2012 Geneva Auto Show

Gear changes are handled by a dual-clutch gearbox and the engine’s redline is 8,700 RPM. Ferrari says the 0-62 time (that’s 0-100 kilometers an hour) on this beast is 3.1 seconds, though color us surprised if the real number isn’t lower.  (Sandro Campardo / EPA)

Seen here claiming its first victim, the EXP 9 F seats four, though a fifth person can fit if they squeeze in the middle of the back seat. Expect the production version of Bentley’s SUV to look very similar to this, glandular problem and all, save for the 23-inch wheels perhaps, and the wonky name.  (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP/Getty Images)

You know, to save weight. Other changes include unique wheels and body modifications throughout to further accentuate the extreme nature of this car. And if you’re interested in buying it, too bad. The version you see here is the only copy they’re making. No word on price, but that’s probably for the best. It’s likely extreme too.  (Martial Trezzini / EPA)

But Lamborghini wasn’t the only company unexpectedly losing its top in Geneva. Land Rover caught the bug too, and debuted a concept convertible version of its Evoque compact SUV. Apparently they took to heart our complaints about minimal rear visibility and just sawed off the roof, putting in its place a folding softtop.  (Sebastien Feval / AFP/Getty Images)

Though official photos and specs on Porsche’s mid-engine convertible were released a few months ago, Geneva was the car’s first public showing. As is the case with Porsche’s new 911, efficiency is the name of the game with both the base Boxster and the Boxster S. Both models will feature direct-injection, electric power steering, a start/stop function and a lighter curb weight, despite growing in size.  (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP/Getty Images)

Both models also feature an entirely new interior, which uses as its template the gorgeous, taut layout and construction seen in the new 911 and the company’s Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan; and a new exterior. The new design looks to be Porsche’s most complete yet for its mid-engine roadster, from the Carrera GT-inspired front end to the larger, deeper scoop just ahead of the rear wheels.  (Martial Trezzini / EPA)

The topless theme continued in Geneva with Mercedes unveiling the caffinated version of its ultra-new SL convertible. Dubbed the SL 63 AMG, this version lops some 275 pounds off the curb weight of the previous SL 63, thanks largely to a new aluminum bodyshell. Power comes from a 5.5-liter, direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 530 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.  (Sebastien Feval / AFP/Getty Images)

But the SL 63 AMG wasn’t all Mercedes brought with it to Geneva. Though it may escape our attention here in the super-sized United States, European brands have long made smaller cars that we rarely see on our shores. Looking to buck that trend and expand into territory occupied here by the Audi A3, Lexus CT 200h and Volvo V30, Mercedes used Geneva to unveil to the world its new A-Class hatchback.  (Uli Deck / EPA)

Mercedes wasn’t the only manufacturer debuting a new five-door hatchback in Geneva. Volvo did so as well, with this V40. As is the case with the Mercedes, this car will come with a variety of engines in Europe, but figure on the U.S. market getting a five-cylinder, turbocharged unit making 254 horsepower and doing 0-60 MPH in 6.7 seconds.  (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP/Getty Images)

On its face, the news that Chevrolet introduced a station wagon wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy. But when the company does said introduction in Europe, and said wagon probably won’t even be available in the U.S., it’s a worth a mention. The wagon is the Chevy Cruze station wagon, a variant on the popular compact sedan we have here.  (Martial Trezzini / Associated Press)

Much like Honda/Acura conspicuously absent from Nissan/Infiniti’s portfolio is a halo car. Honda plans to change that with its forthcoming NSX supercar, and Infiniti used Geneva to introduce its own plans for an attention-grabber. Dubbed the EMERG-E, Infiniti says this hybrid concept gets 402 horsepower from a pair of electric motors.  (Frank Augstein / Associated Press)