The world famous automakers have used the Geneva Motor Show to show the latest electric and hybrid cars. We present the most interesting five appearances.

The new “green wave” has reached the automakers present at Geneva Auto Show. Normally, the latest technological solutions were presented both on the models that already exists, but also on the new concepts. I chose five of the most important electric and hybrid models from Geneva Motor Show 2011.

1. OPEL Ampera

New Opel Ampera came at Geneva Motor Show 2011, in world premiere in series version. Last year, the Opel engineers had come to Switzerland Auto Show with an Ampera from Rüsselsheim and were very satisfied with the results. New Ampera is a hybrid in series configuration (The guys from Opel it named electric model with an extend autonomy system) that receiving an electric motor and a gasoline engine which, when the battery is empty, acts as a generator. The Ampera battery is charged from a normal outlet in four hours and the 25-50 miles electric autonomy power is extended to over 250 miles after the gasoline engine enter in action.

Opel Ampera

2. VOLVO V60 PLUG-IN HYBRID

New series hybrid model launched by the guys from Volvo at Geneva Auto Show 2011 has a technology that can not be found in any other automaker in the world. We are talking about the diesel-electric hybrid system and the V60 Plug-in- Hybrid battery can be loaded, if necessary, from a normal outlet. The Swedish model can run exclusive in electric mode for 31 miles and the hybrid mode enabling the 2.4-liter diesel engine and 215 HP, which works in parallel with the electric motor, which have 70 HP. If is used in the most eco mode as possible, the V60 special version consumption falls below 78 mi/gal.

Volvo V60 Hybrid

3. PORSCHE Panamera S Hybrid

I could skip the second model from Porsche history with a hybrid powertrain. It is Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, a version that receives the same drive train that I saw at Cayenne and also on Touareg Hybrid (380 HP and 428 lb-ft), this allowing to the German model to reach a good consumption for a model in this range. We’re talking about 34.5 mi/gal, a consumption that reaches half by the announced gasoline version of Porsche Panamera S version.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

4. BMW ActiveE

BMW shown at Geneva Motor Show 2011 the series prototype version of the compact 1 Series electric version. The first road models will be launched later this year. Based on the 1 Series Coupe version , the electric version can not be bought, but can be rented, BMW will produce a series of 1000 copies. The 170 HP and 184 lb-ft provide by the electric motor propels the new ActiveE from 0-60 mph in 9 seconds, guaranteeing a top speed of 90 mph, electronically limited to not discharge the battery resources. The announced autonomy by the guys from BMW is up to 100 miles.

BMW ActiveE

5. ROLLS ROYCE 102 EX Concept

What would you say if Rolls Royce would be released an electric Phantom? If ten years ago this idea would have aroused laughter, now the idea could be real. The reason: 102 EX Concept presented at Geneva Motor Show 2011, predict such a model that could be launched in future in the British brand range. It is not known if this concept will be produced in series, the only thing known is that after the Geneva Auto Show, Rolls Royce 102 EX Concept will make the world tour. If they will show interest, the electric Phantom will be produced in limited series.

Rolls Royce 102 EX Concept

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Volvo revealed their new hybrid car at Geneva Motor Show 2011. The model is also their first production hybrid and comes with a five cylinder diesel engine developing 215 HP and 400 Nm.

The first Volvo diesel hybrid made its debut at Geneva Motor Show. One of the strengths of the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is that it can be recharged from a AC outlet, just like its name suggests. The model debuted alongside the DRIVe versions of S60 and V60, and all three models have been presented at Geneva Motor Show in the production version.

Volvo V60 Hybrid can run up to 50 km in full-electric mode. In the hybrid mode, V60 PHEV has a CO2 emissions of only 49 g/km and can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.9 seconds, thanks to the Power mode of the Volvo V60. The hybrid model features a diesel engine of 2.4-liters developing 215 HP and 400 Nm, while the electric motor offers 70 HP.

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The first four wheel drive and four seats model in the history of Ferrari have taken over the booth the Italian brand have installed at Geneva Motor Show 2011.

