Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept

The first question always asked an automaker about a concept like this is "Will you build it?" Mercedes-Benz is calling its S600-based Ocean Drive convertible a "one-off special." But following the appearance of the ASC-developed Chrysler 300C Helios at the Detroit show two years back and the Peugeot 407 Macarena with folding steel roof by Heuliez shown at Geneva, it's surely only a question of time before someone builds a four-door convertible that recalls the grand phaetons of the 1920s or 1930s, or even the iconic 1961 to 1967 Lincoln Continental.
Chrysler's plans to market a four-door hardtop convertible based on the next-generation 300, circa 2010, have reportedly been scrubbed, and the Macarena was basically a showcase for Heuliez's engineering skills. But the Ocean Drive could be the car that kickstarts the emerging four-door convertible trend into a production reality, for the simple reason that it'd be easier to absorb the considerable engineering costs in a vehicle with an already high price tag.
Besides, with rivals BMW and VW showing new ultra-high-end two-door convertibles-the new Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe and the Bentley Continental GTC-corporate egos in Stuttgart, already bruised by the relative failure of Maybach, would demand that Germany's premier automaker go one better and build a four-door soft-top.

Nissan Bevel Concept

At first blush, the Bevel looks like a next-generation Cube concept. But Nissan describes the Bevel as a "dynamic, multipurpose vehicle" designed for "male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation, and community service." Talk about your market niche.
If the Rouge is a smaller, RAV4-fighting Murano, the Bevel looks like a smaller, sub-Xterra, albeit more a crossover than hard-core SUV. Nissan North America in La Jolla, California, designed the Bevel with asymmetric styling (coincidentally, like the Japanese-market Cube), high-utility three-zone interior and glass roof-mounted solar panels and drive-by-wire steering, throttle, and brakes. The Bevel is substantially larger than the Cube (which Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn promised would be built for left-hand-drive markets in its next iteration and is expected to launch in the U.S. for the 2009 model year). The Bevel's engine compartment is designed for a V-6/electric hybrid drivetrain, Nissan says. To sum up, Nissan has an intriguing design for a potential future product.

Mazda3 MPS

Known in North America as the Mazdaspeed3, this performance version of Mazda's already sporty compact is powered by a 250 horsepower (Euro-spec), 280 pound-foot direct-injection gas 2.3-liter turbo four. The engine also powers the Mazdaspeed6, but the 3 is front-wheel-drive versus the 6's all-wheel-drive. That means less weight but more potential torque steer. The body shell of the 2007 Mazda3 MPS making its debut here at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show is stiffened, with a 60-percent roll stiffness improvement, transmission is a six-speed manual and the front fenders are 0.79-inches wider to accommodate wider tires.

Mitsubishi Concept-EZ MIEV

Mitsubishi's Concept-EZ MIEV (stands for Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) is indicative of the company's future design direction, then it seems as if the sleeping giant may have well turned the corner. Building on innovation in propulsion as well as packaging, the Concept-EZ MIEV breaks new ground in both categories. It features four in-wheel 20 kW motors producing the equivalent of 110-horsepower. Part pure electric vehicle, part fuel-cell vehicle, the Concept-EV MIEV shown here at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show is a hybrid without a gasoline engine component. Packaging is equally creative as the seats can be configured in a variety of ways with 4+1 seating possible when driving, or with full lay-down lounge configuration available when the Concept-EZ MIEV is stationary.

Saab Aero-X Concept

Saab has been further absorbed into the GM family, with Saabs being built outside Sweden and non-Saabs being built in its factory (Cadillac BLS). To stem the criticism that the company is losing its character, GM has opened a Saab Brand Center in Sweden. This is the first design from that center, the Saab Aero-X concept. Like traditional Saabs, including the Sonnets I, II and III, it's a front-wheel-drive-based sports car, but it's got all-wheel-drive to handle a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. And to be eco-friendly, it operates on 100-percent bio-ethanol fuel. Its body has a cockpit canopy in place of conventional doors (shades of early '60s American "dream cars"). The rear stowage features a "twin floor" for better-than-sports car cargo space. The Aero-X is a surprise, unquestionably the best car of the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. If Saab can translate this general design into production cars, it could save itself from GM anonymity.

The CCX is the latest iteration of the Koenigsegg CC family: CCX stands for Competition Coupe X, and commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC maiden prototype, which rolled out from the R&D Department in 1996.

Even though the CCX is an Americanized version of the company's Euro-spec CCR exotic car, Koenigsegg touts the CCX as a new car since it has been re-engineered to comply with the U.S. regulation and market demands. Still, it has been a key issue for the Koenigsegg Team to keep the distinctive and record breaking CC shape, as they believe it is important to avoid trends and hone the aerodynamic shape of the CC range for the future, so as to enhance its unique look and appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance. The new Koenigsegg shows a clear lineage from its predecessor with modifications meant only to enhance its already proven concept and shape.

The two-door, two seat, 2200-pound supercar features a removable hardtop that is stowable under the front hood lid. Its body is made of pre-impregnated carbon fiber, Kevlar, and lightweight sandwich reinforcements. Underhood, it is powered by a new, wholly in-house-produced 4.7-liter/800-horsepower V-8 cast-aluminum supercharged and intercooled engine Koenigsegg claims is capable of pushing the supercar from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. It also promises a top speed of faster than 245 mph, all while running on 91 octane fuel and meeeting California emission requirements.

American buyers can place their order for the 2007 Koenigsegg CCX at "Exotic Cars" in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Prices start at $650,000.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 Cabriolet

AMG will build both coupe and cabrio versions of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63, but the coupe will not be imported to the U.S. Horsepower is 481 and torque is 465 pound-feet. The CLK shown here at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show also comes with the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic trans and a new AMG sport suspension. Wheels are 18-inch AMG light alloys, and the front wheels have a new high-performance composite brake system. Appointments include an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, multi-contour AMG sport seats and exclusive Nappa leather.