Car shows

At the 2011 Geneva auto show, this Dodge Journey sported Fiat badges on the grille and wheels. It seems that Fiat has discovered badge-engineering, using it to bring Chrysler group cars to Europe. Fiat acquired Chrysler in 2009.

Under Fiat, the Journey goes under the model name Freemont, which is intended to evoke the freedom of the open road, and is also a homonym for a name associated with the American West.

By European standards, the Freemont is a very large vehicle. It comes with third-row seating, so it can handle seven occupants, and still carry cargo. That third row … Read more

There's no reason why you would ever hear the name Fornasari. This Italian automaker has only been around since 1999 and produces fewer cars than Spyker. The company's line-up consists of one basic SUV platform mutated into a few variants, and a sports car platform. Engines are sourced from GM.

Yet Fornasari shows up at every Geneva auto show, filling its floor space with outlandish vehicles, such as an SUV resembling a yacht tender. At the 2011 Geneva auto show, Fornasari put forth its wildest concept yet, a toy for very big boys, the Thor UDV.

This vehicle, … Read more

As the idea of "premium compact" gains more steam in all the world's automotive markets, Audi shows how it will push the little A3 squarely into the category of a car that people might lust for. Brian Cooley takes us for a walk around a vision that seems just about ready for showrooms.

Check out CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Geneva auto show.

Once you get past the Panamera's ungainly looks, it's a damned capable car. And without the purists' baggage that comes with the 911, it makes an obvious platform for a hybrid. Brian Cooley was at the Panamera S Hybrid's debut in Geneva.

Check out CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Geneva auto show.

The Rabbit/Golf Cabriolet was semi-iconic for some 23 years. Now it's being readied for a return, looking slick and less quirky. Brian Cooley takes you for a walk around during the new Cab's debut at Geneva.

(CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Geneva auto show)

Lamborghini is about to replace its top-of-the-line Murcielago with a mess of carbon fiber and cabin tech. Brian Cooley takes you through the LP 700-4 Aventador, fresh from its unveiling at Geneva.

(CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Geneva auto show)

At CNET, we love the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-class. This compact sedan comes with solid cabin tech and excellent performance. Incarnated as the C63 AMG, we were blown away by what this car could do and even how it sounds. Now Mercedes-Benz is increasing our C-class pleasure.

At the Geneva auto show, Mercedes-Benz showed off a coupe version of the C-Class, its graceful roofline unbroken by rear doors. But rather than sacrifice all practicality for sleek looks, passengers in the rear seat will find they actually have headroom. And as a note of Mercedes-Benz luxury, the front seats … Read more

Curvy and compact, it would be easy to mistake the Alfa Romeo 4C for a Lotus. The new concept professes similar virtues: low weight, short wheelbase, small displacement, and efficient engine. The result: thrilling performance. At least, on paper.

Alfa Romeo says the 4C hits 62 mph in under 5 seconds. With a mid-engine configuration, 60 percent of the car's weight sits on the rear wheels, which should contribute to superior cornering.

For this concept, Alfa Romeo took everything it learned from producing the 8C Competizione and came up with a sports car appropriate for a more fuel-efficient era. … Read more

Volkswagen's history includes two legendary vehicles, the Beetle and the Type 2, or Microbus. As it revived the Beetle some years ago, the company takes a look back at the Type 2 in a new concept called Bulli. That name comes from the common German term for the Type 2.

The Bulli hearkens back to the Type 2 in its general shape, color scheme, and large VW emblem mounted on the front. But Volkswagen aficionados will immediately notice the lack of a split front windshield.

And unlike the flat four-cylinder engine that rested at the rear of the Type … Read more