Photos: Automotive design revs up in Geneva

Legendary designer Franco Sbarro brings a new concept car to the Geneva auto show, a compact roadster featuring hubless wheels and an innovative software interface by Delphi.

Captions by Wayne Cunningham and Antuan Goodwin

This concept is the third in a line of Iosis cars Ford has shown at auto shows over the years, and uses the kinetic-design language Ford has been developing.

The Mazda 3 MPS update gets revised bodywork employing the Nagare styling Mazda has shown off in various concept cars on the grille.

The Kia No. 3 is a small four-seater with a high roof, allowing for a variety of uses.

To make the car feel bigger inside, Kia fits it with a panoramic sunroof, stretching from the top of the windshield over the top of the car. A light-sensing panel at the front provides glare protection for the driver when the sun is blasting through the front of the car.

Bentley Continental Supersports is a flex-fuel car that can run ethanol and gasoline blends, without sacrificing performance. A sensor determines if an ethanol blend is being used, and remaps the engine software accordingly.

Rolls-Royce is slated to produce a new model to add to its small but exclusive lineup in 2010, and the 200EX is a look at what that new car might be. Much smaller than the Phantom, it looks almost like a conventional sedan.

The One-77 is a very special Aston Martin GT model, a limited edition for the company with only 77 cars planned. As such, the price is also very special, at over $1.2 million. The design emphasizes the long hood and has accentuated rear fenders.

As it closes in on announced production dates, Mitsubishi is refining the iMiev electric car for different markets. The version shown at the 2009 Geneva auto show is a prototype that meets European vehicle legal requirements.

Rinspeed, a Swiss automotive design and conversion company, has a history of presenting far-flung concepts at the Geneva auto show. This year the company doesn't disappoint, offering up a car that can change its shape based on whether it will be used as a one- or three-seater.

Just as with the X6, BMW attempts to create a new automotive segment with this 5 series Gran Turismo concept, but we can't help thinking BMW is merely reinventing the station wagon. BMW calls this concept a Progressive Activity Sedan, emphasizing its performance and utility.

For Bugatti's 100th anniversary, the company created the Bleu Centenaire version of the Veyron, and showed it off at the 79th Geneva auto show.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is positioned to be a sort of jack-of-all-trades sports coupe with an initial lineup of five engines, three suspension variants, a wide choice of colors, six different wheel/tire combinations, and many optional extras.