Frankfurt Auto Show
Frankfurt Auto Show, Latest Automobiles News, Trucks Ranking, Worldwide Cars Review
Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Luxury
Hispano-Suiza - click above for high-res image gallery
Before World War II there were several high-end European luxury marquees that sadly didn't survive long past the Great Depression. One of these makes was Hispano-Suiza, and the car world was worse off as a result. Check out the V12-engined Hispason-Suizas built in the 1930s if you're a non-believer. But guess what? As we mentioned previously, Hispano Suiza is back, only they've dropped the hyphen from their name and the V12 in favor of an Audi V10.
That's right, an Audi V10, which is actually a Lamborghini V10, and Lambo is owned by Volkswagen. But forget all that. The new Hispano Suiza (there's no model name) is essentially a rebodied aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI, only they've plugged two electric-superchargers into the intake manifold. As a result, power is up through the roof, improving upon the R8 V10's 525 hp by 225 ponies for a total of 750 horsepower. As you may have guessed, performance is also way up, with 60 mph happening in 3.3 seconds (up from 4.5 in the R8) and a top speed of 211 miles per hour (196 mph in the Audi), propelling the new 3,505-lb Hispano Suiza squarely into hypercar territory.
The reborn Hispano Suiza company plans to build between 20 and 25 of their new cars per year. Our take? Good luck. The one stat we haven't mentioned yet is that they'll be selling these puppies for a cool €700,000. That's about $950,000 at the current exchange rate. Frankly, that's a ludicrous amount of money for a vehicle that just doesn't do much for us. For that lofty price tag, you'd think they could at least give the poor car a name.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Hispano Suiza
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Geneva 2010: Hispano Suiza debuts the... Hispano Suiza originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL - Click above for high-res image gallery
On the opening day of the Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a carbonite sculpture depicting its future design direction, featuring two major elements set to infect the rest of the automaker's line up.
The first is the massive SLS AMG-inspired fascia with its Flava-Flav-sized three-pointed sta,r and the second was a set of exaggerated rear fenders pulled from the E-Class. Although the sculpture was likely a teaser of the forthcoming CLS update, Mercedes is actively working on incorporating these new design details into the rest of its line and here we see the first recipient.
While the SL just underwent a refresh in 2008, the former flagship coupe/convertible was caught cold weather testing in Scandinavia wearing M-B's new fascia, gaping maw and mammoth logo. The prototype headlamps don't divulge much, but they're more upright than the current units and don't appear to stretch as far back onto the fenders. The hood is completely covered in plastic cladding, so it's safe to assume that a few more ridges and creases will be added to tie the SL's styling to the SLS', and the camo-clad rear fenders are a clear indication that the upswept and extruded blisters seen on the E are set to arrive on the SL. Considering the CLS replacement is likely to arrive at the Geneva Motor Show this March, we'd suspect that the revised SL will debut later in the year, so the smart money's on a Frankfurt rollout.
Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL gets some SLS-inspired rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin, Luxury
Mansory Cypress - Click above for high-res image gallery
Besides talking to the cute blond at the Audi booth, your Autobloggers spent the most time at this year's Frankfurt show arguing in front of the Mansory booth. Why? Some of us simply loved the all carbon fiber Cyrus, while others thought reskinning an Aston Martin DB9 in unpainted CF wasn't the best possible use of all that sci-fi plastic. Also (of course) there was the matte pink Vitesse Rose, which... no comment.
Anyhow, Mansory just released a plethora of images showing the world what the Cyrus looks like when it's on the road. The naysayers among us will no doubt be forced to admit that the Cyrus does look better at speed, though we're still quite anti- fake roof scoop, as well as the glued-on rear quarter panels. Is $600,000ish too much to spend on top of a DB9's based price for all that baked plastic goodness? You be the judge.
