Official Frankfurt Auto Show 2007

[mikeyb]

Kia to unveil Concept Coupe in Frankfurt

ith the recent Hyundai sports coupe spy photos from just a few days prior, rival Korean automaker, Kia Motors Corporation, announced today that its all-new 2+2 coupe concept car will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11, 2007. Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, who revealed the first preview picture of the concept coupe, says that "Kia has given me the opportunity to shape its whole brand design and character. Seldom does a designer have such a clean sheet with which to work." Schreyer's previous work at Audi and Volkswagen include the design of the Audi TT and the VW New Beetle.
Schreyer expects the new coupe "to surprise the entire automotive world when people can see the new sports coupe concept in the metal."

<hr>Press Release

Kia To Reveal Sports Coupe Concept Car At Frankfurt Show - Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer reveals 'preview image' - All-new sports coupe concept to make world premiere on 11 September

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that the company's all-new sports coupe concept car will make its world premiere at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September.


The new concept car, whose name remains secret at present, is a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence.


It was conceived by Kia's design team in Europe under the guidance of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and manufactured in Europe.
Revealing the first 'preview image' of the new car, Schreyer enthused, "Kia has given me the opportunity to shape its whole brand design and character. Seldom does a designer have such a clean sheet with which to work.
"We started this exciting journey with the Kia ex_cee'd cabrio concept at the Geneva Show back in March, and at Frankfurt I'm sure Kia will surprise the entire automotive world when people see our new sports coupe concept in the metal."
Schreyer was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contribution to automotive design by the Royal College of Art (RCA), the UK's pre-eminent school of art and design.


The 53-year old Bavarian studied transportation design at the RCA in 1979/80 and worked at Audi and Volkswagen for the next 25 years, producing designs for vehicles such as the Audi TT and the new VW Beetle.
Schreyer was appointed to his newly created role of Chief Design Officer at Kia Motors in September 2006.


Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) - one of the fastest growing automakers in the world - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands. Kia's 12 manufacturing and assembly operations in 8 countries produce more than 1.3 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 165 countries. Kia today has over 33,000 employees and annual revenues of almost US$19 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

- Kia

 

[mikeyb]

Kia Unleashes Hot Little Pro-cee'd Hatchback

RANKFURT, Germany — Kia took the sheets off what promises to be the hottest member of its cee'd family on Thursday, the aptly named three-door Pro-cee'd hatchback. The Pro-cee'd is aimed squarely at the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Kia said production is slated to kick off in November, with customer sales in Europe starting in early 2008. No word yet on whether Kia plans to bring the Pro-cee'd to the U.S.

Kia described the Pro-cee'd as "based closely on the earlier Pro_cee'd concept shown at the Paris auto show in 2006. Speculation at that time was that the production version of the concept would include a diesel, but Kia did not release specifications on the Pro-cee'd. The four-seat concept car put a premium on sportiness with a three-spoke steering wheel and brown leather trim. The production model has been developed by Kia's European design studio under the direction of Peter Schreyer.

Kia said the Pro-cee'd will be "longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car." It will be built in Slovakia.

 

[Hughes412]

That looks nice. I wonder what the output will be...

 

[mikeyb]

PARIS — Renault plans to unveil a two-place Twingo CC concept at the Frankfurt auto show in September, with production slated to begin in 2008.

The Twingo CC will join the Mgane CC in Renault's modest stable of small sporty cars. The Twingo CC will be one of the smallest and least expensive coupe/cabrios on the European market, with prices expected to start well under $20,000.

The Twingo CC concept features a 120-horsepower 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine. Renault also plans to offer a performance-oriented Twingo RS rated at 130 hp.

 

[altspace]

I still think they should have renamed the brand KIA to something else in America. So many bad associations are derived. Particularly "Killed In Action".

