Europe’s Best Take Center Stage in Geneva

Much has been written about the product onslaught poised to take shape in the U.S. market in the coming months.

Chrysler Group says it will introduce nine new products before the end of the year, to accompany 20 for Ford Motor Co. and 12 for General Motors Corp.

Not to be outdone, the Europeans are poised to show their wares at the 74th International Geneva Motor Show in early March. The show hosts a total of 16 all-new world premieres for production vehicles – 14 of them from European makers.

Some of the most significant on tap include the new Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Peugeot 407, Opel Tigra and Mini convertible. A few new exotics will debut, including the Maserati Granturismo and Lamborghini Barchetta.

All eyes will be on Audi AG as it debuts the redesigned A6, which marks the first purpose-built application of Audi’s new design theme on a production vehicle. The sedan goes on sale in Europe in late March and will hit U.S. showrooms in the fall. (See related story: New Audi Grows in Size, Engine Choice)

BMW AG’s Mini brand will show its long-awaited Mini convertible. The soft top is part of Mini’s plans to keep public attention focused on the small car brand, which has been a success in Europe and the U.S.

The latest Mini will feature a power folding top and seating for four passengers. It also will maintain Mini’s cutesy styling.

Mercedes-Benz will uncover its all-new SLK roadster and the AMG performance version of the hardtop cabrio, as well as a newly restyled C-Class range.

PSA Peugeot Citroen will debut its new 407 portfolio of sedans and station wagons, which marks a significant step in Peugeot’s embrace of daring styling. The lines on the cars are more defined and crisp than on previous Peugeot sedans and wagons.

Adam Opel AG will display its Tigra Twin Top convertible, a 2-seat coupe with an electro-hydraulic power retractable steel roof. Styling cues are borrowed from Astra, with short overhangs and wedge-shape design.

Opel debuts its new Trixx concept, which can carry up to three adults and features an inflatable rear seat and sliding electric door. The high roofline enables the transport of large objects, while providing a commanding view of the road.

Other new concepts also will debut at Geneva, including the Renault SA Wind, a 2+1 roadster that signifies the new design direction for a future Renault sports coupe. (See related story: Renault Blows Into Geneva With Wind Roadster)

Fiat Auto SpA will unveil its Trepiuno concept, a micro car that accommodates four passengers with a unique, re-configurable interior.

Mazda Motor Corp. will show its MX-Flexa concept. The 6-seat multipurpose hauler provides a glimpse into what a future European Mazda MPV may look like.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. will unveil its Qashqai concept, a compact crossover the auto maker describes as an “urban nomad,” with an advanced electronic 4-wheel-drive system.

For those with visions of grandeur, Maserati will debut its new Granturismo and MCC racecar. The Granturismo will be the street-legal version of the MCC, which marks Maserati’s return to FIA GT racing. Sources say Maserati will build at least 25 copies of the Granturismo, although that volume could be doubled if demand warrants. (See related story: Maserati Races Into Geneva)

Lamborghini, meanwhile, will uncover the topless version of its Murcielago, dubbed the Barchetta.

The Americans aren’t left out in the Alps. General Motors Corp.’s Chevrolet division will show the convertible Corvette, while DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group will use the show to debut the SRT-6 performance variant of its Crossfire sports coupe.

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