2012 Geneva Motor Show Coverage Preview

2012 Geneva Motor Show

Next week is the Geneva Motor Show, the first major event on the European auto industry calendar in 2012 and the 82nd running of the annual show.

For this year, a total of 180 world and European premiers will be presented by more than 260 exhibitors.

And, as with every year, visitors will be able to discover the latest technologies and see the new models from more than 30 of the world’s major automakers.

In addition, the winner of the European Car of the Year award will be named at the Geneva Motor Show for the first time, helping to consolidate the show’s position amongst the world leaders of international auto shows.

Once again, the Motor Authority team will be on hand in Geneva to bring you all the latest info and live photos, and there certainly will be a lot coming over the next several days as everything from high-horsepower supercars to zero-emission electrics are unveiled.

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect, and remember, you can get our latest updates direct from the show floor once the March 6 opening press day commences, via our dedicated show page.

Concept Cars

2012 Infiniti Emerg-E Concept leaked

Infiniti Emerg-E Concept: Destined to be one of the highlights of the show, Infiniti’s stunning Emerg-E concept combines a mid-engine, sports car body with a range-extended electric drivetrain. While Infiniti had attempted to drip-feed us details and images of the Emerg-E in the lead up to the concept’s Geneva debut, images have already surfaced online but we’re still waiting on the details. Could we be looking at Infiniti’s next halo model? We certainly hope so.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept: Apparently Land Rover thought there were enough buyers out there looking for a convertible crossover that it decided to build one, using its excellent Range Rover Evoque as the basis. The convertible maintains the original Evoque's key styling elements, such as its rising belt-line and muscular stance, but we’re still divided on whether this is a good route to take with the compact crossover.

2012 BMW M135i Concept

BMW M135i Concept: The M135i doesn’t only reveal the look of the new three-door 1-Series Hatchback from BMW, but it also confirms that BMW is at least considering an M Performance version of its entry-level model. It features a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine in conjunction with modified suspension technology and aerodynamic characteristics. BMW’s official spiel on the latest concept is that it offers attractive prospects for the further development of the 1-Series Hatchback. However, the automaker states that it also gives a clear signal for the expansion of the new product category of M Performance models.

Peugeot 208 Gti Concept: The latest generation 208 hatchback from Peugeot made its debut in Europe recently and now the French automaker is hinting at a sporty ‘GTi’ version with its latest concept. Power in the 208 GTi Concept comes from a THP 200 engine, which displaces 1.6 liters and develops a peak output of 197 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Matched to a six-speed manual transmission and driving the front wheels, the tiny engine will accelerate the 208 GTi Concept from 0-60 mph in around 7.0 seconds.

Pininfarina's Cambiano concept.

Pininfarina Cambiano Concept: Propelled by an electric motor at each wheel, the Cambiano is powered by batteries, a diesel-fueled turbine or both, giving the car a maximum output equivalent to 816 horsepower. It can also sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, on its way to a top sustained speed of 155 mph, and boasts a combined range of nearly 500 miles--not bad for a concept designed to celebrate a small Italian city.

Nissan Invitation Concept: This striking hatchback is Nissan’s latest concept and is called the Invitation. It’s described as a new compact hatchback to join the current Micra and Juke in the family lineup, and Nissan’s already got big plans for the small car, calling the Invitation its next mainstream B-segment contender. In other words, the Invitation is a concept in name only, as a very similar vehicle is planned for the U.K market beginning in 2013.

Hit the next page to see some of the performance cars that will be on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Performance Cars

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Ferrari will present its long-awaited successor to the 599 GTB Fiorano, the all-new F12 Berlinetta, the fastest and most powerful road car the automaker has ever built. Its engine alone is a masterpiece, delivering unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Peak output is 729 horsepower (740 in metric figures) and 508 pound-feet of torque, enough to rocket it from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and see it reach a top speed in excess of 211 mph.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Convertible: The latest addition to the Volkswagen lineup packs in all the performance of the GTI hatchback, and adds the pleasures of open-top driving for four, thanks to a convertible body and an electrically powered fabric roof that can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds, even while traveling at speeds of up to 18 mph. Unfortunately, with Volkswagen choosing not to offer the latest Golf Convertible in the U.S., it’s highly unlikely that a limited run of Golf GTI Convertibles would be. European sales start in the second half of the year.

Roding Roadster

Roding Roadster: One of the strange-yet-exciting vehicles set to debut at next week's event is the Roadster from Germany's Roding. The car features a removable roof, hence the Roadster name, and is essentially a two seat mid-engine sports car with a carbon fiber chassis and a powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine sourced from BMW. Peak output is 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which combined with a curb weight of less than 2,100 pounds should ensure rapid acceleration.

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG: With less weight, more power, and an advanced multi-clutch transmission onboard, there’s a lot to love about the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. It also doesn’t hurt that the car is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reaching a top speed (electronically limited) to 186 mph. The exterior would be the only quibble we have so far as it appears too similar to the standard SL. The changes include a new bodykit, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights, a custom sports exhaust system and an integrated rear diffuser.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse: Almost certain to be the most expensive car on show in Geneva will be the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse from Bugatti. Pegged as the fastest convertible on the planet, the stunning supercar is the result of combining the record-breaking Veyron Super Sport with the more lifestyle-oriented Veyron Grand Sport. The ultimate open-top Bug brings with it the full 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque of the Veyron Super Sport’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, though we don't expect it to match its 268-mph world record speed.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Aston Martin has prepared a subtle facelift for its V8 Vantage, though the updates are the most comprehensive changes made to the car since 2008. The car’s powertrain still consists of a 4.7-liter V-8 but peak output has been lifted to 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. You’ll be quick to note that those numbers are lifted from last year’s Vantage S. Further enhancements center on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which also gets a few items from the Vantage S.

Hit the next page to see some of the green cars that will be on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.

The Morgan E+ Concept. Image: Morgan Motor Company

Green Cars

Morgan E+ Concept: The classic style and modern performance combination of the typical Morgan might seem like an odd platform to launch an electric vehicle, but that's exactly what the company plans for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It'll even have a manual gearbox. That won't be the electric Morgan's only nod to the technology of the past, of course, with a retro-styled body to cover the high-tech innards.

Toyota FT-Bh Concept: The compact FT-Bh concept is a preview of a production-destined model from Toyota that the automaker boasts will produce up to 50 percent less CO2 than the class average for B-segment, or subcompact, cars. To achieve this ambitious goal, Toyota focused on five key factors when developing the FT-Bh: weight reduction, optimization of aerodynamics, drivetrain efficiency, thermal energy management, and power saving.

2013 Volvo V40

Volvo V40: Volvo’s long-awaited five-door C30 will debut next week in Geneva. The car will revive the V40 name that hasn’t been used on a Volvo since the early 2000s, however, the automaker’s latest entry in the compact class is ready to overtake the competition with a premium look, unique Scandinavian style, and sharpened features. The engine range spans everything from compact diesels to a high-performance turbocharged T5 five-cylinder engine rated at 254 horsepower and promising 0-60 mph times of 6.7 seconds. All engine versions feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
Rinspeed Dock+Go Concept
: Best known for its construction of oddball but impressive concepts like the James Bond-esque underwater sQuba and eXasis glass car, Swiss tuning and engineering firm Rinspeed is revisiting a previous theme with its latest concept, the theme of shape-shifting cars. Rinspeed will present in Geneva a special Smart ForTwo minicar that has a detachable cargo hold. Have the extra storage when it’s needed, and be able to discard it for more fuel efficient driving when it isn’t.

Hit the next page to see the rest of the cars that will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.