Official Thread: Frankfurt Auto Show 2009
- Thread starter mikeyb
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With the Frankfurt Motor Show less than a week away, new images have leaked showing Ford's Grand (seven-seat) C-MAX.
Like the five-seat model, that was officially unveiled earlier this month, the Grand C-MAX adopts Ford's 'kinetic' design. While much of styling is identical, the seven-seat C-MAX features an increase in length, a sliding rear door, and a redesigned greenhouse. Ford has also eliminated the sloping roof to allow for improved headroom for third row passengers.
Regardless of the exterior design changes, the cabin appears luxurious and modern. The button-intensive dash is dominated by a massive control knob which operates a small display screen. Other features include contrast stitching, a separate display for climate control functions, and a push button ignition.
Engine options will include the usual petrol and diesel units from Focus and Kuga, as well as Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost.
As we have previously reported, Ford is considering bringing the C-MAX to North America. While nothing is official, Ford is likely watching American's attitudes towards SUV replacements.
Like the five-seat model, that was officially unveiled earlier this month, the Grand C-MAX adopts Ford's 'kinetic' design. While much of styling is identical, the seven-seat C-MAX features an increase in length, a sliding rear door, and a redesigned greenhouse. Ford has also eliminated the sloping roof to allow for improved headroom for third row passengers.
Regardless of the exterior design changes, the cabin appears luxurious and modern. The button-intensive dash is dominated by a massive control knob which operates a small display screen. Other features include contrast stitching, a separate display for climate control functions, and a push button ignition.
Engine options will include the usual petrol and diesel units from Focus and Kuga, as well as Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost.
As we have previously reported, Ford is considering bringing the C-MAX to North America. While nothing is official, Ford is likely watching American's attitudes towards SUV replacements.
- :
- 2008 Mazda5 5MT Sport w/ Popular Package
Nice, with sliders and manual tranny 
. Ford managed to confuse people around, now they have 2, C-Max and Grand C-Max, interesting...
. Ford managed to confuse people around, now they have 2, C-Max and Grand C-Max, interesting...Toyota unveils new plug-in hybrid Prius concept
The Toyota Prius is about to get greener! A new plug-in hybrid model due to be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show emits less than 60g/km of CO2.
The car, currently still in concept form replaces the nickel-metal hydride battery of previous Prius iterations with a more efficient lithium-ion set-up which allows for a 12.5 mile range in electric only mode. This new battery also allows for quicker charging with Toyota claiming that from a 230V socket the battery will be fully charged in one and a half hours.
Power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre engine which produces 97bhp and 142Nm of torque whilst the electric motor puts out 79bhp and 207Nm.
Toyota plans to get 500 plug-ins on the road early next year as part of a lease programme. Out of these 500, 150 will make it to European countries where Toyota can evaluate real world performance and gain an insight into the reception from the public.
The Toyota Prius is about to get greener! A new plug-in hybrid model due to be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show emits less than 60g/km of CO2.
The car, currently still in concept form replaces the nickel-metal hydride battery of previous Prius iterations with a more efficient lithium-ion set-up which allows for a 12.5 mile range in electric only mode. This new battery also allows for quicker charging with Toyota claiming that from a 230V socket the battery will be fully charged in one and a half hours.
Power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre engine which produces 97bhp and 142Nm of torque whilst the electric motor puts out 79bhp and 207Nm.
Toyota plans to get 500 plug-ins on the road early next year as part of a lease programme. Out of these 500, 150 will make it to European countries where Toyota can evaluate real world performance and gain an insight into the reception from the public.
ndian firm unveils crazy electric two-seater while roomy family hatch also on way
G-WIZ, take a look at this pair of showstoppers! Its not one but two stablemates for the UKs best known electric city car.
The quirky G-Wiz is made by Indian firm REVA and bosses are using the Frankfurt expo to unveil two new models.
