The doors to the Geneva Motor Show finally swung open today, much to the relief of impatient petrol heads. Naturally the automotive media world has descended en-mass. Though crankandpiston was unable to attend, it would be remiss of us not to outline some of the highlights from day one.

In our own inimitable C R A N K AN D P I S T O N way, of course:

C – Concepts: Honda EV-Ster; Giugiaro Brivido

Eighty-one previous Motor Shows have demonstrated that it wouldn’t be Geneva without concept designs, and Honda set the ball rolling with the Ev-Ster it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. Like any good concept, its sharp angles and dynamic presence suggest both ‘futuristic’ and ‘massive aesthetic changes to come’. Also, like many of this year’s cars, the Ev-ster is electric and, due to its small ‘Kei-car’ stature, can be fully recharged in just three hours. Just try to ignore the 160kph top speed.

Though largely in the shadows of Italian compatriots Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo, Giugiaro caused a stir with its new Brivido. Described as a Gran Turismo with the performance of a supercar, designer Giorgetto Giugiaro’s latest creation will allegedly go from 0-100kph in 5.8s onto a top speed of 275kph. Another neat little touch are the two streamlined cameras that replace the wing mirrors, though don’t expect see much of that if production is confirmed.

R – Russia’s own B2

 

Marussia’s had a rough time of it ahead of its debut Formula One season, failing to make an appearance at pre-season testing in Barcelona. Still, the company did at least have their new B2 supercar in Geneva on time. Performance details are sketchy –rather appropriate – but the previous B1, whose base its successor had adopted, topped nearly 250kph, so don’t expect figures to be far out. Also, try moving your head and looking at the B2’s demonic front end: the headlights will stare back.