While Suzuki’s Geneva Auto Show press conference concentrated on the launch of the new Alto model, we spotted another premiere that we’d much rather have.

It’s no supercar (this is Suzuki after all) but it’s one hot-hatch – the Swift Sport Anniversary Edition.

Made to celebrate the company’s 100 years in existence, the Swift Sport is a little 125hp four-cylinder model that may not have all the power you want but it certainly has the looks.

The Swift Sport gets a complete aero kit with an aggressive front end, side skirts, an intricate rear bumper with two exhaust pipes and a roof spoiler. The most obvious feature, however, are the 18-inch wheels, coated in 215/35/18 Yokohama rubber.

The inside is also as surprisingly nice as the outside, with dark black plastic, some nice faux-aluminum trim and even black and red cloth seats with some nice red stitching.

It is available only with a five-speed manual transmission and comes standard with ABS and stability control.

This specific model is only offered in Switzerland, with a rather significant asking price of 33,925 Swiss Francs (roughly $29,000… that’s almost double the price of a standard Swift).

Now if only Suzuki would bring cars like this to the U.S.

GALLERY: Suzuki Swift Sport Anniversary Edition

During the company’s press conference at the Geneva Auto Show, Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez announced that the British automaker intends to race its new V12 Vantage at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May.

The V12 Vantage, which was officially unveiled at the Geneva press conference along-side the new DBS Volante and One-77 supercar, is a combination of Aston’s smallest car with its largest engine. The coupe’s 6.0-liter V12 engine makes 510hp at 420 ft-lbs of torque for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds.

Top speed is rated at 190 mph.

Dr. Bez did say that some modifications will obviously be necessary to outfit the vehicle for a race, although he did say they would be minor.

We expect to see a rather stripped-down interior, as well as the addition of a roll cage. Light weight racing wheels and slicks will also, no-doubt, be a part of the package, but don’t expect any crazy suspension changes or wild aerodynamics – although a good-sized spoiler isn’t out of the question.

There is also no word on if CEO Dr. Bez himself will help pilot the car. (He has been known to do such things in the past, including co-piloting a V8 Vantage N24 in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in 2007.

The 2009 Nürburgring 24 Hour race runs from May 23rd to 24th. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the status of this race contender and its result.

GALLERY: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

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With General Motors recently announcing a hold on any future performance vehicles, speed freaks will have to go elsewhere. And where better to go but to one of the most trusted named in the aftermarket, Lingenfelter?

Best known for modifying Corvettes, the Indiana-based tuner has just released a complete package for the new Pontiac G8 GT. A fabulous car on its own, the G8 GT makes 361hp in stock trim. Fitted with Lingenfelter’s Magnuson TVS MP1900 supercharger, however, that number stretches all the way north of the 500-mark for a total of 505hp and 482 ft-lbs of torque. Measured on the company’s own dyno, that’s 430hp and 410 ft-lbs at the rear wheels.

The kit is a fully-engineered package and also includes a Rotofab G8 air intake system, an intercooler, new fuel-injectors, a new thermostat, a remapped ECU and even a remapped transmission control unit for slightly quicker shifts.

According to a recent test by Car & Driver, the car will hit 60 mph in just 4.4-seconds and 100 mph in 10.2-seconds. As for that all-important quarter mile, it flies by in a scant 12.8 seconds at a lofty 112 mph.

The price for this setup is a reasonable $10,995 - although to get a proper-sounding car the optional Corsa exhaust might not be a bad option. Lingenfelter says its performance package will not affect highway fuel-economy and will deliver the car with a certificate of authenticity and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. And to ensure every car it up to its owner’s expectations, each car will be dyno-tested before being delivered.

Those looking for a complete setup can also opt for the Rotofab coil covers and 19-inch CCW forged wheels, coated in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. From wheels measure 19×9-inches and get 245/40/19 tires, while rear wheels measure 19×10.5-inches and get 285/35/19 tires.

The full setup costs $18,494.

For more info visit www.lingenfelter.com

GALLERY: Lingenfelter Pontiac G8 GT

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Just two days after Audi officially unveiled the TT-RS at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland, the company has released some very cool video of both the Coupe and Roadster models ripping up and down some abandoned roads.

The new TT-RS makes 340hp and an impressive 332 ft-lbs of torque from an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine.

But the TT-RS is about more than just power, it’s actually intended to be a real driver’s car. The car weighs quite little, especially considering it retains its quattro all-wheel drive system. The curb weight of the coupe is just 3,197 pounds and the roadster will tip the scales at 3,329 lbs.

