Rinspeed Senso concept

Swiss automotive design and solutions specialist, Rinspeed, and Bayer MaterialScience, one of the world's largest plastics producers, will jointly present the 'Senso' concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

The concept is said to actually 'sense' the driver by measuring his (or her) biometric data, and then exert a positive effect on him with the help of patterns, colors, music and fragrances. This "smart surface technology" uses an innovative electroluminescent film combined with a series of biometric body sensors. According to Johannes Seesing from Bayer Automotive, "In the 'Senso', we are showing what breathtaking possibilities this new technology can open up for car designers. The glowing material can be made into any shape and does not need electric bulbs or LEDs."

The exterior shape of the roadster vehicle uses influences from the world of architecture and incorporates a three-seater layout with central driving position.

IED X1/99 concept

IED (Instituto Europeo di Design) – the Turin based design college – are showing a study by a group of their Masters students that derives in spirit from the X1/9 small sports car Fiat produced from 1972-89.

Because it is based on a Punto platform the X1/99 has a front engine, unlike the mid-engine X1/9, and this affords extra space behind the front seats for two additional places. And at 4060mm long, 1790 mm wide and 1293mm tall the car is not much larger than its iconic forbearer: 100mm longer and taller, and 200mm wider.

The roof is a two piece folding hard top produced with help from the German roof specialist Webasto and the project was also supported by Fiat, with Michael Robinson, now of Fiat Brand Promotion, overseeing its development.

Peugeot 407 Coupe Prologue

The new Peugeot 407 Coupe Prologue debuts at Geneva as a prologue to the definitive production version due shortly after that will differ only in minor detail and in colour and trim.

The Coupe was designed in-house, like the sedan 407 it is closely based on and unlike its handsome predecessor that was designed by Pininfarina.

Unusually for a coupe, the car at Geneva has a diesel engine; the same V6 as that making its debut in the Citroen C6.

Citroën C6

The C6 is Citroën’s new flagship car that will compete in the European E-sector as defined by the BMW 5 series.

It follows on closely from the C6 Linage concept car shown six years ago and in spirit also the Air Lounge concept from Frankfurt 2003 – the C6 has a “concept of (a) lounge on wheels”. This is born out with an emphasis on comfort and refinement and features such as laminated side glass, four zone air climate control and electric rear seats.

The new car also leads on technology, like all previous large Citroens, with head-up control display, an active rear spoiler (a first on this class of car) and directional headlamps and 'active' hydro-pneumatic suspension.

Available at launch with only V6 engines; one petrol and one diesel both with just over 200PS and powering the car through a six speed automatic transmission.

Opel Zafira

The new Zafira to be launched in Geneva is based on a development of its trend setting predecessor’s platform with nominally different dimensions and carry over powertrains from the previous car except for a new 1.9 litre common rail diesel.

New features include an optional 'panorama roof system' which has four large glass panels and integrated storage compartments within the central roof spine, 'adaptive forward lighting' and constantly adjusting dampers.

In parallel with the advancements made of its sister model, the Astra, the interior is improved in perceived quality and features a higher mounted gear shift than before and integrated ICE.

Dodge Caliber concept

The Caliber is a concept car preview of a production crossover that will the centrepiece to a European market offensive from Dodge. As such it is exceptionally compact for an American branded car; 4414mm long and 1743mm wide – Golf sized (or more accurately, with its 1534 mm height, Golf Plus sized).

Dodge makes much of its classic Dodge aesthetic from 'crosshair' grille to chrome tail pipes. Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler Group, is quoted as saying; “With its bold styling and clever packaging, Caliber is pure Dodge.”

Renault Z17 concept

The Z17 is, in Renault’s words, 'a diminutive upper-range urban vehicle which places the accent on genuine motoring pleasure'. This car has three seats in response to the fact that most people travel most of the time with only one or two persons in the car and yet cite having only two seats (and with the exception of sports cars, this means the Smart ForTwo) as being a constraint.

With the Twingo nearing the end of its life, perhaps the Z17 gives some indication as to what Renault might produce to complement the Modus and forthcoming Clio?

Hyundai HED-1 concept

To debut at the Geneva Motor Show, this concept car shows a possible design direction for the forthcoming replacement for the Matrix, Hyundai’s mini-MPV.

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at Hyundai’s European design studio near Frankfurt, said: "As our customers demand more flexibility, and ever increasing levels of quality and sophistication, total concept cars such as the HED-1 allow us to prepare for these demands, but also to gauge the reaction of potential future customers."