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2012 Geneva auto show wrap-up

CNET wraps up its coverage of the 2012 International Motor Show in Geneva, highlighting some of the top cars unveiled at the show.

Wayne Cunningham Managing Editor / Roadshow
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2 min read

Another excellent European auto show kicks off in Switzerland, with automakers bringing their latest and greatest new cars and concepts to show the world what they can do. The International Motor Show in Geneva always features an impressive roster of cars for the world's wealthiest. This year it also plays host to the latest automotive-technology innovations as well as a focus on low carbon emissions.

The 2012 Geneva auto show runs from March 8 to 18. Here are a few of the cars we saw at the show. Click through to our full coverage of the show for many more videos, photos, and articles.

 
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
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Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II (photos)
A Rolls-Royce unveiling is a rare thing at auto shows, but in Geneva the luxury automaker showed off an update to its big Phantom. The body remains largely unchanged, but this most luxurious of cars gets updated technology throughout to help it keep up with the times.


 
Bentley EXP 9 F concept
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Bentley EXP 9 F concept (photos)
With the EXP 9 F concept, Bentley shows that it is considering adding an SUV to its small, luxury lineup. As expressed in Geneva, we are not so sure that is a good idea. The EXP 9 F concept looks as awkward as its name, and breaks no new ground with its power train.


 
Ferrari F12berlinetta
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Ferrari F12berlinetta (photos)
Even sexier in person than in its photos, the F12berlinetta is Ferrari's new grand tourer. But along with suitability for weekends in the country, its 740 horsepower makes it scary fast.


 
Fiat 500L
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Fiat 500L (video)
Supposedly a stretched version of Fiat's 500 model, the 500L unveiled in Geneva looks very little like its namesake. Two feet longer and with two more doors, the 500L may feel underpowered when motivated by the same engine as its small sibling.


 
VW CrossCoupe TDI
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VW CrossCoupe TDI concept (photos)
Volkswagen mixed technologies and styles with its CrossCoupe TDI. This concept is a diesel hybrid plug-in, which could make it a fuel economy winner. Its high stance earns it the crossover part of its name, but four doors and a rear hatch call into doubt its coupe-ness.


 
Volvo V40
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Volvo V40 (video)
Volvo's newest hatchback is a good-looking little car, but probably not one we will see in the U.S. Always researching new safety technology, Volvo equips this one with a pedestrian airbag. When the car thinks it has hit someone, it inflates the bag over hood and windshield.


 
Mercedes-Benz A-class
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Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-class (photos)
Audi and Mercedes-Benz both released updates to smaller cars in their lineups, with heavy competition for premium features. The new A3 shows off a Bang & Olufsen audio system, while the A-class features high-end navigation and full iPhone functionality integrated into the car.


 
Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido
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2012 Geneva auto show mega gallery (photos)
Our collection of photos from the floor will give you a taste of the show. See concepts and new models, some mundane and some almost a complete reimagination of the automobile. If you only have time for one article about the show, check out our mega gallery.