Geneva 2017: Intrigue in Switzerland

The Geneva International Motor Show never disappoints.

It is not just the intriguing products that will never come to North America. This show also includes those that will come here, but with a certain flair designed to engage and excite. Of the debuts that popped up at PALEXPO, there has been plenty of both that came across V&R's radar back in Minnesota.

Let's tackle the debuts from Geneva, shall we?

VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON: Meet the CC's replacement! Actually, it's more than that. It is a showcase of what VW can do when they put their minds together to create something downright intriguing. This goes beyond a four-door coupe, as the roofline cuts deeper into the rear deck. It has an intriguing front end that integrates grille elements with the headlamp assembly. VW will up the ante by making the DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive available more accessibly. Not to mention the integration of the 9.2-inch Discover Pro version of the MIB II infotainment architecture. We should expect the Arteon to be powered by two 2.0 liter TSI turbocharged engines – similar to the GTI and Golf R. Depending on pricing, this could be a superb mid-luxury offering for our market.

VOLVO XC60: While it was due to a complete overhaul, Volvo needed to ensure that it is as competitive as the previous model, while displaying the latest in design and engineering from Sweden. Geely's money was not wasted on this new smaller SUV. From the Thor Hammer headlamps to the sloping roofline, you might say they took more from the V90 to create the XC60. That is not exactly a fair statement. It stands on its own because of a mix of familiar elements of today and in the past to fuse into a competitive SUV in a hot segment worldwide. It is expected that the XC60 will take on the same Drive-E engine and drivetrain lineup as in other Volvos, along with all of the active safety, infotainment and equipment levels seen throughout the lineup.

SUBARU CROSSTREK: That is what we'll call it in North America. Meanwhile, the XV was introduced to the global media as an expansion of the new Impreza in a lifted form. It seems to have the same body as a Impreza hatchback, but the larger wheels and ground clearance is a giveaway as its intentions. One quote from Subaru got our attention, as the new Crosstrek is designed for "excellent rough-road capability." In other words, they want us to take the Crosstrek into places any Jeep with a Trailhawk badge can go. It can do off-road, but can it really do extreme off-road, The previous model can; this one should be even better in the deep woods.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: Contributing Writer Ryan Senensky made his point loud and clear as to the naming of this new compact SUV. If the name stirs up so much debate, what about the rest of the vehicle? Aside from the equally controversial rear end design, the idea of Mitsubishi battling head on with the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson has been along time coming. When it comes to this country, expect it to gain connectivity options with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head up display and a trackpad for controlling the screen. And, yes, there will a turbocharger under the hood.

MCLAREN 720S: They seem to simply get better at every turn. The latest in the Super Series line, the 720S gets a power jump to 710 horsepower through a new 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8. McLaren claims a 2.8 second 0-60 MPH sprint time with this new engine. The 720S is wrapped up in a second generation architecture with new styling cues that borders on being revolutionary. They have even enhanced every innovation they made on every supercar from the 12C onward. In all, it is revolutionary – a leap for McLaren in their quest for supercar supremacy.

OPEL INSIGNIA: Should we even talk about this car? If it even comes over as the new Buick Regal under PSA Groupe's control, it will be a miracle. It is simply stunning…