By Brian Harper in Geneva
There were plenty of premieres with alternative and eco-friendly technologies highlighted here.
During press introductions, cars’ emissions outputs seemed to carry as much weight as their horsepower. That said, every now and again, the covers were pulled off something that showed a distinctly sporting if not outright scofflaw side — a spit in the eye of the worrisome eurozone crisis and a moribund European sales market.
Following are my highlights:
Aston Martin
This year marks the fifth anniversary of an independently owned Aston Martin, once a key member of Ford’s Premier Automobile Group. To celebrate, the bespoke British manufacturer of high-end sports cars launched the production version of its V12 Zagato. The limited-production sports car (just 150 will be made) is based on a short-wheelbase version of the DBS and is a collaborative effort between Aston Martin and Italian styling studio Zagato. The price of the Zagato starts at more than $520,000.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet showcased a stylish station wagon version of its most popular global model, the Cruze. The Cruze Station Wagon features more generous storage space and a choice of efficient engines, including a new 130-horsepower 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine with start-stop technology as standard. At 4,678 millimetres, the Station Wagon is slightly longer than the sedan (4,597 mm). Load space ranges from 17.65 cubic feet up to the window line in the rear to 52 cu. ft. up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.
Ferrari
Ferrari debuted a new front-engine V12-powered model — the F12berlinetta — which replaces the 599 GTB Fiorano later this year as the marque’s top-of-the-line coupe.
Touted as the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever, the F12berlinetta’s 6.3L naturally aspirated V12 pounds out an unprecedented 740 hp, which gives the car a superb weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kilograms/hp. Torque reaches a peak of 509 pound-feet, 80% of which is available at 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for the F12berlinetta’s performance.
Ferrari says the F12 accelerates to 100 kilometres an hour in 3.1 seconds and to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the marque’s Fiorano test circuit in one minute, 23 seconds, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Despite the power, Ferrari claims fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%.Deliveries to North American dealers are expected to begin late in the year.
Pricing has not been set.
Denis Balibouse/Reuters
Ford debuted its new production-ready B-Max compact multi-activity vehicle for the European market.
Ford
Ford debuted its new production-ready B-Max compact multi-activity vehicle for the European market. The B-Max is powered by a fuel-efficient 125-hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost gas engine, with a Duratorq TDCi diesel engine available. The vehicle goes on sale in September.
Jaguar
Jaguar is taking another crack at a sportwagon with the new and very attractive XF Sportbrake.
Sharing its underpinnings with the XF sedan, the Sportbrake’s overall length grows by just five mm, its weight by less than 70 kg. Rear-seat occupants benefit from 48 mm of extra rear headroom.
Standard practical touches on the XF Sportbrake include remote fold levers mounted within the cargo area to lower the rear seats and powerful LED lights that illuminate the ground when the tailgate is open.Beneath the wagon are extensive changes to the rear suspension. A self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can tow. Initially powering the rear-drive XF Sportbrake is a range of powerful diesel engines in 2.2L four-cylinder and 3.0L six-cylinder form, each directing power via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The launch of the Sportbrake is set to take place in the third quarter of 2012. North America is not on the radar at this time.
Sebastien Feval/AFP/Getty Images
If sibling Jaguar can build a station wagon, Land Rover can build a convertible, which is what it has done with the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept.
Land Rover
If sibling Jaguar can build a station wagon, Land Rover can build a convertible, which is what it has done with the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept. The upscale off-road vehicle manufacturer says the Convertible Concept “explores the potential for a premium convertible SUV.” The concept is strictly a design and engineering study with no production plans confirmed.
The soft-top convertible concept is based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe and features a fully retractable roof system with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The concept combines capability and versatility with a drop-down tailgate, a comfortable four-seat cabin and all-terrain capability. The cabin is packed with technology, including Terrain Response, surround cameras, an eight-inch touchscreen and a sound system from British audio company Meridian.
Maserati
The GranTurismo Sport sees an increase in performance as well as an overall restyling that stresses the car’s sporting nature.
The redesigned front bumper optimizes the front air flow for both engine and brake cooling and frames the new headlights with LED technology. The rear of the Sport sees new tail lights in a darker tone. Inside, completely redesigned front and rear seats and a new steering wheel give the cabin a sportier look. Further improvements to the 4.7L V8 see a power bump to 460 hp.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes was particularly busy at the show, with two world introductions — the AMG version of the SL roadster and the A-Class hatchback.
Since the first SL debuted 60 years ago, Mercedes says the letters “SL” have been synonymous with a “symbiosis of sportiness, style and comfort.” The new SL is almost entirely built from aluminum and weighs 125 kg less than its predecessor. The SL 63 AMG is powered by a 6.2LV8 that puts out up to 564 hp (depending on where it’s sold) and comes with an improved AMSG sport suspension based on Active Body Control, new AMG speed-sensitive sport steering, a high-performance compound braking system and a seven-speed SpeedShift transmission.
With the continued growth of the premium compact car market, the new and aggressively styled and lowered A-Class five-door hatchback is poised to make a statement.
Mini
The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is the first Mini to combine John Cooper Works performance with ALL4 all-wheel drive. This JCW model is powered by a 218-hp four-cylinder engine boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger, gasoline direct injection and variable valve control.
The car comes standard with an aerodynamic kit, a lowered sports suspension, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and specific design features. It is also the first JCW model to also offer a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option.
Another world premiere from Mini shifts attention to a new concept designed to win over new target groups. The Clubvan Concept combines a premium small car with a compact panel van for business and leisure use. It differs from the Mini Clubman, on which it is based, with its two-seat layout, large and flat load compartment and opaque rear side windows.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Porsche’s new drop-top two-seat Boxster weighs less than the previous model and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Here, the Boxster S.
Porsche
Porsche’s new drop-top two-seat Boxster weighs less than the previous model and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. It has larger wheels and a new electro-mechanical power steering system to enhance the mid-engined sports car’s driving dynamics.
Available in familiar Boxster and Boxster S guises, both models are powered by flat-six engines. The base model’s new 2.7L motor delivers 265 hp — 10 hp more than its larger-displacement predecessor. The S’s 3.4L motor delivers 315 hp, up five hp. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed PDK available as an option.
Smart
The Smart fortwo gets an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix inside, giving it a more dynamic appearance. It features a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, side skirts and modified rear aprons.
bharper@nationalpost.com
