2009 Geneva Motor Show: Day Two
The anticipation of what might be revealed at any auto show is written all over the faces of the journalists and car company executives who attend these events each year. Crowds gather at press briefings throughout media days where necks crane and bodies strain to see the newest offerings. Between each vehicle reveal, small groups of what would normally be competitors can be seen discerning the latest trends in automotive design.
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show offered significant insight into an industry in turmoil. Questions about which automakers will prosper in an uncertain market and which one, two, three or more may not return to Palexpo next year was a hot topic. Here are several of the highlights we experienced walking the show floor on day two in Geneva.
Porsche 911 GT3
If ever a sports car was capable of making your heart skip a beat, the Porsche 911 GT3 is it. From the look on the face of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor for the State of California, it was easy to see the power this car has to dazzle. His smile and interest shown at a personal briefing by Porsche chief engineer, Wolfgang Durheimer was obvious.
Horsepower for the Porsche 911 GT3 is increased by 20 to a total of 435 bhp. Featuring a 3.8L flat six-cylinder engine, the ultimate 911 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and reaching 112 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Top speed is listed at 194 mph.
Exterior design elements, though similar to its predecessor, are radical nonetheless. The new look incorporates bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and improved air intakes and outlets. PSM Porsche Stability Management allows for individual tuning of the overall driving dynamics. Larger brakes, with ceramic discs as an option and lighter wheels further define the race potential of the new Porsche 911 GT3.
Chevrolet Spark
Hatchbacks are in! And speaking personally, it’s about time. The new Chevrolet Spark is the production version of the Chevy Beat concept first introduced in 2007. A clear winner with online voters, General Motors chose the same bright green color for display purposes here at the Geneva Motor Show.
Two small 4-cylinder engines will make their European debut in the soon-to-be-released Chevy Spark. The all-aluminum 1.0 and 1.2-liter gasoline engines generate 66 hp and 78 hp respectively. Fuel economy is expected to be excellent with CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km. Zero to 62 mph is achieved in 12.4 seconds.
Inside, storage room and passenger space is substantial for such a small car. Seats are comfortable with the rear folding flat for increased flexibility. Attitude is everything and the Chevrolet Spark appears to have what it takes to succeed in the competitive mini-car market.
Kia N°3 Concept MPV
Kia asks the question, “Do highly functional, compact cars really have to look like boxes on wheels?” The Nissan cube, Scion xB and interestingly enough, Kia Soul would mostly likely answer, yes!
Defined as a car packed with new ideas, the Kia N°3 Concept MPV showcases a seamless panoramic glass roof from the start of the windshield to the back of the roofline. Safety concerns aside, this is a concept vehicle after all, the feeling is one of openness and a brightly lit interior during the day, starlight at night.
Featuring a long wheelbase and high seats, it offers a spacious interior. Seat fabrics have the appearance of floating above the floor. Radiant in gold, their appearance is inspired by shiny sportswear material. Unlike many concept vehicles making their way on stage, the gauges are simplistic in design, easy to read and for the most part functional.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
The 48-valve, 6.0L V12 engine found under the hood of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage provides 510 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,750 rpm. Top speed is rated at 190 mph, making this the fastest and most competent Vantage model to date.
Aston Martin cars have a strong, aggressive presence on the road. New for this model are quick-to-react Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and standard carbon ceramic brakes. Interior refinements offer Bond-like sophistication and inviting, highly refined seating for two. Options include lightweight seats, helping reduce overall weight and improve what is already a dream drive.
Bentley Continental Supersports
If the words, “extreme” and “Bentley” seem somewhat counterintuitive, you don’t know how serious this English automaker is about making powerful cars. Developed in secret, every conceivable effort was made to shave weight (a total of 243 lbs) with the ultimate goal of achieving a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Nothing was spared, even the floor mats are constructed of a new, lightweight material.
Zero-60 mph is achieved in a mere 3.7 seconds. Stepping on the gas pedal releases a total of 621 bhp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Should you happen to be at a destination where bio-fuel is available, the Continental Supersports is ready. The first Bentley to offer FlexFuel technology, the extreme of this fine automobile also extends to the gas pump. Bioethanol, gasoline, or a combination of both helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70%.
Exterior styling cues include dual hood vents, a new rear lip spoiler and wider tail pipes. Featured in Geneva with glistening white exterior paint, red leather sport seats and shod with exclusive 10-spoke alloy sport wheels, the Continental Supersports is a show-stopper extreme.
Hyundai ix-onic Crossover Concept
The aggressive Korean automaker, Hyundai, continues to dazzle with its latest offering, the ix-onic crossover concept (pronounced “ik-sonnik”). Designed to reflect a new attitude in 4X4 SUV’s, it captured the attention with bright blue colors both inside and out.
Created by German designers specifically for the European market, it is the first Hyundai vehicle to showcase the 1.6L 4-cylinder GDi engine. This eco-friendly power plant features 175 horsepower and emits only 149 g/km of CO2. A double-clutch 6-speed transmission directs power to the road via intelligent all-wheel drive.
Inside, design elements demonstrate seating for five wrapped in silky cream-white leather. Cashmere floor mats trimmed in blue are matched with “ice blue” seams throughout the interior. Chrome accents instill a luxurious feel to what many consider the ideal sized SUV for the 21st Century. Rumors indicate the ix-onic crossover concept as the design direction for the next generation Hyundai Santa Fe.
Conclusion
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show was in many ways, predictable. Always a favorite and sure to excite, this year’s demonstration of new vehicles was nothing short of breathtaking. Even in these turbulent times, the future for automobiles is exciting.
The option to go mobile at any time is a pleasure we all enjoy. While questions remain as to which automakers will be at next year’s show, there was no shortage of new vehicles to appeal to buyers in any price range. Next on our list of events is the New York International Auto Show in early April. As always, we’ll be there offering the best in coverage. See you then!
