By
EWAN KENNEDY
25 September 2006
Show goers are in for a real treat at Sydney's Australian International
Motor Show this October.
In these times of uncertainty on fuel
prices and global warming, auto makers are taking a positive view.
Showing that it’s possible to have sleek, interesting cars that are
also kind to the environment.
Saab has air-freighted its stunning
concept machine, the Aero X, from Sweden to Australia for the occasion.
One of the most fascinating things about this sleek coupe is that
portions of it were originally air-freighted from Australia to Sweden.
Because the engine was partially built by Holden in its Port Melbourne
plant.
This 2.8-litre, twin-turbo V6 unit is
special in that it’s showcasing Saab's push towards renewable fuel. It
is 100 per cent powered by bio-ethanol and develops a huge 400
horsepower, 298 kilowatts.
Even more interesting is that our spies
tell us the concept Aero X strongly points to the shape of the next
generation Saab 9-5. Naturally, the production car will be toned down
from this shape, but expect the ‘three-hole’ front and vertically
curved windscreen to reach reality in a form not too different from that
shown here.
Mazda will display its sensational
concept coupe, the Kabura. Under that sleek body there's room for three
full-sized adults thanks to a fascinating asymmetrical idea. While the
driver’s seat only has a small seat behind it in the conventional
two-plus-two manner, the passenger side uses a front seat that’s set
well forward to create an additional seat with plenty of legroom behind
it.
Even more fascinating is the use of two
doors on the ‘passenger’ side of the car, but only one on the driver’s
side.
Not all the cool coupes are concepts,
though. BMW has just launched the Z4 coupe in this county and its first
major public appearance will be in Sydney. Controversial BMW designer,
Chris Bangle, will host a dinner for selected motoring media on the
evening before the show and we may be able to bring his words of wisdom
to you afterwards.
Audi is shortly to introduce its
new-generation TT coupe to Australia. On paper it looks a lot like the
original car, which is certainly no bad thing, but in the metal there
are significant changes that enhance the looks of a car that has already
achieved the status of design icon. In particular, the TT's rear wing is
now properly styled into the sleek shape, not hastily tacked on as was
the case with the second-series of the first TT.
Volvo will finally introduce its smallest
ever car to Australia somewhere towards the middle of 2007. But we will
get a sneak preview of the gorgeous little C3 coupe at the Sydney show.
Peugeot’s 207 is a pretty little car
that will make its Aussie debut early in 2007. With a further
continuation of the fascinating ‘large-grille’ theme, the 207 is
significantly larger than the Peugeot 206.
On a marginally more mundane theme,
Citroen will finally bring the Picasso compact people mover to this
country. Not quite as adventurous in its shape as the original car it,
nevertheless, carries a fair dose of French flair.
Ford will display its just-launched BF
Series II Falcon to combat arch-rival Holden’s brand new VE Commodore.
This will be VE’s first appearance at a major motor show.
The Sydney International Motor Show will
be staged at its usual location in Darling Harbour, opening to the
public at 5pm on Thursday October 26th and running through until Sunday
5th November.
Full details of opening times and
admission prices are available from the website
www.australianmotorshow.com/.
