Malaysia-based (the company moved out of Australia in the mid-90's) Bufori's Geneva saloon (named after the Swiss show) is certainly an eye-catcher, but I can't quite determine if it's in a good or bad way. First off, the rounded rear, inserted headlights, and slabby sides don't really mesh in my mind. I guess with a car like this I'd be spending a lot more time inside of it than out, so maybe the looks don't really matter.
The materials used in the Geneva's production are pretty snazzy. The chassis is "top grade stainless steel", and the carbon/kevlar body is "infused with Vinylester resin", whatever that means. They say its strong, and I'll take their word for it.
What else has it got? Well, it's a 30's-looking party on wheels, apparently. Rear-hinged suicide doors? Check. Rear console-housed tea set (with boiling water and sink)? Check. Cooler and mini-bar? Check. Humidor? Check. It even has a strong box (for the mistress's earrings, silly).
Power for the Geneva comes from a Chrysler-sourced 6.1 liter V8 that's been lightly tuned to put out 430 horsepower and 569 Nm of torque. Hell, you can even supercharge it, which Bufori claims will boost output to 560 horsepower and 690 Nm.
Considering this is billed as a luxury car, it obviously has all the expected driver amenities: ABS, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning System, Heads-Up Display and more. Customers can even opt for a night vision camera house in the front bumper.
From what I gather, owning a Geneva is all about excess. Kind of like a Rolls, but different. Here's what Bufori says about the customization:
"Body colours, which can be chosen in single or two tone combinations, are truly limited by imagination.
The choice of Interior trim materials, colour combinations, leather textures and types of perforations, types of veneer, colours and finishing, inlays etc is literally endless.
Creature comforts such as fine tea sets, Espresso Coffee machines, ice boxes, cool boxes, cigar humidors, strong boxes, mood lighting and more are all available on request.
Personalisation such as holograms, signatures, names, badges, embroidery, etc. can all be incorporated in the body paint, interior trim, veneer, stainless steel scuff plates.
To ensure ultimate security, BUFORI also offers high security vehicles that include among others, ballistic resistance to protect against the required level of threat."
As Bender would say: "Neat!"
-By Phil Alex
