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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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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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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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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