Gallery: Mansory Cyrus
[Source: Mansory]
Pics Aplenty: Mansory Cyrus goes out and about originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury
Lexus LF-Ch Concept - click above image for hi-res gallery
Earlier this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we got our first glimpse at Lexus' LF-Ch, a five-door hatchback concept. The car is said to presage a premium hatchback model for Toyota's upscale line - but that model isn't likely to come to the U.S. - word is that the production model is being crafted with Europeans in mind. That's something of a pity considering how visually dynamic the LF-Ch is, but not unexpected considering the chilly sales reception premium hatchbacks have received in the States - Mini excepted.
In any case, if you're interested in seeing something like the LF-Ch in American Lexus showrooms, while we would normally suggest that your best course of action would be to inundate Lexus with pleading love letters, syrupy poetry, and, well, whatever else you care to cram into an email or phone call, this time, Lexus has set up a feedback channel of sorts for the LF-Ch on its website. It's actually a survey that asks rather generic questions like "Which angle of the car do you like best?" and "Do you like the exterior color?" Yet it also asks meatier questions, like whether the showcar's five-door bodystyle is an attribute or a demerit, or whether hybrid technology for a car like the LF-Ch would be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker.
Us? We're in favor of anything that might invigorate Lexus' traditionally safe-as-houses lineup. You refresh your memory by checking out our high-res below before clicking on the link below to tell Lexus how you feel.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Concept
Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept
[Source: Lexus]
Want to see a production LF-Ch make it to American showrooms? Tell Lexus. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill
BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month spawn a production eco-friendly supercar from the German automaker? According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.
Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain similar to the one shown off in Frankfurt. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.
Other unique bits that were introduced on the Vision Concept that could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car's hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) and aluminum-intensive chassis are all "ready for the road."
If there's any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market with a price well north of $100,000. We'll see.
Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
[Source: Auto Express]
Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Aston Martin, Luxury
Aston Martin Rapide - click above image for hi-res gallery
First of all, does Aston Martin really need a Facebook page? Really? Is the brand actually helped by comments like this, "Aston Martins...the most sexy sports car ever manufactured;)sooo sexy even sexier in red!" We're guessing no. Then again, Aston's relentless pursuit of James Bond marketing hoopla (remember, in Fleming's books, 007 typically drove Bentleys) does show that they like their cars in the public eye. Plus, social networking is the new black PR. And unlike a certain Honda, it seems that most Facebookers like the way that Aston Martins look.
Case in point: Aston has just dropped eleven pics of the long-anticipated four-door Rapide onto its Facebook profile. Granted, these are the same production pics we got with the press materials in Frankfurt, but still. Now they're on Facebook, which we guess is the natural progression of things. Also, any of you find anything about the pictures a little off-putting? Like how the family in them just ain't that British looking? In fact, they appear kinda more like a Scandinavian dream. Something's just... off. Thanks to Christopher for the tip!
[Source: Facebook]
Aston Martin Rapide shows off its pretty self on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Smart, Electric
Brabus High Voltage - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the Tailor Made concepts that Brabus trotted out for the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German tuning firm also showed off a new version of its electric Smart Fortwo called the Unlimited High Voltage. This new model is an updated version of the company's electric Smart ED concept and it features a lithium ion battery pack supplied by Tesla Motors, Daimler's electric vehicle partner.
The High Voltage's rear-mounted electric motor was also developed by Tesla and offers up 82 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, which Brabus says is sufficient to push the little electric runabout to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Additional interesting touches include aerodynamic wheels with clear plexiglass covers and wider side skirts to improve airflow. Inside, white leather seats with yellow stitching join a console-mounted monitor that displays the remaining state of charge.
The HV's single most intriguing bit of tech, though, would have to be the sound generator. This little unit will reportedly allow the diminutive electric machine to sound like a honkin' V8-powered racecar... should the owner feel so inclined. Check out the high-res image gallery below.
