Geneva auto show preview

The Geneva Auto Show kicks off next week, and while the emphasis at that show is usually on European-market cars, there will be a few vehicles of interest to North American buyers. Among the vehicles we expect to see:

• Alfa Romeo: Alfa Romeo will introduce the limited-production 8C Spider, a model we could see here when Alfa makes their much-anticipated return to the States sometime this year.
• Audi: Official unveiling of the A4 Avant.
• BMW: Introduction of the M3 Convertible, which features a retractable hardtop and 420 horsepower V8.
• Ford: The new Fiesta will appear in three-door hatchback form; a four-door sedan version is expected to go on sale in the US in 2010.
• Infiniti: Nissan's luxury brand is about to open for business in Western Europe, so they've chosen Geneva to show the redesigned 2009 FX SUV.
• Mitsubishi: Mitsi will show the Prototype-S, a preview of the European-market five-door Lancer.
• Rolls-Royce: Watch for the new Phantom Coupé (say it like the British do: "coo-pay") with its unusual rear-hinged doors.
• Saab: We expect to see a concept version of the 9-1, a new small car based on the next-generation Opel/Saab Astra.
• Volkswagen: VW will show the new version of the Scirocco coupe. There are no plans to sell it in the US -- but then again, they said the same thing about the R32...
• Volvo: The Swedes will show their new small crossover, the X60.

-- Aaron Gold