HEADING FOR INNOVATION
The 71.St Geneva International Motor Show
 Switzerland’s annual Geneva International Motor Show is reputed the world’s best by media and professionals alike. The most comprehensive automobile show world-wide, the 71st edition saw some 900 makes on display by 275 exhibitors from 35 countries. A true global event, the Geneva Show is becoming above all, an image show. This year, a record 718’473 visitors flocked to view the numerous first and new developments presented by automotive industry.
PORSCHE CARRERA GT, supercar
The Carrera GT combines Porsche’s design philosophy with "pure racing technology". Every feature is essential, with no extras adding superfluous weight. The prototype was first shown in Paris last year, and is scheduled for production in 2003. With its carbonfibre chassis and Porsche Ceramic Composite brakes; the Carrera’s outstanding performance is matched by its elegance. Officials talked about 320km/h top "track speed", and 0-96km/h acceleration under 4 seconds.
LAMBORGHINI DIABLO, supercar
With only eight Lamborghini sales recorded last year, the Diablo remains an object of desire, exclusive to those with exotic taste. Launched at the Frankfurt show last September the latest Diablo, by he hands of the VW/Audi people, has a 6.0-litre V12 engine, gets up to 100km/h in 3.95 seconds and reaches a top speed of 335km/h.
BUGATTI EB 16.4 VEYRON, supercar
Named after Pierre Veyron, who in 1939 won at Le Mans, the concept was first shown at the 1999 and 2000 Paris shows. At 736kW and a new 8.0-litre W16 engine, the Veyron is twice as powerful as the Ferrari Maranello, more powerful than The Lamborghini Diablo and Porsche’s Carrera GT. The world’s most powerful supercar to date, it’s set for production in 2003.
OPEL ASTRA COUPE, convertible
Amongst all the two-seater roadsters that are flooding the market, Opel’s Astra offers a different driving experience altogether. The roomy four-seater convertible, designed in conjunction with coachbuilder Bertone, offers a laid-back driving experience reaching a top speed of 217km/h.
FIAT STILO / FIAT DOBLO
Launched at the Geneva show, the Stilo range is set to reclaim Fiat’s position as number one car manufacturer in Europe. Replacing the Brava and Bravo models and due to go into production next August, the Stilo signals a trend-setting concept in medium-sized compact cars.
In spite of its unusual appearance, the Doblo is a successful compromise between motoring refinement and spacious practicality.
MINI
A pioneering concept, which set the trend for all future compact cars, the first Mini went public 41 years ago. Today, it’s still one of the smallest four-seaters available and the safest small car in the world. The new Minis are due to go on sale next July.
ITAL TOUREG 3D CONCEPT, concept car
Giugiaro’s latest 3D concept for ItalDesign, was inspired by a trip to the north-African desert. The four-wheel drive powered by a V8 engine, was first presented at the Turin show last year. Subsequently, the 4 seater off-roader custom-built for the famous photographer Helmut Newton’s 80th birthday, was reinterpreted to offer greater comfort.
- Back to the future: media chair
Sick of balancing TV dinners on your knees while watching your favourite show? Afraid of spilling coffee over the keyboard? Nevermind, the Media Chair is here! Food or drink will be the last thing on your mind while you’re wrapped up in this fabulously comfortable gadget. Poul Volther’s chair was first designed in 1961 and today, guarantees a fully immersive experience into virtual rality. It’s a bit like floating through the videoscreen.
by Nina Ondine
- Trippin’ down memory lane.
Hippies all across the land rejoice:the combi is back! This year’s car design trends are marked by a wave of nostalgia. Many manufacturers have opted for the retro look, basing modern car designs on the 60s. It’s refreshing that amongst all the racy, futuristic super-fast cars, it is still possible to travel at an easier pace, enjoying the view and taking one’s time, rather than watching the country side flash past.
by Nina Ondine
- GP3 racing game
The GP3 game is Electronic Arts’ latest masterpiece of racing simulations, a must for all Formula 1 fans. The high quality of the detail and the great rendering engine accurately convey the thrill of racing a real F1 car. In addition, the game offers detailed information about the Grand Prix season, including all the circuits, the racing teams, the pilots and the F1 cars. What more can I say: "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!"
by Johnny Vaccaro |
|  | |
| none |
|
| The purpose of this banner is to raise funds for a new VR community project VRMag will launch in a few months.
| |
