Volkswagen’s new one liter concept not only gets close to 240 mpg, it’s also slated for development and close to production, according to the carmaker. Powering this uber-efficient little bullet is a two-cylinder 39 hp turbo-diesel paired with a 14 hp electric motor. A seven speed dual-clutch transmission handles shifting. To enhance aerodynamics, VW has placed the two seats in line and kept the dimensions long, slim and low, all factors which have helped provide its staggering efficiency numbers. The L1 weighs just 838 pounds and can go up to 100 mph, though these speeds drop the car’s efficiency down around 170 mpg. Sources close to VW have hinted that we might see this one as early as 2013.  [via Car and Driver]

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Lexus is taking the wraps off the 2010 Lexus GS 450h at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show where the company announced the official debut of its revised hybrid sedan lineup. The new GS 450h not only comes with different colors, it also pleases the eye with a handful of design upgrades. On the outside there’s a revised front grille, a set of stylish tail lights with clear outer lenses and 18-inch alloy wheels.   Inside it’s doors, the 2010 Lexus GS 450h comes with Venaro Grey semi-aniline leather, maple wood trims a hard-disk based navigation and entertainment systems. Specs wise, the unchanged 340-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine takes the 450hp naught to 60mph in 5.2 seconds, achieves a top speed of 131 mph, while maintaining an average 23 mpg mileage. Cool! [via MotorAuthority]

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Try as we might to focus solely on the new mechanics and bodywork presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit slipping an amorous glance or two away from the Ferraris and BMWs and onto some of the gorgeous show models. After all, it is Frankfurt. And German women are some of the most strikingly beautiful in the world. You know you’ve been just as eager to catch these beauties as you have to see a close-up of the Audi e-Tron, so indulge and enjoy. [via AutoBlog]

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Purple cars are usually pretty questionable. Scratch that, they’re usually pretty horrible. This Citroen REVOLTE concept certainly isn’t exempt from that rule, though if you look beyond the Barney-esque exterior, you can kind of make out a decent-looking concept. It’s not a stretch to see the car catching on with certain crowds. The concept from the French automaker is based upon its 2CV–an old, squarer VW Beetle of sorts–updating the classic  with a more dynamic, colorful, and frankly, odd look. It’s known that the car is electric, but little was offered on the motor or power source outside of that. So you’ll have to simply accept it at face value–horrible purple paint and all. [via RideLust]

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All covered in shiny red and featuring a powerful 333 HP supercharged-V6 quad-pipe quattro, the new 2010 Audi S5 Sportback sits proudly in the halls at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Sadly, a look is all you’re getting if you’re in the United States– the new S5 Sportback will be arriving at German dealerships in spring 2010 with a base price of 57,900 euros (some $85,200). This new Audi S5 features polished mirrors, quad exhaust, nifty S-design wheels and polished vertical grille slats.  Should you pick one up after the German release, this 2010 Audi S5 Sportback gets to 60mph in 5.4 seconds and achieves an average 24 mpg. [via Jalopnik]

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Stocked full of GM pieces, the new Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer is powered by a 325 hp 2.8-liter turbocharged V6–not bad for a sports wagon. Not bad at all. Additionally, the OPC includes all wheel drive, eLSD torque vectoring taken from the Saab Turbo X and a 6-speed manual trannsmission. It doesn’t look half bad either. This certainly isn’t the embarrassing wagon that mom used to drive you to school in. Of course, as an Opel product, we won’t be seeing it here in the States, but it sure gives the station wagon a little cool factor. And if there’s ever been a vehicle that could use it…[via AutoBlog]

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Pulling inspiration from nature and space exploration, Hyundai has created the ix-Metro hybrid CUV concept. Explaining the design team’s inspiration, Chief designer Rogelio J. Flores said: “We wanted the ix-Metro to be something out of this world. We took our inspiration from NASA and even sci-fi movies because spacecraft are universally understood symbols of progress and innovation.” It certainly is out of this world, with its tringular lines, ice blue LEDs and 20-inch wheels with flanged wheel arches providing a distinct, powerful look. Inside, Hyundai’s team sought to further its space theme by creating a wraparound “capsule” which closely connects the dash, console, door panels and seats. Other features include side view cameras, foldable back seats and a 3D display that reduces information to “its simplest, most essential components”, and power comes from a 1-liter GDI turbocharged engine. [via WCF]

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One of the many cars that caught our eyes at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show is the new 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Meant as the race version of the 911 GT3, the little beast promises more engine power, lower weight and an upgraded body and suspension. Power to the sexy Guards Red wheels comes from the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter engine that outputs 450hp and shifts faster thanks to the six-speed manual gearbox. Porsche has announced that the 911 GT3 RS will be available in the US early spring in 2010 and will be priced at $132,800. [via Autoblog]

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We first saw the Volvo C70 redesign a few weeks ago and were quite impressed with the sportier profile. Redesigning the C70 based on S60 concept, Volvo has provided a bolder, more stylish convertible while still maintaining the safety and performance that Volvo has always been renowned for. Engine choices abound with three gasoline options sporting from 140 to 230 hp and two diesel options of 136 and 180 hp. Volvo has pulled the sheet on the C70 at Frankfurt, so get a little more personal with the convertible in the gallery after the break. Still no pricing or performance info, however. [via egmCarTech]

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