2006 Geneva Motor Show, Part VI

Henny Hemmes

1,880 views Mar 1, 2006

2006 Geneva Motor Show

2006 Geneva Motor Show Coverage by TCC Team (2/19/2006)

Saab Aero X Concept

2006 Saab Aero-X Concept

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2006 Saab Aero-X Concept

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2006 Saab Aero-X Concept

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Saab has a stunning surprise for Geneva crowds: the Aero X Concept. The study, Saab says, explores design themes and features we will see in future Saab products. The two-seater coupe has been designed under the guidance of Brian Nesbitt, Executive Director of GM Design Europe, whose first important design was the PT Cruiser. He later penned the Chevy HHR.

The Aero X Concept was inspired by the aviation heritage of Saab and has a cockpit canopy, like those on jet aircraft. The bold design has a sculpted tail that covers a twin luggage compartment with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath. Inside, there are no dials or buttons; Saab has used techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making to display data on glass-like acrylic clear panels in graphic 3D images. Interior and exterior lighting is LED-type.

The concept is equipped with a 2.8-liter BioPower V-6 fueled by bioethanol, which, Saab says, would cut carbon dioxide emissions. The V-6 is teamed to a seven-speed, double-clutch automated manual transmission. The engine has 400 hp and 369 lb-ft between 2000 and 5000 rpm, which in theory would thrust the concept car from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and give it a (limited) top speed of 155 mph. Active chassis management and all-wheel drive are featured, the latter with variable front/rear torque split. The body of the Aero X would be made of lightweight carbon fiber, Saab says. —Henny Hemmes

MINI Geneva Concept

2006 MINI Geneva Concept

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At Geneva , MINI is showing the fourth version of the concept car for a longer, roomier model, one that might be called Traveller or Clubman. This time, the concept celebrates the unbeatable Mini that participated in the Rally of Monte Carlo from 1964 through 1967.

Separately, a BMW spokesman more or less confirmed that we can expect the new MINI in September at the Paris auto show. The new MINI Cooper Convertible should appear in Los Angeles in November 2006, or in Detroit at the beginning of 2007. The production version of the Traveller likely will bow at the IAA show in Frankfurt in September 2007.

Another new model on the MINI stand in Geneva is the Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP kit. This version is some 110 lb lighter than the Cooper S with the usual gear. The car is based on the model that is used in the MINI Challenge race series that is popular in Germany and other countries. The race car has the 210-hp 1.6-liter engine of the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit. For the GP version the engine has been tuned to produce 218 hp. The car also features a sport-tuned exhaust system. With a sport suspension with stiffer springs and different shock absorbers, and with the help of a limited slip differential and 16-inch wheels, the sporty MINI will reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.