Cool Concepts from the Geneva Motor Show

One of the greatest automotive shows in the world, the Geneva motor show has already dazzled us with some of the best debuts in recent history. As the celebrated show winds down to a close on March 16^th, we’re taking a look at some of the better unveilings that the automotive convention had to offer, including one that has journalists and car-goers a bit nervous about safety!

Maserati Alfieri

Maserati celebrates its 100^th anniversary this year, and what better way to do that than to launch this gorgeous concept car at the Geneva Motor Show? Named for one of the Maserati brothers who founded the company, this turbocharged, sleek looking silver bullet of a car is not just eye-candy – it’s packing a punch under the hood. Despite being a modern car, the beautiful vehicle retains the classic chic of 1960s era Maserati, feeling more like a reinvention of a classic than a new car. The Alfieri sports a 4.7-liter “naturally aspirated” V8 engine, getting a wild 460 hp at 7,000 rpm – how’s that for power?

Ferarri California T

The California T is the first automobile from Ferarri since its Ferarri F40 model to feature a turbocharged engine, which is sure to rev up automotive technicians and those looking to work on one in their auto mechanic apprenticeship. The hardtop convertible will feature a new twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine and a drastically reworked chassis – about 60 percent of the components are brand new. It produces a staggering 552 hp from 7,500 rpm, meaning this baby will fly! Gone is the kind of goofy quad exhaust, but added are some air vents on the front and a carbon-fibre rear diffuser. With equally gorgeous automotive painting, this one’s a beauty!

Apple CarPlay

Apple’s debut of its CarPlay technology has already caused a huge stir, with a multitude of people claiming it’s not only distracting, but it’s dangerous to boot. The technology, which allows hands-free use of an iPhone in your car to make calls, dictate messages and listen to music, is drawing the ire of those concerned with automotive safeties who say that it’s an unwanted distraction and serves to make the road a more dangerous place.

Studies show that the reaction time of drivers more than doubles when using a phone – even a hands free one – and many safety specialist and public advocates are claiming that Apple and car companies are putting novelty ahead of safety and making the road more dangerous. While it’s true that hands-free phones are much safer than those you have to hold while driving, using any device while operating a motor vehicle is discouraged because it serves to distract you from the road and puts you and everyone else on the road in danger. Check out this video to see what all the fuss is about:

With just a few short days left of the Geneva Motor Show, it’s hard to say what else we’ll be seeing, but suffice it to say we’re already nothing short of bedazzled at this year’s rollout.