Wiesmann Roadster MF3 Final Edition
The German automaker Wiesmann has brought to this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, the final version of its iconic MF3 Roadster. The car was developed in close collaboration with Sieger so you’ll be able to order it in one of the 18 colors which will be available upon launch. Expect to see a specially developed interior cabin that will feature a chrome trim and high quality leather.
Wiesmann Roadster MF3 Final Edition
As for the engine, the car will be motivated by a 6-cylinder 3.2-liter engine with 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW) and a peak torque of 269 lb.-ft (365 Nm). This power unit can be mated to a five- or six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed SMG transmission. Fitted with the auto, the Wiesmann Roadster MF3 Final Edition will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, en route to a top speed of 158 mph (255 km/h).
Wiesmann Roadster MF3 Final Edition
Source: Wiesmann via WCF
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Just like Citroen is doing with its premium DS range, Renault is working on resurrecting the Alpine name. The company’s product manager Beatrice Foucher said last week that at least one coupe model based on an entirely new modular platform is under development, so it is safe to assume that the Alpine designation might make it into the already greenlighted Renaultsport version. The product manager also mentioned that a new platform will be used for the upcoming generations of the Megane and the Laguna.
The next generation of the Laguna will be out in 2013 or 2014 but we shall see a standalone model that will replace the current coupe version of the Laguna which in the last few years hasn’t been that popular among European customers. I personally like how the Laguna Coupe looks but its price tag is exaggerated.
Foucher mentioned that the company is working on the Alpine name and there is a good possibility that it would be added to the hot Renaultsport lineup. She stated that the company’s sporty division wasn’t able to develop its models from scratch due do the fact that the sub-brand is not currently “educated” in.
In the next twelve months, the Megane and the Scenic will get a well-deserved facelift according to Foucher, in order to bring the styling of the cars in line with the funky new Twingo that premiered in Frankfurt.
Source: Renault via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Renault, renault alpine, revival
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Aston Martin Lagonda Wagon
There is nothing wrong with the resolution of your monitor and no, we haven’t flattened these photos at all. What you see it’s the real deal, the wagon version of the Aston Martin Lagonda. Its 4-door sedan sibling was targeted as a luxury car and the British automaker rolled out 645 units between the years 1974 and 1990.
Aston Martin Lagonda Wagon
Not only is it one of the ugliest cars in the word, but the sedan version was a catastrophe as far as the mechanics are concerned. AM decided to develop this car with state-of-the-art, computer-driven electronics as well as cathode-ray displays, which all sound very cool, but they didn’t work at all. It has been included in Times’ “The 50 Worst Cars of All Time” top.
Aston Martin Lagonda Wagon
Looks aside, the car was powered by a V8 5.3-liter engine that developed 280 hp (284 PS / 209 kW) and a peak torque of 301 lb.-ft (408 Nm), enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 6.2 seconds and a respectable top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).
You probably already know that Aston Martin is currently working on bringing back to life the Lagonda name. Let’s just hope that this time they’ll do a better job. The first car which will probably be out in two or three years will be a luxurious SUV. We’re very curious to see what they’ve have been up to since 2009 when they’ve unveiled a rather attractive concept at the Geneva Motor Show.
We’ll keep you posted.
Post tags: Tags: Aston Martin, aston martin lagonda, aston martin lagonda wagon, cars we hate
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The Italian automaker Lancia has revealed its Flavia Cabrio model during this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. You probably already know this, the car is nothing more than a rebadged Chrysler 200 convertible and it will make it into production thanks to the positive feedback the company received for a concept which was unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Italian convertible measures 4,900 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and it is 1,400 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,760 mm and Lancia said that the interior cabin has been designed in order to offer “the ultimate in interior room” for the four people. It is powered by a 2.4-liter gasoline engine that develops 175 hp and is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Flavia’s soft top is electronically operated while the cabin has a leather steering wheel, leather seats as well as a bunch of chrome inserts on the dashboard. As standard, the car comes with electronic stability control, multimedia system that has satellite navigation, ABS and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Source: Lancia
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Lancia, lancia flavia, lancia flavia cabrio
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With the occasion of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi has decided to bring the DTM version of its popular A5 model. Known within the company as the R17, the car comes with a bespoke hybrid construction consisting of a carbon monocoque body and a steel cage that forms the cockpit.
Under the hood of the car rests a V8 engine capable of developing no less than 454 hp (460 PS / 340 kW), an engine which is mated to a newly developed 6-speed racing gearbox. The costs of the car have been reduced by up to 40% thanks to the fact that all of the DTM racers have certain identical features; one example would be the 2,750 mm long wheelbase.
