VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda Unveil at Geneva Motor Show
March 03, 2008

By Pál Négyesi

Volkswagen Group held a rather intense press conference Monday evening at the Geneva Motor Show. All the big bosses were present, including Chief of the Supervisory Board Ferdinand Piech and Volkswagen Group Chairman of the Board of Management Martin Winterkorn. Though there was no talk of financial results, which will be announced later this month, Winterkorn was in rather a good mood as he spoke of 2.9 million vehicles sold in 2007 and figures "which everyone should be proud of."

A 15-minute film featuring a James Bond–like character offered short glimpses of the new models, which later appeared on the scene.

Seat gave the audience a peek of the forthcoming new Ibiza via the Bocanegra sport coupe concept, designed by Luc Donckerwolke, of Lamborghini Gallardo fame. It remains to be seen how many of the sharp styling cues survive when the new Ibiza is unveiled in 2009.

Skoda presented the second-generation Superb with a more upmarket interior, and there was a Greenline version whose various light-saving techniques the company said would reduce fuel consumption.

Audi presented the production version of the 500-horsepower Q7 V12 TDi, as well as the new A4 Avant.

The highlight of the evening should have been the new Volkswagen Scirocco, a production version of the 2006 IROC concept. Thirty-four years ago the original Scirocco was unveiled at Geneva.

The 21st-century Scirocco has inherited only the famous name. It's a four-seater, and will be available in Europe with four different engines, including a diesel with power ranging from 112 to 200 hp. Gearbox options include a six-speed manual and the company's famed dual-clutch automatic. There's only one problem — the car bears a striking resemblance to a three-door version of the new Subaru Impreza hatch.

Photos:
Seat Bocanegra sport coupe concept

Skoda Superb

Volkswagen Scirocco

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