MotorCrave.com » Frankfurt

Volkswagen L1–The 240 MPG Concept

Chris Weiss — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:30:30 +0000

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]

Motor Show Minxes: The Sexiest Curves at Frankfurt

Chris Weiss — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:30:34 +0000

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]

Citroen REVOLTE Concept

Chris Weiss — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:33 +0000

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]

Stylish, Powerful New 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

Chris Weiss — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:30:41 +0000

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]

Hyundai Unveils ix-Metro Concept

Chris Weiss — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:00:34 +0000

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]

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS on the set in Frankfurt

Alex Ion — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:00:31 +0000

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]

Volvo C70 Convertible Shines at Frankfurt

Chris Weiss — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:00:33 +0000

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]

Ferrari 458 Italia in the Flesh

Chris Weiss — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:00:40 +0000

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]

Aston Martin Rapide Debuts at Frankfurt

Chris Weiss — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:35:39 +0000

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]

E-Up! Concept Is Next Generation VW Beetle

Chris Weiss — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:00:39 +0000

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]

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Now Official

Chris Weiss — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:41 +0000

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]

Stunning Audi E-Tron Electric Makes a Pre-Frankfurt Cameo

Chris Weiss — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:30:44 +0000

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]

MotorCrave.com » Frankfurt

Volkswagen L1–The 240 MPG Concept

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