| |
|
|
|
Geneva Auto Show
|
| |
Geneva Auto Show: The Geneva auto show has two distinct flavors. On one hand
it's an automotive freakshow, with manufactures from around Europe displaying
one-offs and concepts that will never be seen again. Over 80 vehicles will be
making a world or European premiere, with the unveiling of the new Audi A5
coupe, a virtually undisguised BMW M3, two new Volvo wagons and many others.
Always an international show, Geneva today is intercontinental, as Asian and
American manufacturers now use it as a world stage to unveil concepts and new
products that entice not just Europeans, but the rest of the world.
Here's a quick look at two of the notable Geneva MotorShow sights;
|
BMW M3 Concept
It's a common question for people in this line of work: If you had to pick just
one car to drive, what would it be? Just as common an answer: The BMW M3. The
car isn't perfect, but it may be as close as we'll get in this world. The last
M3 was such a wonderful driving machine that it could make a grown man weep.
Now in Geneva, BMW is showing us a "concept" of the next M3, based on the
current 3 Series coupe and powered by a 400-plus horsepower V8. It also has a
carbon fiber roof, unique aerodynamics and styling, and the potential to start
a whole new round of waterworks among those who drive it.
|
 |
 |
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
Hybrids may be socially responsible, but they don't generally offer a lot of
driving fun. Honda intends to rectify that with its Small Hybrid Sports
Concept, a two-seat sportster of compact dimensions that promises to blend the
tree-hugging conscientiousness of a hybrid with the clearcutting
irresponsibility of enthusiastic driving. That in itself isn't a unique
concept; Toyota debuted something similar, albeit on a grander scale, at the
Detroit auto show. What really gets us interested in the SHS concept is its
shape: Short, squat, two doors and two seats, and front drive. Combine what we
see on the stage with rumors of the return of the CRX and, well, we just let
our speculative heads wander away with it all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|