The students of the Instituto Europeo di Design unveiled their Maserati Chicane concept, which won out over rival designs to win sponsorship and a spot under the bright lights of the Geneva Motor Show to show their talent to the world. Certain details aren’t likely won’t make it to production, although wit design chiefs from Maserati and Fiat AG on the selecting jury, we wouldn’t be all that surprised to see some similarities when Maserati eventually unleashes its anticipated new sportscar.

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Already a head-turner left untouched, the Ferrari 599 wasn’t quite up to par to German tuner Mansory, who has developed a range of carbon-fiber accessories and performance upgrades designed specifically for the stunning 599. The performance kit includes high-performance compressors and custom made intercooling. The supercharging of the V12 powertrain is supported by a sport air filter with higher airflow, as well as modified control electronics. This increases the performance of the 6.0-liter engine from 620 to 720 horsepower. Mansory also installed 20-inch front and 21-inche rear wheels, along wit a carbon-fiber aero kit with new side skirts, front spoiler and integrated rear diffuser.

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Aside from the flying members of the Great Chinese State Circus, who presented an extract from their European tour show of Swan Lake, the stars of the Mercedes stage at the Geneva Motor Show were the C 350 CGi BlueEFFICIENCY and the Vision GLK BlueTEC Hybrid. Joining the acrobats and new models on stage were Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Jutta Benz, great grand daughter of Carl and Bertha Benz, who drove up on the historical Benz tricycle. Mercedes also unveiled a new smart, the fotwo edition two, about which more in a bit. We’ve read about the BlueEFFICIENCY and BlueTEC vehicles already (there’s a fresh press release pasted after the jump if you’re still hungry), so for now let’s enjoy the photo gallery from Geneva.

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The 612 is the prancing horse’s strong, silent type; it’s about as edgy as a long weekend in the South of France, and just as pricey. That’s been the extent of criticism leveled at Ferrari’s luxurious tourer. With the 2009 edition, the company left most aspects of the 612 alone, but added a couple of quick updates. They won’t likely alter that 612’s nondescript feel, but is may make the experience of driving one more Ferrari-like by increment. Like the current model, the 2009 612 is powered by a 5.7-liter V12 producing 532 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. New for next year include updated “Manettino” switch. That’s the finagler of the 612’s driving dynamics, by way of pre-set combinations of transmission, power output and traction control settings (”Ice,” “Low Grip,” “Sport,” “Race,” and “Off). It also gets a modified F1 semiautomatic gearbox, which the company says will provide faster upshifts and those luscious throttle blips for rev matching on downshifts. Those updates won’t make a 612 into Mr. Hyde, but then again the 612 isn’t the 599GTB.

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Mansory has unveiled its “Bell Air” Rolls-Royce Drophead coupe at this weeks’ Geneva Motor Show, which gets dressed up in a striking body kit and includes even more luxurious items in the already opulent cabin. The exterior has been updated with a new front bumper, side skirts, custom rear end with an integrated diffuser and mirror-finished 22-inch wheels with a nine twin-spoke design and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires. Mansory has also installed a custom brake package developed by Brembo specifically for the convertible.

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Audi has made the V12 TDI version of the Q7 official in Geneva today and is displaying a gorgeous creamy white version of it called the Coastline Concept that features an interior upgrade with a fine yacht influence. The monsterous 6 liter engine produces 500hp and a peak torque of 757.56 lb-ft.

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Perhaps calling it a true GT might have been a bit of a stretch, but with changes to the chassis, steering, brakes and suspension, Rolls Royce promised that this new Phantom Coupe would take Rolls into a new market. Appearing very similar to the concept 101EX that debuted in 2006, the Coupe and its Drophead brother are also expanding the bottom line for RR. Sales for RR were a huge 1010 for 2007. This new model and the Drophead that it follows are taking on the Bentley Continental GT and GTC challenge with more of a focus on the driver. With help from parent BMW, it’s understandable that these cars might be a little better on winding roads than one might suspect. We’ll have to wait until we get one in the AB garage to make our final judgment. What isn’t being debated here is the fact that the coupe is a gorgeous car. Perhaps even nicer looking than its convertible sibling. While the car itself is a beautiful piece of rolling sculpture, the gray color and standard wheels shown on the first production model today didn’t do much to show it off. When they opened the suicide doors, however, it really didn’t matter anymore. This thing has Style with a capital “S” and that’s what it takes to succeed in this niche.

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