Days before the Geneva motor show opens its doors to the
public on Thursday, a little bit of automotive history was being made
this week.
In a clever bit of PR, GM decided to drive one exhibit from its
European German headquarters and onto their stand where their
electrically powered Ampera will be one of the main attractions at the
saloon which launches the motoring scene for 2010.It's the electrically powered Ampera, strongly expected to be
built in Ellesmere Port from 2011.
|  |
It did the first 40 miles on its
battery pack but completed it with a continuous charge from its petrol
engine through the electric motors.
The 400 miles journey not only highlights the abilities of the car
which will be a significant model for Vauxhall, and GM in Europe, but
served to emphasise the presence of hybrid models on the Geneva show
stands.
Every major manufacturer is rushing out a new range of models which use
battery power to some extent and the rest of their model ranges are
getting eco-make-overs to stretch their economy as far as possible with
conventional petrol or diesel engines.
An amazing 116 new models will launch during 2010, and many of them will be on show for the first time in Geneva.
There’s everything from superminis to dream machines, along with
hybrids, concepts and electric cars as manufacturers develop ever more
efficient technology in the quest to boost their green credentials.
What’s certain is that there are some eye-openers and head-turners –
and if you think there isn’t much money sloshing round out there, then
how about this: performance marque Porsche will be lifting the wraps
off no fewer than four fresh models.
First though, what’s going to prove the star of the Palexpo extravaganza? |
| Lovers of exotica certainly won’t be disappointed with a
pair of Ferraris – the 599 GTO and 599 hybrid – on display along with
the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (right), 8C supercar and Pininfarina-designed Spider
plus the much heralded Lotus Evora Cup model and racy Carlsson C25. |  |
 | Jaguar is also getting in on the act with the latest evolution of its
supercharged XKR coupe (left) with top speed hiked from 155 to 174mph, some
bold styling changes and the arrival of a sultry Black Pack and fiery
Speed Pack. |
Far closer to the means of the car buying populace,
however, is the model tipped to wear the crown. It’s the new Audi A1
supermini, which hits the showrooms next autumn. Aimed at
pinching sales from the MINI Cooper, the promise from Audi is that this
(right) will be the sportiest and most upmarket car in its class.
And while
we’re on the subject of big sellers, they don’t come much bigger than
the Ford Focus, which the company is lauding at its first truly “world
car” and destined for US sales.
|  |
| The third generation Focus will be
seen on a European stage for the first time, the plan being for its
chassis to be used for up to 10 Focus variants in the next two years –
with a worldwide production capability of two million cars annually.
Look out for the new Focus estate or wagon derivative at Geneva. |
 | Production-ready models sure to attract their share of
interest are the next generation Nissan Micra and Juke compact
crossover that the Japanese car maker hopes will repeat the success of
its larger sibling the Qashqai. It is also showing its Leaf electric
model in final form. |
| | |
Renault is launching the Wind, a two-seater
coupe/convertible (right) likely to prove a serious rival for the established
Peugeot 207CC, along with the larger Megane CC. Expect them to also
hold back for an exciting reveal this week.
|  |
Peugeot is also showing its new coupe styled 5 and RCZ sportster and
you can predict Citroen will be pulling crowds onto its stand with some
style statements which it intends to turn into production models as it
rolls out its DS niche sub-series.
Still on the concept front, Rinspeed is showing its new small electric
car the UC, or Urban Commuter. It is said to have been specifically
designed to fit in a railway carriage for ease of movement between
cities and has a range of 75 miles. |  |
The Mondeo-sized Hyundai i-flow saloon concept will
showcase its innovative lightweight materials while Mercedes-Benz,
Vauxhall, Peugeot and Proton are among other manufacturers set to
reveal concepts.
And then there's the little Aston Martin Cygnet (right), but it will only be on
sale to existing Aston owners, and is the result of a collaboration
with Toyota and their Aygo city car. |  |
| | |
.gif){kind=small}