GENEVA: From ultra-luxury sports cars to 4x4 urban conquerors, the Geneva International Motor Show opened Tuesday as gas guzzlers see their popularity rebound during the oil price slide.
More than 120 new models from manufacturers across the world were introduced at the 86th edition of Europe's flagship auto show, with industry leaders boasting of a positive mood after the financial crisis of 2008-2013 fades for some consumers.
Bugatti unveiled the world's fastest road car at the Geneva extravaganza: the 2.4 million euro ($2.6 million) Chiron with a 1,500 horsepower engine that can hit 420 kilometres per hour.
Also on display is the Lamborghini Centenario, almost modest by comparison with a 770 horsepower engine, a price tag of 1.75 million euros and a top speed of around 350 kilometres per hour.
VW's Bentley flaunted an all-new extended wheelbase version of its flagship Mulsanne saloon, especially catering to Chinese buyers with 250 millimeters of extra rear leg room and airline-style extending legrests.
Lamborghini said it would only make 40 Centenarios, which is the most powerful car in its 53-year history, and they were all sold before the doors to the Geneva car show opened.
A third of the planned 500 models of the Chiron had also been snapped up before the supercar's unveiling.
The new Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge is shown during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The New Lamborghini Centenario is presented during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The new Lamborghini Centenario car is pictured at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The new Bugatti Chiron car is presented ahead of the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, February 29, 2016.—Reuters
The Spirit of Ecstasy figure is pictured on the bonnet of Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge car at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
The New Bugatti Chiron is presented during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The interior of the new Bugatti Chiron car is pictured during a presentation ahead of the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, February 29, 2016.—Reuters
Visitors inspect the new BMW M760Li X Drive during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The New Bentley Mulsanne Speed is being presented during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The New Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet is shown during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
A Ferrari GTC4Lusso car is pictured at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
A new Aston Martin DB11 is pictured at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
A model leans on a Maserati Levante SUV car at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
A Peugeot Fractal electric coupe car is seen at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
A new Volvo V90 car is seen at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
The New Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe is shown during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The New McLaren 570GT is shown during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia is shown during the press day at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
Opel Astra is pictured during Car of the Year award presentation ahead of the 86th International Motor Show at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, February 29, 2016.—Reuters
The new Tesla Model X P90D is pictured at the 86th International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1, 2016.—Reuters
Olivier Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche, presents the New Porsche 911 R during the press day at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.—AP
