Official Thread: 2008 Geneva Auto Show

mikeyb

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01 BMW 325xi Touring
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<!--endclickprintexclude-->2008 Geneva Auto Show Introduction


As the first international auto show of the year, the 2008 Geneva Auto Show is guaranteed to feature plenty of notable world debuts. And it's not just the latest from BMW and Mercedes either, as the Geneva auto show is known for its showcase of international designers who bring their latest concept cars to gauge public reaction.

The legendary Pininfarina design house will unveil its Sintesi concept, a car it says combines "sportiness and functionality." On the manufacturer side, we'll see the world debut of not only the 2008 BMW M3 Convertible but also what BMW calls its progressive activity vehicle. The refreshed Mercedes-Benz SL is also expected to make its world debut, along with the all-new 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. A new Mitsubishi Prototype S concept is also expected, as well as the 2009 Volvo XC60.

CONCEPTS

2008 Rinspeed sQuba Concept
BMW EfficientDynamics concept
2008 Hyundai HE-5 Concept
Lotus tri-fuel concept
Opel Meriva
Saab concept
SEAT Ibiza concept

NEW VEHICLES

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63
2010 Ford Fiesta
2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
Infiniti FX
MINI John Cooper Works
2009 Volvo XC60

NON-U.S. VEHICLES

BMW 320d Convertible

BMW 125i Coupe
Fiat 500 Abarth
Ford Kuga
Honda Accord
Land Rover Defender SVX
Mazda2 three-door
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Peugeot 308 wagon
Renault Koleos
Skoda Superb
Subaru diesel
Volkswagen Scirocco

Stay tuned for updates and info.......
 
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Subaru At Geneva

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Press Release

The Worlds First SUBARU BOXER DIESEL debuts with the Legacy/Outback

Tokyo, February 8, 2008 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show slated for March in Geneva, Switzerland (Press days: March 4 and 5; Open to the public from March 6 through 16).
FHI will present the Subaru Legacy and the Outback, which are outfitted with the companys unique Subaru Boxer Diesel and due to be released into the European market ahead of other parts of the world. In addition, models to be exhibited include the new Subaru Forester, which will make a debut in Europe, and the Subaru G4e Concept and the Subaru R1e electric vehicles as environmental-friendly solutions. FHI will hold a press conference at the Subaru booth at 14:30 March 4, 2008. Ikuo Mori, FHIs President and CEO, will be present to speak with the media
1. Subaru Legacy/Outback 2.0D

FHI applied the worlds first Horizontally-Opposed Diesel Engine Subaru Boxer Diesel for passenger vehicles to the Subaru Legacy and the Outback. For the two models, the Subaru Boxer Diesel is mated with Subarus unique symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) to achieve driving performance standards only Subaru is capable of. These standards include high-level stability and outstanding acceleration thanks to powerful low- and medium-speed torque.
On top of this, the two models adopt new electric power steering to achieve both improved fuel efficiency and fun to drive. They not only comply with the Euro 4 emission regulations, but realize top-level fuel economy for AWD passenger vehicles, thereby integrating driving performance into the environment.
Subaru Boxer Diesel: Features

The Subaru Boxer Diesel takes advantage of high rigidity of the horizontally opposed engine. It uses an aluminum-alloy cylinder block. With its engine width equivalent to that of a horizontally opposed petrol engine of the same displacement volume, it is 61.3-mm shorter in length, achieving top-level lightweight and compact design of the class.
Its unique layout allows the right and left pistons to negate each others inertia. This translates into smooth rotational balance, low vibration and superior quietness. Furthermore, thanks to excellent accelerator response, and with reduced friction and inertia resulting in smooth acceleration, the Subaru Boxer Diesel features engine characteristics worth the name of a sport diesel.
Subaru Boxer Diesel: Main specifications

  • Engine type: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel
  • Displacement: 1998 cc
  • Maximum output: 110 kW (150 PS)/3600 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgfm)/1800 rpm
  • CO2 emissions: 148 g/km (Legacy sedan)
  • Fuel injection system: Common rail type
  • Turbo type: Variable nozzle turbocharger
2. Subaru Forester

