Étiquette : autoshow

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GENEVA 2014 | Trends

Because it is on neutral ground, we have come to expect many “world premieres” at Geneva with a lot of new models and concepts.  It is usually a very interesting show. This year was no exception. And most of the concept cars were production preview/teasers.

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We were very surprised not to see Bertone on the first floor, but knowing that Michael Robinson has left, this is not a good sign…
From the previous articles you have read, you already know that the main trend this year is an overall reduction in size. Many new cars came in the A-segment, and engine size continues to be reduced…Ecology becomes more and more important and every car maker emphasizes its communication on that topic.
But Geneva is also the place of exclusive cars.
McLaren unveiled the convertible version of the 650S. There is no change in terms of the mechanicals and the design remains very sculptural.

Lamborghini introduced the Huracan. No surprise here. And it is certainly a Lamborghini. Very tight lines characterize this vehicle.

Aston Martin displayed two special editions at Geneva. The V8 Vantage N430 might be our favorite in terms of proportions, very compact and sporty. The engineers have reduced the weight of the car using carbon fiber and Kevlar seats for example.  Many “cosmetic” details are added to give a dark-themed exterior, such as graphite painted forged alloy wheels alongside the black front grille, headlamp bezels, exterior meshes, side window surrounds, textured tailpipe finishers and clear rear lamps with black surrounds. This gives the car the appropriate identity. Inside, as out, the link with automotive competition is clear.
The second car is the DB9. It was displayed with two exclusive finishes called Carbon White and Carbon Black. Both editions include additional carbon fibre side strakes and black window surrounds reinforcing the powerful visual themes. The interior featured a strong ‘black’ styling theme showcasing carbon fibre details and new black hardware  There is a choice of accent colors matching the brake caliper shade….

 

Being Geneva, the show had plenty of exotic and exclusive cars as well — great examples of automotive art and engineering, but not so interesting in terms of design……..
Well, Geneva is usually one of the best Auto Shows of the year.  And in 2014 that is still the case.  The automotive industry is alive and well, no matter how much the economy or politics may impact it in Europe. Competition and the environment continue to drive the car-makers forward, introducing more and more vehicles powered by Hybrid or Electric energy.
It is a good sign. We can’t wait to see more in Paris…

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GENEVA 2014 | Volvo Estate Concept

After the Concept Coupé in Frankfort and the XC Coupé in Detroit, Volvo has unveiled latest showcar of its trilogy: the Concept Estate. What can we say but that the third concept is the most ambitious especially in its interior. This shooting brake continues to give us a hint of what the future exterior design of Volvo will be. When we see it, we know it is a Volvo. Designers have taken their inspiration in the history of the Scandinavian brand: the 1800 ES from the early 1970s. It is clear, especially on the rear part.
Volvo has introduced all new digital concepts for the interior preserving what we expect from Volvo. Thanks to its association with Volvo’s specially designed software, the touch screen will be the main control panel for in-car user experience. Almost all buttons are replaced and we appreciate, however, that there are still a few dedicated for crucial commands (volume, play/pause, hazard warning…)
Touchscreen is nice but important controls need physical commands.
If the XC Concept is anticipating the future XC90 due in a year, there is no doubt that this Estate gives us significant clues of a future model…
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GENEVA 2014 | future next door…

Major autoshows (at least the ones we cover) follow one after the other, but they are certainly not alike.  Last September, the IAA in Frankfurt gave us a reminder of how powerful the German industry is.  In early January, the NAIAS in Detroit taught us that the American car industry is very much alive and has reached full revival.  As usual the Geneva show is the first European event of the year. This exhibition in the Palexpo is understated and takes place in a uniquely neutral environment.  Unlike some of the other shows, here everything stays close to a human scale…more intimate, more manageable.  It feels like a jewelry show…
And because it takes place on neutral ground, it seems that all kinds of different trends are represented.  Small design houses stand next to big OEM’s.  Many concepts cars are introduced, but there are also world premieres of important high volume production cars…
Urban and compact vehicles are well represented at this edition with the unveiling of the Twingo III, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 for example.
The main trend is that less fuel consumption and lower emissions are paramount.  Most companies are working on reducing the number of cylinders (e.g. Audi TT with a 2.0l 4 cylinder making 420HP) and/or building hybrid or electrical solutions.
The future is just next door…..and the future looks cool and peaceful…

 

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NAIAS 2014 | LINCOLN

The guys at Cadillac frequently dismiss Lincoln, saying that it is not really a competitor for them.  The Blue Oval guys are determined to prove them wrong.  They are making progress and the new MK C compact crossover, which debuted at the Los Angeles show, and was featured at Detroit.  It is a step in the right direction.  Certainly compact crossover vehicles like the MK C were much in evidence with several manufacturers including Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche.  The MK C styling is robust, but elegant, with a 360-degree feature line, a wide stance and a large tailgate opening that includes the entire taillights. Anecdotally, there are 4 different ways to release the tailgate.

