GENEVA: From ultra-luxury sports cars to 4x4 urban conquerors, the Geneva International Motor Show opened Tuesday as gas guzzlers see their popularity rebound during the oil price slide.

More than 120 new models from manufacturers across the world were introduced at the 86th edition of Europe's flagship auto show, with industry leaders boasting of a positive mood after the financial crisis of 2008-2013 fades for some consumers.

Bugatti unveiled the world's fastest road car at the Geneva extravaganza: the 2.4 million euro ($2.6 million) Chiron with a 1,500 horsepower engine that can hit 420 kilometres per hour.

Also on display is the Lamborghini Centenario, almost modest by comparison with a 770 horsepower engine, a price tag of 1.75 million euros and a top speed of around 350 kilometres per hour.

VW's Bentley flaunted an all-new extended wheelbase version of its flagship Mulsanne saloon, especially catering to Chinese buyers with 250 millimeters of extra rear leg room and airline-style extending legrests.

Lamborghini said it would only make 40 Centenarios, which is the most powerful car in its 53-year history, and they were all sold before the doors to the Geneva car show opened.

A third of the planned 500 models of the Chiron had also been snapped up before the supercar's unveiling.

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