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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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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As is so often the case here at MotorCrave, this story is in the pictures. If you want to learn a little more background about the Ferrari 458 Italia, we have that archived a few months back. But what’s new is that the Ferrari has officially moved past those surreal, touched-up renderings and has made a live appearance with plenty of ensuing close-up shots.  The lighting may not be perfect, but the vehicle certainly comes close. Quit reading, and get staring. [TDU via Jalopnik]

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This sparkly rendering is the new roadster version of the Lamborghini Reventón, which is expected to be among the many incredible cars debuting at Frankfurt. The new open-top Reventón features the same powerful, jet-inspired, carbon-fiber body work of the original coupe and will supposedly make use of an all-wheel-drive system, harnessing the power of its mid-mounted 650HP V12 for a 3.4-second 0 to 62 and top speed around 211 mph. Details remain scant for now, but be sure to keep a lookout for this one during show coverage.   In the meantime, the renderings will provide a tasty little hor d’oeuvre. Don’t get too attached, though, the roadster is expected to occupy a 1.2 million-Euro ($1,750,000) slot in the market. [WCF via AutoBlog]

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While we continue to ponder about the specs of the Bentley Mulsanne, Bentley has pulled another trick out of its sleeve for Frankfurt in the Series 51 Continental. The custom series Bentleys include a variety of styling features hand-picked by Bentley’s design team. Some touches include non-indented hide for diamond quilting, contrast seat and door piping, and custom door sills. Opening up and stepping outside, owners will be treated to 20-inch, 14-spoke polished Diamond alloy wheels and a little “51″ reminder on the front fenders. Another available option is two-tone paint, which would use a separate paint on the central hood, roof and trunk. So if you’re looking to set yourself apart from other Continental owners, the 51 is the way to go. [via Motor Authority]

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