Even though every major motor show is now pre-empted by a Volkswagen Group Night, such is the breath of brands and models within that simply enormous portfolio that it still manages to generate a genuine buzz.
For the uninitiated, it is a fast-paced spectacle and vying for a prime viewing spot is akin to being thrown into the deepest of deep ends. It is literally dog eat dog, every automotive journalist for themselves, and with the limited Wi-Fi having a similar effect as being starved of oxygen, it's always fun.
The evening's procession of automotive high fashion got underway with Porsche. We had already heard all the salivating details of the new Cayman GT4, but seeing it in the metal further reinforced just what a special car this is looking likely to being. Proportionally it looks sublime. It's a true Goldilocks car in terms of looks, stance and overall desirability - it's just right. There was no sign of the 911 GT3 RS; it seems that Porsche wants to unveil that on the opening day of the show.
Next up was SEAT, which turned out its 20V20 Concept. This mid-size SUV is a further hint at the new Qashqai rival, which is due to go on sale in 2016 and is the noticeably missing piece in the SEAT model range jigsaw. Although this doesn't quite represent what the finished product will look like, we're still relieved that it's more than just a taller Leon.
Then the first of the big guns came out. To give it its full title; the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV or Superveloce. For those that find the standard Aventador just that bit too tame and a tad understated, this bi-winged beast is lighter, more powerful and more extreme looking than before. With all-wheel drive and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 2.8 seconds it is sure to be every bit as ballistic as it sounded being redlined in the auditorium.
From one extreme car to another - Bugatti's La Finale. Yes, as Frank Sinatra once sung, 'the end is near, and so I face the final curtain'. The final Veyron to be produced was rolled out, capping off a run of 450 that many thought would be a difficult task to sell. Indeed, towards the end it did take some creative efforts to find buyers for the final few cars, each of which were built at a considerable loss. That said, in this automotive journalist's own eyes, the Veyron will always represent something truly special. Will we see another, newer model? According to Bugatti President, Wolfgang Dürheimer, we will.
Taking things back down a notch or two (hundred thousand), was Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' new Caddy. It will be offered in both passenger and commercial variants, though it is the latter that is most likely to be of interest to the Irish market. As well as showing the new Caddy, mention was also given to a whole new raft of replacement models due to arrive over the next 18 months from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Upping the tempo once more was Audi, which drove its new two-seater R8 supercar onto the stage, and in a very fetching shade of, well, mango. Yes, it sounds terrible, but trust us, it really works well and it was a refreshing break from the slightly dull blue and red hues shown in the initial press release images. There was no sign of the R8 e-tron tonight as that is being kept for the main show itself.
Trumping that was Audi's prologue Avant concept looking even more impressive in person than it did in the images. What is perhaps most surprising is not just how large it really is but also how well it carries its stature. Equally impressive is the claimed performance figures, which along with the R8 e-tron highlight the work that Audi is doing to further develop its plug-in hybrid technology.
Having recently updated its model range, Bentley had a new Continental GT Speed to show off at Group Night and did so in a less-than-subtle green paint job. This of course was somewhat impressive until Bentley revealed its big surprise - the EXP 10 Speed 6. This new two-seater sports car is still just in the concept stage, but shows a Bentley that could sit below the current Continental GT and potentially rival the likes of the Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari California. It retains many of the Bentley styling cues we are used to seeing now, but we can't help but think that there is also a whiff of Audi about the front styling. Either way, it's no bad thing and most people in the room did their best to telepathically convey their collective desire for Bentley to give this the green light and put it into production.
Equally sharp looking, albeit at a different end of the price scale, was the new Skoda Superb, which it having its first public outing at the Geneva Show. The first impression you get is how much better it carries its own size. Proportionally it is a better design and of course, there are still almost unbelievable amounts of space for both passengers and luggage.
Despite the presence of Veyrons, R8s and crazy Aventadors, perhaps the most impressive star of Group Night was Volkswagen's Sport Coupe Concept GTE. Designed to highlight the next Volkswagen CC, this goes way beyond simply being a current model Passat with a more sloping roofline. Even if the production model doesn't quite stay as true to the design of this concept, it could still very much be one of the best styled cars on the market. The Sport Coupe Concept GTE features a low, sloping front with an almost clamshell-like bonnet front that meets with the vertical grille design in a look that is like nothing else currently in the Volkswagen line-up. Much of its front-quarter look is reminiscent of the A7 Sportback - no bad thing - but there is still an abundance of lovely little features that could make this one to watch.
Capping off proceedings was a small celebration marking the success of the new Volkswagen Passat as newly crowned 2015 European Car of the Year. The prestigious prize went Wolfsburg's way in part due to the number of different powertrain offerings in the new saloon, one of which - the GTE - we are particularly keen to try. Roll on Day 2.