2008 Geneva Motor Show Preview
Geneva, Switzerland is a city filled with graceful architecture and classical history. As the setting each year for one of Europe’s most prestigious motor shows, the halls of Palexpo will once again resonate with the thump of metal doors and hoods closing and opening in rhythm to the sound of clicking cameras. It is a grand sight and one we look forward to each year.
The 78th Salon international de l’automobile Genève promises to be spectacular. Here are some of the show-stoppers we expect to see and other vehicles rumored to be making their worldwide and European debuts.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
Not your average car, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is designed for the very exclusive buyer. Someone whose salary or lottery earnings can justify what is expected to be a princely sum. Having witnessed a pre-launch by parent company BMW several weeks ago in Monterey, CA, I can attest to the fact this is truly a one-of-a-kind automobile.
Standout features include a fiber optic headliner designed to resemble a starry night sky. A long bonnet and large wheels help define the classic Rolls character. Opulent is the only way to describe the soft grain leather, real wood and magnificent chrome that pervades the interior cabin. Big city luxury condo owners would be taken aback by the lavishness. Multiple layers of paint, hand rubbed between coats, puts the finishing touch on this elegant coupe for the non-masses.
BMW M3 Convertible
What’s a guy to do? Driving full speed into the corkscrew at Laguna Seca two weeks ago in the new BMW M3 Coupe, the sun suddenly appeared from behind the clouds and I could only imagine how much fun a convertible would be on the same track. As if in answer to my miscellaneous thought, BMW plans to launch part three of their magnificent M3 series with the introduction of the much anticipated Cabriolet.
Under the hood resides a 4.0-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 295 lbs.-ft of torque. This is powerful enough to propel the new M3 Cabriolet to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, sure to ruffle even the most perfectly coiffed head of hair.
Suspension and brakes are significantly improved to compensate for the added power, while the interior package is pure BMW M glorious. A true driving machine, it should prove to be an instant success.
Maserati Gran Turismo S
Staying with the theme of luxury sports coupes, Maserati turns up the heat with a high-performance version of the Gran Turismo made distinctive with the designation “S”. Additions include a 4.7L V8 engine producing 440 hp coupled with 6-piston Brembo brakes for an unflappable driving experience.
The beautifully sculpted Pininfarina body receives minor changes designed to further accentuate the already gorgeous Italian profile. Standard 20” wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero tires. Sizes range from 245/35R20 in front, to 285/35R20 in back. Inside, Poltrona Frau Leather and Alcantara seats grab you in all the right places and hold on tight when the road gets twisty.
2009 Volvo XC60
Looks are everything it seems and Volvo is taking this seriously with the introduction of the 2009 XC60. Corporate comment suggests this to be the safest and best looking Volvo ever. The concept model displayed recently at the Canadian International Autoshow certainly did nothing to disprove either statement. It looked amazing!
Recognized as a maker of solid vehicles, Volvo is positioned to take on the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and the Japanese automakers in both areas of visual appeal and performance. Watch out players in the SUV/CUV market, the competition is getting intense.
Built in Ghent, Belgium, the new XC60 will feature a 281 horsepower, turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Instant Traction, it should have the necessary equipment to challenge all comers.
Much More to Come
Additional unveilings scheduled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show include the new Audi A4 Avant, a wagon for the 21st Century that looks impressive. Powered by an exclusive 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, North American versions will come standard with quattro all-wheel drive.
Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn will personally take the wraps off the 2009 Infiniti FX, showcasing the global aspirations of the brand. The top line version will be penned FX55 and features a 5.5L V8 with plenty of power in a typically striking Infiniti outer shell.
Of particular interest for European buyers should be entries from Fiat, Ford and a brand new Honda Accord. Worldwide attention will be extreme for an expected debut of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL and exquisite Alfa Romeo 8C Spider among many others. We’ll be in Geneva covering the show first-hand, so be sure to check back for daily updates and get all the latest news as it happens.
