Top 10: 2009 Geneva Concept Car Reveals

No.10 - Rinspeed iChange

Of all the apps available for your iPhone, would you have imagined it as the key and control center of the Rinspeed iChange? Or could you have guessed the iChange would live up to its name by changing its configuration based on the number of occupants inside? The 204-horsepower electric Geneva concept reveal, complete with rooftop solar panels, would be a quickie. According to Rinspeed, 0-60 mph runs would take about four seconds; top speed would be near 140 mph.

No.9 - Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Concept

This isn’t the first time we’ve spotlighted an i MiEV concept from Mitsubishi, but this iteration is the most viable for the U.S. to date. Compared to other electric 2009 Geneva concept car reveals, the i MiEV Sport Air focuses more on green and less on performance. Adequate if not exhilarating power comes from this edition’s 81-horsepower motor. At roughly the size of a MINI Cooper, the rear-drive i MiEV Sport Air is commendably light at under 2,200 pounds, liberally utilizing aluminum and plastic throughout.

No.8 - Nissan Qazana

No.8 - Nissan Qazana

It would probably be unflattering to say the Nissan Qazana concept reminds us of the Isuzu VehiCROSS of a decade ago. Before having a chance to run it by Nissan, we learned their vision for the Qazana was a dune buggy for the city, with a sport bike-inspired interior. The little crossover is held up by 20-inch wheels, exaggerating its stubbiness. Don’t look for it to storm the gates of any U.S. cities. It’s little more than a hint of an upcoming European model. But don’t despair; you could always buy a well-used VehiCROSS if you love the look enough.

No.7 - Protoscar LAMPO

Is it a Pontiac Solstice? Or a Saturn Sky? No, it’s the Protoscar LAMPO. With a pair of electric motors aboard, total scoot claims to be a healthy 268 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque. Choosing their home turf for the 2009 Geneva concept car reveal, the Swiss firm has endowed the LAMPO with a range of about 120 miles, and its charging system is programmable for time and charge level. In another interesting twist, the GPS advises the driver whether there’s enough power to reach the programmed destination.

No.6 - Italdesign Giugiaro Namir

“Green” and “performance” are appearing together in an increasing number of concepts, and the Italdesign Giugiaro Namir is the fastest yet -- in theory. It’s said this electric concept could whiz from 0-60 mph in under four seconds and hit 186 mph. No one, not even Italdesign Giugiaro, has validated these figures for a very good reason: The carbon fiber and aluminum Namir is not a running concept -- yet. If and when that happens, another impressive figure could be tested: the claim of 117 mpg.

No.5 - Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept

In 2010, the Rolls-Royce RR4 goes on sale as a smaller, cheaper -- strike that -- more attainable alternative to the Phantom. As a 2009 Geneva concept car reveal, the 200EX Concept signals the new car’s direction. So, instead of the Delaware-sized Phantom, the new car is Rhode Island-ish. BMW is already a step ahead of potential criticism and comparison to the 7 Series, asserting the BMW-built V12 will be unique, as will 80% of the bits comprising the $250,000-plus car.

No.4 - BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

And now, a BMW that actually says so on the hood. Though far from the handsomest 2009 Geneva concept car reveal, the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo hints at possible design cues for future editions of the X5 and X6. On the other hand, BMW could choose to wedge it into its already ample lineup. In any event, cargo room, a shortcoming of both existing models, has been solved with this concept. Through the “bi-modal trunk,” nearly 60 cubic feet can be filled with the rear seats folded.

No.3 - NLV Quant by Koenigsegg

This isn’t the first green performance car in our look at 2009 Geneva concept car reveals, nor is it the last. Where the electric NLV Quant by Koenigsegg stands apart is in its theoretic claims. We’re told the Quant could stride from 0-60 mph in about five seconds and top out around 171 mph. More impressive are the projected 20-minute charge time and 310-mile range. Credit goes in part to NLV’s proprietary batteries on board, plus an exterior coating that captures solar power. And while this all sounds ambitious to say the least, we’re further encouraged by Koenigsegg’s involvement.

No.2 - Infiniti Essence Concept

Little by little, Infiniti is developing an aggressive side to complement its luxury. The latest evidence is in the lustworthy 600-horsepower Essence hybrid concept. The power comes from a 434-horsepower V6 and a 158-horsepower electric motor. Some attendees considered this 2009 Geneva concept car reveal to be a self-awarded 20th anniversary present for Infiniti. Others thought of the Essence as an up-level Nissan GT-R. As far as we’re concerned, Infiniti can consider the Essence anything they want, so long as they consider it for production.

No.1 - Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin had a full stage in Geneva, showing both production models and concepts (the less said about the Lagonda SUV concept, the better). Among them, the One-77 looks to be a limited-run car with no compromises. That goes for price and performance. With figures that make a Bugatti Veyron seem common, cheap and not quite so fast, the One-77 will have a run of only 77 examples (of which only six are coming to the U.S.), sell for $1.75 million, dash from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and will exceed 200 mph.