2006 Geneva Motor Show Photo Gallery

Reporters from around the globe once again descend on Geneva this week for what has become one of the largest and most important auto shows in Europe. For the last 76 years, Geneva has hosted significant debuts from virtually every manufacturer around the world, serving as a neutral environment where nationalistic favoritism doesn’t exist (except, perhaps, for local builder RinSpeed). This year, showgoers will see concepts and production vehicles ranging from an Alfa Romeo Spider from Italy to the Volvo S80 sedan from Sweden – and a plethora of others in between. And while the Geneva Motor Show naturally focuses on vehicles for the European market, there are always a few cars that will see North American shores in one form or another. For 2006, crossovers seem to be the big news and Geneva debuts adhere to this trend thanks to new introductions from Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen. See these, and other expected production debuts, in this preview-style photo gallery.

Audi Allroad

The 2007 Audi allroad (concept version shown in photo) is positioned below the new Audi Q7 as a smaller alternative for those that don’t want to drive a traditional SUV but still want all-wheel drive and added ground clearance for bad weather. The new Allroad is larger and more powerful than the model it replaces, and is once again based on the A6 Avant.

Audi RS4 Avant

Stuff a direct-injection, 420-horsepower V8 engine under the hood of a station wagon, and what do you get? The new Audi RS4 Avant. Acceleration to 60 mph takes less than five seconds, thanks in part to the standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A dynamic ride control suspension is also included in the package. Too bad it’s not coming to the U.S.

Audi RS4 Cabriolet

Audi finally grafts its new single-frame grille onto the A4 Cabriolet, one of the last models in the lineup to receive the new corporate nose. But the big news is what gets installed under the hood of the RS4 model, which is for overseas markets only. Equipped with a direct-injection, 420-horsepower V8 engine, this mobile suntan booth runs to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Quattro all-wheel drive and a dynamic ride control system help to maximize the Audi RS4 Cabriolet’s power and handling.

BMW Z4 M Coupe

BMW is set to give Porsche’s new Cayman S some competition with the upcoming Z4 M Coupe, which is powered by a 3.2-liter, inline six-cylinder producing 343 horsepower, and which moves this hardtop to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Top speed is reported to be 155 mph.

Chevrolet Captiva

Chevrolet’s new Captiva is a small SUV made in South Korea by GM-Daewoo, created for overseas markets but which could, in theory, come to the U.S. and slot in beneath the bigger Chevy Equinox. In Europe, the Captiva will be offered with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or a 3.2-liter V6. If it makes the trip to North America, expect only the latter two motors, making 142 and 225 respective horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional, and the Captiva features stability control.

Chevrolet Epica

Chevrolet currently sells the South Korean-built Epica in Canada and other world markets (it’s the Suzuki Verona in the U.S.), and a new version debuts at the Geneva Motor Show. The updated Epica will be initially powered by six-cylinder engines displacing 2.0 or 2.5 liters, mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. We expect that the handsome Epica previews a revised Suzuki Verona for the U.S.

Dodge Hornet

Looking to carve another niche in the European market, and possibly create an entry-level model for American customers, Dodge is introducing a small concept vehicle named the Hornet at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This bold design, resembling the dimensions of a MINI Cooper on the outside and the fold-flat, rubber-floor interior functionality of a Honda Element, sits on 19-inch wheels and is powered by a supercharged 1.6-liter engine producing 170 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ferrari 599 GTB

Ferrari, one of the finest purveyors of exotic supercars, works its magic once again with the 599 GTB, a two-passenger, 3,722-lb. coupe with a 47-percent front / 53-percent rear weight distribution. Capable of reaching 62 mph in only 3.7 seconds and topping out at 205 mph, the 599 GTB draws power from a 6.0-liter V12 generating 620 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 448 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,600 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or an updated F1-SuperFast automatic.

Ford Focus Convertible

How cool would this Ford Focus be, with its retractable hardtop and sleek European looks? Too bad FoMoCo’s North American operations couldn’t turn a profit on the 2000-04 model – that’s why we’re stuck with a warmed-over, heavily-discounted Focus in the U.S. while Europeans get this slick, sophisticated version that shares its underpinnings with the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40. Of course, this think would overlap with the Mustang, so maybe it be very cool…

Ford S-Max

The production version of the Ford S-Max, based on the SAV Concept shown one year ago, will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva show. The Ford S-Max will be available in five- and seven-passenger models, and goes on sale in Europe later this summer. The S-Max isn’t coming to America, but it should.