Gallery: Brabus Smart High Voltage
Frankfurt 2009: Smart + Tesla + Brabus = High Voltage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Specialty, MISC
Pagani Zonda R - Click above for high-res image gallery
A diamond in the rough? We'd hardly consider the plethora of exciting new vehicle debuts and revolutionary concept cars that is the currently ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show as "rough." But behind the Tesla and Mansory show stands in the Messe - that's the German name for the exhibition grounds, not a critique of its tidiness - we stumbled upon a real jewel of carbon fiber and exhaust tubing. Pagani calls it the Zonda R, and it was on display courtesy of the Italian exotic automaker's German distributor.
The ultimate incarnation of the eminently desirable supercar, itself due to be replaced shortly, the $1.8 million track-only Zonda R was unveiled back in February, but this was as close as we've gotten to the vehicle in the carbon yet. It costs about $1.8 million, is constructed out of a carbon-titanium weave, packs 739 horsepower and features Pagani's first sequential gearbox, delivering extreme performance, with a 0-60 mph run of three seconds flat and a 233 mph top end.
Pagani Deutschland had the Zonda R on display with the engine cover removed, and with good reason: the engine bay - really everything aft of the bulkhead - is a beautifully sculpted masterpiece of mechanical engineering, from the 6.0-liter hand-built Mercedes AMG V12 to the inboard F1-style shocks. Unfortunately, the comparatively small display of a local distributor (as opposed to an independent automaker) meant that we couldn't get the kind of beauty shots to which we'd hope you've become accustomed by now, but trust us when we say that in this case, you can bet the devil's in the details. Have a closer look in the gallery below.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Pagani Zonda R
Frankfurt 2009: Up close and personal with the sensational Pagani Zonda R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Toyota
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery
One day, children will be taken to a Museum of Momentous Moments, and there among artist's impressions of the missing link and the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs will be an example of the first Toyota Prius. The placard next to it will declare that it is the car that turned green... green.
The standard bearer for all that makes Mother Nature smile has gone to the next level, adding a plug-in version to its bag of sticks and twigs. It isn't here yet, but when it does arrive, the Prius-with-a-cord will also be the first Toyota with a high-output, lithium-ion battery that can be charged in 90 minutes on a 230-volt circuit. It'll also go 20 km in EV mode and run up to 62 mph on electricity alone. And then it will do your laundry and teach your children how to be quiet on airplanes. Or something like that. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump and check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Plug-In Prius
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid can't get any greener
Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid can't get any greener originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Hatchback, SEAT
2010 Seat Leon Cupra R - Click above for high-res image gallery
What you have here is one of the coolest little 4-door hot hatches that looks like a 2-door hatch. The 2010 SEAT Leon Cupra R gets 265 hp from its VW-battle-tested 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, making it the most powerful SEAT... ever. The front wheels can pull the car to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and if you're not beating it up you'll get something like 29 mpg (35 mpg imperial).
Outside, along with R badges everywhere, the sizzling Cupra gets 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires, bigger brakes, and special trim for the instrument dials and alcantara-lined interior. Read up on the details in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Seat Leon Cupra R
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin
Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Ferrari
Two Ferrari 458 Italias at play - click above image to watch the video
Dude. Let us repeat that. Dude. We've seen a lot of car videos in our time. Way too many, really. Because most of them suck. With the exception of Top Gear, how many truly excellent car videos can you think of? We bet you can count them all on one hand. Well, time to bust out another finger. Before today, the previous amazing car video champ was the Shell/Ferrari F1 commercial. While that's set the standard, this brand new Ferrari 458 Italia video could knock the old king right off the dang thrown. And then some. Seriously, it's that good. But don't take our word for it, make the jump and see for yourself. Oh, and just wait until you get the first glimpse of the engine... possibly NSFW.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia
Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia
Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia clip aims to sear your eyes out with raw awesome
VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia clip aims to sear your eyes out with raw awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini
You have a better shot at the lady than the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster - Click above image to watch the video
Statistics are funny. Did you know that if you are one in a million in China, you're actually one in 1,370? We alluded to the, um, creative statistics Lambo came up with in its video when we posted about the beyond bonkers Reventon Roadster at Frankfurt. Looks like we got the stats a wee bit wrong. Example: You have a one in one hundred million chance of getting killed by a meteor, not a one in five hundred million chance. Oops. Which would almost be embarrassing considering that Lamborghini had the video on infinite loop throughout the show. However, we say "almost" because the video was playing on a giant screen behind the Lambo ladies. So, we think we get a pass -- right? Either way, full video after the jump.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lamborghini Reventon Roadster
Continue reading VIDEO: According to Lamborghini, chances are you will NOT own a Reventon Roadster
VIDEO: According to Lamborghini, chances are you will NOT own a Reventon Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Chevrolet
2009 Geiger GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Geiger is back, and this time it's the vaunted Corvette ZR1 that gets the tuner touch. Dubbed the "Geiger GTS," this über ZR1 doesn't offer ridiculous power gains over its stock bruder, just some careful tweaks that net an additional 63 hp. Still, that brings the already prodigious power up to 710, with a similar bump in torque from 607 to 677 ft-lbs. That's good enough to register 3.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, and a V-Max of 212.5 mph.
