Official Thread: Frankfurt Auto Show 2009

[mikeyb]

With barely a month to go until Europe's largest motoring expo throws open its doors, we've gathered all the information that matters as well as our pick of the new metal that will be on display.


As the largest motor show in the world, the Frankfurt IAA is a mecca for any car fan. Held every second year, it premiers the latest and greatest from the worldwide auto industry and 2009 looks set to be the most impressive event yet. With more than 60 car manufacturers filling 170,000 square metres there will be something to suit all automotive tastes.

Open to the general public from the 19-27 September 2009 (9.00 am 7.00pm), tickets are available online from www.iaa.de or at the door. The show is well served by transport links from both Frankfurt Airport and the main Frankfurt railway station. Further travel information is available from the IAA website, including sat-nav programming instructions if you prefer to drive.
Whether you can make it in person or not, click on the boxes on the right and check out our pick of the most important reveals at this year's show.

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[mikeyb]

Lamborghini LP550-2







If theres one thing the Gallardo LP 550-4 doesnt need, its an injection of insanity! But that hasnt stopped Lambos engineers from developing a wild limited edition in honour of its most renowned test driver.

The clue to the major modification is in the name the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. The 550 standing for the power output and the 2 indicating the number of driven wheels - making this is the only Lamborghini that sends power to the rear tyres rather than all four corners.

Every element of the LP550s set-up has had to be recalibrated to account for the two-wheel drive transmission, including revised spring and damper rates, new tyres and modified aerodynamics.

Around 30kg has been cut from the standard cars kerbweight too, and with power coming from an identical 5.2-litre V10 producing 10bhp less than the standard car, it takes 3.9-seconds to shoot from 0-60mph and on to a tantalising top speed of 199mph.

The special edition is marked out by white and gold stripes running over the bodywork, and a bold interior featuring white leather on the seats and centre console.

Only 250 examples will ever be produced, guaranteeing the cars exclusivity. But you better be quick - its price tag of 137.900 is almost 3,000 cheaper than the more commonplace LP 550-4.

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[mikeyb]

BMW ActiveHybrids





BMW is going hybrid! The German brand has confirmed the production 7-series and X6 ActiveHybrids will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Powertrain information is speculative but both hybrids will most likely use a small 15kW (20hp) electric motor integrated into the transmission housing. Meanwhile, petrol power comes from a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 with 407hp.

A KERS-style regenerative braking system will charge the lithium-ion battery allowing it to power the electrics when the petrol engine is not running.

BMW claims that efficiency improvements of around 15-20 per cent will be seen on these hybrid models compared with their petrol counterparts.

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[mikeyb]

Peugeot 5008 Compact MPV









Its five alive! Peugeot is filling the gap in its line-up with the launch of a brand new people carrier, the 5008.


Available as both a five and seven-seater, the model is the spiritual successor to family favourites such as the 504 and 505 estate. Its developed on the platform of the C4 Grand Picasso from sister firm Citroen, and will debut at Septembers Frankfurt Motor Show, before hitting dealers early next year.


At 4.5m long, its 20cm shorter than the 807 MPV and designed to be ultra-flexible. Each passenger seat folds flat, while those in the rear can slide forwards and backwards. With 2.76 metres from the dashboard to the hatchback, the car will easily accommodate longer loads. Cargo carrying is expected to be a key selling point for the 5008, and the capacity ranges from 758 to 2,506 litres.


There will be two 1.6-litre petrol engines, delivering 120bhp or 156bhp, and three diesels: a 110bhp 1.6, plus a 2.0-litre with 150bhp or 163bhp. Fuel economy ranges from 38.6mpg to 54.3mpg.

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[mikeyb]

Citroen DS3











Its the car thats meeting the MINI head-on! Citroen stunned the car community when it revealed the upmarket but unusual DS3 concept in Geneva this year, and now the concept is ready to become a reality.

Fortunately the majority of the quirky design cues are likely to make it onto the showroom car, including the option of a vinyl roof. And because of its size and emphasis on style, the three-door only DS3 will be pitched at the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the MINI Clubman, not just the regular hatch.

Alongside the DS3 in Frankfurt will be the all-new five-door C3, the car on which the DS3 is based. Buyers can expect to pay around 12,000 when it goes on sale next March.

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[Kymerik]

@ peugot...holy massive headlights, they took fords kinetic design to the extreme on those badboys...

 

[coolmazda5]

Peugeot 5008 Compact MPV

Very few vendors have nailed down decent looking Compact people movers. Peugeot is now one of them. No sliding doors though

 

[mikeyb]

Very few vendors have nailed down decent looking Compact MPV people movers. Peugeot is now one of them. No sliding doors though

I was waiting for the resident compact mpv groupie to comment. I think this looks really good.

 

[coolmazda5]

I was waiting for the resident compact mpv groupie to comment. I think this looks really good.

(boom06), thanks for the honors. LOL

That and the Opel Zafira OPC, riding with the family in style

 

[coolmazda5]

Electric Trabant revival slated to debut at Frankfurt

Anyone who's spent any time in East Germany is likely very familiar with the original Trabant, a diminutive automobile that was built and sold in the communist bloc. While the Trabant wasn't a particularly good car, it enjoys something of a cult following and is apparently ripe for a remake.

Unlike the old Trabant's smoky and extremely dirty two-stroke engine, the proposed New Trabant from Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH will feature clean electric power. Interestingly, Herpa is a German company that specializes in model cars and the whole idea sprang forth from a tiny little toy that brought the would-be automaker a ton of attention.

A rooftop solar panel should add a bit of power to the battery, which is reportedly expected to push the New Trabant up to a range of 250 kilometers (about 156 miles). A concept will be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and Herpa hopes to have the electric vehicle into production by 2012 if adequate investment can be procured.


Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/electric-trabant-revival-slated-to-debut-at-frankfurt/

 

[coolmazda5]

Cool, one of my wife's first rides. Here is the original beauty:

 

[CantCMe]

(omg) @ the Lambo!!!

 

[TinmanMS6]

Lexus teases premium hatch ahead of Frankfurt debut

With high fuel prices and decreased cash flow, many buyers are looking for smaller cars that don't compromise on luxury or prestige or so the theory goes. It's a lesson that the European automakers have learned, and learned well with offerings like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and Volvo C30. Now, Lexus has confirmed it is entering the fray with a contender of its own, releasing this sketch to give us a little preview.

Expected to debut in concept form at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show right where its desired competitors are birthed the Lexus hatchback is anticipated to carry the CT nameplate and offer up a variety of hybrid drivetrains in a package that could set the tone for future Lexus models from the ground up. While a version of the hatchback is widely expected to reach showrooms, we have to wonder if the relatively disappointing sales for cars in this segment (essentially everyone but Mini) will keep the production CT out of American dealers. Stay tuned for more info as the show approaches next month.

 

[Kymerik]

Hyundai releases ix35 teaser

The Frankfurt Motor Show will mark the end of the Tucson brand when Hyundai introduces the world to the new ix35 SUV. The Tucson has been a very successful vehicle for its makers, with a regular spot on the top 5 SUV brands list in Europe. Sales have even peaked at 63,000 for the continental market.

"SUVs have been a cornerstone of our success for many years and have helped to raise awareness of the Hyundai brand in Europe," says Allan Rushforth, Vice-President of Hyundai Motor Europe. "With Tucson in particular we have demonstrated our expertise in producing SUVs which not only meet consumer expectations but also help to shape the sector itself."

The ix35 will be Hyundai's first SUV to be produced in Europe from scratch, that is, from conception right up to final engineering. Its design style is inspired by the ix-onic Concept car from the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

A second debut for the segment will be a heavily-revised Santa Fe which gets cosmetic and engineering upgrades. Power will come from the group's R turbo diesel engine.

Europe is clearly the choice destination for these two SUVs but other markets will also be able to source some models from the range. First deliveries should take place within the next six months.

 

[mikeyb]

VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt









Some of us enthusiast types are still upset that Volkswagen never released the retro-futuristic new Bus first seen back in 2001. Looking backwards with 20-20 vision, perhaps the conceptual Bus was a little too slavish to the Type II's (a.k.a. Transporter, a.k.a. Station Wagon, a.k.a. Bus) design aesthetic and not concerned enough with its zeitgeist affordable, practical family fun.

Meet the new VW Caravelle (passenger van), Transporter (cargo van) and California (camper van - not shown). These Golf-nosed successors to not only the Transporter, but the Vanagon and Eurovan, will be making their refreshed debuts in a few short weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Beyond receiving a new shnoz, other tweaks include a range of common rail TDI engines, new rear-light clusters, more aerodynamic side mirrors, touchscreen navigation, USB connectivity, updated ESP and a hill-start assist feature. Plus, you can get either van with a manual gearbox.

While both these cars are Euro-only (Volkswagen hasn't sold a Eurovan in the U.S. since 2003), it is good to see a modern version of a Westphalia-style camper van. And you know, maybe Volkswagen should think about ditching the Routan and bringing these new vans here... especially the pop-top California? Just a thought. Either way, we'll know more come Frankfurt.






