Check out this page to see what’s coming this year to the Geneva motor show or what happened the previous years. This is a great resource for those attending the show and wondering what are the must see!.
Way back in 2008, Pininfarina – a custom coach builder – took a look at the $400K Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Convertible and simply thought it just wasn’t good enough. So Pininfarina took this nearly half-million-dollar machine and created a one-off custom vehicle out of it. The maker then dubbed it the Hyperion, which was taken from an Ancient Greek Titan.
Much like its closest competitor, Bentley, Rolls-Royce has always been one of those car companies that you either loved or hated, mostly due to their gaudy exteriors and even more outlandish pricing. For those that love them, but just need a little something extra, there is no shortage of custom car builders that will customize them to your liking.
Despite the number of custom car builders modifying these ultra-luxury cars, none can touch the uniqueness and flashiness of the Hyperion. Pininfarina took special care to closely integrate a vintage look – taking styling cues from the 1930s and 1940s – with modern technology and feel.
This monster of a luxury car originally debuted at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It then made an appearance at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show before going off to its rightful owner, Roland Hall.
Let’s take a look at how the 2008 Pininferina Hyperion stacks up.
We haven’t seen a new Peugeot sold in the U.S. since the company pulled out of our market in 1991, and we will likely never see one again, despite their loose ties to Chrysler. This doesn’t mean that they don’t produce some cool cars, which they most certainly do. Another cool thing they do is take risks when it comes to marketing. This can lead to an absolute win or a complete loss.
This leads us to the all-new Peugeot 208, which is the European super-mini car that the automaker released as the XY Concept in Geneva. This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill super-mini, however, as it features an impressively modern design that takes the super-mini class to a whole new level. But we are not here to talk about the 208 and its deceptively large cabin, and ultra-low emissions diesel engines. Nope, we are here to talk about only one thing… Dancing!
That’s right, Peugeot it pulling out all the stops in advertising the new 208 with the release of the “Let your Body Drive” ad campaign. It features Marquese “Nonstop” Scott – a dancer who gained fame from a viral video – performing some sweet moves around a parking lot.
Little homage is paid to the 208, as the video centers around Scott’s dancing. It’s kind of similar to those blue jeans commercials that have more to do with a scantily clad person than the jeans themselves. The commercial is just there to get your attention and make you remember it. Ah, isn’t marketing cool!
So kick back and crank up your speakers, then watch the above video of something that would likely injure most of us. We think this one is an absolute win for Peugeot. Have a look at the car too; it’s really pretty cool… for a super-mini.
The history of the Aston Martin Vantage began back in 2005 with the unveiling of the V8 version. Then in 2009, the model expanded with the addition of a V12 version. After a series of technological updates received in 2008, the model has now been revised once again. The updated Vantage will be displayed this year at the Geneva Motor Show next to the recently announced Zagato version.
Most changes have been made to the V8 version, while the V12 model continues unchanged. For the V8 model Aston Martin has replaced the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission with a new seven-speed Sportshift one. Also, a series of updates have been made to the car’s chassis and a new braking system has also been added.
As for the exterior and the interior updates, most changes have been inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition and make the car looking more aerodynamic and sportier.
UPDATE 04/11/2012: Aston Martin has announced the US prices for the new V8 Vantage model. The coupe version will be priced at $118,370 while the roadster version goes up to $132,870. We are still waiting to see how much we will have to pay for the V12 version.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Aston Martin Vantage.
A major auto show isn’t complete these days without the presence of the supremest of all supreme super cars: the Bugatti Veyron. So it’s no surprise that Bugatti has taken to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to introduce yet another special iteration of the Veyron Grand Sport, this time called the Grand Sport Vitesse. In case you’re wondering, "Vitesse" translates to "speed" in our language.
Suffice to say, there’s really just one description apt for the Grand Sport Vitesse: it’s the fastest serially produced convertible in history. It’s hard to believe Bugatti can keep raising the ante to ridiculous heights with the Veyron, but they always seem to get the job done.
