Maybach 57 S Coupe by Xenatec to Debut in Geneva...but not at the Show

German coachbuilder Xenatec will bring the new Maybach 57 S-based coupe to Geneva for the car's first public appearance. Strangely enough, the place chosen for the reveal will not be the Geneva motor show at the Palexpo center, but a specially built pavilion in the gardens of “La Reserve” hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva. The company's decision might have something to do with Maybach being present at the show, but this has not been confirmed.

The car on display will be a customer-specified model, configured by Xenatec designer Fredrik Burchhardt and built exclusively for him. It has a special two-tone paintwork, with the matte finish being applied by hand in several layers to create a unique effect. The main colors are separated by a thin gray line, just like Maybach limousines.

To say that the interior of this bespoke coupe is exclusive would be an understatement: the upholstery is made of mid-brown buffalo hide combined with dark nappa leather, all hand-stitched. For the footwells, the owner specified Alcantara lining, while the headliner is finished in nappa leather. It all looks... very expensive, and it should given that the starting price for the world's longest coupe (5,73 meters) is set at €675,000 (US$929,000), before taxes.

Under the long bonnet sits the same 6.0-liter V12 engine from the Maybach 57 S, which develops 612-horsepower (603-bhp) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft of torque). Top speed is pegged at 275 km/h (171mph), while average fuel consumption is rated at 16.4 lt/100km (14.8 mpg).

By Dan Mihalascu

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Opel Reveals Sleek Zafira Tourer Concept Prior to Geneva Motor Show Debut

After we got a first glimpse of the Zafira study by means of an iPad hologram, Opel released the full details of the concept which previews the next-generation Zafira MPV. Described by Opel as a “lounge on wheels”, the design study uses the same style language as seen on the Insignia and Astra models.

The front is the most eye-catching part of the Zafira's sleek bodywork, with the headlights, LED running lights and the fog lights being united in a boomerang-shaped structure, inspired by the Ampera EV's fascia. Unlike the Meriva, the Zafira sports conventional doors and has a dynamic look due to the ascendent midline and the 20-inch rims.

The rear end is also sporty, dominated by the high-sitting taillights and the two large exhaust pipes integrated into the rear apron.

“We have transferred the idea of a relaxing lounge to a vehicle and created an automobile wellness oasis, a place to relax and enjoy. Passengers can retreat in the lounge. It is a comfortable, roomy space where you really want to be – regardless if it’s for a business trip or to relax for a long journey,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at Opel.

One of the Zafira's main features is the panorama windshield, which is continued by a glass roof covering the entire length of the roof offering an airy interior. Inside, there's room for seven passengers with the concept building on Opel's Flex7 seating concept pioneered by the first Zafira. There are many available configurations, including a lounge mode that offers four spacious business-class seats.

The Zafira Tourer Concept is powered by a new version of the Opel's 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine featuring Start/Stop technology.

We'll have more on Opel's new concept model from the Geneva motor show floors next week.

By Dan Mihalascu

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MINI Shows off New Rocketman at Milan Fashion Week [New Photos and Video]

Only a few days before its motor show debut at next week's Geneva Salon, the MINI Rocketman concept made its first public appearance at a special event on the sidelines of the Milan Fashion Week. The presentation was held at the Istituto Europeo di Design, which is a design school with a focus on automotive and product design.

The BMW Group said the debut of the Rocketman Concept was stage-managed by London-based film artist, photographer and director Marcus Tomlinson, who also made a short art film for the car featuring Model and actress Lily Cole.

MINI's new concept model is supposed to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space, and also provide a glimpse into the firm's future design language.

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