And theyre not only green on the outside, either. NXR and NXG thats Next Revolution and Next Generation, respectively are both all-electric vehicles.The NXR is a four-seat, two-door family car suitable for urban driving.
It has a top speed of 60mph and the advanced lithium-ion battery gives the city runabout a range of 100 miles.
The hatchback rear should make it a practical proposition for carrying small loads, too.
The quirky tri-colour NXG is a sporty two-seater with a targa roof. It can travel up to 125 miles between charges.
But the most surprising innovation is REVive a new hi-tech charging technology that REVA claims can replenish a flat battery remotely.
When a customers battery dies, they can simply phone or text the company, and minutes later power is restored. Both the NXR and NXG will use the system.
A spokesman said: This is a tremendous step forward in what will be a fascinating journey for EV users.
G-WIZ, take a look at this pair of showstoppers! Its not one but two stablemates for the UKs best known electric city car.
The quirky G-Wiz is made by Indian firm REVA and bosses are using the Frankfurt expo to unveil two new models.
And theyre not only green on the outside, either. NXR and NXG thats Next Revolution and Next Generation, respectively are both all-electric vehicles.The NXR is a four-seat, two-door family car suitable for urban driving.
It has a top speed of 60mph and the advanced lithium-ion battery gives the city runabout a range of 100 miles.
The hatchback rear should make it a practical proposition for carrying small loads, too.
The quirky tri-colour NXG is a sporty two-seater with a targa roof. It can travel up to 125 miles between charges.
But the most surprising innovation is REVive a new hi-tech charging technology that REVA claims can replenish a flat battery remotely.
When a customers battery dies, they can simply phone or text the company, and minutes later power is restored. Both the NXR and NXG will use the system.
A spokesman said: This is a tremendous step forward in what will be a fascinating journey for EV users.
The 1-liter is back!
2002's eco-friendly VW makes a return
Along with the fast comes the frugal.
As well as showcasing the production-ready Golf R on the stands at Frankfurt, Volkswagen is stunning fans with its ambitious L1 concept.
The newcomer is a development of VWs original 1-liter car the brainchild of VW boss Ferdinand Piech which made its debut in 2002.
The L1 uses only 1.49 litres of fuel for every 100km it travels, which is equivalent to 189mpg economy.
This closer-to-production version keeps the tandem-style two-seat interior, but gets even more refined aerodynamics to improve stability and efficiency.
Updates have been made to the design elsewhere to give the car a contemporary look. Highlights include a more aggressively shaped nose and chiselled flanks.
However, the unconventional doors remain, so the cabin is still accessed by popping open the roof, fighter jet-style.
Power is from an 800cc, two-cylinder diesel-electric engine, linked to a DSG gearbox.
This delivers only 28bhp, but as the carbon-bodied L1 weighs 380kg, it should give a top speed of 99mph.
Speculation suggests the car could be on sale by 2012.
2002's eco-friendly VW makes a return
Along with the fast comes the frugal.
As well as showcasing the production-ready Golf R on the stands at Frankfurt, Volkswagen is stunning fans with its ambitious L1 concept.
The newcomer is a development of VWs original 1-liter car the brainchild of VW boss Ferdinand Piech which made its debut in 2002.
The L1 uses only 1.49 litres of fuel for every 100km it travels, which is equivalent to 189mpg economy.
This closer-to-production version keeps the tandem-style two-seat interior, but gets even more refined aerodynamics to improve stability and efficiency.
Updates have been made to the design elsewhere to give the car a contemporary look. Highlights include a more aggressively shaped nose and chiselled flanks.
However, the unconventional doors remain, so the cabin is still accessed by popping open the roof, fighter jet-style.
Power is from an 800cc, two-cylinder diesel-electric engine, linked to a DSG gearbox.
This delivers only 28bhp, but as the carbon-bodied L1 weighs 380kg, it should give a top speed of 99mph.
Speculation suggests the car could be on sale by 2012.
i think everyone's been asking that question since the original insight
Volkswagen is unveiling the second new R model in its current lineup at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Golf R shares its basic underpinnings with the recently-unveiled Scirocco R. It also adds VW's 4Motion AWD to its architecture.
Replacing the heavy naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 found in the Golf V R32 is a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Power is 195kW (265hp) and torque is around the 350Nm mark. The 0 - 100km/h time should be covered in about 6.5 seconds for the 6-speed manual and 6.4 seconds for the DSG model. These figures compare very well with the Audi S3 and the TT S with which the Golf R shares its engine.
If you thought it would be a basic upgrade on the GTI you'd be wrong. The car features a host of changes including new front grille with LED daytime running lights, a different set of wheels, R side sills, R badging at the rear and those twin tailpipes almost come together in the middle. The interior is much sportier as well with two-tone sports seats, aluminum pedals and R badging in places like the flat-bottomed steering wheel.
The good news for US fans is that the Golf R is headed for North America according to reports, although nothing has been confirmed for its 3-door Scirocco relative.
Replacing the heavy naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 found in the Golf V R32 is a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Power is 195kW (265hp) and torque is around the 350Nm mark. The 0 - 100km/h time should be covered in about 6.5 seconds for the 6-speed manual and 6.4 seconds for the DSG model. These figures compare very well with the Audi S3 and the TT S with which the Golf R shares its engine.
If you thought it would be a basic upgrade on the GTI you'd be wrong. The car features a host of changes including new front grille with LED daytime running lights, a different set of wheels, R side sills, R badging at the rear and those twin tailpipes almost come together in the middle. The interior is much sportier as well with two-tone sports seats, aluminum pedals and R badging in places like the flat-bottomed steering wheel.
The good news for US fans is that the Golf R is headed for North America according to reports, although nothing has been confirmed for its 3-door Scirocco relative.
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota is giving its new Land Cruiser a world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Incredibly, Toyotas big 4x4 is about to enter its sixth decade of tough mud plugging. Although the cosmetic changes are more subtle, the new 2010 Land Cruiser is designed to be better to drive on and off road with more creature comforts, claims Toyota.
So whats new on the 2010 Land Cruiser?
It sticks with body on frame construction, and Toyota says its 11% stiffer than before. Better for driving on and off tarmac. The suspension is revised for less bounce and more involvement, although we have yet to test these claims.
Higher-grade models now come with electronically controlled anti-roll bars front and rear, allowing further or lesser movement depending on the surface underfoot. And the top LC5 model comes with adaptive dampers.
Like arch rival the Land Rover Discovery, the new Land Cruiser can be had with three rows of seats. The middle row slides fore and aft by up to 135mm, and some of the pews fold flat (electrically in top-spec models).
So Toyotas gunning for Land Rover?
The Land Cruiser has a steady following and with six decades of provenance and Japanese reliability, its small wonder many safari parks in Africa use a Land Cruiser not a Land Rover. But you can tell Toyotas watching Solihulls moves with interest: the new Multi-Terrain Select sounds suspiciously like Land Rovers own version, preparing all the mud-plugging systems for whichever surface you encounter.
Confirming its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser boasts a 22deg ramp angle and can wade through 700mm. The braked towing limit is 3000kg (750 kilos unbraked).
When can I buy the new Toyota 4x4?
The new Land Cruiser arrives in UK dealers in December 2009, in five- or seven-seater guise. Just one engine the 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D turbodiesel will be sold, with a five-speed auto box. Although continental buyers can pick the three-door and petrol V6, well be limited to the big five-door bodystyle.
While this is no pious Prius, Toyota says that the big Land Cruiser has 5% better economy and emissions. Itll average 34.9mpg and 214g/km, the official stats reveal.
Toyota is giving its new Land Cruiser a world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Incredibly, Toyotas big 4x4 is about to enter its sixth decade of tough mud plugging. Although the cosmetic changes are more subtle, the new 2010 Land Cruiser is designed to be better to drive on and off road with more creature comforts, claims Toyota.
