Fiat surprises with hot little 500 Coupe by Zagato

     Most of the time we come to major auto shows knowing exactly what to expect. But once in a while an automaker throws us a curveball we weren't anticipating. Like Fiat did, for example, with this Zagato-bodied 500.

Unfortunately just a concept (for the time being anyway), the 500 Coupé Zagato is actually a throwback to a similar coachbuilding joint-effort from the 1950s. The sleeker bodywork features Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof and almond-shaped side glass, lacquered in special three-layer Pop Yellow paintjob.

Fiat also used the occasion to demonstrate a 105-horsepower version of its TwinAir two-cylinder turbo engine

Saab PhoeniX Concept previews a new Swedish shape

       It's been about one year since Saab and General Motors parted ways, and the automaker is hellbent on showing the world what it's capable of creating on its own means. In addition to an Independence Edition of the 9-3 Convertible, Saab is showing off a major concept for the brand at this year's Geneva show – a design that will preview the future face of the automaker, penned by famed designer Jason Castriota. In case you haven't been paying attention, Castriota has created such pretty creations as the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina and Bertone Mantide.

Castriota's latest creation, the Saab PhoeniX, is a sleek hatchback concept that uses the automaker's new 'aeromotional' design language. Saab describes this as "a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saab's first car, the iconic Ursaab." Long story short – absolute gorgeousness. The concept uses butterfly doors that reveal a two-plus-two seating arrangement, and the modern interpretation of the Saab teardrop shape is seriously attractive.

Under the shapely metal is Saab's 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four mated to the automaker's XWD all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the PhoeniX uses the new Saab IQon infotainment platform that uses the Google Android operating system. The car itself may be totally conceptual, but we'll see IQon make its way into Saab products in the coming years (stay tuned for more details).

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

     
       The Aventador sports an all-new 6.5-litre V12 engine weighing in at just 235kg which produces 700bhp, 509lb ft and the ability to transport the carbon-fibre bodied, scissor-doored supercar from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 217mph. Since you're asking, the whole thing weighs 1,575kg - lean, for a two-door instrument of shouty oversteer.
The Aventador gets Lambo's new ISR transmission, claimed to be faster and ‘more emotional' than a dual-clutch system. We hope ‘emotional' doesn't refer to randomly breaking out into Opera or weeping hysterically at traffic lights. Those 700 horses trumpet through the box to all four wheels with an electronically controlled Haldex coupling distributing forces front and rear.
It comes with three driving modes adjusting engine, transmission, diff, steering and dynamic control, and they are ‘Strada' (road), Sport and ‘Corsa' (track). The pushrod suspension - inspired by F1 - is married to aluminium double wishbones and carbon-fibre ceramic brakes, keeping everything light and fighty.
The innards get swathed in ‘premium' materials and a TFT LCD screen akin to a ‘modern airplane', while you can choose from 13 exterior paint colours. If you need to be told, in a Lambo, the brighter the better...
Prices start at £201,900 with first deliveries beginning later this year.