 

[mikeyb]

 

[slug420]

they should have renamed it something awesome like lecksus, akyoora, or infinitee

 

[cable43]

I gotta admit - it looks cool and GTI #' means ~200hp

 

[mikeyb]

MINI JCW Challenge Revealed

he MINI Challenge Series has been nail-bitingly close for seven seasons in the UK. The series is becoming more and more popular and has spread globally and is even featured as the beginners class in the official WTCC video game Race. This year, MINI will be racing a brand new MINI John Cooper Works Challenge, based on the new MINI S. The car retains the 154kW engine but it will be turbocharged rather than supercharged, as it was in previous years. The new set-up provides even more torque, faster acceleration, better power-to-weight ratio, higher top speed, faster lateral acceleration and improved traction. All ingredients for more action, greater excitement and amassed drama.
The MINI JCW Challenge will be assembled in Oxford, UK then shipped to Germany in order to be transformed into track-only race cars and eventually transported to customers in order to burn rubber and trade paint on the track.
The specifications in a nutshell:

• Engine: 1,598 cc, four cilinder
• Power: 154 kW / 210 hp with max 280 Nm torque.
• 0 100km/h: 6.1 seconds
• 100 0 km/h: 3.1 seconds (31 meters)
• Top speed: 240 km/h

<hr>Press Release



MINI CHALLENGE will burst into life in Australia in early 2008 and the star of the one-make race series will be the new generation MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE car. The technical and styling features of the 2008 car are revealed for the first time today. Drawing on four seasons of high-octane, nail-bitingly close racing, the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE race car will again feature a 154 kW John Cooper Works engine, but in this new guise, induction is boosted by a turbocharger rather than a supercharger.

The new car offers even more torque, faster acceleration, better power-to-weight ratio, a higher top speed, faster lateral acceleration and improved traction. For spectators this means even greater excitement, more dramatic on-track action and even more thrilling duels from start to finish.

The first in the metal meeting of the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE and an adoring public will be at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The first racers to bite tarmac will be headed to Australia for the start of the debut MINI CHALLENGE Series in early 2008. These right-hand drive cars will be assembled in the UK at the MINI factory at Plant Oxford before being shipped to Germany to be built into race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racers will be delivered to customers ready to roll, complete with full safety and enhanced performance features built-in.
Ready for supreme performance: the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer.

Powering the new racer is a specially developed John Cooper Works performance engine with a maximum output of 154 kW. This is the same maximum output as the 2007 generation race car, but the advantage is in the increased torque and the mid-range response.

The new race car has a maximum torque of 280 Nm (up from 245 Nm in the 2007 car), thanks to the unique Overboost function. Overall weight has also been reduced by a meaningful 30 kg to a maximum of 1,150 kg (including driver allowance), while improved aerodynamics all round and numerous detail modifications to the chassis and suspension complete the line up of changes designed to add more smiles per lap.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. And thanks to its special brake system, the car takes just 3.1 seconds (and 31 metres) to come to a dead stop from 100 km/h. Top speed is 240 km/h.

As with the 2007 MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE race car, the 2008 version boasts impressive lateral acceleration. The 2008 MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer has outstanding lateral acceleration meaning elevated abilities to hold high speed through corners as well as punch out of them with increased vigour.

A limited-slip differential is featured for the first time on a MINI CHALLENGE racer, to further enhance traction through tight corners at high speed.

MINI CHALLENGE: the popular one-make series.

Now in its fourth year internationally, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular one-make series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland have hit the headlines all over Europe and boast massive followings of fans at the track and on TV.

MINI CHALLENGE has also hit the headlines Down Under with a summer series completed in New Zealand and another planned for 2007/08. The MINI CHALLENGE delivers a highly attractive blend of thrilling racing for both drivers and fans alike.

International MINI CHALLENGE series have featured both experienced drivers as well as up and coming drivers keen to make their mark in motorsport, having their first taste of racing cars with roofs as an entry into Sedan racing. In some markets, celebrity guest drivers with previous race form or a burning desire to compete have also joined the fray.

The big draw for all drivers is the level playing field. In MINI CHALLENGE, individual suspension set-up and driving skill are the sole differentiators. Other than suspension settings, all cars are technically identical.
MINI CHALLENGE racer: The heart of the beast.

Like the road-going MINI Cooper S, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer boasts a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection, churning out 154 kW with a maximum torque of 280 Nm.

Instant power and high-revs combined with muscular torque are the hallmarks of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racers engine. The road-going engine on which the race car motor is based has been awarded the coveted International Engine of the Year Award for its capacity class, by a group of eminent jurists. The prestigious 2007 Engine of the Year Award amply attributed plaudits to the technology, efficiency and performance of the new engine.

The road-going MINI Cooper S was the first car in its class with a twin-scroll turbocharged engine. Direct petrol injection, weight-saving technology, a high rev limit, and state-of-the-art BMW Group engine technology makes the ideal basis for a race engine, enhancing the car's sporting qualities on both the road and the race track. Less weight over the front axle allows a perfect balance giving faithful steering response on tight, twisting circuits.

For the race engine, maximum torque is up by 20 Nm over the production model, now peaking at 260 Nm or, with the help of the Overboost function, an even more significant 280 Nm for brief but ultra-powerful bursts of acceleration. The improved torque delivers higher levels of responsiveness and a higher top speed, leading in turn to faster racing lap times.

Added to the weight saving and an optimised aero and suspension package, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer will be significantly faster and more fun to drive.

The suspension on the new racing MINI comes with adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed and built specifically for motorsport. Racers can adjust ground clearance, damper pressure (inbound and rebound stroke) as well as damper response specifically to meet the needs of each individual race track.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels through the regular six-speed manual gearbox, while a new design of 17-inch light alloy wheel rim, designed specifically for racing has been developed along with new race tyres.

The newly optimised aero package comprises a new high-performance motorsport front spoiler, an adjustable rear spoiler and a new rear diffuser, all of which work to cut lift, and increase downforce evenly on each axle, at high speed. For faster pit stops, all 2008 MINI CHALLENGE racers come with on-board air jacks to make wheel changes that much quicker.

Standard equipment also includes a safety cage welded firmly to the body of the car, a RECARO sports bucket seat combined with a six-point safety belt, and the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system carried over from Formula 1 to ensure effective protection of the driver's neck area.

"The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer is one hot-shot track rocket," said Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI. "We can't wait to get our hands on the first cars to race them in Australia. We are very excited that the new Australian MINI CHALLENGE series will debut the second generation of race cars early next year. We know that, internationally, the 2007 MINI CHALLENGE series have seen some extremely tight and competitive racing, but in 2008 we move into a different league. The new 2008 cars are lighter, more powerful and have even better traction. This means faster lap times and more thrilling bouts between evenly matched cars. Drivers will have to be on their game in order to stay ahead of their rivals," Justin said. "Stand by for some explosive action when the MINI CHALLENGE series hits the tracks."

• MINI John Cooper Works Performance Engine: Four-cylinder inline power unit with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection, racing exhaust
• Capacity: 1,598 cc Output: 154 kW
• Max torque: 260 Nm (280Nm with overboost)
• Power transmission: Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
• Suspension: Independent suspension, MacPherson spring struts at the front, central-arm rear axle, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17-inch aluminium rims in MINI CHALLENGE design, dampers adjustable both inbound and rebound (KW Automotive), adjustable spring strut support at the front, racing brakes, race-specific ABS, limited-slip differential, motorsport tyres
• Body: John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package with a new performance front spoiler, adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser, Air pressure jack system
• Performance: Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds,
• top speed 240 km/h, deceleration 100-0 km/h in 3.1 seconds
• (31 metres)
• Safety: Rollcage welded into the car, six-point safety belt, automatic fire extinguisher, racing seat including Head And Neck Support (HANS) system
• Weight: Max 1,150 kg including driver

(All technical data is preliminary.)



- WorldCarFans

 

[altspace]

I pity da Fo'!

 

[altspace]

Mitsubishi Concept-cX: 1.8L Compact SUV To Debut In Frankfurt

Apparently based on the Lancers global compact platform, Mitsubishis 4.10m long Concept-cX SUV is equipped with a soft-road application of the Outlander-derived Electric control 4WD drivetrain. Quite importantly, the cX prototype previews Mitsubishis CO2-friendly next generation Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines, a 1.8-liter unit featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system. The 1.8L diesel unit is combined with Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) which will be available in the new Lancer EVO X sports sedan.

Although Mitsubishis press release doesnt say anything, judging from the sketches and the fact that the cX is using production ready powertrain and chassis, wed say that the compact SUV has a lot of chances to head for production.

Building upon 70 years of four-wheel drive expertise, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is in a privileged position to appreciate the customer benefits of this technology, in terms of on-road active safety and off-road ability, from Lancer Evolution to Pajero.

At the occasion of the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, MMC will combine this dynamic fluency with the first tangible demonstration in Europe of its regionalised environmental strategy, previewing the CO2-friendly next generation Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines co-developed with its parent company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

As a showcase for this dual peace of mind, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil Mitsubishi Concept-cX* in Frankfurt: an accessible, affordable, sustainable and realistic solution to todays pressing issues. Sporty and flexible, Mitsubishi Concept-cX will follow the popular compact SUV route to carry this message right at the heart of the market.

Featuring the Jet Fighter grille already seen with Lancer Sports Sedan and using a soft-road application of the Outlander-derived Electric control four-wheel drive drivetrain, the 4.10m long Mitsubishi Concept-cX will also intend to create a link between Mitsubishis passenger cars and SUVs.

Sharp in design and in dynamics, Mitsubishi Concept-cX will boast an excellent environmental performance to be seen in the low fuel consumption and emission levels achieved by its next generation 1.8-litre Clean Diesel engine, mated to an automated manual transmission. A preview of a family of powertrains to be launched in the course of 2009, it features a variable geometry diffuser (VG) turbocharger to generate optimum boost pressure for all engine loads and DPF technologies.

Mitsubishi Concept-cXs further green credentials include eco-friendly Green Plastics, MMCs proprietary plant-based resin technology, effectively used for interior trim materials.

As a reminder, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has adopted an all-embracing approach in addressing global environmental issues. Under its EIP 2010 (Environment Initiative Program 2010) umbrella project, the Company is actively engaged in the development of a wide range of such technologies, covering:

Powertrains suiting regional needs, driving patterns & infrastructures:

Clean Diesel Euro 5 family of engines for Europe
MiEV next-generation electric vehicle for Japan
Flexible fuel vehicle for Brazil
Materials (plant-based Green Plastic,)
Processes (Design for Environment guiding principles,).
Manufacturing (pollution-prevention and recycling measures).
Conservation (Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative aiming to conserve and cultivate Japans forests and woodlands).

 

[altspace]

anyone?

 

[genericuser]

A mini looks so odd with racing gear in it.. It looks like somebody is trying to kill the giddy happiness of the interior with cold functional black metal gear.

 

[sanblaster]

Minis are cute...

 

[mikeyb]

All New Dodge Journey Revealed

Meet the 2009 Dodge Journey, a new crossover from the crosshairs brand that will debut early next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Why the international debut? The 2009 Journey will be an international vehicle, sold both in the U.S. and Canada, as well as markets outside North America. The new Journey is one of those vehicles that wants to look like an SUV, haul stuff like a station wagon and ride like a passenger car.
Known by the code name JC49 for months, the Dodge Journey is actually based on an Avenger chassis with a wheelbase lengthened 4.9 inches. That provides extra room for an optional third-row seat for "occasional use". The Journey also includes some clever features like a large storage bin beneath the front passenger seat cushion, as well as two in-floor bins behind the front seats big enough to carry a 12-pack each and some ice.

Dodge designed the Journey with a traditional crossover look, eschewing the amped up machismo look of many recent Dodge looks. Of course, the monochromatic R/T looks the best, especially wearing 19-inch wheels. The interior of the 2009 Journey is also not traditional Dodge fare. While we can't comment on how the materials feel, it does appear the Journey is sporting new switchgear, and a lot of it. The audio and HVAC controls are a barrage of buttons that could be intimidating to some.


Pontiac wants their Torrent headlamps back.

