Geneva Motor Show: Ballistic Switzerland

Feeling blue? In these troubled times, some use Prozac, others use Zoloft, or Budweiser. For car enthusiasts, nothing cheers them up more than horsepower; for them, this year's Geneva Motor Show is the mother of all happy pills.

Speaking of blue: In recognition of its centennial year, Bugatti on Tuesday unveiled its one-off Bleu Centenaire, with its unique gloss and flat paint scheme in the traditional French racing blue. Mechanically identical to the off-the-lot Veyron –- 1001 hp, 253 mph –- the Centenaire has polished anodized aluminum brightwork and lacquer-red brake calipers, “snowbeige” leather interior, park distance assist and a rearview camera. As one of the only humans to have ever parallel-parked a Veyron, I cannot tell you how exciting the last two items are. And all that for a mere $1.7 million. We’ll take that in petrodollars, please.

A footnote on the whole “centenaire” thing: Yes, it’s been 100 years since dear old Ettore opened up the doors of the old factory in Molsheim, France. But the press release is slightly misleading on the company’s ancestral home. The current factory is...

Saab soldiers on, launches new model in Geneva

Of all the automakers launching new models in Geneva this week, Saab is probably the most motivated to create some excitement -- fast.

After ending up on GM’s “hit list” of brands the faltering Detroit automaker needs to shed to survive, Saab has been reorganizing and looking for help from the Swedish government and private investors.

Despite the financial woes, Saab didn't cut back on its participation in the Geneva Auto Show this year. The company will launch its all-wheel-drive 9-3X, which is a wagon version of the 9-3, a car that has not been redesigned for seven years. Saab's press release says the 9-3X is slated to arrive in Saab showrooms in the U.S. this fall and pricing will be announced around that time.

Consistent with its reputation for building cars that can survive the frozen tundra of Sweden, Saab has equipped the 9-3X with the automaker's Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system, an all-wheel drive technology that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles for optimum stability and grip in all conditions.

The 9-3X also will include Saab's hallmark turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder powertrain, which offers 210 horsepower in a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The 9-3X's chief designer, Simon Padian, describes his creation as an all-weather option to a large crossover or SUV.

“Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot,” Padian said.

The question remains, will Saab be able to weather its own storm in time to bring this and other future models to market?

Click here for the photo gallery Saab's story: history of a "contrarian's" car

-- Joni Gray

Photos: Saab