It was one of the best editions of the Frankfurt Motor Show ever, where aside from brand new production-version cars, we also so some cool and exciting concepts. Here are ten of the most interesting that were exhibited at the show:
VW NILS
Let’s start with something green and talk about the VW NILS, the automaker’s vision of a personal urban mobility for 2030. It features an aluminum spaceframe and has an F1-inspired one-seat configuration. This EV weighs only 460 kg and comes with an electric motor that produces 34 hp and 96 lb.-ft of torque, along with a 5.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. The car can be driven for up to 40 miles and charging the battery pack takes about two hours.
Kia GT
One of the most surprising concepts was the Kia GT, which will turn out into a production model in 2013. The one shown in Frankfurt was motivated by a V6 3.3-liter gasoline power unit that developed 390 hp and 394 lb.-ft. The engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends the power to the back wheels.
Jaguar C-X16
Perhaps the most beautiful of them all, the Jaguar C-X16 is a rear-wheel drive two-seater coupe that packs a hybrid powertrain. Under that exquisite hood is a V6 3.0-liter engine that generates 375 hp and 332 lb.-ft, mated to an 8-speed transmission with an incorporated electric motor generator which draws its power from the 1.6 kWh battery, generating 95 PS and 173 lb.-ft. The concept needs 4.4 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, en route to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). On electric mode it can be driven for up to 50 miles (88 km) while the CO2 emissions are of 165 g/km.
Citroen Tubik
From beautiful we move to extremely odd – the Citroen Tubik is the modern version of the TUB and Type H light vans and offers enough room for nine passengers which sit on the three rows of seats. Inside it has a big semi-circular TV and high definition surround sound. The Tubik benefits from a four-wheel drive configuration and is motivated by PSA’s Hybrid4 technology consisting of a diesel engine located in the front and an electric motor at the back. The car rides on massive 22-inch wheels which are covered by low-resistance tires.
VW Beetle R
The new generation of the Beetle was launched a couple of months ago and VW has given us a glimpse on how the hot R version of the model will look like. Covered by a “serious grey” paint finish, the car has flared wheel arches along with revised front & rear bumpers. At the bag we find a big spoiler and dual-chrome tailpipes. The production version is expected to get the engine of the Golf R or the Scirocco R.
Rimac Concept_One
Another beautiful car revealed at Frankfurt comes from Croatia. The Rimac Concept_One comes with a lightweight carbon fiber body, an all-wheel drive system and carbon ceramic brakes. This one is also an electric vehicle and has a 92 kWh battery pack that powers the four electric motors that manage to generate a combined output of 1074 hp and 2802 lb.-ft. It weighs 3638 lb and is able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 2.8 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 190 mph. With the batteries full, the car offers a range of up to 373 miles.
Opel RAK e
A very futurist concept is the Opel RAK e that was advertised as being a cheap urban commuter that can accommodate two people. It is a battery-operated car that features exposed wheels and benefits from a steel spaceframe structure that hides underneath synthetic material. The car weighs 837 lbs and is motivated by an electric motor that has a peak output of 49 hp while the continuous one is 14 hp. It is fed by the 5 kWh battery which needs about three hours for a full charge. Once fully charged, the car can be driven for up to 62 miles.
Audi Urban Concept
It seems that urban concepts were in trend this year at Frankfurt because Audi brought one too, which they simply called the Urban Concept. They unveiled both the coupe and spyder versions, featuring a carbon fiber monocoque and a curb weight of less than 500 kg. It is powered by a brushless electric motor that has 15 kWh which powers the rear wheels. It draws its necessary from the lithium-ion battery and offers a range of up to 37 miles. It should offer roughly the same performances as a supermini.
Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS
Mercedes-Benz revealed its Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS, which is a plug-in hybrid that features an electric motor that offers 134 hp which is able to guarantee a continuous output of 94 hp. The traditional gasoline engine produces 67 hp while the gearbox has been developed especially for the concept. CO2 emissions stand at only 32 g/km and the range is estimated at 373 miles, while only on electric mode it can be driven for up to 62 miles.
Land Rover Defender DC100
We end with the very cool Land Rover Defender DC100 that is an interesting speedster-style open-top vehicle which features cut-down screens and a twin-humped fastback tonneau. It has been fitted with huge 22-inch alloy wheels and has a 3+3 seating configuration, which reminds us of the original Land Rovers. It has a 2.0-liter engine and is mated to an eight-speed gearbox. Needless to say, it has an all-wheel drive system, along with the latest generation of the Terrain Response system. On its roof we find solar panels. The production version is set to debut in 2015.
A few days ago at the 64th edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German automaker Mercedes-Benz brought its new C Coupe AMG DTM that it will compete in the German Touring Car Championship. It has a curb weight of only 1,050 kg, including the driver and the following dimensions: 5,010 mm length; 1,950 mm width; 1,210 mm height, while the wheelbase measures 2,750 mm.
Mercedes C Coupe AMG DTM
It has a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, carbon fiber body panels, a steel roll cage, while under the hood it hosts a V8 4.4-liter engine that has 4 valves per cylinder, unleashing 500 hp @ 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 500 Nm. This engine is mated to a six-speed pneumatically-operated sequential gearbox and the driver can change the gear by using the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Mercedes C Coupe AMG DTM
It also has a mechanical differential lock without TC, a carbon fiber driveshaft and a three-plate carbon fiber clutch. At the front it features a double wishbone suspension with dampers and springs, while at the back we find a pushrod suspension.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the British automaker Lotus brought two of its latest models, the 2012 Elise S and the Exige R-GT. The first one brings a bunch of upgrades as far as the styling and performances are concerned. One of the most important novelties of the model would have to be the implementation of the SPS – Serial Precision Shift, which is a new transmission for the 1.6-liter model that uses an all-new robotized lightweight automated-manual gearbox technology that allows the driver to switch between manual and automatic driving modes. Changing the cars is done by using the paddle shifter mounted on the steering wheel.
2012 Lotus Elise S
Replacing the SC model, the Elise S is motivated by a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter engine that benefits from the VVTL-i system. The engine outputs 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) @ 6,800 rpm and a peak torque of 184 lb.-ft (250 Nm) at 4,600 rpm. They forgot to mention the important figures like performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but we should have them pretty soon.
2012 Lotus Elise S
What we do know is that the car benefits from a fully independent suspension system and the company’s DPM – Dynamic Performance Management. It also has ABS with AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminum alloy brake calipers in the front and single-piston sliding rear calipers from Brembo.
2012 Lotus Elise S
Design-wise, the 2012 Lotus Elise S comes with LED daytime running lights that have been integrated into the headlights. Other than that, it features new instrument dials with blue illumination, along with a two-tone white & black interior.
Lotus Exige R-GT
As far as the Exige R-GT, it is a professionally rally car that will mark the return of the company in the WRC after three decades of absence. It is based on the recently introduced 2012 Exige S and comes with a wide array of racing parts. The car has already been homologated by FIA to participate in a new category series that will be organized in Monte Carlo and San Remo.
Lotus Exige R-GT
It has a FIA-approved roll-cage that has been bolted and bonded on the car’s lightweight aluminum chassis. Other than that, the British automaker fitted the vehicle with Lexan windows, front & rear underbody protections, WRC-style crew side protections and a roof air scoop. The curb weight of the Exige R-GT is only 1,200 kg.
Lotus Exige R-GT
The car is motivated by the same V6 3.5-liter engine you will find in the production version and it fires 302 hp. The power unit features 34 mm air restrictors and the power is sent to all the wheels through the 6-speed sequential gearbox. Lastly, it has front & rear double wishbone suspensions that pack adjustable dampers, while the standard brakes of the car have been upgraded with a hydraulic fly-off handbrake as well as more efficient cooling.
We don’t have any details at the moment regarding who will be driving the Lotus Exige R-GT in the World Rally Championship, but we are certain that the British carmaker will let us know in the weeks to come.
Last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German car maker Volkswagen unveiled its Caddy Edition 30 concept that previews the vehicle’s anniversary version which will be out pretty soon. Although they said that this is a concept, the production version will be virtually the same. Compared to the standard model, this one comes with machine-polished alloy wheels, a black roof, a more powerful engine and a better interior cabin.
Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30
The one shown in Frankfurt had the most powerful engine that was ever installed in the Caddy, a 2.0 TDI that develops 170 PS (125 kW) and has a peak torque of 350 Nm. The power unit is connected to a DSG automatic gearbox and it also the vehicle to hit a top speed of 196 km/h. When the production version will be out, clients will be able to order it with one of the TDI engines that will be available, with outputs that vary from 75 kW to 125 kW, along with a TSI unit which generates 77 kW.
Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30
The production version will get the same 17-inch machine-polished alloys, along with a bunch of logos to emphasize that this is a special edition model. The Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 will be available in the following exterior paint finishes: Sunny Yellow, Reflex Silver, Candy White, Primavera Green and Salsa Red.
Inside the cabin, expect to see Alcantara upholstery, a leather-trimmed gear stick, multi-function steering wheel as well as a handbrake lever wrapped around in leather. As standard, the vehicle will get semi-automatic climate control, tinted windows and it will be available in two seating configurations, with five or seven seats.
No word at the moment about the price list or the availability of the Caddy Edition 30 but we will keep you posted once VW announces the rest of the details.
With the occasion of this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Maybach has unveiled the Edition 125 anniversary model. Based on the 57S model, this is a one-off that brings some nice touches both for the exterior and inside the cabin.
Maybach Edition 125
One of the highlights of the car would have to be its front armrest that has been laser-engraved with a light motif that features the company’s badge, a double “M” in a curved triangle. Other than that, the vehicle comes with contour lightning and wears a Tahiti Black or Patagonia Silver exterior finish.
Maybach Edition 125
On the inside we also find silver-colored stitching, an embroidered glove compartment lid that has Wilhem Maybach’s signature, as well as silver carbon fiber and black piano lacquer trim parts. The car rides on a set of 20-inch alloys that have a matt black finish, while the front grille has a different shape.
Maybach Edition 125
With the occasion of launching this one-off model, the automaker also stated that the regular models will benefit from a few upgrades. Both the 52S and the longer 62S get 18 hp (13 kW) more power, for a grand total of 630 hp (463 kW). In addition, fuel consumption has been reduced to “only” 15.8 liters/ 100 km while CO2 emissions have also been lowered to 368 g/km.
Meet Audi Connect, the car that pretends to be connected to reality. So, about that, let’s see which are its features that make it special and how this could become a car for a variety of classes, not only for the luxury segment.
Apparently, as necessary in the current times, mobile terminals are integrated (smartphone and internet applications included), but this is not all. Audi vehicles with Audi Connect can communicate with the infrastructure, meaning that the driver can get alerts about changing traffic lights, about congested crossroads.
As about safety, cars also communicated with each other in order to avoid accidents and it features an auto pilot function for driving and even for parking.
By integrating all these elements, Audi connect provides a full range of highly relevant information for the driver, from Google maps, to street view functions, news, weather services and travel information. Besides that, the driver is in no moment distracted from the road, as the devices are activated and work using speech commands.
Audi Connect will be installed in more and more Audi models n coming years and it will constantly continue to develop new and new features and technologies.
Is it something that you wish to have on your car and Audi Connect does not have?
For the second time this year after the Geneva Motor Show, Alfa’s superb 4C Concept has been brought to the Frankfurt Motor Show, this time wearing a “Fluid Metal” metallic silver paint, whereas the one in Geneva had a red finish and looked better in my humble opinion.
Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
The Italian automaker Alfa Romeo mentioned that a production version will be launched in 2012. Under the hood it will be a 1.7-liter turbocharged engine that will probably output about 232 hp, which will be enough to propel the 2-seater, mid-engined sports cars to 62 mph in “under five seconds”, on its way to a maximum speed “of over 250 km/h”.
Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
The car benefits from a double-wishbone suspension in the front while the back packs a MacPherson struts configuration. The weight distribution of the car is 40:60 and it will get the “DNA” technology which is capable of controlling the throttle response, suspension and steering settings.
Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
In related news, Alfa Romeo’s returned to the United States has been delayed once again, this time for late 2013. The Giulia sedan and wagon will go into production sometime in 2014, instead of 2013, as previously stated by Alfa’s owner Fiat. In addition, the possibility of launching an SUV is also not certain at the moment, because Fiat doesn’t know where to build it. At first, they though to make it in Italy, but they’ve changed their minds due to questions of cost. Now, they are thinking about producing it in North America as costs there are significantly lower. A final decision regarding the possibility of production an SUV will be made towards the end of this month. We’ll keep you posted.
The Frankfurt Motor Show may be ending in a few days but we still didn’t have enough time to show you all of the cars that were revealed at this year’s edition. One of the models we haven’t talked about so far is the Maserati Kubang concept. It is the company’s response to the success of the ugly Porsche Cayenne.
Maserati Kubang Concept
I never thought that the day would come when Maserati will exhibit an SUV but I guess money is a priority for all people, especially car companies. Anyway, I have to admit that it looks quite nice although I’m not a big fan of SUVs. The Italian automaker described the concept as being “the first tangible look at Maserati’s future”. It has the same name as a concept that was shown at the Detroit Motor Show back in 2003.
Maserati Kubang Concept
When the production version will be out, the Kubang will be motivated by a new generation of power units that will be developed at Modena and produced in Maranello by Ferrari. These engines will be mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Japanese car maker Toyota has brought its 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid which is scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of 2012. It will feature a redesigned front bumper, an updated grille as well as LED-infused headlights. At the back, we find clear taillights, a rear-passenger side charger port and silver accents.
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
As far as the cabin is concerned, not much to report as the only changes include a new center console, a blue-colored shifter and a 6.1-inch infotainment system. Although we are talking about a hybrid, it offers 15.6 cubic feet (443 liters) of trunk space which is more than decent.
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is motivated by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that develops 98 hp (99 PS / 73 kW) and a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that feeds the 81 hp (82 PS / 60 kW) electric motor. It has a combined output of 179 hp (136 PS / 100 kW) which will be enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 10.7 seconds, en route to a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
On electric mode, the car can be driven for up to 14 miles (23 km), while the fuel consumption is estimated to be only 2.1 liters / 100 km (112 mpg). As far as the CO2 emissions are concerned, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is pretty eco-friendly as it emits only 49 g/km.
With this model, Toyota plans on rolling 50,000 units per year.
A hot concept based on the 1-Series was revealed by BMW last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was developed by the company’s Performance Accessories branch in collaboration with the hot M division. Standing alongside the regular version, this interesting concept has 19-inch alloys, an uprated suspension, beefier brakes as well as tweaked exhaust parts.
BMW 1-Series Concept
Other than that, it has been fitted with an aggressive bodykit, a carbon fiber wing mirror detailing, striped decals and a rear diffuser. Inside the cabin, this BMW 1-Series concept has yellow trim highlights, custom floor mats, lots of leather and carbon fiber detailing.
The power kits developed by BMW Performance can be installed in the 135i and the 335i. Modifying the management system of the engine, it lifts the power of the 3.0-liter to 326 hp, which is 20 hp more.
Formula Ford Goes Official At Frankfurt Motor Show
2012 Formula Ford
With the occasion of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has decided to bring its 2012 Formula Ford, a car that is wearing an attractive blue & white livery. If you didn’t know, the Formula Ford is an open-wheel entry-level racing series that is organized in several countries. Many consider it as being one of the first steps a young racer has to make in his journey of becoming a Formula One driver.
2012 Formula Ford
The vehicle has been fitted with a tubular steel chassis, carbon front & rear crash structures and side intrusion panels. All these features make the car FIA-compliant so it can be raced in a wide array of international events.
2012 Formula Ford
It is motivated by a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, the same one you’ll find in the Fiesta ST. It develops 163 hp (165 PS / 121 kW) and a peak torque of 162 lb.-ft (220 Nm). The entire HP is sent to the back wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox.
The British car maker Bentley has brought to the 64th edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show its gorgeous convertible version of the freshened Continental GT. Obviously, the car is based on the fixed-rood variant and comes with more sculpted lines in comparison to the outgoing model, while in the front it has new headlights and a revised design of the grille.
2012 Bentley Continental GTC
It is motivated by the same massive W12 twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine that produces 575 hp and a peak torque of 516 lb.-ft (700 Nm) as its coupe sibling. Other than that, it packs an updated 4WD system that delivers more power to the back axle as the power distribution is 40:60, while the older model shared it equally between the two axles. With this hardware configuration, the 2012 Bentley Continental GT is capable of sprinting to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, on its way to a maximum speed of 195 mph (314 km/h).
2012 Bentley Continental GTC
Inside the cabin, the car benefits from an updated dashboard that has an all-new instrument panel as well as a touchscreen multimedia system right in the center of the console. The automaker mentioned that the vehicle offers better rear room thanks to the fact that the front seats have a new shape.
2012 Bentley Continental GTC
The car will go on sale towards the end of this year and the base price will be of $212,800.
BMW Alpina B6 Bi-turbo Convertible Makes An Apperance In Frankfurt
Alpina B6 Biturbo Convertible
In Frankfurt last week, Alpina launched its all-new B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible, a car based on the BMW 650i. It has been fitted with an aerodynamic body kit, a 4-tailpipe Akrapovic exhaust system and 20-inch alloys wrapped around in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubbers. Inside the cabin, there’s an updated instrument cluster, a burl wood trim, a sport steering wheel and illuminated door sill plates.
Alpina B6 Biturbo Convertible
Under the hood of the car rests a V8 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine that now has MAHLE pistons as well as a high-performance cooling system. After these hardware changes, the power unit develops 500 hp (507 PS / 373 kW) and a peak torque of 516 lb.-ft (700 Nm), which is 99 hp (100 PS / 74 kW) and 74 lb.-ft (100 Nm). The engine is mated to an updated 8-speed automatic gearbox that allows the convertible to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.8 seconds, en route to a top speed of 193 mph (311 km/h).
Alpina B6 Biturbo Convertible
Fuel consumption has been rated at 10.9 liters / 100 km (21.5 mpg / 25.9 mpg UK) while CO2 emissions stand at 255 g/km.
Last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show the German automaker Smart showed us how one of their models could look in the future by revealing the cool ForVision concept. They collaborated with BASF for this vehicle which can be considered the pinnacle of advanced technology and a lightweight design.
Smart ForVision
It doesn’t have a regular roof like we have on our cars, instead it that one features transparent organic solar cells that are capable of generating enough power in order “to power the multimedia components” even in low lighting conditions. These cells also feature organic light-emitting diodes that provide light inside the cabin if one of the doors is opened.
Smart ForVision
In addition, the wheels are also special as they are made out of plastic and have a curb weight of only 6.6 pounds (3 kg). Other than that, the Smart ForVision has carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin doors, infrared-reflecting film on the windows to keep the cabin nice and cool even when exposed to direct sunlight, along with plastic seats that have lightweight cushions and built-in heating and cooling elements.
No word about what’s under the hood but most likely it has the same powertrain as the ForTwo Electric Drive model.
During the Frankfurt Motor Show, Bentley has presented the new executive interior concept for the Mulsanne, brand’s flagship model. Why is this thing so special? Because Bentley has changed the car into an Apple multimedia connective hub. Meaning that they have taken all the Apple gadgets from the market and integrated them into their car, from Apple iPads with Bluetooth keyboards to Mini Mac installed in the boot compartment and an Apple Media Center.
In addition to this, the Mulsanne features a ’W-Lan’ internet connectivity, and a 15.6″ High Definition LED drop-down monitor. It has two electric-powered foldable picnic tables (maybe for in-car business meetings?), a center console full illuminated, various new storage areas, a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system. And that’s not all: a Tibaldi pen, a cooler, a Privacy Telephone handset, numerous lights set-ups, and different ports and connectors. Aren’t you impressed yet?
Besides all these technology installed, maybe you still wonder why this is promoted as an Executive Interior Concept. The answer is in all the features that it carries.
The price was not announced, but we guess it’s not low.
What do you think about the idea of having all your gadgets installed on you car?
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It was one of the best editions of the Frankfurt Motor Show ever, where aside from brand new production-version cars, we also so some cool and exciting concepts. Here are ten of the most interesting that were exhibited at the show:
