Geneva Packed With Product

The 75th Geneva auto show will be an eclectic event, with several key introductions covering everything from pickup trucks to roadsters to luxury sedans and exotic sports cars.

On the affordable end of the scale, Chrysler Group will use the show as the backdrop for the debut of its Dodge Caliber concept vehicle. Based on the C-segment platform jointly developed with Mitsubishi Motors Corp., the Caliber will play a pivotal role in Dodge’s European expansion plans, while filling the shoes of the Neon small car in North America.

Dodge Caliper concept

Volkswagen Passat

Fiat Croma

Alfa Romeo Brera

Cadillac BLS

BMW 7-Series

Bentley Continental
Flying Spur

Mazda Motor Corp. will end years of speculation on what the next-generation MX-5 Miata roadster will look like when it debuts the replacement for the 6-year-old drop-top. Industry rumors and Internet chats suggest the new Miata could share some of its styling cues with the RX-8.

Equally anticipated is the new ’06 Volkswagen Passat, expected to be longer and wider than the current model, with styling cues taken from the Jetta and Phaeton.

The Passat will be offered with either a 4-cyl. or 6-cyl. gasoline engine, as well as a 4-cyl. diesel. The sedan receives the optional dual clutch DSG transmission found on the Golf GTI. The traditional ignition key is replaced by a transmitter that enables keyless operation of the vehicle.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. hopes those traversing the neighboring Alps will appreciate its new Navara Double Cab pickup truck, which shares most of its mechanical layout with the Pathfinder SUV. The Navara will be powered by Nissan’s 2.5L YD series 4-cyl. turbodiesel engine, which features second-generation common-rail technology.

Fiat Auto SpA resurrects its Croma moniker in the form of a 5-door sedan, with a sporty attitude. Croma’s exterior styling was crafted by ItalDesign SpA’s Giorgetto Giugiaro. Overall dimensions are kept within tight constraints, with a length of 187 ins. (4.75 cm) and width measuring 69.7 ins. (177 cm). Available in three trim levels, Fiat will offer the Croma with five engine and two gearbox options.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru) will take the wraps off its city car concept, dubbed R1E. The auto maker will use the show as a gauge to determine whether it should bring the R1E, which is sold in Japan, to the European market.

Alfa Romeo SpA hopes to create a buzz with the production version of its Brera hatchback. Penned by ItalDesign SpA’s Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Brera caught the attention of consumers and the motoring press when it debuted as a concept at last year’s Geneva show. Its stretched body and tapering shape are said to provide the perfect balance for the Alfa brand.

General Motors Corp.’s Cadillac brand will unveil its Europe-only BLS sedan. Engineered to compete against the BMW 3-Series, the BLS will be manufactured at Saab’s Trollhattan, Sweden, assembly plant on the Epsilon platform.

The BLS will be powered by a range of engines that include a 1.9L 4-cyl. diesel with common-rail direct-injection technology that will comply with Euro 4 emission standards, plus three turbocharged gasoline engines – two 2L 4-cyl. and one 2.8L 6-cyl. powerplants. The engines can be combined with manual or automatic transmissions. The BLS is slated to go on sale next year. (See related story: GM Confirms Compact Caddy to Bow in Geneva)

The next-generation of the BMW 3-Series will make its public debut. Incorporating styling cues from the 7- and 5-Series, the 3-Series has big shoes to fill, and BMW AG thinks it has made the 3 even better than its predecessor.

BMW also will take the opportunity to show off the refresh of its 7-Series flagship sedan. The biggest changes are found on the rear fascia, where the old “duck butt” design has been transformed for a more conventional look.

Among the high-priced marques, Bentley Motors Ltd. will present its long-awaited Continental Flying Spur sedan, which basically is the 4-door version of its Continental Coupe.

All-wheel drive and a 6-speed ZF Group “paddle shift” gearbox are among the standard features on the new Bentley, which goes on sale in the spring. The Flying Spur carries on the design theme set by the Continental GT, with its short front overhang and dominant grille.

Ferrari SpA will be looking for sunshine as it debuts its F430 Spyder, while rumors have been building that Lamborghini SpA may take the wraps off yet another new model.

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