What with Geneva Auto Show, one of the world's biggies, opening this week, we thought we'd search high and low so you, our dear visitors, don't have to grind your way through the Web, searching for the most interesting stuff ... We've done the work for you! In fact, we're such a time-saving Website for our visitors, we think we'll have Billy Mays advertise it on late-night cable TV! But seriously ... And on another product: Isn't that shammy ad the best late-night ad you've ever seen? The guy does his entire shtick from the county fairs and auto shows where he usually works, and it's a blast to watch ... We especially love the on-screen title at the end, in big, bold letters: "Made in Germany!", so, if you don't believe anything else at all in the ad about the Super Shammy, or whatever they call it, we all KNOW that those Germans build great stuff!
If you do see any misspellings and/or unusual phrasings, it's probably the fault of whoever 
translated this stuff into English; if it's from an English company, well, then, they oughta learn how to talk and spell right, like we do here in the USA! So without any further ado, and in their own too-highly-paid PR people's words, are some of the great things being intro'd at Geneva this coming week ... and maybe some other cars which won't be at Geneva, but are big on the Web right now ... and photos of the cars are right below their descriptions:
"Quaranta"
Quaranta is an "extreme", clean-technology project embodying 40 years of styling research and engineering celebrated by Italdesign Giugiaro in Geneva.
The Quaranta is an "extreme" product, an environment-friendly, 4WD super sports-car which incorporates a series of innovative aspects: its styling, but also its drive technology, which combines a hybrid engine with solar energy, and its internal layout which, despite its mid-mounted rear engine, can accommodate three adults and a child, also providing a generous luggage compartment.
The idea which inspired the Quaranta project is that of the first single-volume concept car with central engine and drive. The original reference is to the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta which, at that time, represented a major breakthrough in styling, now adapted to state-of-the-art technology and enriched with Italdesign Giugiaro's forty years experience of research. 
Holden Special Vehicles unveil seven litre Supercar the W427
Holden Special Vehicles today unveiled a seven litre program at the Melbourne Motor Show the last installment of the company s 20th anniversary celebrations. The car to be known in its final development stages as the W427 is finished in the same Panorama Silver paint scheme as the original Group A SS VL Commodore, released at the Melbourne Motor Show of 1988, exactly 20 years ago.
The W427 will be quite possibly the fastest road registrable Supercar ever produced in Australia and among the quickest anywhere around the world. While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427 is likely to produce in excess of 370kW (near 500 horsepower) of power and 640NM (about 472 pounds feet) of torque. A new six piston front braking system will provide a 50% increase in pad area, while the W427 also receives a revised ESP calibration, six air bags, improved handling and new Magnetic Ride Control settings. The W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management. (Wow! Classic hot rod-style CUT-OUTS! I, your humble host, said that, not the PR hand-out).
2008 Morgan AeroMax Goes into Production
Just 2 years after its debut at the 2006 Geneva Autoshow as a one off built to order for one of Morgan’s discerning customers, the AeroMax coupe has entered series production at the Morgan factory. Such was the interest surrounding this unique design that it was decided, with the kind permission of its owner, to make a limited production run of 100 cars, all of which were sold within just a few weeks of its announcement. Following a two year intense period of production development, and a number of minor improvements to the overall design, the first customer AeroMax is shortly to be delivered.
The body is bolted to a stiff yet lightweight Aero 8 chassis which from 2008 is fitted with the 367Bhp 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine. This gives AeroMax performance to match its looks. For the first time a Morgan can have an automatic gearbox. The latest ZF 6HP 26 gearbox gives the fastest change in the world and endows the automatic with better acceleration and fuel economy than the manual thanks to its lock up clutch, low power loss and instant change characteristics. It also delivers lower CO2 emissions, 267 g/km, a figure not normally associated with a 0-62 mph (100 kph) capability of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 170mph.
2008 Koenigsegg CCXR and CCX - Limited Production Models in Geneva
Due to request from certain Koenigsegg Clients and Customers, Koenigsegg has created a Limited Edition version of its sought after cars. The Koenigsegg Edition comes in two limited versions, the CCX and CCXR models. It features a 4.8L twin supercharged Koenigsegg engine, together with many other unique features. The car is more track biased compared to the standard models, as it has stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, reset dampers and lowered chassis. It also features a fully visible carbon body a large adjustable rear wing, larger front splitter and side strakes for increased down force and a unique forged wheel design. The interior is also reworked and features; color matched leather carpets, Edition side step plates, Edition chronograph instrument cluster, New edition only layout for the center console control panels. All other extra equipment comes as standard, such as Carbon Wheels, Special interior trim and color, rearview camera, Satnav or Bluetooth, Amplifiers, complete Inconell exhaust system in order to save weight.
