| |||||||||||||||||||
| | On the road 76th Geneva International Motor Show From 2 to 12 March 2006, Geneva has hosted the 76th edition of its International Motor Show, an event that is now over one hundred years old. Manufacturers the world over take great care with their presence there, presenting new models and concept cars.
 Year on year, the Geneva Motor Show remains the unmissable event in the automotive world, a perfect cocktail of business and passion. Manufacturers from all around the world flock there in an atmosphere of media-conscious technological and industrial jousting. For the enjoyment of aficionados from all over the world, surprising new looks and exciting new models always lie in store. This 76th edition should be no exception to the rule. Manufacturers as prestigious as Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, Lotus and Pagani are exhibiting first-rate new models.  Crush anticipated at the Ferrari stand: the Italian manufacturer is putting on display the 599 GTB, replacement for the 575M Maranello, in the great tradition of front-engined V12 coupés. Porsche is to present its already well-known Cayman S, but also the new 997 turbo. BMW will exhibit the coupé version of its Z4 roadster, to which the Munich manufacturer has transplanted a six-cylinder engine, delivering an incredible 343 hp. At Audi two fine models, the RS4 and S8, should delight fans of sporty saloons. Many manufacturers choose Geneva to present the flagship models of their range: Alfa Romeo is presenting the Spider and 159 Sportwagon there, whilst Volvo is setting out to crack the luxury saloon market with its new S80.  At the same time, hybrid engines and alternative technologies continue to make progress. You can size up the hybrid Citroën C4 HDi and Peugeot 307 HDi. Alongside the Mazda3 MPS, an explosive compact car, the Japanese manufacturer is presenting a variation of the Mazda 5, which combines an electric motor and rotary engine capable of running on petrol or hydrogen. Honda is presenting a concept car, the FCX, which also runs on hydrogen. There is also talk of a hybrid version of the Q7. Lastly, as regards French manufacturers, two sizeable stars are awaited: the Citroën C6 and Peugeot 207, replacing the 206 which sold over 5 million units. In addition to its Altica concept car, Renault is presenting the RS version of its Clio III and its facelifted Espace.
 | ||||||||||||||||||