Our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.
The Geneva auto show has just closed its doors, and once again, it was a highlight of the still-young automotive year. With no local automakers to dominate, Geneva attracts all comers, including smaller companies, tuners, and design houses, making it a hotbed of industry gossip. Here?s some of what we learned behind the scenes at this year?s show.
Although the show floor was a great place to see supercars, one was not there: the upcoming AMG hypercar, with its two-seat carbon-fiber monocoque and Formula 1?derived hybrid powertrain. AMG set up a pod in downtown Geneva to let prospective customers take a peek. Mere journalists were not allowed.
France may be only a stone?s throw from Geneva, but the French automakers weren?t afforded particularly good treatment. Citroën, for example, showed only a fraction of its lineup, and a wall separated its display from that of its premium offshoot, DS. DS has designs on America?too bad the DS7 crossover was one of the show?s disappointments, with strange styling cues and weak execution.

Italdesign unveiled the show?s most dystopian concept?an oversize drone attached to an utterly forgettable vehicle. At least it diverted the discussion from the inelegant departure in a huff of the company?s founder, Giorgetto Giugiaro, ...