Ferrari FF is the model that everyone expected to show up at the Swiss show. The Italian model – first in Ferrari history with all-wheel drive and four seats – have been and is still considered a freak of nature, some artificial creation that has the role to improve Ferrari’s sales and nothing more. Lot of journalists have compared Ferrari FF with Porsche Cayenne, as the fans had the same reaction when the German SUV was launched.

But it’s certain that models like Ferrari FF will continue to appear in the coming years, as all big automakers seem to also focus on the niche markets to get a bigger slice of the pie. So, whether you like it or not, Ferrari FF will sell. And the Italians know that.

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Koenigsegg has presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 the R version of the Agera supercar. The supercar produces 1115HP and develops 1200 NM.

As promised, the Swedish automaker, Koenigsegg, has presented at Geneva Auto Show 2011 the new Agera R supercar. “The beast” prepared by the Swedes have a monocoque structure, and the total mass of the car reaches to 2930 pounds.

This is remarkable thing, because under the Agera R hood we find a V8 5.0-liter twin-turbo engine that produces 1115 HP and develops 1200 Nm when is powered with biofuel E85. When using a 95 octane fuel the engine power decreases to 940 HP and 1100 Nm. The eight-cylinder power is transmitted to wheels through a gearbox with double-clutch and seven reports, that weighing only 179 pounds.  The maximum speed that Agera R can run is 273 mph, but the model will be limited to 233 mph.

At the exterior, the Swedish supercar has a set of VGR (Vortex Generating Rim) wheels, which have a role to maximizing the downforce, and comes with Michelin tires that have been specifically designed to support speeds up to 260 mph. At the interior, the aluminum, the carbon fiber and Alcantara blend harmoniously to create an exclusive atmosphere, and the Hi-fi system offers audio functions, of navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and informations about the car telemetry.

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Brabus prepared a full tuning package for the new generation Mercedes CLS. The kit includes both aesthetic and technical tweaks.

The coupe sedan is individualized by its front bumper with revised air intakes, by the LED lights, wider fenders with vents, and the side skirts. The rear is dominated by a discreet spoiler and a new air diffuser, that hosts four exhaust pipes. The package is completed by the 20″ rims, available in six design versions.

Brabus also built a lot of options for the suspensions, which can be ordered with a sports package, reducing the ride height with 30 mm, or with a complete package, which comes with adjustable suspensions. The Airmatic suspension lets you adjust the ride height with up to 35 mm.

Of course, Brabus also prepared something special for the engines of the new Mercedes CLS. The 2.1-liter entry-level diesel engine of 204 HP, was improved in order to deliver 235 HP and 560 Nm. The CLS 350 CDI version, feturing a 3.0-liter V6 engine can boast about a power increase to 313 HP and a torque of 690 Nm (620 as stock). The resources are available once you press the Sport button.

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Volkswagen has dropped the Eos name for the convertible version of Golf and brings at Geneva Motor Show the new Golf MK VI Convertible.

Today, the guys from Volkswagen has unveiled the official pictures with new Golf Convertible. The model is the evolution of Eos model and is based on the three-door version of Golf MK VI. The soft-top roof is electro-hydraulically engaged and can be lowered or fitted into place in just 9.5 seconds. The three-door influence of Golf MK VI is more than obvious, the only difference between the two models being the ceiling and the A, B and C pillars. The line of the A pillar was significantly tilted towards the passengers to accommodate the convertible roof.

Regarding the range of engines, the customers can choose between six supercharged Otto engines and equipped with direct injection, four TSI engines and two TDI engines. The least powerful engine offered on Golf Convertible is a 1.2-liter TSI engine with 105 HP, while the most powerful engine is the the same engine offered on Golf GTI and offers 210 HP. Golf VI Convertible is offered in two diesel versions. One of them has a 1.6-liter TDI engine and 105 HP , while more powerful versions have a 2.0-liters engine and 140 HP. The 1.6-liter TDI version can be ordered with a seven-speed DSG transmission.

