FRANKFURT -- Car enthusiasts are gathering in Germany for the 62nd International Motor Show - Frankfurt, which runs Sept. 13 - 23. Prior to opening its doors to the public, journalists got a sneak peek at all the new autos during two press days on Sept.11 and 12.
This event launches the auto show season that wends its way around the globe. It's a feast of elaborately staged press conferences and car unveilings with industry bigwigs in attendance from all of the major auto companies: from China's Chery to BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Continental AG, Hummer, Hyundai, BMW MINI, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Volvo Cars. All here to catch the attention of a jaded press corps. But it's your opinion that really matters.
Here are a few of the highlights.
General Motors (GM) announced plans to offer a broad range of clean and efficient vehicles powered by different sources of energy. At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, GM CEO Rick Wagoner told attendees on Sept. 11 that no single alternative-fuel solution is best suited for everyone. He says under GM’s new strategy, by the end of 2008, the automaker will be selling eight different hybrid models in the U.S. A figure, Wagoner added, that beats any of GM’s competitors. During the show, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz also commented on the company’s strategy, saying that in many parts of the world electrically-operated vehicles will provide optimal solutions. New alternative and standard-fueled cars unveiled during the show include the Opel Flextreme, Cadillac BLS wagon and Saab TurboX.
General Motors also unveiled a series of new fuel-efficient vehicles during this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Corsa 1.3 CDTI is the premiere model in the Opel/Vauxhall ecoFLEX range and produces 119 g/CO2 per kilometer. Highlights from the show also include the HydroGen4 fuel cell vehicle, the new Opel Agila, the 2008 Corvette which GM is calling the “fastest automatic Corvette ever”, and Cadillac’s first station wagon in the company’s 100-year history, the BLS Wagon. Officials from GM Europe report plans are already underway to invest 700 million euros in new engines and transmissions by 2012, with the first models being seen at IAA.
While GM talked Green, Lamborghini was all about high dollar speed. They showed off a special edition of the LP640 which was inspired by a fighter jet. Keeping the bull theme of the company in mind, the new Reventon was named after the famous fighting bulls. But with a 211mph top speed and 650bhp it’s hard to imagine who will be able catch it and land a blow. The company is ready to hand over the reins to only 20 brave souls who plunk down the €1 million to take this limited edition beast on the road.
It’s bursting with the latest technology and looks a fast as they say it is. Sheathed in perfect carbon-fiber, including sections on the wheels, the car is a thoroughly modern machine that’s taken race bred technology to the streets.
The company claims it will climb to 60 mph in 3.4 second and this Lamborghini, like its stable mates, is stunningly beautiful. This is not a sweet dreamy looking car. While its edgy, wedgy shape is reminiscent of the bold styling of the Countach and Diablo the Reventon’s artful form is a sculptural, fast forward, salute to the future not the past. Can I borrow a million Euros please?
Jaguar’s lone introduction, the XF was its attempt to reclaim its right to compete in the international automotive beauty competition. There was a time when Jaguar’s made heads spin and set tongues wagging. That role has been taken over by Bentley and Mercedes CL-55. But the XF shows Jaguar’s capable styling head, Ian Callum is not giving up. He may not have knocked it out of the park for some but this is a clear demonstration that the car company still has some fight left. The interior is an improvement from the old S-Class with a few new features: such as rotating air vents that rotate from closed to open when the key is turned, and a rotary knob on the console that slips the transmission from full auto to paddleshift mode.
The XF will be delivered with a choice of a 2.7-litre bi-turbo diesel, a 3.0-litre V6 or buyers can choose naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the XK's 4.2-litre V8.
The XF is due to hit the streets in March of next year. The question is, who will own the company when it launches?
Audi unveiled several some new products and updates.
A new, ultra-modern four-cylinder TFSI engine with a capacity of 1.4 litres and a turbocharger can now be ordered for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. The 1.4 TFSI delivers 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 200 Nm is available across an unusually wide speed range from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
Audi’s engineers have long been demonstrating the efficiency of FSI technology in combination with turbocharger both on the world’s racetracks and on the road. The prime example of this is the “Engine of the Year” title which a jury of experts awarded the 2.0 TFSI in 2007 for the third time in succession.
Audi A8: Sporty luxury and exemplary efficiency
- New A8 2.8 FSI has the lowest CO2 emissions in its class
- Consistent enhancements across entire model line
- A new driving experience in one of the world’s quietest cars
The Audi A8 not only offers the sportiest performance of any luxury-class saloon, it also stands out as a model of efficiency. A particularly outstanding example is the new A8 2.8 FSI: superlative performance and excellent comfort make it a joy to drive. But at the same time, with a standard fuel consumption of just 8.3 l/100 km, its CO2 emissions of 199 g/km are the lowest in its class.