So whats new on the 2010 Land Cruiser?
It sticks with body on frame construction, and Toyota says its 11% stiffer than before. Better for driving on and off tarmac. The suspension is revised for less bounce and more involvement, although we have yet to test these claims.
Higher-grade models now come with electronically controlled anti-roll bars front and rear, allowing further or lesser movement depending on the surface underfoot. And the top LC5 model comes with adaptive dampers.
Like arch rival the Land Rover Discovery, the new Land Cruiser can be had with three rows of seats. The middle row slides fore and aft by up to 135mm, and some of the pews fold flat (electrically in top-spec models).
So Toyotas gunning for Land Rover?
The Land Cruiser has a steady following and with six decades of provenance and Japanese reliability, its small wonder many safari parks in Africa use a Land Cruiser not a Land Rover. But you can tell Toyotas watching Solihulls moves with interest: the new Multi-Terrain Select sounds suspiciously like Land Rovers own version, preparing all the mud-plugging systems for whichever surface you encounter.
Confirming its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser boasts a 22deg ramp angle and can wade through 700mm. The braked towing limit is 3000kg (750 kilos unbraked).
When can I buy the new Toyota 4x4?
The new Land Cruiser arrives in UK dealers in December 2009, in five- or seven-seater guise. Just one engine the 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D turbodiesel will be sold, with a five-speed auto box. Although continental buyers can pick the three-door and petrol V6, well be limited to the big five-door bodystyle.
While this is no pious Prius, Toyota says that the big Land Cruiser has 5% better economy and emissions. Itll average 34.9mpg and 214g/km, the official stats reveal.
Toyota unleashes the goods on Auris HSD Concept
We've already received a sneak peek at some early images of the Toyota Auris HSD concept, but Toyota was woefully tight-lipped about disclosing on any actual details at that time. No longer, as the Japanese automaker has just dropped all the pertinents and a bunch of new images of its upcoming hybrid ahead of the car's official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
As we noted, there are solar panels installed on the Auris HSD's roof that Toyota says are a further development of the solar-powered ventilation system which debuted on the 2010 Prius. Additional solar panels on the car's dashboard develop enough juice to recharge mobile phones and portable electronics using built-in charging trays.
As expected, the Auris HSD is powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine mated to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as used in the Prius. Toyota expects the run to 60 mph to take about 10 seconds and carbon emissions to be below 100 grams per kilometer. LED lights join a slew of aerodynamic tweaks that reportedly drop the car's drag coefficient to .28 round out the exterior features unique to the concept.
Inside, blue Gaucholino leather joins a pearl white console to offer a unique showcar appearance. We're not sure how many of these touches will make it into production (which is scheduled to begin next year at Toyota's Burnaston factory in England with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010), but we'd like to see the mobile chargers make the leap.
We've already received a sneak peek at some early images of the Toyota Auris HSD concept, but Toyota was woefully tight-lipped about disclosing on any actual details at that time. No longer, as the Japanese automaker has just dropped all the pertinents and a bunch of new images of its upcoming hybrid ahead of the car's official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
As we noted, there are solar panels installed on the Auris HSD's roof that Toyota says are a further development of the solar-powered ventilation system which debuted on the 2010 Prius. Additional solar panels on the car's dashboard develop enough juice to recharge mobile phones and portable electronics using built-in charging trays.
As expected, the Auris HSD is powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine mated to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as used in the Prius. Toyota expects the run to 60 mph to take about 10 seconds and carbon emissions to be below 100 grams per kilometer. LED lights join a slew of aerodynamic tweaks that reportedly drop the car's drag coefficient to .28 round out the exterior features unique to the concept.
Inside, blue Gaucholino leather joins a pearl white console to offer a unique showcar appearance. We're not sure how many of these touches will make it into production (which is scheduled to begin next year at Toyota's Burnaston factory in England with sales scheduled to start during the second half of 2010), but we'd like to see the mobile chargers make the leap.
