Porsche 911 Turbo

Set to debut in Geneva is the range-topping 911 Turbo. With 480PS, it has 60 more than the 996 version – pushing the specific output of the flat six to 133PS per liter. Fitted with Tiptronic, its performance exactly matches the 1987 959, doing 0-62mph in 3.7s and touching 200mph. For the first time, a sports button is included for 'over boost' to aid overtaking – while 380/350mm front/rear brake discs are there in case anything suddenly comes the other way.

Visual differences include new fog lamps flanking the air dams, which in turn hold LED indicators within spurs that fall short of the outer edges of the vents. Naturally, the rear hips have widened, this time 22mm over the previous model, and hold additional inlets aft of the doors. At the rear, the Carrera's quad pipes have been replaced with dual ones that sit within a new lower-bumper section. Prices will start at €133,603 when it becomes available in Europe in July.

Daihatsu D-Compact Wagon

Daihatsu will host the world premiere of its new hatchback, the D-Compact Wagon, at the Geneva Motor Show later this month. Based on the second-generation Toyota bB, this is a small multi-purpose vehicle for families described by Daihatsu as having 'unforgettable styling' and will go head-to-head with the Renault Modus when on the road later this year. The tall body has little tumblehome for maximum interior space, its wheels pushed to the corners for visual and dynamic stability. Daihatsu promises the interior will be 'spacious yet cosy' whose versatility will benefit from a flexible seating arrangement. Next to the D-Compact's unveiling will be the European launch of the Terios mini-SUV.

Nissan Terranaut concept

Nissan will present two show cars at the Geneva Motor Show: the Pivo concept from last year’s Tokyo show, and this, the Nissan Terranaut. Developed at Nissan Design Europe in London, the Terranaut is an extreme SUV for explorers and described by lead designer Felipe Roo Clefas as having been ‘designed for observation and communication in all four corners of the world’.

The car has three seats: two up front and one in the rear for a researcher, who is suitably supported by software. To accommodate this lab area, there is just one door on the co-pilot's side, opposed to the twin RX-8 style doors on the driver’s side. The strong-looking exterior is also made distinctive by the rear theme that features cut-away elements and a glass dome on the roof.

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Renault Altica concept

Renault will unveil the Altica show car at Geneva later this month as the latest in their long line of concept cars since the 1988 Megane. Shooting brake in style, the Altica is a crossover between coupe and estate, while marrying new graphics with themes established by the Fluence concept of 2004. The exterior is distinguished by a long hood and deep haunches supported by 21" Michelin-clad alloys, while inside the modular layout is said to offer outstanding load capacity. The four-seat interior is further defined by a dashboard supported by four metal rods, and is accessed via large scissor-hinged doors.

The Altica measures: length 4270mm x width 1830mm x height 1360mm and is powered by a 177PS 2.0-liter diesel engine, whose frugality is furthered by the low-drag coefficient afforded by the car actively controlling the air flow.

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Toyota Urban Cruiser concept

The Urban Cruiser will be unveiled at Geneva by Toyota as a mini-SUV, and is a proposal to extend Toyota's formidable 4x4 range. Conceived and developed by Toyota's ED2 studio in Nice, France, its diminutive size is counter-balanced by ruggedness suggested by generous wheelarches and broad radii, while the interior is inspired by 'trendy furniture'.

The Urban Cruiser will join the face-lifted Prius at the show, when more details will be announced concerning both.

Lotus Engineering APX

UK-based Lotus Engineering will demonstrate their vision of platform sharing at the Geneva Motor Show with the APX. The APX is not a vision of future Lotus models, but rather an exploration of their distinguished engineering department. Using what they call Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA), Lotus Engineering claims that the new platform will cost less than existing processes and offer a faster time-to-market for new niche-orientated products.