Zero to 62 mph is rated at 4.6 seconds with a tenth of a second more for the TT-RS Roadster. One of the reasons is that all that torque is available as of just 1600 rpm.

The TT-RS features a new suspension setup with stiffer springs and quicker reacting shocks. It also comes with 18-inch wheels with 245/45/18 tires at all four corners. (19 and 20-inch wheels are optional). Front brake calipers measure 14.6-inches and rears measure 12.2-inches. Audi was also smart in that they made it possible to completely shut off the stability control.

The interior will be offered in several different specifications with one trim-line even including a mixed leather and Alcantara design.

Impressively, the car is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Which brings us to the bad news… it’s not available in North America. Not yet anyway.

As we previously reported, Rolls-Royce did in fact bring it’s EX200 design study to the Geneva Auto Show. The company didn’t have much to say other than what it had already distributed in its press release – which included one of the most basic lists of specifications we’ve seen since the Aston One-77 teaser.

The baby Rolls, code named the RR4, is a four door (duh!) and seats five (double duh!). It is 212.6-inches long, 76.7-inches wide and 61-inches high. The wheelbase is listed as 129.7-inches. The platform for the car is the same used by the new BMW 7 Series.

It sits on a set of typically-dull 20-inch rims with 255/45/20 tires up front an 285/40/20 tires in the rear.

Rolls has confirmed that the luxury saloon will be powered by a new V12 engine, which one can assume with be rather torquey.

One interesting bit of information that did come up during the press conference, however, was that Rolls is working on a thermo-electric generator for future use in the company’s cars. CEO Ian Robertson stated that this new technology (currently in development and not scheduled for any road car for at least five years) would generate energy from the excess heat from the exhaust system and then use that electricity to power certain things on the car. Ideally this would represent a reduction in emissions by roughly five percent.

As for the EX200, it is scheduled to go on sale in 2010 and so we should expect to see a production model in the near future – possibly as early as at Frankfurt in the fall.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce EX200

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During the BMW Press Conference at the Geneva Auto Show, Dr. Klaus Draeger, a member of the board of management for BMW AG, confirmed that the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo will see production. Calling it a “near-series concept” Dr. Draeger said that the hatchback will be offered as both a four-seater and as a five-seater and will go on sale in Europe in November. BMW has not confirmed if the vehicle will be offered in the U.S.

The 5 Series GT is the first production-destined concept based on the company’s Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) idea, and combines aspects of a BMW Sedan, Sports Activity Vehicle and a Gran Turismo.

The vehicle’s dimensions are 196.8-inches long, 61.2-inches high and 74.8-inches wide. This makes it second in length only to the 7 Series (as expected) and second only in height to BMW’s X Series SUVs.

The wheelbase is a significant 120.9-inches.

As for that rear hatchback trunk design, it allows for significant flexibility of cargo space. The trunk can be opened like a sedan to provide 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, or like a hatchback or wagon to give 20 cubic feet of space. The rear seats can also be folded down for a total of 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With a focus on usability, the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is intended to be a comfortable space for passengers and so a great deal of attention has been paid to rear seat room. Leg room is said to be almost the same as in a 7 Series, and rear seats are adjustable fore and aft by 4-inches. Headroom in the rear is almost equal to the X5.

Inside, the Concept 5 Series GT has plenty of unique features, most of which we expect to see make it to the production vehicles. One of the key items is the black panel screen on which the instruments are displayed. Used for the gauges it remains black until the car is turned on and then the different gauges and dials are electronically generated. (This system is already in use on the new 7 Series).

Outside, BMW has drawn inspiration from past models on this truly modern vehicle. The signature BMW kidney grille slants slight forward on this 5 Series concept, forming the front-most point of the car. This is similar to a design used on the old 2002s.

BMW has yet to release any info on the powerplants available for the new 5 Series, however, as we already mentioned, expect to see one or more turbocharged options.

GALLERY: BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

After recently launching the new Mégane model, Renault brought its powerful sibling, the Mégane R.S. (Renault Sport) to the Geneva Auto Show. 

Powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the R.S. makes 250hp at 5500 rpm and 251 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm. This is an increase of 20hp and 29.5 ft-lbs of torque over the highly acclaimed R26.R. As well as being a great performer, the car is also good around town with plenty of immediate torque – Renault says that 80 of peak torque is available at just 1800 rpm.

As expected, the new R.S. will be offered with only a six-speed manual transmission. Two trim levels can be ordered, the Sport and the Cup, which features a limited-slip differential. The R.S. is equipped with a stability control system, however, it can be shut completely off.

From the outside, the car is immediately distinguishable by its 18-inch wheels, rear diffuser and Lambo LP640-style central exhaust pipe.

