World Amazing Cars: Hybrid Cars, Concept Cars of the World

Auto manufacturers are gathering in Switzerland for the 77th International Motor Show, which will take place from March 8-18. The Geneva auto show features cars that you'll probably never drive but will let your imagination run wild. Plus, there are electric and hybrid cars that you probably will be driving soon.

Bayer's Plastic Car:

Rinspeed is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a see-through concept car which debuts in Geneva. The all-plastic vehicle runs on a 2-cylinder 750 ccm Weber engine that sits above the transmission. The car also honors the 40th anniversary of Bayer's first all-plastic car which debuted in 1967.

Koenigsegg's CCXR:

Making its debut at Geneva, the Koenigsegg's CCXR could be the fastest car ever--and it runs on biofuel. The Swedish auto manufacturer says ethanol fuel has higher octane and better cooling power than regular gas which lets it boost the power up 25 percent over the CCX model to 1018 horsepower at 7200 rpm.

Pictured is the CCX model which is also being shown at Geneva. CCX will be re-engineered to run on biofuels.

Bugatti Veyron:

The Bugatti Veyron, a 1001 horsepower sports car, could be eclipsed by the Koenigsegg CCXR's 1018 hp engine. The 16 cylinder, 8.0 liter engine has a seven-speed transmission. Its speed record of 407 kph could be in jeopardy. The Veyron costs a mere $1,630,000.

A.D. Tramontana:

The single-seat Tramontana was inspired by fighter jets and racing cars according to Spanish carmaker A.D. Tramontana. Production of this twin-turbocharged, 720 hp vehicle is limited to 12 per year.

Gumpert Apollo Sport Car:

The Gumpert Apollo Sport races from 0 to 60 in three seconds flat. The two-seater (note the position of the driver) is powered by an 8-cylinder engine that revs up to 800 hp.

Lamborghini 'Superleggera' Car:

Lamborghini introduces a new version of the Gallardo that includes a standard robotized mechanical gearbox, enabling fast gear shifting without the driver removing their hands from the steering wheel. The Italian carmaker claims the 'Superleggera' model has the fastest acceleration in its class, going from 0 to 62 mph in about 3.8 seconds--just under the Ferrari 430 F1's 4.0 secs.

Rolls-Royce Phanton Drophead Coupe:

The Rolls-Royce Phanton Drophead Coupe makes its European debut in Geneva. But don't count on getting one of the two-door, four-seat convertibles this year as they are sold out--and they have few openings still available for 2008. The Phantom Drophead Couple offers a hand-brushed steel hood and rear teak deck.

KTM X-Bow Concept Car:

Motorcycle maker KTM built its first car, the exotic X-Bow concept which is on display at the Geneva auto show. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber.

Turin's Istituto Europeo di Design Concept Car "beON":

Turin's Istituto Europeo di Design will present the "beON" concept as a full-scale model. This student-made off-road sports car has been designed to travel over deserts, beaches and wild terrain. It can also take you to the grocery store.

The BeON runs on a hybrid thermal-electric engine with a hydraulic transmission system within each wheel.

Russo-Baltique V12:

Russia celebrates 100 years of car design with a four-seat coupe that contains a V12, 555 bhp engine. The Russo-Baltique has a pneumatic suspension with changeable road clearance. It also has a glass roof.

Paganini Zonda Roadster F:

Pagani Automobili unveils the hand-built Zonda Roadster F. Only 25 of these vehicles will be built. The Roadster F offers the performance of the F Coupe--and has a removable top. Pagani calls it "the fastest, most exclusive, most powerful and most expensive Roadster in the world."

Jaguar XKR Car:

Jaguar Cars unveils the all-new special edition XKR Portfolio model for the Geneva auto show. The XKR features an engine capable of hitting 155mph and will go from 0 to 60 miles in 4.9 seconds. One of the highlights of the car will be the sound system. It has the first production example of its new partnership with audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins.

TechArt GTstreet:

TechArt brings its GTstreet, based on the Porche 911 Turbo, to Geneva. The modified Porsche 3.6-liter flat six turbo engine revs up to 630 hp. TechArt claims the 911 Turbo will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 214 mph.

Carver:

At the other extreme of these high performance cars is the Carver One, a three-wheeled, twin-seat tilting vehicle. The Carver One steers like a car but turns like a motorcycle. The car automatically adjusts the tilt angle of the vehicle to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, ensuring an optimum balance.

Peraves Monotracer:

Think a three-wheels are still too much? You can check out the two-wheel Monotracer from Peraves. Its stabiler wheels allow the vehicle to safely lean up to 52 degrees.

Mazda Concept Car 'Hakaze':

Mazda Motor presents its Hakaze design concept at the Geneva show. The Hakaze is described as a four-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV. The gull-wing doors make it look like it's ready to fly like a bird.

Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the "Nagare" design language, joining the Mazda Nagare and Mazda Ryuga which were revealed earlier this year.

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Source: news.cnet.com