The Edition cars will be built in two different versions, a CCX model limited to 14 cars with 888 bhp and a CCXR (Bio flexi fuel) model limited to 6 cars with 1018 bhp. The price for the 888 hp CCX is 1 330 000 Euro, and 1 500 000 Euro for the 1018 hp CCXR (E85/petrol flexfuel) version. The two first of each version are already spoken for.
2008 Magna Steyr Alpin - Compact Off-Roader
MAGNA STEYR presents the third concept vehicle in the MILA innovation family at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The MILA Alpin is a compact off-roader with a body specially designed for integrating various different types of alternative drives. This means: Excellent all-terrain capability, wide-ranging uses and emissions of under 100 g CO2 per kilometer.
Creating an attractive vehicle was by no means MAGNA STEYR's only priority in the MILA Alpin project. The entire product development process was also designed always to make assembly as cost-efficient as possible – whatever the market demands.
Its unique configuration makes the MILA Alpin a vehicle that stands out because of its excellent all-terrain capability and outstanding rough road characteristics. As a result, it is not only suitable for recreation but also as a utility vehicle for special uses. What allows such wide-ranging applications is the mid-engine layout with a low-cost, but effective all-wheel drive system. Its climbing ability is impressive: 100% or 45 degrees. On the road, too, exceptional handling makes the MILA Alpin great fun to drive. What's more, the hybrid drive using natural gas reduces the impact on the environment.
2008 Nissan Designs Special Suit to Simulate the Elderly
Nissan Engineers use Special Suit to Simulate the Elderly, Nissan's "Perfect Fit" For Baby Boomers
Baby boomers are commanding a bigger share of automotive sales worldwide and Nissan is meeting their needs with some lateral thinking. Nissan engineers in Japan are using a special 'suit' that simulates the physical effects of aging. It allows engineers and designers to see car ownership through the eyes of older customers and then alter features to accommodate special needs. Nissan Design Engineer Etsuhiro Watanabe said, "As we get older, it can become harder to perform physical maneuvers. When it comes to driving, that can mean more difficulty seeing writing on the switch gear, reach and use controls, distinguish colors on navigation equipment or get in and out of seats."
We here at SteveParker.com can report that the actual living elderly human who is serving as the template for this "Perfect Fit" system is none other than Bob Lutz, GM's vice president of product for North America. Good on you, Bob!
IMPERIA AUTOMOBILES. A new car for a new sensation.
Between 1900 and 1950, Imperia wrote one of the finest pages in the history of the Belgian automotive industry. Flattering sales and convincing successes in different international races enabled the Liege-based manufacturer to occupy an enviable place in the prestige car niche. Green Propulsion was born in 2001. Specialising in the development of clean motor vehicles, Green Propulsion soon became an essential European benchmark in its field.
Green Propulsion designed its own motorisations (an electric motorbike, an electric and hybrid Microbus, a hybrid Renault Kangoo and a hybrid city bus), and also worked in conjunction with major manufacturers to develop prototypes that are still kept secret. Accumulated experience and know-how generated a new desire amongst the company managers: to develop an individual project that offers a decidedly innovative and appropriate solution to environmental problems. Imperia hopes to create a new concept of vehicle. This concept involves new technologies, shares environmental concerns and introduces a new approach to driving and the pleasure it brings.
The motorisation of the Imperia roadster is its main innovation. It relies on a technology developed exclusively for this vehicle: “PowerHybrid” propulsion. This combines electric motor and thermal engine in parallel with a harmony never before achieved. In addition to its autonomy in electric mode, the Imperia GP offers an unlimited radius of action. The thermal engine takes over when battery recharging is required. Thanks to this hybrid motorisation, the Imperia roadster emits remarkably little CO2 overall (zero direct emissions in electric mode) and thereby plays an effective part in fighting global warming. Another exclusive feature is that it is the only hybrid car that can be recharged from the mains, simply via a power socket. Full charge is obtained in 3 hours, for an unbeatable cost per kilometre ratio.