Geiger said they'd have the car in Frankfurt, but we somehow missed it. While the press release makes no mention of suspension tweaks, Ultraleggera O.Z. Racing wheels replace the GM originals, with the 10 x 19 fronts and 12 x 20 inch rears shod in 285/30ZR19 Michelins at the bow and 345/25ZR20s astern.
One thing that definitely has changed is the exterior. After all, this wouldn't be a Geiger special without some new body panels, and the GTS doesn't disappoint. The stock Corvette ZR1 nose and tail have been swapped out for some Geiger custom parts, and aggressive side sill extensions have been added. The whole thing is finished off in a trademark Geiger custom paintjob, this time three layers of color shifting mother of pearl white with black accents. It had us thinking of the Mansory Ferrari 599 Stallone although it's rather subdued compared to the louvered, lime-green Corvette Z06 biturbo that Geiger also offers. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in our high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Corvette ZR1 "Geiger GTS"
[Source: Geiger]
Continue reading Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1
Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury
2010 Lexus LS600h - Click above for high-res image gallery
For 2010, Lexus is doing a mid-cycle refresh on its flagship LS lineup, including the hybrid drive LS600h. The system mainly carries over hardware, but some of the controls are enhanced with the latest updates featured on the new Prius, HS250h and RX400h. Among those are a new ECO mode that applies a filter to throttle inputs and air conditioning control. Small adjustments in the throttle position are ignored, allowing the powertrain to operate at a more constant rate, reducing fuel consumption. Similarly, the air conditioning uses the recirculate mode automatically and allows more variation in temperature.
One of the complaints we had about the LS when we reviewed it last year was the minuscule trunk for a car of its size. Lexus has reconfigured the nickel metal hydride battery pack to reduce the package size, allowing the trunk volume to be increased by about 1.24 cubic feet. The front brakes have also been upgraded with larger rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers. On the outside, the LS gets a new front fascia with a grille similar to the HS250h.
Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS600h
[Source: Lexus]
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail
Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - Click above for complete list of vehicles covered
You're looking at a Porsche Panamera S with a trailer hitch. We're looking at an empty bottle of scotch and 11-hour plane rides. But never mind all that - what you really need to know is five hacks blogged over 60 posts and approximately ninety-billion photos in two days.
Why so many cars? We're thinking that the OEMs had a ton of new metal lined-up pre-Great Recession then got spooked by the economic meltdown. Frankfurt proved to be a dumping ground for all the new stuff - or at least it felt that way. But hey, what's better than new cars? For us and you, not a whole lot. Follow the jump for a list of every car we covered in Frankfurt and discover exactly how we felt walking back to the hotel after being (almost) forcibly removed from the media room. At least you can't accuse us of not trying. Also let us know what you think of Best of Show was in the comments. Auf wiedersehen, Germany!
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009 Wrap Up: We saw it all
Frankfurt 2009 Wrap Up: We saw it all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments