The upcoming Geneva Motor Show will be the setting for the launch of Porsche's sixth-generation 911 Turbo. The new Turbo model will show up at the Palexpo in March, powered by a 480-hp version of the classic Porsche flat-six engine, up 60 hp in this edition. Porsche says the new model will zip to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds when also outfitted with the standard six-speed manual transmission - and even quicker with the six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, in 3.7 seconds or less. With either transmission, top speed is limited to about 190 mph. The Turbo will be available in Europe in the summer; U.S. plans and prices have yet to be announced.
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VW Concept A
VW will bring its new Concept A to the Geneva Motor Show as a concept crossover that could give away some details of the upcoming Marrakesh ute. The Concept A blends sport-ute with sportscar, VW says, from its chrome-framed grille on back. The four-door (the back doors are rear-hinged) has a sleek roofline that ends in a hatchback that's split into tailgate and liftgate sections. A soft top pulls back to open the cabin to the elements, and the Concept A rides on massive 20-inch wheels. Power for the concept comes from a 150-hp version of VW's new Twincharger four; a six-speed manual gearbox puts power through all-wheel drive. The concept could host a turbodiesel engine or the 200-hp FSI turbo four, VW admits. Inside, four bucket seats are surrounded in black patent leather; the console sports a Multi-Media Interface (MMI) like those on some Audi models.
Dodge is preparing to enter the European market with the Caliber and the Nitro. But there is more in the pipeline, perhaps something like the Hornet concept coming to Geneva . The Hornet is a concept car for a new small car, the size so popular in Europe . At 151.4 inches long, the Hornet would be exactly the right size for the class. The concept has a bold design and stands on 19-inch wheels - obviously not normal in this class. Under the hood is a supercharged 1.6-liter gas engine with 170 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque that, Dodge says, will thrust the Hornet from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
2006 Hyundai Genus concept |
Hyundai Genus
Hyundai's been active so far this year with concept cars. In Detroit the HCD-9 Talus was unveiled, as designed by the team of Joel Piaskowski, of Hyundai's Californian design center. In Geneva Hyundai will show the Genus, which comes from its European Design center in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The Genus is a concept for a premium crossover vehicle, a segment that is growing fast in Europe as it is in the U.S. Hyundai says the Genus combines the sporty driving qualities of a coupe and the practicality of a station wagon.
Kia Cee´d
2006 Kia Ce'ed concept |
Kia Motors will show the Cee´d concept car in Geneva. It is based on its successor to the Cerato that Kia will build beginning this December at its European assembly plant in Slovakia. The production model will make its debut in Paris in September. Although the concept car was designed as a teaser, it is pretty close to the production version of the upcoming car in the C-segment, which we saw during a peek preview inSeoul last year and which has been especially developed for the European market. The Cee´d has several design elements of the Sorento and the small Picanto, but with extended wheel arches and 19-inch wheels it looks bolder than the production version will be.
Kia Carnival
2006 Kia Carnival |
Kia will have two new production vehicles on stage in Geneva: a facelifted Sorento SUV gets an updated version of the existing 2.5 CRDi diesel engine, and a power increase from 140 hp to 170 hp. The existing 194-hp 3.5-liter V-6 will be replaced by a 3.3-liter V-6 with 235 hp. The most significant changes on the exterior are the reshaped headlamps and taillights. Kia has updated the interior and now uses better materials, while the rear seats are easier to fold down.
The Carnival is completely new and Kia will show its European version in Geneva. In North America this model is known as the Sedona, and comes for now in long-wheelbase form. The new Carnival is a short version that still will seat seven passengers. The third row has seats that can slide back and forth, independently of each other. Kia will offer the Carnival with both gas and diesel engines. The new shorter Carnival will emerge as a short-wheelbase Sedona in the U.S. later this year.
Colt CZC and EZ-MIEV
2006 Mitsubishi EZ-MIEV |
Besides the world premiere of the Colt CZC, Mitsubishi's small coupe-convertible, the Mitsu Concept-EZ MIEV also will bow in Geneva. The Japanese company describes the Concept-EZ as an advanced research concept that shows the long-term vision of the company in powertrains and in design. Mitsubishi developed prototypes based on existing models such as the Lancer Evolution, but the Concept-EZ is the first research concept that incorporates Mitsubishi's (patented) In-Wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV). Electric motors have been built in the wheel hubs, so that each wheel can be driven or braked separately. This way there is no heavy transmission, no drive shafts nor a differential. Apart from the low weight, the system also allows a lot of interior space and good driving qualities because of the better weight distribution. The four electric motors combined deliver 110 hp. The energy comes from the lithium-ion package beneath the floor. Drive-by-wire steering also allows more freedom for the designers, who created a flexible interior within the 146-inch-long car. Because the steering wheel is retractable and all seats are foldable, the car could also be used for "lounging."
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