AUTODROME

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2004

(march 4-14, 2004)

Two cars are displayed on the Pagani stand ; the berlinette is finished with an extremely classy metallic/golden black paintwork (microscopic metal particles give superbly changing bronze and silver reflections), and a contrasting tan leather upholstery.

The car is equipped with forged aluminium wheels, of larger dimensions, as seen last year for the first time on the Roadster. The dark colour of the car makes it possible to visually merge apparent carbon elements - skirts, front spoiler, wings - with the rest of the body (which is, let's remind it, also in pure carbon).

General view of the Pagani Automobili display.

Just before the opening, dimmed lights enhance all nuances.

Left : Horacio Pagani and Claude Levy, director of Autodrome. Right: another client just made the right decision.

The roadster Zonda S is irresistible - one of our excellent clients came specifically to Geneva to examine and admire the car once again - and on the second day, signed the order with enthusiasm ... Summer will be exciting in France for some people. 

The last Pagani built is finished in metallic red with dark grey upholstery. A Zonda inevitably makes your heart beat faster...

Lamborghini presented the finalised Murcielago Roadster, very similar to the prototype seen in Détroit. The engine bay is strenghtened by a tubular spaceframe, which certainly doesn't help accessibility. The general lines and finish of the car are very attractive. It will probably weight more than the coupé, but performance is not the only criteria for such a car. 

Bertone displayed a concept car based on an Aston-Martin chassis. unfortunately, instead of innovating as they did with the Carabo, the Stratos, or the Bravo, Bertone's designers have just re-used the gimmicks of the modern "Ford-Aston-Martin" range of cars (shape of the front air-intake, faired-in headlights, lateral air scoops), which merely imitates the legend of the sixties.

VW-Audi displayed once again the permanent prototype named Bugatti Veyron very similar to the one seen in 2003, 2002, etc. As we anticipated in the last issue of Autodrome-Bulletin, VW just admitted that no car will be available at least until ... the end of 2005, which means 18 months additonnal "delay". After five years since the presentation, this program is now seen by most observers as merely a marketing tool.

VW justifies the delay by the fact that the car should be finalised before delivery. It's preferable indeed...if the car is ever built, which has become highly improbable. VW has installed a radio onboard, so as to prove that the prototype is "the first production Bugatti Veyron"... If so, what willl they do until end 2005 ?

Rolls-Royce presents the 100 EX, an experimental (not concept) car which probably announces the next "Corniche", maybe with another name, but anyway an open  four-seater based on the current Phantom limousine.

The shapes of the new car have allure and aplomb, with a remininscence of some prestigious cars of the 30s and 40s. Both the innovative slighly curved radiator grille and the wooden finish used to cover the hood when not in use are really nice and give a touch of timeless elegance.

Let's note that BMW, in its Press documents, say that they are the custodians of the marque Rolls-Royce (not the owners). That is an intelligent way to take responsibility for such an heritage...

Ford works hard to restore the exclusive character of the legendary Aston-Martin marque through distinctive finish details such as the very beautiful coulour scheme chosen for the new DB9 Volante, and its neat light-coloured wooden dashboard. 

Koenigsegg fromSweden brought a new version of their coupé (the very first prototype was presented at the Paris Motor show in 2000). The 4,7 litres Ford-based engine receives a new super-charger with a claimed 800 HP output. The central chassis built in carbon-composite, and the original shapes make the car really different - along with performances obviously. Unlike some "maketing-noisy" others, Koenigsegg has already begun to build and sell their cars. We will get back to this interesting model.

You will find below a couple of pictures taken at the  2004 Gevena Motor Show (the two pictures herebelow on the right are Bentley press documents). There are still lots of excitement and driving satisfaction for the ones who really want it.

Bentley Arnage R and long wheel-base Limousine. Picture on the right is an example of interior treatment by  Mulliner - the Company is prepared to listen to virtually any customter demand and to make it happen, if reasonnably conceivable

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The Maserati MC12 in road-going and racing (far right) versions ; it's an Enzo, with a different body work.

The racing Ferrari 575 GTC ; in comparison, the road-legal version (right) seems to lack some energy ; Ferrari now offers (or rather sells) a "handling GTC" option including carbon-ceramic breaks.

In spite of its performances, the Porsche Carrera GT doesn't seem to trigger passionnate reactions, probably due to the shape, too close to existing models. The Maserati Quattroporte is best seen ... from the inside, where you discover that the marque has always been capable to please the driver. The delightful smal Birdcage was as a reminder of the racing past of the Marque.

AUTODROME Cannes