[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]PRESS RELEASE:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 19 August 2009[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NEW CARAVELLE AND CALIFORNIA TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT FRANKFURT [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]First details of the new Volkswagen Caravelle people carrier and California campervan are released today ahead of their world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No other manufacturer can compete with Volkswagen's rich heritage of iconic people carriers and campervans, and the enhancements to the latest generation of these models offer the latest technology, comfort and safety features, with lower emissions and improved fuel economy by approximately ten per cent across the range.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The new models stand out with changes to the external design. These include new rear light clusters, chrome side trims, more aerodynamic door mirrors and an entirely new front using the latest Volkswagen passenger car design for the grille and headlights seen most recently in the new Polo and Golf. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Other new features carried over from Volkswagen's latest passenger cars include comfort and safety items such as three-spoke steering wheels, stylish new instruments, a recommended gear shift display, a USB 'Media-in' interface to connect external devices, and the latest audio and integrated, touchscreen, hard-drive navigation systems.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A new generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function are also introduced across the range, while other new features now available include Volkswagen's Side Assist lane change system, first seen in the Touareg, which warns the driver of anything in the vehicle's blind spot, and a new TMD (Tyre Monitor Display) to alert the driver to any decrease in tyre pressures. [/FONT] <!--xzx -->
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Refinement is also improved thanks to a new range of four quieter, more economical 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines. These offer power outputs of 84 PS, 102 PS, 140 PS and 180 PS, and all meet the latest Euro V emissions standard. The new models also benefit from the introduction of Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, which will also be available later in 2010 with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with fourth generation Haldex coupling for the first time (on selected models).[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Prices and specifications for the new Caravelle and California will be released closer to launch. The new models will arrive in selected Volkswagen Van Centres from January 2010.

# # #

NEW TRANSPORTER BREAKS COVER AND HEADS FOR TOP OF THE CLASS

The first details of the new Volkswagen Transporter range of vans, kombi, chassis cabs and window vans are released today, revealing a new refined exterior design plus significant advances in comfort, safety and refinement. Lower running costs are also guaranteed thanks to a new range of common rail TDI engines offering lower emissions and improved economy by an average of ten per cent across the range.

The Transporter is Volkswagen's best-selling model in the UK and worldwide. Over one million of the current model have been sold since introduction in 2003, making a total of over 10 million since production started in March 1950. Nearly 60 years later, the new Transporter will prove even more successful and cost-effective when it arrives in Volkswagen Van Centres in January 2010.

A new exterior sports more aerodynamic door mirrors and a similar front grille and headlight design to that seen on the latest Volkswagen passenger cars. Under the bonnet is a new range of four 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines, with power outputs of 84 PS and 220 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm, 102 PS with 250 Nm from 1,500 rpm, 140 PS with 340 Nm at 1,750 rpm, and 180 PS with 400 Nm from a mere 1,500 rpm. These engines are quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions that now comply with the latest Euro V standards. To further aid fuel economy, there is also a gear shift recommendation display.

Internal changes make the new Transporter even more comfortable and convenient with many enhancements to quality and equipment. These include many features from the latest Volkswagen passenger cars, such as new three-spoke steering wheels, stylish new instruments and the latest audio and touchscreen navigation systems.

New options available for the new Transporter, and many for the first time in the LCV sector, include Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG gearbox, which will also be available later in 2010 with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, plus class-leading driver assist systems such as Volkswagen's Side Assist lane change assistant, which uses LED lights in the door mirrors to warn if there is anything in the vehicle's blind-spot, Rear Assist reversing camera, and a new TMD (Tyre Monitor Display) which can detect any decrease in tyre pressure. Other new safety features include ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), hill-start assistant and an emergency braking system which automatically puts on the hazard warning lights, which will all be standard across the range.

Prices and specifications of the new Transporter range will be released closer to launch. [/FONT]

 

[Kymerik]

LOL at every manufacturer jumping on the commercial van bandwagon lol

lets see: dodge sprinter, Ford Econovan, Ford Transit Connect, GM's army or badge engineered commercial vans...now VDUB?!? sigh

 

[mikeyb]

LOL at every manufacturer jumping on the commercial van bandwagon lol

lets see: dodge sprinter, Ford Econovan, Ford Transit Connect, GM's army or badge engineered commercial vans...now VDUB?!? sigh

Veedub has been selling commerical vans for decades. Just not here in North America.

 

[Kymerik]

Veedub has been selling commerical vans for decades. Just not here in North America.

yeah well how many more options do we need here in the states...i doubt any commercial entities will be flocking to VW dealers to special order their VW watchamacallit

 

[mikeyb]

SEAT Leon Cupra R









The SEAT Leon Cupra R hot hatch makes a welcome return with 261bhp and 155mph.


A real hot hatch favourite has returned. SEAT has reintroduced the Cupra R to the Leon range, and at the same time unleashed its most powerful car yet.

Poke comes courtesy of the Audi S3 and VW Scirocco Rs 2-litre turbo petrol engine, and matches that served up by the Leon TDI world touring car, with a pretty potent 261bhp and 258lb ft. That means nearly 40bhp more than the old Cupra R and 24bhp extra over the current Leon Cupra, enough to hustle the new R to 62mph in 6.1sec and onto 155mph.

Its all still pushed through the front wheels, but the VW groups diff-mimicking XDS electronics are present to help keep things in check. The brakes are uprated, too, with 345mm discs up front and 286mm items at the back. Theyre shrouded by some rather funky new 19in alloys.

Theres a smattering of R badges inside and out (even on the engine cover, too) to remind you of how special your SEAT is, while the companys usual neon palette of colours will be on offer. Its predicted to cost around 21,000, though, making it cheaper than a 207bhp VW Golf GTI as well as a good few grand short of the Scirocco R. Not bad going at all

 

[Kymerik]

can we get SEAT please?