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NAIAS 2014 | CADILLAC

The premium domestic brands fought for attention with GM choosing to have a completely separate display area for Cadillac far away from the rest of the corporate brands.  Cadillac featured a two-door coupe version of the ATS, as well as the production version of the ELR.  The design of the CTS coupe and the ELR are very strong and visually arresting, the ATS coupe – well, not so much.  We wonder who is going to buy all these coupes.  They might look good, but are the looks worth the loss of utility.

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NAIAS 2014 | CHRYSLER

The big news at Chrysler, apart from the fact that the company is now fully owned by the Fiat Group, was the introduction of the all-new Chrysler 200.  Built on the CUS-Wide, Alfa Romeo derived platform, this mid size sedan must play in the highly competitive, mid-size segment against cars like the Toyota Camry and the Ford Fusion.  The design is certainly attractive enough, with a fastback greenhouse, clean lines, a sculptured hood and, of course, the LED running lights that are de rigueur these days.  The interior is well executed, with good use of materials and loaded with features.  The bad old days of Cerberus and Daimler cost cutting are a distant memory.  How could they have got it so wrong???

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NAIAS 2014 | FORD

Tough !

Ford shocked most industry observers with the reveal of its next generation F150 and the news that it will have an all-aluminum body.  The 2015 F150 has bold ‘chunky’ styling inside and out and will be available for sale in the 4th quarter of this year.  The dramatic weight saving of around 700 pounds (318 kg), combined with better dent resistance and improved corrosion resistance is a real game changer in the segment.  If everything works out as planned, this technology leap could put Ford as much as 8 years ahead of the competition in the race to meet future fuel economy mandates.  What has everyone scratching their heads, however, is the economics.  With annual volumes in the 800,000 unit range, will the increased material cost and infrastructure changes required for aluminum pay off for Ford.

Ford’s other big news at the show was the new 2015 Mustang.  Although exhibiting some styling cues from the Evos concept, there is no doubt that this car is all Mustang.  The nose is higher and bulkier than we would like — most likely for pedestrian impact reasons.  This, plus the relatively high belt line, makes the roofline look artificially low and the greenhouse on the small side.  The three vertical tail lamps on each side are pure Mustang and they flash sequentially — of course.  One other facet of the design is the bodyside feature line that is interrupted by the rear wheel arch flare, but then continues for just a few inches in the rear quarter panel.  Just like the Taurus and just as strange………..  We would like to have seen tighter gaps between the tyres and the wheel openings, especially with the bigger wheel/tyre combinations.  The interior maintains all the right Mustang features with the double brow, large round gauges and now huge toggle switches in the centre stack.  It is well executed, but lacks the finesse of a typical European interior.

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NAIAS 2014 : Our American dream is back !

NaiasThe Polar Vortex that had driven freezing air to Detroit and huge swaths of the North American continent just a week before had now become a fading memory.  In contrast, journalists arriving in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show were greeted by almost balmy weather with temperatures around 4 degrees C.  They were also greeted by a rekindling of the American love affair with the automobile.  Styling and luxury were keynotes of the show with exciting coupes everywhere and very attractive compact SUV’s and crossovers for every taste and wallet.   With the economy growing, industry sales roaring back and fuel prices lower, consumer confidence is back.  The emphasis on electric propulsion and cheap transportation is gone.  Yes, customers want fuel efficiency, but they want it without any compromise to style or excitement.  And the manufacturers are ready to deliver…

stay tuned for a show review…!

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IAA 2013 | Porsche 918 Spyder

In order to dream, we have to tell you something about the Porsche 918 Spyder. The design is not surprising. It is after all a Porsche using the spirit of Stuttgart’s past to (re)invent the future. This car is a real beast, yet the design is “no frills”, just the essentials. And this Porsche can offer a 100% electric mode, called e-Power, for between 16 and 32 kilometers…