No matter how good car companies think their meticulous touch-ups are, the real-life photos are always better. As previously reported, the new two-seater 458 Italia features a 562-hp V8 that propels the car to 62 mph in around 3.4 seconds. Top out is 202 mph. The Italia includes an F1 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox for delivering tight shifting control. What we haven’t seen before is the slew of photos from Frankfurt. Jump to the gallery below and enjoy the first looks at the latest Ferrari masterpiece. Thinking you’d like to park one in your garage? Unfortunately, no pricing information has yet been released.  [via Jalopnik]

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Straight from the halls of the Frankfurt Motor Show comes the Aston Martin Rapide. First seen as a concept all the way back at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide sedan, which is set for sale early next year, has been subtly tweaked but remains largely true to its concept form. Powering the car is a modded version of the DB9′s 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed ZF automatic transmission with the new Touchtronic 2 control with paddle shifts. The Rapide throws out 470 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque pushing it to a 5.3-second 0 to 62 and 188 mph top speed–not bad for a sedan that is meant for comfort and style more than all-out performance. Styling-wise, distinct Aston Martin touches like front and rear ‘swan-wing’ doors, LED taillights and dual exhaust tips combine for a dashing ride. Pricing has not been released, but is expected to be in the $200K range. [via Motor Authority]

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Based on the Up! Concept released several years ago, Volkswagen is calling the E-Up! concept the “Beetle of the 21st Century”. The quirky little VW will be a pure electric powered by an 18 kWh lithium ion battery. Keeping measurements tight, the E-Up!  will be just under 10.5 feet long and weigh in around 2400 pounds, featuring enough space for four ( 3 + 1 configuration). Performance-wise the E-Up! tops out at 85 mph, hits 60 in 11.3 seconds and 30 in 3.5 seconds. The urban-centric EV will get around 80 miles per charge. Styling-wise VW has sought to exemplify the qualities of simplicity, purity and durability while bringing a fresh, emotional look. VW has set a 2013 date for launch of the zero-emissions vehicle and will be showing it off at Frankfurt. [via AutoBlog]

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Frankfurt Motor Show: 10 Sexy Car Debuts at Frankfurt 2009 – The Frankfurt Motor Show is the place where automotive legends are revealed to the world.  From the lustiest Lamborghinis to the fastest Ferraris, the boldest BMWs to the meanest Maseratis– they first see the light of the press in Frankfurt.  To get the jump on their competition, most manufacturers show their cards before the Frankfurt Motor Show even kicks off.  To show you what is going to be hot at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, here are the 10 sexiest cars that will be shown at one of the greatest auto shows on the planet.

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After the initial leaks earlier this month, Audi has brought the R8 Spyder into the spotlight just a little ahead of its Frankfurt debut. The cover for the soft-top and sides of the car are crafted from carbon fiber, while the rest of the Spyder body shares the same aluminum space frame as the standard R8. Boosting the power of the new top-of-the-range Audi is a mid-mounted V10 engine good for 525 horsepower, which brings with it a 4.1-second 0 to 62 and top speed just over 194 mph. The automatic cloth top opens and closes in just 19 seconds and operates at speeds up to 31 mph, while the independent heated glass window can be adjusted up and down with or without the top up. The R8 Spyder will hit Germany in Q1 of 2010 for a base of 156, 400 Euros ($228,562) but U.S. launch information is not currently available. [via AutoBlog]

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Providing a further development in Audi’s “Electricity Untamed” campaign, renderings of a new Audi electric concept have leaked out ahead of Frankfurt. Despite past proclamations by management of the superiority of diesel over electrics, Audi will be debuting the e-Tron at Frankfurt–in around 17 1/2 hours at last count. The renderings below show an awe-inspiring vehicle based largely on the R8 supercar. Some of the most unique and eye-catching aspects of the vehicle are the places where it splits from the R8′s styling–namely, the striking front end with closed grill and c-shaped LED headlights and the fashionable, multi-spoke wheels. Inside a driver-centric cockpit includes both rear view and navigation LCD screens. Details on the powertrain remain unavailable, but we’ll undoubtedly be hearing a lot more about this one shortly. [WCF via AutoBlog]

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Taking off where the CCX left off, the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita is built largely around Koenigsegg’s Diamond Weave exposed carbon fiber bodywork. Expect only three examples to ever hit the streets. Each CCXR Trevita includes a double carbon fiber wing, paddle shifts, Inconell exhaust, carbon ceramic brakes and hydraulic lift system to help drive around road features with ease. Further information such as pricing and performance will be left to the official debut at Frankfurt–now just a mere day away.  [via Motor Authority]

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For those Russian billionaires who still have some cash on hand after this recession, Marussia is gearing up for production. Unveiled last year and slated as Russia’s first supercar, the hybrid Marussia B1 can now be ordered for a cheap €100,000 (some $145,000 USD at today’s rate). Alongside, there’s also the Marussia B2 that is expected to make its debut tomorrow at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. As of now, there’s not much info about the cars other than being “created in the style of a jet fighter.” [via Autoblog]

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Last week we got a taste of the new 2010 Ford C-Max, the first-generation vehicle in Ford’s C-Segment platform. Now Ford has released its big brother the Grand C-Max, a seven-passenger wagon meets minivan. The Grand C-Max includes the same  1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine option as the C-Max and gets moderate exterior changes including a sliding rear doors, straightened roofline for increased headroom and longer wheelbase to accommodate the three rows of seats. Like the C-Max, little else is yet known, but the Grand C-Max will, of course, be a part of the Frankfurt festivities. [via AutoBlog]

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