The Audi A5 DTM is scheduled to participate in the next year edition of the DTM championship and will have to face some serious competition coming from the other German manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Source: Audi via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi a5 dtm, audi-a5, frankfurt motor show
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A bunch of urban concept vehicles have been unveiled this week at Frankfurt and the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer decided to join in by revealing the Urban Concept, in both coupe and spyder variants. It is the result of a development study conducted by a team of in-house engineers, designers as well as electrical experts to play around with new styling ideas, an ultra lightweight construction, small car packaging as well as driveline efficiency.
From the looks of it, we can easily say that it combines some of the cues of bubble cars like the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller with a more modern aerospace design. Both of the concepts have a common central tub to which the German automaker says that they have linked a race car-style pushrod suspension which offers support for outboard mounted 21-inch alloys.
The coupe variant of the concept has a canopy that automatically retracts back in order to reveal a two-seat cabin that has staggered steering. As far as the spyder version is concerned, it has a cut down windscreen as well as partial side windows which make the car look a little bit like the E-Tron spyder concept.
Both cars measure 3,200 mm in length, 1,700 mm in width, while being 1,200 mm tall, which makes them 505 mm longer, 140 mm wider and 340 mm lower than the tiny Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. The concepts benefit from a carbon fiber monocoque and have a curb weight of less than 500 kg, which is 50% less than the company’s smallest model at the moment, the A1 (1.2 TFSI).
The Urban Concept is motivated by a brushless electric motor that has 15 kWh and has been installed at the back, powering the rear wheels. The necessary energy is drawn from the lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a range between 31 and 37 miles (50 and 60 km). Performance-wise, Audi has described it as being on par with current superminis, capable of doing the 0-62 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds, en route to a limited top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
Source: Audi via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: Audi, audi urban concept, Concepts, frankfurt motor show, Green
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Opel RAK e Concept
One of the coolest concepts shown this week during the Frankfurt Show is Opel’s RAK e, which has been developed as a budget-friendly urban commuter that has a two-seat configuration. Although this is a concept, the German automaker mentioned that the vehicle has “production potential”, but I don’t think they will be bold enough to launch this one, at least not in the following years.
Opel RAK e Concept
Anyway, it is a battery-operated car(?) that rides on exposed wheels and it is based on a steel spaceframe structure hiding underneath synthetic material. Although most concepts have exotic materials, Opel decided to fit its RAK e with normal ones in order to keep the costs down to a minimum. It weighs 837 lbs (380 kg), which is approximately 176 lbs (80 kg) less than the Volkswagen NILS concept we’ve talked about earlier this week.
Opel RAK e Concept
The concept is approximately three meters long and 1,190 mm tall, accommodating the driver (obviously) and the passenger in a tandem configuration. It is motivated by an electric motor that has a peak output of 36.5 kW (49 hp) and a continuous one of 10.5 kW (14 hp). It draws the necessary energy from the 5 kWh battery pack which needs three hours to reach its full capacity. The range can be of up to 62 miles (100 km) and it will cost you about $1.37 (1 Euro) to plug it in.
Opel RAK e Concept
The company also stated that the car is capable of doing the 0-62 mph sprint in less than 13 seconds while its top speed is 75 mph (120 km/h). In addition, if driven every year for 6,200 miles (10,000 km) the concept’s energy consumption would be of about 525 kWh.
Source: Opel via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, frankfurt motor show, Green, Opel, opel rak e
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Frankfurt Motor Show – BMW i3 & i8
We are getting closer and closer to the launch of the first truly eco-friendly cars from BMW as this week they’ve brought the upcoming i3 and i8 concepts to the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
The i3 is a 5-door hatchback that can accommodate four people and has an all-electric drivetrain. It has a lithium-ion battery which is capable of powering the electric motor that generates 168 hp (170 PS / 125 kW) and a peak torque of 184 lb.-ft (250 Nm). With a curb weight of 2755 lb (1250 kg), the i3 is capable of sprinting to 62 mph from start in a decent 7.9 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
According to the German automaker, the car can be driven between 80 and 100 miles (130 and 160 km) before it runs out of juice from the batteries. After that, you will have to wait for about 6 hours until you charge the batteries up to their maximum capacity.
The sleeker i8 is a plug-in hybrid that incorporates a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine that works side-by-side with an electric motor for a combined output of 349 hp (353 PS / 260 kW) and a torque of 406 lb.-ft (550 Nm). With this hardware configuration, the BMW i8 hits 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages to reach a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
It tips the scale at 3262 lb (1480 kg) and can be driven in electric mode for a mere 20 miles (35 km), which allows the car to return 87 mpg (104 mpg UK or 2.7 liters / 100 km) with CO2 emissions of only 66 g/km.
