2010 Geneva Motor Show Preview
It’s not even Spring and already 2010 has seen a huge NAIAS and Philly Auto Show – but the mother of all European events is coming, and Automopedia is here with a Geneva Motor Show Preview. The Americans got their say and now it’s time for all of Europe and Asia to pimp their rides. Peugeot, Nissan, Opel and Toyota are coming to Geneva, get the convention ready.
Viva La France! Citroen DS3 comes with Peugeot’s 5
You can pretty much guarantee Peugeot and Citroen will have giant presentations at this year’s Geneva Show. Already confirmed are the introductions of two huge releases. Citroen has their popular DS3 morphed into a racing limited edition. This means an upgraded output of 30% more power from its 1.6 liter engine and an almost 200 hp rating.
5 by Peugeot is another French inductee to the show. This concept features a 200 bhp engine and sets a standard as the auto maker’s latest “all-wheel drive luxury sedan that comes with the French brand’s Hybrid4 technology.”
Ze Chermans – German Engineering in Geneva
Germans have always been welcomed in Geneva (too soon for a WWII joke?) and 2010 is no different. BMW brings their highly successful X6 performance kit to the event, and with it a slew of options. New aerodynamics accessories will be available, which include new front and rear bumpers, and side sills all in body color. Also available is a front grid, rear fins, and rear spoiler. BMW is also offering 21-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels. xDrive50i and xDrive35i engine options are also available.
Volkswagen has their Europe-only CrossPolo hatchback ready for the auto show. This new design idea from the maker of Beetles and Passats may signal a new angle taken be their engineers. Revealed just prior to Geneva’s event, the CrossPolo contains a total of six engine derivatives including a 1.2 TSI with 77kW (105hp) and a 1.4-litre making 63kW (85hp). Diesel fans will get to enjoy the 1.6 TDI in several power configurations such as 66kW (90hp) and 77kW (105hp).
Geneva’s Asian Invasion, featuring Nissan and Toyota
Nissan has teased us with the Micra and other possible sub-compacts since last year. They now promise to introduce the first Nissan “city car” in Geneva. The car is based on an all-new V Platform and features an entirely new power train. This includes a new 1.2 liter, 3-cylinder engine and a newly developed CVT (continuously variable transmission) that provides for a lot of flexibility for such a small power plant.
Toyota, who has come under an intense amount of doubt lately with their “pedals sticking and killing people” troubles they’ve decided to bring 4 new concepts to Switzerland. This includes Rav4, their long awaited Prius plug-in, Auris HSD and FT-86. Showing all your cards, Toyota? We’ll save judgment for after March 14th.
The Hybrids from Opel & Italdesign
Now, you just cannot have a proper auto show without hybrid cars these days. Opel has their Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E ready and waiting. The extended-range hybrid car will be capable of a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under nine seconds, with a top speed of over 200 km/h (124 mph). Opel did not specify the electric motor’s kW rating, but did note that it provides 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. Nothing was revealed about the car’s engine. All-electric range on the car will be around 60 km (37 miles), close the US 40 mile desired rating.
And finally don’t forget about Italy. First, Fiat takes over a major American auto maker and now the Italians are bringing on hybrid technology. Italdesign Giugiaro is owner of the Proton Hybrid concept, and has joined with a Malaysian firm (also called Proton) to create a line of environmentally friendly cars. The five-door concept will debut along with their highly-anticipated concept for the Alfa Romeo 159.
That’s it for now car fans – be sure to check back as we cover the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, March 4th through the 14th. Pics, Specs via WorldCarFans
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