 

[mikeyb]

Frankfurt debut for Jaguar XF saloon

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Caught undisguised earlier this month and now surfacing ahead of its Frankfurt debut, this is Jaguar's highly-anticipated S-Type replacement. The new XF saloon embodies Jaguar's new design philosophy for the first time in a production four-door saloon model, following the C-XF concept car shown at this year's Detroit Show and the XK, released in 2006.
Departing 'double-barrel' headlights at the front and taking cues from - how to put this - 'a high-end marque previously under the Ford stable' at the rear, the new Jag is styled specifically to shed its stodgy, British lines. Following the XK in opening up the range to a younger market, the XF remains true to the age-old Jaguar philosophy: producing beautiful, fast cars that stir the soul.

Fusing sports car refinement and performance with the features of a luxury saloon, the XF raises the bar. Four versions of the XF will be on offer. Kicking off the range will be a 240 hp (179 kW) 3.0-litre V6 and a 210 hp (157 kW) 2.7-litre turbodiesel; the latter achieving the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.9 seconds, and onto a 143 mph top speed. A naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 model with 300 hp (224 kW) hits 60 mph from standstill in 6.2 seconds. The flagship XF, dubbed the 'SV8', will be powered by a 420 hp (313 kW) supercharged version of the same V8 engine, taking just 5.4 seconds in the 0-60 mph jaunt. All models, bar the turbodiesel, are electronically-limited to 155 mph and are linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The new XF reveals more in the technological stakes. Adopting LED detailed headlamps, a new shift-by-wire transmission control, allowing quicker automated gearshifts, an optional Bowers & Wilkins-designed stereo and voice-activated control for secondary functions, this Jag's far from age-old in everything but philosophy.

While using a conventional chassis like its predecessor, the XF utilises aluminium, magnesium and composites to reduce its weight to 1749 kg for the naturally-aspirated V8 to 1842 kg for the supercharged version. The new car shares its wheelbase with the outgoing vehicle at 2909mm, also sharing its double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension set-up.
This is a crucial new model for the firm, whose present owner Ford have put it on the open market and are rumoured to be in acquisition talks with a number of potential buyers. Expect the XF to hit showrooms later this year.

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- MotorAuthority

 

[mikeyb]

Verve Concept previews future small-car Fords

Ford Verve Concept - a bold and colourful concept car to be revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show - gives the first hints of Ford's future small-car design vision.

The significance of the Ford Verve Concept is that it's the first physical evidence of the design direction for an all-new small Ford since it was announced earlier this year that the European arm of the company's global Product Development group is taking the design and engineering lead in creating a new small-car portfolio for major world markets. The Ford Verve Concept is the first of three concept vehicles which will debut in key regions - Europe, Asia and North America.

"Ford Verve Concept is presented here in Frankfurt as a bespoke concept car to generate reactions while our production plans are taking shape," said John Fleming, President and CEO of Ford of Europe. "Our Design team took an unrestrained approach to how our future small cars could look, and this eye-catching concept was one of the results. If we get the reaction we expect, I'm certain that the team will incorporate elements of this advanced design vision into our final production design. This will make the next generation of small cars from Ford very compelling indeed."

Finished in rich colours and distinctive materials inspired by the world of fashion and cosmetics, the Ford Verve Concept was created by a team of designers from Ford's studios in Dunton, England, and Cologne, Germany.

Building on the kinetic design momentum of Ford's recent iosis and iosis X concept cars, and the more premium feel of production models like the new Ford Mondeo, the Ford Verve Concept is a bold expression of a small-car vision.

As product development of a new generation of Ford small cars continues behind the scenes, Ford of Europe is hoping to gauge public reaction to the Ford Verve Concept during the Frankfurt Motor Show.

 

[Dragon Queen]

Looks like they stole a bit of the design from the Mazda CX-7 there..

 

[yashart_mp3]

I love the styling of that Jag. Very, very nice IMO.

 

[wannabe]

Looks like they stole a bit of the design from the Mazda CX-7 there..

was thinking the exact same thing.