geneva 2009

It doesn't get much better than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It's got the engine from the Enzo supercar in a package more suited towards everyday driving and is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic vehicles on the road. But Ferrari didn't get where it is today by sitting on their fine-leather laurels, and with that in mind the Italian sportscar company and racing team released a new package for the 599 called the Handling GT Evoluzione.

The tuned suspension on the 599 HGTE features stiffer springs, beefed-up roll bars and retuned magnetic viscosity shock absorbers, resulting in a lower ride height, complemented by new 20-inch split-five-spoke modular wheels wrapped in new tires. The advanced F1-derived transmission has also been updated, as has the exhaust system, while inside the cabin has been revised with leather, Alcantara suede and carbon fiber. No word on pricing, but considering that the existing 599 retails for over $300k, this is definately one of those "if you have to ask..." moments.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599 HGTE

For such a small company, or by any measure, really, Aston Martin certainly had its hands full preparing for this year's Geneva Motor Show. The company currently offers essentially two model lines, but at the Swiss show revealed four new models that didn't step on each other's toes. In addition to the V12 Vantage, the DBS Volante and the seven-figure One-77 supercar, Aston also took the opportunity to revive the long-dormant Lagonda marque. Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, Lagonda has been out of commission for decades, but is now poised to make a comeback. Unfortunately the concept which Aston unveiled to kick off Lagonda's return disappointed what could have been an elegant affair.

Instead of showing a limousine as expected to take on the likes of Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Maybach, the Lagonda Concept is an awkwardly-styled crossover with a huge gaping mouth and unattractive shape, especially in the presence of such classically beautiful Aston sportscars. Company executives hope the production version, whenever it rolls around, will help them expand into new markets like the Middle East, China, India and Russia where luxury SUVs are even more the rage than they are in the U.S. But while this beast may strike a chord with those who have more money than taste, we would have expected a little more from Aston Martin. See for yourself in the gallery of photographs below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Lagonda concept

This year's Geneva Motor Show had plenty of surprises and a wealth of breathtaking new automobiles on display, but it also had its share of disappointments. Bugatti, for example, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. But instead of marking the occasion in the grand style we expected, Bugatti simply slapped a fresh coat of paint on an existing Veyron and blew out the hundred candles on its cake.

Called the Bleu Centenaire, the special Veyron is differentiated from its "ordinary" counterparts (if you could apply the term to a seven-figure supercar) by a special French Racing Blue paintjob in tone-on-tone matte and glossy finish, complemented by special wheels. Only one will be made, but then just about every Veyron to roll out of Bugatti's Molsheim factory is different from every other.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire

If you're in the market for a luxury sport-utility but don't like the idea of driving a mamoth off-roader around town, Audi may have what you're looking for in the A4 Allroad Quattro. Joining the larger A6-based Allroad, the A4 version combines the versatility and rugged styling of an SUV with a more car-like ride and profile.

Like the Volvo XC70 or Subaru Outback, the A4 Allroad is essentially a conventional station wagon with a higher ride height, all-wheel-drive and rugged body cladding. It's being offered with a choice of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, starting at around the equivalent of $47k in European markets. Given that the A6 Allroad was withdrawn from the North American market, the A4 Allroad may or may not make it over the Atlantic, so the images in the gallery below may be the closest you get to seeing it up close while we wait for the final verdict from Audi.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Audi A4 Allroad Quattro