at Geneva. Koenigsegg has officially built 100 units over the past ten years (hence the Swedish word for ‘hundred’ – hundra). Along with the “standard” twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 1,040 horsepower, the commemorative one-off edition delivers hand-laid 24-karat gold leaf along the carbon body, including the exhaust, rear deck struts and coil springs. $1.6 million get it, hurry while supplies last.
The Spyker B6 Venator Concept, is a compact, 2-door mid-engine sports car that will offer the discerning driver of the highest standards a new choice, delivering a rare combination of heritage, design, performance and exclusivity. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept will begin production in early 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in autumn 2014.
The KTM X-Bow GT, fitted with a full-width windshield, a 281 hp Audi engine and a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, serves as KTM’s “commuter” car.
Chevrolet revealed the Corvette Stingray Convertible. With the same drivetrain as the Coupe, The Stingray Convertible is set to enter production in August of this year.
Ferrari not only took our collective breath away with the LaFerrari, but also slayed us with the Ferrari Sergio Pininfarina Barchetta. A tribute to the late Sergio Pininfarina and based on the 458 Italia, the striking one-off combines styling cues from earlier Pininfarina designs with modern design elements.
Wiesmann commemorated 25 years of existence with a gleaming red GT MF4-CS. a limited production high output version of the V8-engined GT.
One of the most highly anticipated cars on display at the Swiss show was the Rolls-Royce Wraith. Powered by a 623 hp V12, this coupe version of the Ghost is the most powerful and fastest Rolls-Royce ever built.
Beefed up with a menacing look, the 2013 Kia Provo Concept gave a glimpse at things to come in the Hot Hatch department of Kia’s future. Equipped with a hybrid drive train ; a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower that spins the front wheels and a 44 hp electric motor that can add extra thrust to the back rollers when necessary for simulated all-wheel drive There is also a “creep mode” that allows stealthy electric only travel around town. The interior is awash in carbon fiber. Black on black is the best description. Citroen, Volkswagen and Mini can rest well; Kia has no production plans for the tough looking little hatchback. Kia also made news with the Pro’Ceed GT, a hot hatch that shares the Provo Concept’s engine and is slated to fight Vauxhalls and Fiats. The Pro C’eed will come in two and four door variants, as will the C’eed from here on out.
The Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept, which was created students of the European Design Institute in Turin. Developed in just four months, the Gloria may inspire the long awaited ‘Giulia’ saloon. A new production-ready Alfa Romeo on display in Geneva was the 4C. The mid-engined, carbon-fiber sports car boasts a 240 hp turbocharged engine, which should allow for very spirited driving.
Built to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary Lamborghini made three special Veneno models which, by the way, have already been spoken for.
Maserati used the Swiss event to show the new Quattroporte and the hardcore MC Stradale version for the first time in Europe.
One of the oldest coachbuilders, Bertone broke out in force with the most interesting show car, the Aston Martin Jet 2+2 Shooting-Brake.
The Subaru VIZIV is a pure show car, and the four-seat crossover coupe’s drivetrain is suitably next-generation as well. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain system features a 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine mated to a CVT, and a pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels for a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. By going with motor-driven rear axles, Subaru says it has been able to provide larger rear-seat foot well and lower load floor. More excitingly, Subaru says its control systems allow for side-to-side torque vectoring for improved handling, and the system actually apportions more power to the rear wheels when the Viziv takes a corner.
Honda unveiled the Civic Tourer Concept vehicle at the Geneva and will translate into a production model Civic wagon for the European market. Some styling cues from the Euro Civic are evident, including the front fascia.
If the Adam Rocks crossover concept comes to market, it would add a masculine variant (much like VW’s 2013 Beetle) and increase the Adam’s appeal. Moreover, it would provide Opel with a unique selling point among minicars.
It proved to be a ground breaking year at Geneva. One which we won’t soon forget that will serve as the birthplace for automotive technologies to come.