Source: BMW via WCF
Post tags: Tags: BMW, bmw i3, bmw i8, frankfurt motor show, Green
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The Korean automaker Kia has brought to this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show a fresh new version of its funky Soul model that brings additional engine options, a higher specification, along with a more premium interior cabin.
Clients will be able to order it with either a 1.6-liter engine that fires 140 hp and has a peak torque of 122 lb.-ft @ 4,850 or a CRDI diesel that churns 128 hp and 192 lb.-ft. In the vast majority of the European markets, the 2012 Kia Soul will be available with the new 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. Moreover, the company offers the optional EcoDynamics pack that includes a stop/start system and alternator management which promises to shave off the CO2 emissions to 139 g/km for the gasoline engine and 125 g/km for the diesel.
As far as the design is concerned, the Soul will have a 15mm longer nose compared to the outgoing model, which makes the car 4120 mm long. It has larger fog lamps and a bigger front air intake, while the alloys measure 18 inches. Aside from these changes, the car gets redesigned side mirrors and updated door handles.
At the back, the new Soul’s black-painted bumper inset panel has been extended while the fog lamps have been repositioned. As standard, it has twin-bulb headlamps that have black bezels along with twin-bulb daytime running lights. The more expensive models come with LED lights for both the front and back.
The interior cabin now has a refreshed center console with circular-type LCD heater controls. Clients will be able to choose from a wider selection of interior fabrics while the higher-spec variants will benefit from a hi-def instrument cluster.
The car is scheduled to hit the market in October.
Source: Kia via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Kia, kia-soul
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The only MPV in the world I would ever consider buying is this awesome Vauxhall/Opel Zafira Tourer, which has made it to the Frankfurt Motor Show. The UK version will have a starting price of 21,000 pounds for the budget ES 1.8 trim level. This means that the 7-seater will be 1,200 pounds more affordable than the Ford S-Max, which at the moment is the top player in this segment.
It has the same seven-seat configuration as the regular Zafira MPV, but the new Tourer version is 190 mm longer while the wheelbase has been extended by 57 mm. In addition, track is up by a good 96 mm in the front and 78 mm out in the back. The interior cabin of the model has gained additional seating flexibility as well as a higher level of quality, plus there are a whole bunch of new electronic driver aids, along with two more power units.
The second row of the Zafira Tourer features three separate seats instead of a traditional bench, while its central chair can be folded and rotated away to create more space for the outer-seat passengers. In the front, the MPV now has an additional storage compartment located between the seats and the armrests which are flexible.
For this model, the German engineers borrowed the isolated subframe and the MacPherson strut suspension from the Insignia, while at the back it has a Watt’s linkage configuration which should provide additional stability. An optional feature would have to be the company’s FlexRide reactive adaptive damping.
As far as the engines are concerned, the sexy Zafira Tourer can be ordered with a 1.8-liter gasoline unit that develops 138hp, along with a turbocharged 1.4-liter that has the same output. Other than that, it comes with a trio of 2.0-liter CDTi diesel engines that are available also for the aforementioned Insignia. These diesels generate 109, 128 and 163 hp.
As we mentioned, the base model will be the ES trim, which is followed by the more expensive Exclusiv, Sri, SE and the top-spec Elite. The 1.8-liter gasoline engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the others feature a 6-speed manual or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission (available on certain models). Also on some variants, stop/start will be available.
Some of the new tech goodies include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot alert, along with parking aid that can detect appropriate spaces and after that will guide the driver in.
The introduction of the Zafira Tourer doesn’t mean that the standard model will be discontinued, at least not in the first few years. Opel has hinted that in the future they will launch a bunch of other new models, like a SUV derived from the Corsa, along with a soft-roader like Peugeot’s 3008 model in order to replace the Antara which hasn’t been doing so good as far as sales are concerned.
The new Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of this year.
Source: Vauxhall
Post tags: Tags: vauxhall, vauxhall zafira, vauxhall zafira tourer
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The German automaker Artega brought to this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show its EV version of its mid-engined sports car, dubbed the Artega SE (sports electric). The car is motivated by two electric motors hat have a combined output of 375 hp (280 kW). These two operate on their own, each of them driving one of the rear wheels.
If you remember, the car made its official debut back in March at the Geneva Motor Show where the company mentioned that it could do the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds, en route to a top speed of 126.5 mph.
It has 16 battery modules, four in the front and the rest out in the back, all of them having lithium-ion polymer cells. One module has 12 battery cells and it takes approximately 90 minutes in order to fill up the battery. With the “tank” full, the Artega SE offers a driving range of up to 125 miles. It has a curb weight of 1,400 kg (10% heavier than the V6 3.6-liter-powered Artega GT) and has the same weight distribution as its conventional-powered sibling, 43% front and 57% back.
The car will be produced at the company’s factory located in Delbruck, Germany and the estimated price tag is 150,000 Euros. Production is expected to commence in 2012.
Source: Artega via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: artega, artega se, frankfurt motor show, Green
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This week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German automaker BMW exhibited its new generation of the 1-Series. Scheduled to go on sale this month, the smallest car in the company’s lineup will go head-to-head with the new A-Class from Mercedes-Benz and my personal favorite, the Audi A3.
The car has been developed on the same architecture as the bigger 3-Series and upon launch it will be available exclusively as a five-door model. At the beginning of next year, BMW will roll out its three-door sibling, followed by a batch of six other variants.
Since it was launched in 2004, the BMW 1-Series was sold in more than one million units and the new one promises to boost the sales thanks to its new appearance, which although isn’t what you would call attractive, it still is a lot better than the outgoing model. The responsibility of the car’s design belongs to Adrian van Hooydonk who pushed the cabin further back over the rear axle while at the same time extending a dominant hood.
The biggest styling changes can be seen at the front of the vehicle, which has adopted a shark-nose look, similar to the latest concepts launched by BMW. They also updated the kidney grille which now leans slightly forward. The generous headlamps are now angular and are recessed under eyebrows in order to add a little bit of texture to the front fascia of the 1-Series.
The wheelbase of the new model has been extended by 30 mm, measuring 2690 mm, which is only 70 mm shorter than the aforementioned 3-Series. The German automaker says that the leg room has increased by a good 21 mm, while the wider rear doors should permit easier access in the cabin. The 2012 BMW 1-Series is 85 mm longer (4,234 mm) as well as 17 mm wider (1,765 mm), while the height remains the same at 1,421 mm.
It benefits from an aluminum-intensive suspension with tracks that have been widened by 51 mm in the front and 72 mm out in the back, thus increasing the stability of the vehicle at high speeds as well as liberating interior space. It borrows the MacPherson strut front suspension as well as the rear multi-link configuration from the 3-Series. The cargo room has increased by 30 liters over the old one, for a total of 360 liters, which is 44 liters more than what the Ford Focus can offer and 10 liters more than the VW Golf 6. The carrying capacity can be extended up to 1,200 liters by folding down the rear seats.
As far as the engines are concerned, you won’t find anything else other than 4-cylinder units. Upon launch, two gasoline ones will be offered. In fact, it will be a 1.6-liter engine with two output configurations, one that offers 136 hp for the entry-level 116i model and a beefier one with 170 hp for the 118i. Aside from these two, you’ll also get to choose between a trio of more frugal diesel engines, all of which have a 2.0-liter configuration. For the 116d model the engine develops 116 hp, 118d gets 143 hp while the top-spec 120d will offer 184 hp. The 116d will return 65.7 mpg UK and have CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The fastest model in the lineup will be the 120d that will hit 62 mph from start in 7.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 142 mph.
More powerful models will be launched next year, including the 128iS engine which will get a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, available in the sexy Z4 and the ugly X1 xDrive28i. It develops 245 hp and has a peak torque of 243 lb.-ft, and it promises to do the 0-62 mph sprint in less than 6 seconds while top speed should be of about 155 mph. The German automaker is also developing a 3-cylinder turbocharged power unit which will be available both as a gasoline unit (direct-injection) and a more frugal common-rail diesel. According to insiders, the diesel one should output 120 hp while returning 70 mpg UK.
Just like the outgoing generation of the BMW 1-Series, all of the above mentioned engines will be mated as standard to a 6-speed manual gearbox, but you will be able to order your car with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
Some of the features that you will find in the entry-level model include the stop/start system, brake energy recuperation, low-resistance tires, optimal gearshift indicator (for the models fitted with a manual transmission, obviously) and automatically disconnecting ancillary components. Other basic features include speed limit sign recognition, cruise control (with brake function), lane departure warning system (with collision warning), reversing camera and high beam assist, plus Internet connectivity with Facebook and Twitter apps included. All of the models will get a display screen and BMW’s iDrive.
The most eco-friendly model in the entire lineup will be the 116d EfficientDynamics that packs 116 hp and has CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km. With this engine, the 2012 BMW 1-Series will be able to do the 0-62mph sprint in 10.6 seconds.
In the United Kingdom, the entry-level 116i ES model will cost 19,375 pounds, which is 795 pounds more than the old model, while the 118d SE will be 215 pounds cheaper, at 22,030 pounds. As we mentioned, the standard equipment has increased over the outgoing model.
Source: BMW via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: BMW, bmw-1-series, frankfurt motor show
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Rimac Automobili Concept_One
This gorgeous Croatian supercar designed by Adriano Mudri has made its official debut during this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It has a lightweight carbon fiber body, AWD system, carbon-ceramic brakes and LED headlights.
Rimac Automobili Concept_One
For the interior cabin, the automaker teamed up with Vilner and Pininfarina and they created a very elegant cabin that has a lot of premium leather, a digital instrument cluster, a carbon fiber trim, as well as an advanced infotainment system.
Rimac Automobili Concept_One
The Concept_One has been fitted with a 92 kWh battery pack that powers four electric motors which generate a combined total output of 1074 hp (1088 PS / 800 kW) and 2802 lb.-ft (3800 Nm). With a curb weight of 3638 lb (1650 kg), the supercar is able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in only 2.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). On a single charge, the car can be driven for up to 373 miles (600 km).
Rimac Automobili Concept_One
We don’t have any details at the moment about the price tag for the car, but what we do know is that deliveries are scheduled for 2013 and they’ll make only 88 units.
Source: Rimac Automobili via WCF
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Green, rimac, rimac concept_one
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2012 Honda Civic (Hatchback)
This week during the 64th edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Japanese car maker Honda unveiled its new Civic (hatchback) model which has been engineered and will be built in Europe at the company’s plant located in Swindon, UK.
2012 Honda Civic (Hatchback)
The size of the new one is just about the same as the outgoing model, measuring 4,300 mm long, 1,700 mm wide and being 1,440 mm tall, while the wheelbase is 2,595 mm. Set to hit the dealerships next month in Europe, customers will be able to choose from two gasoline engines and one turbodiesel unit.
2012 Honda Civic (Hatchback)
The entry-level 1.4-liter gasoline engine is capable of producing 100 h p and will be able to return 43.5 mpg (5.4 liters / 100 km), while CO2 emissions stand at 129 g/km. The beefier 1.8-liter unit churns 142 hp and will be available as standard with a manual gearbox or an optional automatic transmission. Mated to the first one, the 2012 Honda Civic (hatchback) has a combined fuel consumption of 40.5 mpg (5.8 liters / 100 km) while with the automatic gearbox it will do 37.3 mpg (6.3 liters / 100 km). The manual model has CO2 emissions of 137 g/km while the automatic version has 148 g/km.
2012 Honda Civic (Hatchback)
If you want more muscles under the hood, you might as well opt for the updated 2.2-liter i-DTEC turbodiesel that generates 150 hp. Being a diesel, it is the most eco-friendly and frugal engine for the new Civic, being capable of returning 56 mpg (4.2 liters / 100 km) with CO2 emissions of just 110 g/km.
Source: Honda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Honda, honda civic hatchback, honda-civic
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Peugeot brought this year to Frankfurt its hybrid 508 RXH model which is the crossover variant of the 508 SW. It will carry a base price tag of more than 30,000 pounds and will be motivated by a 2.0 HDi engine – the one you’ll find in the 3008 HYbrid4- which will power the front wheels, along with an electric motor that drives the ones in the back.
The car will have a combined fuel economy of 67.2 mpg UK and will have CO2 emissions of only 109 g/km. The combined output of the power units is 200 hp, while the torque is 330 lb.-ft, and the car will allow the driver to choose from one of the four following modes: automatic, zero emissions, sport and four-wheel drive.
Compared to the aforementioned 508 SW, the new hybrid 508 RXH has different dimensions as it features a 40 mm wider track while the height has increased by 50 mm. The vehicle will feature a head-up display, electric front seats, 18-inch alloys, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, a panoramic glass roof and a half-leather trim – all as standard features.
The diesel/electric hybrid exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a part of a special launch edition that Peugeot plans on rolling out. Only 300 cars will be made and 10% of them will go to UK customers when the car will be available starting with the spring of next year. Each of them will be individually numbered and will wear a brown exterior paint finish, along with a leather and Alcantara interior cabin.
Source: Peugeot via Autocar
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Peugeot, peugeot 508, peugeot 508 rxh
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