AIADA Report: New Production Models Unveiled in Geneva

By Michelle Krebs
AIADA contributing Editor

GENEVA, Switzerland --- International automakers used the stage of the Geneva Motor Show like a spring fashion runway to introduce upcoming production models. Luxury and performance were the predominate style.

After showing the concept version, BMW finally showed the production version of the Z4 M Coupe. On sale this summer, the sleek Z4 M coupe, based on the recently redesigned Z4, is equipped with a 3.2-liter straight-six engine rated at 252 horsepower and 269 lbs.-ft. of torque for 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration of 5 seconds and a maximum speed of 155 miles per hour.

Ferrari unveiled the stunning 599 GTB Fiorano, with its stunning proportions and styling done by long-time Ferrari partner, Pininfarina. It replaces the 575 Maranello. It goes on sale in North America in the fall for $250,000. Beneath the car’s beautiful skin is an all-aluminum space frame and what Ferrari boasts is the most powerful engine for a 12-cylinder berlinetta it has ever produced. The 6-liter V12, derived from the engine in the Enzo super car and paired with a new-generation F1 gearbox, delivers 620 horsepower and rockets to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 3.7 seconds. The car is named after the Fiorano circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars.

Mercedes-Benz focused on the latest fashions from its AMB performance division. All feature the new AMG-developed 6.3-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine. Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG (the CLK is in coupe and convertible form), the facelifted SL-Class and its AMG versions, the SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG, and the new GL-Class, which includes the diesel-powered GL 320 CDI and GL 420 CDI models.

Porsche unveiled to the world the 2007 911 Turbo, on sale worldwide this summer, with a starting price of $122,900 in the U.S. Exterior styling is evolutionary. The difference is under the hood. The new one is outfitted with a 3.6-liter boxer engine with twin turbochargers, which is paired to the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic. The engine delivers 480-horsepower at 6,000 rpm, up 60 from the previous version. Peak torque also increases, to 457 lbs.-ft. from 415, across a wider range. Porsche says zero to 60 mile per hour acceleration in the new 911 Turbo is 3.4 seconds for the automatic version and 3.7 seconds for the manual. Top speed for both is 193 horsepower.

Audi unveiled the new-generation A6 allroad Quattro, but announced, due to slow sales, it would not be sold in the U.S. Audi is counting on the Q7 SUV and future SUVs to fill the gap.

Mazda showed the performance-oriented Mazda3 MPS. Sold in the U.S. as the Mazda3 Speed, it goes on sale in the States this summer. Mazda also showed its redesigned Mazda3, which goes on sale in the U.S. in the fall.

Honda showed its Civic Type R concept, a performance version of the small car that goes on sale in Europe in the fall. Mitsubishi showed the Pininfarina designed and built CZC coupe-cabriolet, going on sale in Europe this year.Lexus held the European introduction of its flagship LS 460 sedan, unveiled in Detroit.

Jaguar showcased the XK coupe and convertible.

This article is republished on The Auto Channel as a courtesy of AIADA and was originally publiched on Mar 14, 09:18 AM 2006