The new third-generation Subaru Forester, developed under the concept of Best Package for Active Life, will make its debut in Europe. This is a crossover SUV, a pure Subaru product, which provides all its passengers with ease of use, comfort and safe and pleasant driving. The 2.0-litre model will be available on the European market*. *Distribution of the 2.5-litre turbo model is limited to some distributors.
3. Subaru G4e Concept (Concept car)

The Subaru G4e Concept is a concept car that envisions a future form of an environment-friendly electric vehicle. Contrary to the traditional perception of the electric vehicle being heavy and cramped, the Subaru G4e Concept adopts a packaging that can accommodate five passengers. This is achieved by storing batteries underneath the floor, expressing an image of heading toward the future through its triangle-shaped exterior design. Thanks to its next-generation lithium-ion high-performance batteries and reduced weight, the Subaru G4e Concept is expected to travel 200 kilometers per charge.
4. Subaru R1e (Display model)

FHI aims to commercialize the Subaru R1-based Subaru R1e electric vehicle as a city commuter. A total of 40 units have been used for business activities by its joint development partner Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to date. FHI plans to test-market around 100 units of EV during 2009 in Japan. This electric vehicle can be fully charged in eight hours on a standard household current and an 80 percent charge is possible in 15 minutes using a quick charger.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Source: Subaru
 
Volvo XC60 World Premiere at Geneva

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Charismatic crossover

It is official. We had heard the rumours and it really wasn't a big shock, but today Volvo announced that their brand new Volvo XC60 crossover will make its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 4.
The Volvo XC60 Concept was first shown at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show (Jan 2007) and has since then only been spotted a few times. But a few times is enough for our Photoshop expert to extract plenty of information to work with, resulting in the attached computer rendered image.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Source: Volvo
 
Nissan Lineup For Geneva Announced

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Press Release

Source: Newspress

Three stars on display showing Nissans commitment to passionate performance, design, innovation and technology: GT-R New Murano Pivo 2 GT-R The hotly anticipated Nissan GT-R represents Nissans passion for cars and driving, providing exceptional performance thanks to its all-new 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine. Producing 353kW (480PS) and 588Nm, which is transmitted to its four wheels through one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems ever developed, via a transaxle mounted dual-clutch, paddle-shift operated gearbox. Driver adjustable suspension, gearbox and stability control settings tune the GT-Rs dynamic characteristics according to the conditions or preferred style of driving. This adaptability reinforces the central philosophy behind the GT-R; the supercar for anyone, anytime, anywhere. While the GT-R is as happy to drive sedately in an urban environment, its impeccable sporting credentials have been underlined by its lap of 7m38s at the legendary Nordschleife [Nrburgring] circuit in Germany, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a production car.

Sales of the GT-R will start from March 2009 and European prices and specifications will be announced at the show, as will details of the network strategy to support the cars sales and service.

New Murano The all-new Murano will build on the success of the existing model by offering more style, more refinement, improved performance and greater interior comfort and space.

One of the most distinctive models on the market, the current Murano has carved itself a position as a dynamic and striking crossover which represents a real alternative to road-based SUVs.

The new model continues that trend, thanks to its unique mix of strength, security and all-wheel drive reassurance normally found in an SUV, combined with the dynamic performance and striking appearance of a sporty passenger car.

Externally the second generation Murano shares obvious DNA with the original and the signature upswept rear side window line is retained, but taken altogether the changes are comprehensive; indeed, every body panel is different.

Inside, there is greater comfort and refinement particularly for rear passengers as well as more equipment and a greater sense of travelling in business class.

Murano continues to be powered by Nissans familiar 3.5-litre VQ engine which has been revised to offer improved performance. Now developing 265PS and 325Nm (240Ib ft) of torque, the 24 valve twin cam V6 provides better performance against the stop watch and at the fuel pumps.

Improvements have also been made to the Muranos Xtronic CVT transmission, which represents a major evolution of the technology. Extensively re-engineered with a 20 per cent reduction in friction losses, the new CVT improves fuel economy at the same time as improving shift speeds and responsiveness.