"Once again our engineers worked hard to demonstrate that Bugatti is able to constantly redefine the boundaries of what is technically feasible," said. Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer.
"We gave our all to transfer the achievements of the Super Sport over to the Grand Sport, thereby turning open-top driving itself into an extraordinary experience at high speed."
Judging from what they’ve created, we’re guessing that Bugatti is quite pleased with how the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse turned out.
UPDATE 04/11/2012: Bugatti has unveiled a very cool video presenting the new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse in action. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse after the jump.
The Lexus RX range entered the market back in 1998 and, in 2005, a hybrid version was offered for the first time. Now, the RX 450h has been redesigned for the 2013 model year with a new, more elegant and aggressive frontal design, as well as a new Sport mode, supplementing the full hybrid powertrain’s Normal, Eco, and EV (electric only) drive modes.
The new Lexus RX 450h has received a bold, elegant, and highly individual frontal treatment which was inspired by the latest generation GS sedan. Lexus has combined the trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille into just one element, while the lower grille now features horizontal bars and is finished in black. The rear lamp clusters have been redesigned with a stronger, more sweeping horizontal emphasis.
Under the hood, Lexus placed the usual 3.5-liter V-6 engine combined with two electric motors for a total of 295 HP. However, compared to the previous model, the RX 450h adds a new Sport mode that further improves the performance and dynamic ability of the RX 450h.
UPDATE 04/10/2012: Lexus has announced the US prices for the 2013 RX450h set to arrive in dealerships this month. The RX 450h FWD version will be priced from $45,910, while the AWD version will be priced $47,310, an increase of 1.5% and 1.0% respectively over the previous year.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Lexus RX 450h.
After two images were released two days ahead of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini has officially debuted the Aventador J, but not in concept form as previously suggested. The J is a fully functional sports car ready for road use. The bad news is that this will just be a one-off model that will ride off into the sunset with its new owner at the end of the Geneva Auto Show. "There is only one of them, no prototypes and no others for the Lamborghini Museum. The buyer can look forward to a truly unique, street-legal work of art."
The Aventador J is not the first one-off model offered by Lamborghini. This tradition began back in the 1970s with the unveiling of the one-off Jota - a Lamborghini Miura with improved performance and virtually redesigned in every detail. The car takes its "J" letter from the sporting rules of the FIA world motorsport organization: "Appendix J" defines the technical specification of race cars in the various classes.
The Aventador J’s exterior and interior meld into each other in an attempt to obtain a two-seat sport-bike effect. Elements like the climate control and nav systems have been removed in order to make the car faster. High quality materials also help in the speed department. Carbon fiber has been used for the car’s bumpers, the front air scoop, the winglets, and for that huge rear diffuser. Inside, the sports car boasts of seats covered in a new carbon fiber fabric called "Carbonskin."
Just like the standard Aventador, the one-off J version will be powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is capable of delivering a total of 700 HP. Top speed goes up to an impressive 186 mph - a little less than the standard Aventador, but the J has to take into account it’s missing roof.
UPDATE 03/15/2012: There’s no doubt that the Aventador J had an impressive presence at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, but how long did it took to create such a masterpiece? A year, half a year, a month, a few months? In an interview with Top Gear, designer Filippo Perini admitted that the Lamborghini team only needed six weeks: "It was the 14th of January that Mr Winkelmann asked us to do something for Geneva," says Perini. "A blank sheet. Do what you want. I drew up this car in a weekend..." Absolutely amazing!
UPDATE 04/22/12: For a car that was built for one customer, Lamborghini really spared no expense in the Aventador J. So much so that they even made a promo film for it. Check it out by clicking on the photo above.
Hit the jump for more details on the Lamborghini Aventador J.
It’s time to put an end to all of the rumors surrounding the future Bentley SUV by talking about the real deal. Bentley has unveiled the EXP 9 F at the Geneva Motor Show. This luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept previews the company’s third model alongside the Mulsanne and the Continental ranges.