- :
- 96 Miata M-Edition, 2015 Mazda 3 Hatch
That auris looks like a toy.
2009 Frankfurt Auto Show cars list
Here is all the cars that will be at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde
2010 Aston Martin Rapide
2010 Audi A5 Sportback
2010 Audi R8 Spyder
Audi e-tron concept [9]
2010 Bentley Mulsanne
2010 BMW X1
2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
2010 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid
2010 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible facelift
2010 BMW 5 Series
2011 BMW 6 Series facelift
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept
Bugatti Bordeaux
Citron C3
Citron DS3
2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
Fiat Punto Evo
2011 Ford C-Max
2010 Honda CR-V
2010 Hyundai i10 Electric
2010 Hyundai i30
2010 Hyundai ix35
Hyundai ix Metro Concept
2010 Jaguar XJ
2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
2010 Kia cee'd facelift
2010 Kia Venga
2010 Kia Sorento
Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
Kia cee'd Hybrid
Kia Sorento Hybrid
2010 Lamborghini Reventn Roadster
Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid premium compact concept
Lotus Elise Club Racer [10]
2011 Maserati GranCabrio
Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mini Coupe Concept [11]
2010 Opel Astra
2010 Peugeot RCZ
2010 Peugeot 5008
2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
2010 Porsche Panamera (European debut)
Rolls-Royce Ghost
2010 Saab 9-5
2010 Subaru Legacy (European debut)
2010 Subaru Outback (European debut)
Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
2010 Volkswagen California
2010 Volkswagen Caravelle
2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Polo 3dr
2010 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI
2010 Volkswagen R20 Golf
2010 Volkswagen Transporter
2011 Volvo C30
2011 Volvo C70
2010 Volvo XC60 R-Design
Video will update here: 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Here is all the cars that will be at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde
2010 Aston Martin Rapide
2010 Audi A5 Sportback
2010 Audi R8 Spyder
Audi e-tron concept [9]
2010 Bentley Mulsanne
2010 BMW X1
2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
2010 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid
2010 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible facelift
2010 BMW 5 Series
2011 BMW 6 Series facelift
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept
Bugatti Bordeaux
Citron C3
Citron DS3
2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
Fiat Punto Evo
2011 Ford C-Max
2010 Honda CR-V
2010 Hyundai i10 Electric
2010 Hyundai i30
2010 Hyundai ix35
Hyundai ix Metro Concept
2010 Jaguar XJ
2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita
2010 Kia cee'd facelift
2010 Kia Venga
2010 Kia Sorento
Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
Kia cee'd Hybrid
Kia Sorento Hybrid
2010 Lamborghini Reventn Roadster
Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid premium compact concept
Lotus Elise Club Racer [10]
2011 Maserati GranCabrio
Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mini Coupe Concept [11]
2010 Opel Astra
2010 Peugeot RCZ
2010 Peugeot 5008
2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
2010 Porsche Panamera (European debut)
Rolls-Royce Ghost
2010 Saab 9-5
2010 Subaru Legacy (European debut)
2010 Subaru Outback (European debut)
Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
2010 Volkswagen California
2010 Volkswagen Caravelle
2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Polo 3dr
2010 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI
2010 Volkswagen R20 Golf
2010 Volkswagen Transporter
2011 Volvo C30
2011 Volvo C70
2010 Volvo XC60 R-Design
Video will update here: 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Ford unveils smallest EcoBoost engine yet at 1.6 liters
Ford's EcoBoost offensive is continuing at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week with the official launch of the third member of the family, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The new engine joins the 3.5-liter V6 currently in production and the already announced 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Like the rest of the family, this one features direct gasoline injection, a turbocharger and dual independent variable valve timing.
