2006 Geneva Motor Show, Part VIII

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

 

Porsche 911 Turbo

The only useful feature not included with Porsche’s new 911 Turbo is the name of a good lawyer. You might need one if you push the latest variant of the 997-series sports car to its limits. The Turbo adds another 60 horsepower to the last generation, while expanding the rev range in which it delivers peak torque. At 480 hp, the European-spec model will charge from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, or from 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h, or 194 mph for the metrically challenged. In a counter-intuitive bit of news, Porsche officials announced that the 911 Turbo, equipped with the optional Tiptronic automatic transmission is even faster, cutting about 0.2 seconds off the 0-100 time, and 0.6 seconds off the 0-200 time. The sports car features a four-wheel-drive system and Porsche Traction Management, which ensures variable power distribution to each axle.

 

 

Hyundai Genus

 

Hyundai is clearly intent on moving to larger, and more up-market segments, as the HED-2 Genus concept illustrated. Developed at the automaker’s European Design Center, in Russelsheim, Germany, the prototype suggests the direction Hyundai might take with a premium crossover vehicle in the not-too-distant future. It’s the European market’s fastest-growing segment, so it’s a clear must for the ambitious Korean manufacturer. The Genus is meant to deliver the practicality of a station wagon, with the sporty driving dynamics and emotional styling of a coupe.

 

 

 

 

 

Alfa Romeo Spider

 

There’s probably no model more iconic for Alfa Romeo than its classic Spider convertible, and the Italian automaker pulled back the covers, and the top, on a new version at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The two-seater was a clear favorite with the thousands of journalists and industry insiders who gathered for the annual event, a jury of 23 European automotive journalists honoring it as the 2006 Cabrio of the Year. The Spider will be offered with either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 3.2-liter V-6 engine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

 

Meanwhile, Alfa also introduced a new version of its popular 159 line. The new Sportwagon is designed to provide the flexibility and space of a wagon, Alfa officials said, while not sacrificing the driving dynamics of the 159 sedan. The Sportwagon is expected to be priced between 25,000 and 42,000 euros.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series

 

In the increasingly crowded automotive market, makers are targeting ever-smaller niches. But few can target as small a segment as Bentley, which brought a pair of special editions to the Geneva Motor Show.  The Continental GT Diamond Series adds an assortment of special features — and unique paint colors — to the sporty coupe, including 20-inch wheels and Bentley’s first-ever carbon ceramic brakes. A total of just 400 will be built in the coming year. But that’s mass-market compared to the Arnage Diamond Series. This version of the big Bentley sedan will feature diamond-patterned wood and a variety of external touches. Only 60 will be produced.