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Gumpert, courtesy of Jalopnik
The 81st Geneva Motor Show opened to the public today, with a 170 piping hot new cars to draw visitors to the floor. This is Switzerland after all — the land of fondue, ski slopes and watches, a culture steeped in money, neutrality and discretion. Showy super cars and clean green automobiles shared the red carpet.
Jerry Garrett summed up the mood of the show — which ranges from manic motors to cool, more subdued green offerings in the New York Times:
Is a greener future just around the corner for the automobile? Or is it last call — and while you're pouring, let's make it a double — at the horsepower party? It is a bit difficult to make broad generalizations at the show, which opened Tuesday for media previews, since an estimated 170 vehicles are being introduced here. But there are some real eyebrow-raising offerings. At least a dozen vehicles making their debuts produce more than 500 horsepower and cost well into six — and even seven — figures.
Jaguar XKR, Courtesy: Auto Evolution
Perhaps this broad range makes sense in a country where three languages —French, German and Italian— are officially sanctioned.
Cars you haven't heard of that only people on Forbes list of billionaires can afford: The German-made Gumpert Tornante, with a fat $500,000 price tag; Spain's $950,000 GTA Spano; the $1.5 million Pagani Huayra from Italy, and the Swedish-made Koenigsegg Agera R. The Agera has the odd allure of a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 pushing 1,115 horsepower, using bio fuel. The floor model was already swept up by a Scandinavian businessman for more than $1.62 million, the New York Times reported.
Image by AFP/Getty Images via @daylife
Luxury was represented from the Ferrari FF to the first electric car from Rolls-Royce, the 102 EX. The virile Jaguar XKR-S that was unleashed is touted as the most powerful Jaguar ever with a top-speed of 186 miles per hour. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is the brand's new flagship, replacing the Murcielago. The Aston Martin Virage and Alfa Romeo 4C are also newcomers to the pricey car party. Saab's Phoenix concept turned heads, prompting design fundamental discussions, as the brand pushes forward.
The Green Car Pavilion includes 40 cars boasting alternative fuels and electric technology — for good reason. Edmunds reports that gas in Switzerland is $7 per gallon and highlighted the Land Rover plug-in diesel, the BMW ActiveE 1 Series, the Nissan eSFlow, the Porsche Panamera Hybrid S and the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid among the notable showings.
Saab Phoenix, courtesy of Jalopnik
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