GENEVA, Switzerland - In the land of fondue, watches and secret bank accounts sitting neutrally in the smack-dab middle of Europe, the annual Geneva auto show usually delivers an interesting mix of new automobilia.
From the wacky custom houses (Rinspeed's eXasis), to the almost forgotten makes (Tata still makes cars?), it's fair game as to which carmaker does and doesn't show up at the Palexpo's ginormous halle.
Undoubtedly, Audi's elegant A5 and S5 GT coupé stole this year's show, but here are the remaining six vehicles that stood out pour moi:
Dodge Demon Concept
Amid all the Jeeps they had on display here, the most interesting Chrysler product had to be the Miata-fighting Dodge Demon.
It helps that like General Motor's Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, the Demon is the sum of off-the-shelf parts with Chrysler's global 172 horsepower 2.4-litre four matched to a six-speed manual the most obvious. However, Dodge has presented its share of small, affordable roadster concepts that get driving enthusiasts all hot under the collar, only to never to make it to the showroom floor ('97 Dodge Copperhead, '02 Razor, or '04 Slingshot concepts.
Want to see the Demon make it to production? Send your emails to Dr.Z himself at www.askdrz.com
Fiat Punto Abarth
Think the Mini Cooper needs a rival? The Fiat Grande Punto Abarth spearheads the rebirth of the Abarth name and a new "Scorpion" logo. A 150 h.p. 1.4L four-banger goes on sale this September, and later, an even more powerful 180 h.p. version that's twice the cojones as the base Grande Punto will be available--molto bene!
Guigiaro Vad.ho
The Vad.ho places the driver and one passenger underneath the fighter jet-style canopy and to one side of the car, opposite the same high-tech V12 used in BMW's Hydrogen 7. Me thinks the Vad.ho's designer, Guigiaro Junior--not his father, Giorgetto--maybe had a few Hot Wheels laying around the villa as a bambino, no?
From the wacky custom houses (Rinspeed's eXasis), to the almost forgotten makes (Tata still makes cars?), it's fair game as to which carmaker does and doesn't show up at the Palexpo's ginormous halle.
Undoubtedly, Audi's elegant A5 and S5 GT coupé stole this year's show, but here are the remaining six vehicles that stood out pour moi:
 |
| Dodge Demon Concept |
Dodge Demon Concept
Amid all the Jeeps they had on display here, the most interesting Chrysler product had to be the Miata-fighting Dodge Demon.
It helps that like General Motor's Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, the Demon is the sum of off-the-shelf parts with Chrysler's global 172 horsepower 2.4-litre four matched to a six-speed manual the most obvious. However, Dodge has presented its share of small, affordable roadster concepts that get driving enthusiasts all hot under the collar, only to never to make it to the showroom floor ('97 Dodge Copperhead, '02 Razor, or '04 Slingshot concepts.
Want to see the Demon make it to production? Send your emails to Dr.Z himself at www.askdrz.com
Fiat Punto Abarth
Think the Mini Cooper needs a rival? The Fiat Grande Punto Abarth spearheads the rebirth of the Abarth name and a new "Scorpion" logo. A 150 h.p. 1.4L four-banger goes on sale this September, and later, an even more powerful 180 h.p. version that's twice the cojones as the base Grande Punto will be available--molto bene!
Guigiaro Vad.ho
The Vad.ho places the driver and one passenger underneath the fighter jet-style canopy and to one side of the car, opposite the same high-tech V12 used in BMW's Hydrogen 7. Me thinks the Vad.ho's designer, Guigiaro Junior--not his father, Giorgetto--maybe had a few Hot Wheels laying around the villa as a bambino, no?
 |
| Guigiaro Vad.ho Concept |