The new EXP 9 F looks just how one would expect a Bentley SUV to look. The designers basically took the standard Bentley styling cues and hiked it up to an SUV level. It features Bentley’s famous matrix grille and round lamps, as well as an ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate and twin exhaust tailpipes.
The engine for the EXP 9 F, however, still remains a mystery. The concept was built with a 6.0 liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine under the hood, but the company says that, for the production version, both a 4.0 liter, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements.
UPDATE 03/06/2012: The new Bentley EXP 9 F has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, so here’s a series of live images to enjoy!
UPDATE 03/15/2012: Bentley has unveiled a very cool video presenting their press conference at the Geneva Motor Show. Hit the jump to watch it!
Hit the jump to read more about the Bentley EXP 9 F concept.
Ferrari has just dropped the first official details on the replacement 599. Up until now, the vehicle has been dubbed the F620 GT, but its official name is the F12berlinetta. The best part is that it is the most powerful high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched.
The new F12berlinetta was designed by the Ferrari Styling Center in cooperation with Pininfarina. It is said to be "a perfect balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions interpreting the typical elements of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way."
The F12 Berlinetta is powered by a V12 engine with an impressive output of 740 HP - an increase of 120 HP over the previous 599 GTB Fiorano. This increase in power also comes with a decrease of fuel consumption, specifically a 30% reduction. With a total weight of just 3362 lbs, the F12berlinetta will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, while top speed goes up to over 211 mph. Ferrari has also announced that the new model lapped the Fiorano circuit in 1:23, faster than any other Ferrari road car.
UPDATE 02/29/2012: Just a few hours after its official debut, Ferrari has unveiled an online configurator for the new F12 Berlinetta. So, go online and start playing with the colors.
UPDATE 03/13/2012: A few days ago, Ferrari released a video featuring the F12 Berlinetta in action and now they’ve released another video with behind the scenes details. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the new Ferrari F12berlinetta.
There was once a time when Alfa Romeo had a car called the C 52 that was appreciated for its exceptional aerodynamic qualities, earning itself the nickname "Disco Volante," or in English terms, "Flying Saucer."
That was back in 1952 and it’s safe to say that we haven’t seen a car quite like it since then. That is...until now.
In celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary, Alfa Romeo has teamed up with Italian coach builder, Touring Superleggera, to bring us a modern-day interpretation of the legendary C 52. This model, called the 2012 Disco Volante Concept, is based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. It carries a unique aerodynamic design and is built with carbon fiber and aluminum panels that should make its predecessor proud. And for those wondering if the Disco Volante Concept is just a novelty piece, not only does it carry a stout Maserati-sourced 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 450 horsepower, but there’s a good chance that we will see a number of units for this unique supercar out on the streets in the near future.
UPDATE 03/13/2012: Milan-based coachbuilder, Touring Superleggera, has unveiled a very cool promo video for their latest Disco Volante Concept. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Alfa Romeo Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept after the jump.
We absolutely just love talking about wagons that we’ll never get to see on our side of the pond. Wait, scratch that. It actually sucks to hear that Jaguar has finally unveiled the XF Sportbrake and Europe will be one of the few that will actually revel in its luxurious five door space. It’s not their fault that the British brand is going where the wagon demand is at its highest nor that we decided bigger was better before giving these in-between vehicles a chance, but we’re still a little envious.
The XF Sportbrake was supposed to make its world debut in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, but Jaguar decided to offer the first details one week before the actual event. While the car’s front is identical to the sedan version, the new XF Sportbrake is entirely new from the B-pillar and back. Under the hood, Jaguar has placed a range of four-cylinder 2.2-liter and V6 3.0-liter diesel engines with power going up to 275 HP.
UPDATE 03/13/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video featuring the car’s designers explaining all the little details that went into creating the stunning new wagon. Hit the jump to watch the video.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake.