Inside, the car gets aluminum pedal covers, a sport steering wheel, Renault Sport lettering on the headrests, gauges and dashboard. It also comes with a gear-shift indicator that is both visual and audible.

GALLERY: Mégane R.S. 

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If only this car were available? Who wouldn’t cancel their Panamera order to get one?

At the Geneva Auto Show, French carmaker Peugeot unveiled what might just be the best looking hybrid ever. The RC HYbrid4 Concept is a grand touring sedan, with the engine located at the rear of the car and the electric motor up front. Out back is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 216hp. Additional power comes from the electric motor, which makes 95hp for a total of 313hp. Torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels of this four-wheel drive beauty with 131 ft-lbs of torque going to the front wheels and 207 ft-lbs going to the rear.

As for the heavy lithium-ion battery packs, they are located in the center of the car for ideal weight distribution and a low center of gravity.

Better yet, this concept comes with a six-speed manual transmission!

As tough all that good stuff weren’t enough, the RC HYbrid4 comes with 19-inch wheels, a complete carbon fiber body and a drag coefficient of just 0.24 cd.

Oh, and if that 313hp number doesn’t seem all that impressive, Peugeot says the car is still capable of a sprint to 62 mph in an alarmingly fast 4.4 seconds!

GALLERY: Peugeot RC HYbrid4 Concept

Kia is a brand that is looking to distinguish itself. When the company recently unveiled the Soul, it made functionality fun and now with the debut of the No. 3 Concept at the Geneva Auto Show, the Korean manufacturer intends to make basic transportation sporty and aggressive.

Created at Kia’s Design Centre Europe, under Chief Designer Gregory Guillaume, the project involved input from all of Kia’s worldwide design departments, from Korea to California. The focus of this model, however, is on the European market.

The No. 3 MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) Concept features a long wheelbase for improved driving dynamics with massive 19-inch wheels. The body of the car has been sprayed in “RockStar Titanium Grey” paint, with white detailing. 

While the interior is a bit much with the gold seats, it looks close to what a production model might be like; and that’s the whole point. Kia plans to release a production model based on this car in Europe before the end of the year.

The most important feature of the No. 3 Concept, however, is the front fascia design. Kia says that this new design, including the grille, headlights and brand logo, will be featured across all vehicles in the Kia family in the future.

GALLERY: Kia No. 3 Concept

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The Geneva Auto Show, due to its prominence on the international auto scene as well as the high net worth of the citizens of Switzerland, is always filled with all sorts of rare exotic car manufacturers. One such manufacturer is the Dutch company Spyker.

The name Spyker isn’t exactly a household one, but the company is highly involved in motorsports, running race cars at Le Mans as well as a Formula 1 team for a single season, and has produced several exotic vehicles before. The company is looking to expand in the retail automotive market with it’s automotive-inspired sportscars. To do this the company unveiled a new model, the C8 Aileron, at the Geneva Auto Show. 

The C8 is the next generation exotic from Spyker and while the old C8 Laviolette and C8 Spyder models took their inspiration from propeller planes, the new vehicle gets its styling from the turbine engine – a marked improvement indeed. Gone are many of the more ornate details, giving the car a more clean and smooth sppearance. The 19-inch Rotorblade wheels, while not exactly great looking, are a marked improvement over the old design. Tires measure 235/35/19 up front and 295/30/19 in the rear.

The car doesn’t just look new either, as the entire aluminum spaceframe chassis has been redesigned. The wheelbase of the C8 Aileron is 5.9-inches longer than the old model, providing not only better driving dynamics but also better comfort and stability at high spedes. The front track is also much wider – 6.1-inches wider.

Aluminum has been used for much of the all-new suspension, to help keep the curb weight down to just 3,142 lbs.

Spyker decided to continue using the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 engine, that makes 400hp and 354 ft-lbs of torque. Spyker says the Aileron can rocket to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 187 mph.

The car will continue to be offered wit a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission, however, Spyker also plans to offer the vehicle with a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, with paddle shifters. The trademark Spyker exposed gear-shifter will appear regardless of transmission choice.

“When we unveiled the C8 Aileron prototype here last year, we wanted to make a clear statement to the industry that Spyker was about to take the next step in its short but intense history, by introducing its second-generation sports cars, developed from scratch,” said Victor R. Muller, Spyker CEO. “Witin a year we transformed that prototype into the production-ready car we show here today. The first cars are being built now with customer prodction and deliveries starting in May 2009.”

A Spyder version of the car is expected to be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Eegance.

GALLERY: Spyker C8 Aileron