2007 Geneva Auto Show Preview
Swiss show sees roadsters, coupes and concepts vying to be the big cheese. Switzerland has long prided itself on neutrality, so it makes sense that at the Geneva Motor Show, all manufacturers are on equal footing and look to put their best foot forward. This year is no exception, as manufacturers large and small will have significant concept and production car launches.
A surefire scene stealer will be the Dodge Demon, a 2-seat Miata-size sports car from one of the American units of DaimlerChrysler. Keen on establishing the Dodge name in export markets, the Demon is a follow-on to last year's Hornet B-class hatchback. Like that car, Demon is aimed squarely at the entry-level market with a projected base price of just $15,000. Based loosely on the same dimensions as the Chrysler Crossfire, the Demon is powered by a 173-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. While not barebones (the interior is nicely finished in stitched vinyl and brushed-aluminum accents), the Demon will make it into production only if a cost-effective way can be devised to build the car and sell it for thousands less than the competition.
Similar in concept, but from a highly unlikely source, is the 2-seat X-Bow sports car from motorcycle maker KTM. The first car in the company's 50-year history draws on its bike expertise. Tipping the scales at about 1500 lb., this lightweight sportster is powered by 220-bhp 4-cylinder engine from Audi. The lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis comes from race car builder Dallara and like the motorcycles built by KTM, driver and passenger of the X-Bow sit exposed to the elements in this barebones roadster.