The basic version of the Golf VI Convertible starts from $32,500 with all taxes on the German market. The prices for other markets will be announced soon. The debut will take place at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.

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Range Rove will unveil a V6 diesel hybrid with CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km at Geneva Motor Show 2011.

Now it’s time the Brits of Range Rover to built their hybrid cars. Unlike other automakers, the Brits have chosen the pragmatic side of the hybrid technology and equipped the Range_e model with a 3.0-liter TDV6 engine, a ZF automatic transmission with eight gears and a hybrid system with yet unknown specifications. Another detail is the fact that Range Rover Sport kept its four wheel drive even after this hybrid system was added.

Being a PHEV, Range_e can be recharged from a regular outlet and can even run in full electric mode. Range Rover officials say that the new Range_e can run up to 32 km in 100% electric model. The top speed is of 200 kph and the 0 to 100 kph time was no yet revealed. The price and the dealership debut are also unknown.

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Geneva Motor Show 2011 will be the host for the launch of the bulletproof version of A8. The Audi A8 L Security is able to withstand bullets, grenades or explosives.

The new Audi A8 gets new clothes at Geneva Motor Show 2011 and becomes a bulletproof model. The model’s official name is Audi A8 L Security, and just like you have imagined, besides the security features it has a longer wheelbase.

Unlike the production version that any Audi customer can buy from the dealerships, the bulletproof version comes with materials like reinforced steel, multi-stratified windows, and lots of safety elements which increase the car’s total weight with over 1.3 tones.

The third generation bulletproof Audi A8 has no significant changes in terms of aesthetics, except for the light signals. For the interior, A8 L Security features a system that freshes the air in case of chemical attack.

Under the hood, the new A8 L Security hides a 6.3-liter W12 engine developing 500 HP and 625 Nm. Despite the extra weight the performances of the bulletproof German model are interesting: 7.3 seconds for 0-100 kph and a top speed of 210 kph.

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2014 might host the launch of the first 100% minivan in BMW history. The Bavarians are trying to attract even more customers in their yard.

The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport announced today that BMW is preparing to enter a new market segment, a virgin one for the Bavarian brand. So, after the German brand showed us how much they like to experiment, with X6 and 5-Series GT, it seems that now the want to penetrate the family cars segment with a minivan.

The Germans’ plans say that this model might hit the market in 2014. Rumor has it that the BMW minivan will be 4.2 meters long, will have front wheel drive and a roomy and flexible interior.

Another interesting model the BMW Group have talked about, is a smaller version of the Mini. According to the German journalists, an concept of the future model will be displayed at Geneva Motor Show 2011, on March 1. Of course, the main rival of the new model will be Smart Fortwo, but the interior will allow the mini-Mini to host 4 passengers, although it is 3.33 m long. Under the hood, the city model will have a diesel engine that promises a fuel consumption of 3 l/100 km.

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Opel has released the first official picture with the series version of Ampera. The electric / hybrid model with extended autonomy will be presented in world premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2011.

The series version of the Opel Ampera model, the European brother of Chevrolet Volt model, will be presented in world premiere by the German automaker in its own stand at Geneva Motor Show. The model with electric propulsion that can be a hybrid in series configuration when the battery is low will be presented for the first time in the final configuration, the previous two editions from Geneva Motor Show was dedicated to the pre-production versions of the German model.

Because the model is classified as an electric / hybrid vehicle, Ampera don’t pay pollution tax, despite the fact that it is equipped with a gasoline engine that supports the propulsion system. The model battery can be loaded in just four hours and the 100% running in electric mode may take place over a distance of between 25 and 50 miles, which is more than the average distance traveled by the commuters from Europe.

The Opel Ampera battery can be charged from a standard 230V AC outlet in just four hours, say the officials from Opel. Therefore, the vehicle could be charged even if you are at work. In the next years, is probably that the commercial places will provide charging facilities for the electric vehicles.

According to the official press release that accompanying the first official picture of the German model, Ampera can reach a top speed of 100 mph, while the acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in 9 seconds.

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