The 81st International Motorshow in Geneva is kicking off this week. Auto manufacturers are showing off new cars and concepts. As with most auto shows it is a mix of stunning, ugly, practical, affordable and those that we can only wish to own.
If your dream has always been to own a $1M electric car then Rolls-Royce has just the limo for you. It’s every bit as handsome, or ugly, as previous RR machines but it will get you 125 miles down the road without a recharge. Suicide doors are standard but Grey Poupon is not included.
While the Rolls-Royce styling may not be for everyone, it’s not the ugliest car in the world. That title now belongs to the AstroBionix Thor. Marketed as an “Ultimate Deployment Vehicle,” this UDV is U-G-L-Y. On the up side it does rock a 600 horse power 7.0L V8 in case you need to escape escape a mob of pitchfork carrying peasants.
An electric coupe with a bit more style and affordability is the Nissan Esflow concept. The Esflow is a rear wheel drive machine meant for two and uses the same battery pack as the Leaf that you can’t buy. It will get you through 150 miles of driving bliss and at least a dozen nods of acceptance from anyone you pass on the street.
A less practical coupe is the Wiesmann Sypder concept. If Speed Racer were to choose a car from the show this would be it. It has air intakes big enough for a 737 and headlights that could belong to an insect. It uses a V8 with 420-horse power and has no windshield. Bring a helmet and goggles.
But the car that you’re most likely to want to take on a camping trip is without a doubt the VW Bulli. Get your prescription card ready because the Micro Bus is back and it’s a hybrid! Hippies everywhere are rejoicing.