Output numbers aren't yet final, but the 1.6-liter should produce about 180 horsepower and 170-175 lb-ft of torque. Ford's plan is to use these EcoBoost engines to replace larger normally aspirated engines in various applications. For example, the 1.6-liter will replace 2.0-2.5-liter engines in many C-segment vehicles like the Focus and C-Max. The 2.0-liter will replace 2.5-3.0-liter units starting in 2010 CUVs and SUVs. That likely means we will see this as the base engine in the new unibody Explorer and possibly as a replacement for the V6 in the Escape.
Ford plans to have 1.3 million of these engines on the road over the next four years with availability in 80 percent of its product lines.
Ford's EcoBoost offensive is continuing at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week with the official launch of the third member of the family, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The new engine joins the 3.5-liter V6 currently in production and the already announced 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Like the rest of the family, this one features direct gasoline injection, a turbocharger and dual independent variable valve timing.
Output numbers aren't yet final, but the 1.6-liter should produce about 180 horsepower and 170-175 lb-ft of torque. Ford's plan is to use these EcoBoost engines to replace larger normally aspirated engines in various applications. For example, the 1.6-liter will replace 2.0-2.5-liter engines in many C-segment vehicles like the Focus and C-Max. The 2.0-liter will replace 2.5-3.0-liter units starting in 2010 CUVs and SUVs. That likely means we will see this as the base engine in the new unibody Explorer and possibly as a replacement for the V6 in the Escape.
Ford plans to have 1.3 million of these engines on the road over the next four years with availability in 80 percent of its product lines.
Volvo C30 R-Design
There was a time when putting the words 'Volvo' and 'Design' in the same sentence was the punchline to a bad joke, but the Swedish automaker has come a long way since then. The C30 may be the best evidence to date that Volvo can make an attractive, sporty looking hatchback, and the little four-seater is about to get more interesting at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Volvo has already released pics of the upgraded C30, complete with a more expressive front end and cleaner rear fascia, and the Swedish automaker is planning an R-Design variant of its funky little hatch that features R badges and a body kit treatment with front and rear spoilers. The C30 R-Design will also sport 17-inch Cratus aluminum wheels (18s optional) and chrome-plated sports tailpipes. On the inside, Volvo continues its tradition of going big on the R badging with R-Design emblems on the front seats, center stack, steering wheel and panel inserts. The gear level is now trimmed in aluminum and leather and the sports pedals get the aluminum treatment as well.
In the recent past, Volvo has veered away from providing more powerful powertrains for its R-badged vehicles, and the C30 is no different. The C30 does, however come with an upgraded steering and chassis package that Volvo says was tested on the twisty roads of England and the high-speed highways of the German Autobahn. Volvo engineers added stiffer bushings and quickened the steering ratio to provide 10% quicker responses. The R-Design C30 will also have 30% stiffer springs to give the Volvo hatch sportier driving characteristics.
There was a time when putting the words 'Volvo' and 'Design' in the same sentence was the punchline to a bad joke, but the Swedish automaker has come a long way since then. The C30 may be the best evidence to date that Volvo can make an attractive, sporty looking hatchback, and the little four-seater is about to get more interesting at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Volvo has already released pics of the upgraded C30, complete with a more expressive front end and cleaner rear fascia, and the Swedish automaker is planning an R-Design variant of its funky little hatch that features R badges and a body kit treatment with front and rear spoilers. The C30 R-Design will also sport 17-inch Cratus aluminum wheels (18s optional) and chrome-plated sports tailpipes. On the inside, Volvo continues its tradition of going big on the R badging with R-Design emblems on the front seats, center stack, steering wheel and panel inserts. The gear level is now trimmed in aluminum and leather and the sports pedals get the aluminum treatment as well.
In the recent past, Volvo has veered away from providing more powerful powertrains for its R-badged vehicles, and the C30 is no different. The C30 does, however come with an upgraded steering and chassis package that Volvo says was tested on the twisty roads of England and the high-speed highways of the German Autobahn. Volvo engineers added stiffer bushings and quickened the steering ratio to provide 10% quicker responses. The R-Design C30 will also have 30% stiffer springs to give the Volvo hatch sportier driving characteristics.