The new Audi RS 6 Avant: High performance at a new level
- V10 twin-turbo engine with 426 kW (580 bhp)
- Avant with the dynamism of a high-performance sports car
- Exclusive design and equipment, perfect quality
Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt. A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 426 kW (580 bhp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm add up to an unforgettable performance experience. At the same time, the new Audi RS 6 Avant offers a high standard of travel comfort – on long journeys, too.
Hyundai unveiled the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) at the 62nd International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The hydrogen powered, zero emission concept car is tailored to incorporate Hyundai’s third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea. Hyundai also presented the Veloster, a sporty coupe which caters to the requirements of the Y-generation and the i-30 Crossover Wagon, an extension to the i-30 family aimed at the European market.
Nissan is featuring a new concept car, along with a number of redesigns for 2008, at the 62nd International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. Central seating and running on electricity are two features of Nissan’s Mixim. Drivers of the vehicle sit centrally, with passenger seats on either side, and use a steering wheel and controls similar to those found on computer games. Using regenerative braking, the vehicle remains charged while driving and when stationary, the Li-ion battery can completely recharge in 20 to 40 minutes. In Frankfurt, Nissan is also featuring the Micra Colour + Concept show car. The car has been designed to showcase the latest color and paint technology and to highlight the changes that have been made to the new Micra model. The Japanese automaker will also feature the new Micra model with changes to both the exterior and interior and “user friendly” technology.
Dodge, a division of the newly formed Chrysler, has unveiled a three-in-one vehicle, the Dodge Journey Crossover, during the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The vehicle combines traits from a minivan, sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and passenger car to create a five-seat automobile. The Dodge Journey Crossover also includes an optional third-row of seating that can be removed and used for additional storage. In addition to its size, the Crossover features various safety equipment including a traction control system to optimize traction during acceleration, tire pressure monitoring and the electronic roll mitigation system which applies braking force to reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rollover. The 2009 Dodge Journey Crossover is expected to rollout in North American dealerships by the first quarter of 2008, and in global volume starting in mid-2008.
President and CEO of Renault, Carlos Ghosn, unveiled four cars - Laguna Coupé, New Kangoo, Kangoo Compact Concept and Clio Sport Tourer - at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13-23). Laguna Coupé Concept is a grand tourer coupé that features a four-wheel Active Drive chassis and a new V6 dCi powertrain developed as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. New Kangoo is 180mm longer than its predecessor launched in 1997 and will be available with 1.5 dCi engines emitting less than 140g of C02 per kilometer, in line with Renault’s eco2 commitment. Kangoo Compact Concept, developed in partnership with Rollerblade, is equipped with a removable rear-section roof and features a two-tone color scheme Fireball Orange and Brushed Aluminium. Clio Sport Tourer is the estate-car version of the Clio III and is designed to help Renault strengthen its position in Segment B.
During the press conference, BMW Group Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer discussed topics ranging from the BMW Concept X6, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, and BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy, to the environment and the Group's financial outlook for Q3 2007.
Porsche recently unveiled early drafts of its Cayenne SUV hybrid prototype. The SUV, which will debut towards 2010, aims to decrease fuel consumption by an estimated 25 percent, especially during city driving. The Cayenne Hybrid will feature electric-powered steering, air conditioning and vacuum pumps for the brakes. Porsche officials also report they plan to introduce a hybrid version of its upcoming Panamera four-door Gran Turismo, scheduled to debut in 2009.
One year after the launch of the new generation, MINI has extended the range of models with the MINI Clubman. The car has a unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family.
The Green Diesel Platform presented what it called, “The Best Available Technologies for Diesel.”
After the last IAA’s and Mondial Paris Show’ successes, the Green Diesel Platform updated the press on its technologies and current activities at its booth a press conference on Wednesday, September 12th at 9:00 am.
Emissions reduction technologies dedicated to car manufacturers and compliant with the most stringent regulations
To meet the regulatory requirements all over the world, OEMs have to implement emissions control systems. The Green Diesel Platform showed the technologies developed by its partners on its booth :
- Technologies and strategies to suppress Diesel PM (Particulate Matters) and to reduce NOx, (respectively with A-DPF (Additive Diesel Particulate Filter) and SCR (Selected Catalytic Reduction) solutions) ; combined with CO2 emissions reduction.
A functional concept car, one of the cleanest diesel vehicles in the world, designed by Esperra Sbarro and fitted with a storage and distribution solution of Adblue® for Selective Catalytic Reduction systems and a storage and distribution solution of Fuel Borne Catalyst for Diesel Particulate Filters, illustrated the integration of these emissions reduction technologies.
If green wasn't your thing or you were bored looking at sheet metal, the Frankfurt show featured the usual array of stunning spokesmodels and actresses tarted up in order to turn the most mundane auto introduction into a spectacle that rivals any floorshow you'd see in a Las Vegas Casino. Fitting, considering that the future of some of the car makers looks like a crapshoot.
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