And Murano will be the first model in Nissans European range to be available with the companys Scratch Shield Paint which protects the exterior from marks and scratches typically sustained in everyday life. The paint repairs the marks thanks to a newly developed highly elastic resin that helps prevent the scratches from damaging the base layer paint.

Sales of the new Murano will begin in Europe in October.

Pivo 2 Pivo 2 represents the other end of Nissans passion for cars, which can be characterised as friendly, innovative and design-led. It represents a commitment to finding new, innovative and bold solutions for future generations of motorists.

Pivo 2 is a zero-emissions vehicle propelled by four small 3D disc motors in each wheel and powered by advanced Super-Thin Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The driver can always face the direction of travel as the cabin rotates 360 degrees and each wheel has 90 degrees of movement, meaning parking manoeuvres can be executed easily.

Entrance to the cabin is via a single, front-mounted door which also houses the major controls. Operation is made possible thanks to X by Wire technology, meaning that the steering and other mechanical linkages are replaced by electronic signals to operate Pivo 2s drive systems.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Source: Nissan
 
Saab 9-1 Concept

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The Saab 9-1 Concept is based on the Opel Astra platform, and will be pitted against rivals such as the BMW 1 series, Volkswagen Golf and Volvo C30. Power is expected to come from a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and, as always at Saab, a BioPower version will be available too.
 
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Hyundai's announced what it's bringing to the party in Geneva, and it sounds like quite a bit. First up is the HCD-5 concept, a wedge-shaped doorjam of an MPV that apparently boasts good fuel economy, seats for six (from Recaro, based on how the announcement reads), and other features cooked up by some big industrial partners. The automaker will also unveil a restyled version of the Euro-market Matrix MPV (not to be confused with the USDM Toyota of the same name) and debut a new equipment package designed to cut vehicle emissions by up to 29% and encourage increased fuel economy. Details are scarce, but we'd have to guess that it's something akin to the Efficient Dynamics approach used by BMW, which can be applied across the range of vehicles. We'll know more in a few weeks when the gang arrives in Geneva.
 
Chevrolet Aveo 3-Door World Debut at Geneva

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he new Chevrolet Aveo with 5-doors hasn't even gone on sale yet, sales start this March, and Chevy Europe is already extending its compact class range. The three-door variant will be following the five-door to dealerships by a few months, with sales expected to commence in June. The new Chevrolet Aveo has an all new exterior design, new interior and more efficient engines than its predecessor. There will a choice between two engines, a 1.2 liter 84 hp engine and a 1.4 liter unit putting out 101 hp.
Last year at the Geneva Motor Show Chevrolet started a design contest called Young? Creative? Chevrolet! and this year the winning outfit from the fashion category will be worn by the Chevrolet hostesses on the stand. 20-year old Lea Schindler designed the dress.
 
Infiniti FX To Bow In Geneva

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Press Release

A NEW LUXURY BRAND AND AN ALL NEW PERFORMANCE CROSSOVER TO LAUNCH AT THE 78TH INTERNATIONAL GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
Infiniti and its range of performance sedans, coupes and crossovers has been in existence for almost 20 years. 2008 and the 78th International Geneva Motor Show marks the brands introduction into Western Europe, the toughest luxury market in the world.
To celebrate this important milestone, Infiniti will use the show timing to stage the global premiere of the second generation of the iconic FX performance crossover. Never before has a new Infiniti been revealed outside of the US.
Infiniti will also unveil the rest of its line-up of performance cars, tailored for the European market: the V6 powered G Sedan, G coupe and EX coupe crossover. This portfolio of products will be launched across Europe, together with the second generation FX, from October 2008.
The V8 powered Infiniti FX will be revealed away from the motor show on the night of Tuesday 4th March 2008 at a private ceremony attended by Mr Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
 
Toyota IQ & Urban Cruiser

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Toyota to present two new additions to its small car line-up at Geneva Motor Show

* World premiere of Toyotas revolutionary new iQ urban car
* European premiere of Toyotas new small SUV, the Urban Cruiser

At the Geneva Motor Show, Toyota will unveil the production design of its all-new small car Toyota iQ. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, iQ will go into production during late 2008.

iQ represents a break-through in compact urban transportation. For a first, up to three passengers can be comfortably seated in a compact urban vehicle at sub three metres in length, and additionally have enough area to accommodate a child or luggage.

The spaciousness of iQ is a result of its ingenious packaging, which was created by six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a revolution in Toyotas automotive vehicle development.

Infused with Japanese design elements, iQ is a radical change in vehicle design as well as environmentally friendly transportation, and away from the belief that small cars are basic and less safe.

Toyota also uses the Geneva Motor Show to present a new extension of its sports utility vehicle line-up into the small car segment: Toyota Urban Cruiser.

This new Toyota is an environmentally responsible small SUV aimed at the urban all-roader market. It provides an answer to consumer desires for SUVs but with low fuel consumption and low emissions.

In addition, Toyota will also show its latest advances in urban environmental transport solutions, a Plug-in Hybrid prototype as well as two concept cars: the Toyota 1/X Plug-in Hybrid concept in combination with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, and the i-Real personal mobility concept
 
Lamborghini LP550

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The Lamborghini Gallardo has been around in its current guise without any major facelifts since its launch in 2003. The car still looks dramatic and modern and has aged well, but parent company Audi has been feverishly working away at the Gallardos V10 and in various forms has been implanting it into its A8 and A6 models with resounding success. Could a revised V10 find its way into the heart of Gallardo for Geneva?

The Superleggera edition brought with it lower weight and a tweaked 5.0 L V10 that produced around 522bhp but this was more of a special edition rather than a thoroughly re-worked model. We understand that Lamborghini may be preparing a LP550 version of the Gallardo which would use a 5.2 L FSI version of the V10 to produce somewhere in the region of, you guessed it, 550bhp, up on the standard cars 520bhp. It would back this up with an improved torque figure of 530Nm verses the standard cars 510Nm

Rumours abound in the run up to major motor shows and Geneva is no different. This rumour however seems to make a lot of sense when you think it through. Motor manufacturers are always trying to cut costs via streamlining and parts sharing and it would seem odd for Lamborghini to continue to use the 5.0 L version when Audi are using the 5.2 L. Roll on Geneva.
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Lorinser Nardo3

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rman tuner Lorinser has released details about their plans for the Geneva Auto Show, where they will introduce the Nardo3 and the C-Class T-Model.

The C-Class T-Model is based off of Mercedes’ C320 T CDI and comes with a special Lorinser diesel module, tuned to deliver 192 kW/261hp instead of the 164 kW/224hp delivered by the standard model. It also features an aerodynamic styling package and 19-inch wheels.

Using the Mercedes SL as a platform, the Nardo3 pushes the biturbo V12 to create 485 kW/660hp and 1013 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 325hm/h to prevent damage to the transmission. Exterior differences include a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust, unique wheels, extended side skirts, modified side vents, and a new front end. Production will be limited to 50 copies.

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2008 Ford Kuga

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When Ford introduced the Iosis X Concept back in 2006, it proved that the Blue Oval's European Kinetic design language could transfer over to a CUV remarkably well. And when the Kuga Concept made its debut in Frankfurt, it was obvious that much of what made the Iosis X such an eye-catcher would come to the production model. It's done just that and Ford will be pulling the wraps off its first CUV in Europe next month in Geneva.

The Kuga CUV is based off the C-car platform that underpins the C-Max and Euro-Focus (also our Mazda3 and Volvo S40/C30), and is motivated by Ford's 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. 136 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque can be sent to either the front wheels or all four depending on the model (Trend or Titanium, respectively) and the Kuga comes standard with ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Inside, Ford boasts a handsomely outfitted cabin, with seating for five and a 60/40 split rear seat that offers a bit of practicality alongside the Kuga's style.

As much as we'd like to bemoan the fact that Ford is still offering products abroad that we think would do wonders for the marque here at home, we can only hope that Mr. Mulally's plan to globalize Ford's lineup happens soon and sends over some of the Kuga's mojo.
 
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