2008 GTA Motor Supercar Concept - 780hp and Capable of over 210mph
GTA Motor of Spain has announced that it is going to be be producing a new supercar. They plan to make only 99 of the cars and their goal is the start manufacturing them in 2009. GTA plans to sell them in Russia, China, the United Emirates, and the United States. The car will feature a V10 that produces 780hp and can reach over 210mph, as well as do 0-62mph in less than 3 seconds. The chasis will be made from carbon fiber, kevlar, and titanium.
2008 Pontiac Solstice by Irmscher - V8 Powered GT i40
On the occasion of our company’s 40th anniversary in 2008:The Irmscher GT i40. V8 Power to be enjoyed. It’s the ingredients that make the difference. And here is the gourmet menu: A 6.0L V8-engine with 480PS (which we THINK is around 480 horsepower) in an Opel GT-body for excellent driving performance. For 40 now Irmscher has been providing proof of its competence in matters of vehicle construction and individualisation.
On the occasion of the company’s 35th anniversary the most powerful and strongest of the Opel Vectras had caused a stir by reaching a speed of more than 300km/h (186 miles per hour). However, that which is emerging from the factory floors in Remshalden for the company’s 40th anniversary is a vehicle for the true connoisseur: the Irmscher Opel GT i40. The figures in the model’s number stand for the data of the company: Günther Irmscher senior started up in 1968 in Winnenden with the first vehicle modifications. In the person of Günther Irmscher junior, the second generation is at the fore of the company in 2008 and is proof that 40 years of company history should be celebrated properly at this anniversary. The Remshalden company is starting its anniversary with a world premiere in Geneva. Here, the GT will be making its first appearance and is sure to cause a stir at the company’s stand in Hall 2.
2008 Volvo - First Volvo Reborn as Hot Rod Jakob
Very First Volvo Reborn as Hot Rod Jakob; Hot Rod champion gives the very first Volvo a new lease of life
Hot Rod Jakob is a unique combination of classical car-building craftsmanship allied to modern technology and design. In February 2008 the car will be unveiled at the Volvo Museum in Göteborg before setting off on a tour of the Nordic region and the USA.
Your Humble Host here: For the past two or three SEMA Shows --- that's the gigantic aftermarket show held every November in Las Vegas, with over 100,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibitors, every company from the car-makers to the outfits that make the temporary paper floor mats the car wash guy puts in your car --- Volvo has a pretty impressive display, owned as they are, at least last time we checked this evening, by Ford. And for some reason, Volvo has been creating a series of one-off hot rods for the SEMA audience ... But what are they trying to achieve with these sometimes-pretty-cool concepts? Volvo has ridden "safety" as their #1-marketing device for over 40 years; now it seems they want to add "performance" and "sportiness". But when it comes down to it: Beats us what they're trying to do! You can't sell yourself as "safe" on the one hand and as a "performance" car on the other in the US; anyone who doesn't believe that should ask Honda about their short-lived Accord Hybrid ... You know, the one that failed in the American marketplace. The one they tried to sell as "the most-powerful Accord ever!" and at the same time talked it up as a hybrid ... Things just don't work that way! And by the way ... If and when I ever find out what's in that suitcase strapped to the front-end, you'll be the first to know about it ...
2008 Lotus Exige by SECANT Vehicles - 300 + hp and Brembo Brakes
SECANT Vehicles Introduces New Products for Lotus Vehicles
Type I Supercharged powertrain replacement package leads product offensive with Brembo developed front brake systems plus wheel & tire packages
SECANT Vehicle Engineering LLC debuts new product offerings for Lotus vehicles. Products include complete powertrain replacements for all 2005-2008 Lotus Elise and Exige sports cars. Additionally Secant offers a Brembo Gran Turismo brake upgrade with wheel & tire packages designed to accommodate the larger brakes. SECANT engineers have developed the GM Ecotec 2.0L supercharged powertrain for substantial gains in horsepower and torque over the stock powerplant while maintaining the refinement of the factory package. Power is increased to 280 HP @ 6600 RPM and torque to 241 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM. The Roots-blown four-cylinder reaches a maximum boost of 17 PSI.
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