2009 Geneva Motor Show: Day One
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show is held each year in the brightly lit confines of Palexpo. Located in a city famous for diplomacy and international cooperation, it is the perfect setting in which to showcase new vehicles destined for automotive consumers around the world.
Several of the vehicles on display at this year’s show will never see the light of day.
Concept cars are generally a designer’s idea of what a vehicle should look like in a perfect world. The goal is to satisfy the needs and desires of an automotive marketplace while exploring the outer limits of design philosophy and sometimes good taste. It is then left to the engineers and accountants to sort out what works best from a production standpoint and ultimately satisfies the corporate bottom line.
Additional models showcased will only be offered for sale in places other than North America. One such vehicle launched here in Geneva is the Audi A4 allroad quattro. A ready-for-anything wagon based on the stunningly beautiful A4 sedan, it is considered by many on this side of the Atlantic Ocean the perfect automobile.
The automotive industry is in a constant state of flux and this year is no exception. Here are some of the highlights we experienced on day one of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet
It was expected the German automaker would introduce the aforementioned Audi A4 allroad quattro and Audi TT RS at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. But most of us were surprised when the 100 year old company rolled out the all new Audi S5 Cabriolet. It is definitely one of the most striking convertibles to hit the market in recent years, especially in bright red with white leather seats.
The Audi S5 Cabriolet features a 3.0L V6 mechanical supercharged engine producing 333 horsepower. Unique in today’s market, this cabriolet comes standard with a canvas top and not the collapsible hardtop found on most of its competitors. Audi claims increased trunk space as a result and a fully retracted roof in only 15 seconds. Several transmissions will be available at the initial launch, including a 6-speed manual, CVT and a new 7-speed S tronic.
Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS sounded intimidating as it reached center stage in Geneva. This is a significant accomplishment as in most cases 5-cylinder engines resonate with anything but a strong staccato. The powerful 2.5L motor produces 340 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque.
Featuring a fixed rear wing, the new Audi TT RS weighs approximately 3,200 lbs. Mated initially to a 6-speed manual transmission; zero to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 4.5 seconds. Designed for the performance driver in all of us, four-link suspension helps to tame even the wildest ride. Massive ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes along with 18” wheels and 245/45 high performance tires also assist in keeping the vehicle pointed in the right direction.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
You would probably never expect a taxi driver in New York City to pick you up in a Mercedes-Benz sedan or wagon. But such is the case in Europe as 4 and 5-door “Benzes” are as commonplace as the Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota Prius taxis we see in North America. Why? Most taxis here are diesel powered and no automotive company knows more about this proven technology than Mercedes-Benz.
The striking E-Class Coupe ushers in a new era of sophistication and daring for the already elegant E-Class range of automobiles. Designed with no B-pillars and rear windows that fully retract, the achievement of a 0.24 drag coefficient, (Cd) makes it the most aerodynamically proficient series-production car in automotive history.
Diesel plays a significant role in the launch of the E-Class Coupe here in Europe. The E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe powers with a two-stage turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the E 350 version commands the road via a direct injection V6 diesel engine.
In gasoline trim, the E 250 CGI features a 4-cylinder direct injection engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the E 350 CGI and buyers benefit from a fuel efficient V6 with 292 horsepower. For those in need of a serious power boost, the E 500 Coupe offers a muscular V8 engine with 388 horsepower. Great looks, plenty of power and Mercedes-Benz quality; your taxi awaits.
Volkswagen Polo and Polo BlueMotion Concept Car
One of my favorite games growing up as a child was Marco Polo. This was especially true when spending hour after summertime hour in my cousin’s enormous backyard. It was sure to put a smile on my face.
In a similar way, the new Volkswagen Polo has the potential to make car buyers grin from ear to ear. The fifth generation of this successful automobile made its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. From all indications, it appears the supermini class of automobiles will once again have serious competition.
Designed to achieve the latest 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, the new Polo is not only tough in a collision, but hard to beat at the gas pump.
Five engines will be offered at the outset in Europe; 3 diesel and 2 gasoline. Should the Volkswagen Polo be offered for sale in North America, initial production is sure to focus on gasoline powered engines. With that in mind, it can’t be overstated the time is right for clean diesel technology to be offered as well. Case in point, the Polo BlueMotion Concept Car showcased here in Geneva features a 1.2L TDI engine and the best fuel economy of any Volkswagen ever produced.
Efficient use of space is a Volkswagen staple and the new Polo doesn’t disappoint. Seats are extremely comfortable, as we experienced first-hand on the Geneva show floor. Steering wheel placement, visibility and dashboard ergonomics are also topnotch.
Exterior styling cues reflect the direction first taken with the Scirocco concept a few years back. While that sports car never made it across the Atlantic Ocean, our hope is the Volkswagen Polo will make its presence known in driveways across North America in the very near future.
More at the Show
Additional vehicles making an impact at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show included the new Volvo S80, BMW Concept 5 Gran Turismo and Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. The very attractive Hyundai ix-onic Concept established what we anticipate as the new design direction for the next generation Santa Fe.
European only vehicles of note included the Peugeot 3008, Seat Exeo ST and Fiat 500C, a convertible perfectly suited for driving on tight European roadways. Crowds also gathered for the launch of the new Renault Clio and Megane Sport Tourer.
Day one offered much to get excited about in automobiles. Day two promises even more and we will bring you the latest news and pictures as our coverage of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show continues.
