frankfurt 2009

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid

Who said driving a hybrid had to mean ugly Japanese hatchbacks built with the same quality as a lunch box? Certainly not Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker already offers a hybrid version of its top-of-the-line S-Class luxury sedan. But it's not about to stop there. Building upon the existing S400 Hybrid, Mercedes unveiled the S500 Vision Plug-In Hybrid concept at its home-ground Frankfurt Auto Show last week.

While the conventional S500 sedan uses a V8 engine, the S500 Vision hybrid concept uses the same 3.5-liter V6 as the existing S400 Hybrid, only paired to a larger battery that enables the big limousine to accelerate to 60 in only 5.5 seconds while offering nearly 20 miles of electric motoring before the gasoline engine needs to even kick in. At the moment it's just a concept car, but it's fully functional and hints at the next development from Mercedes. See for yourself in the high-resolution photo galleries below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Volkswagen CC R-line

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It was a highly unlikely candidate from the company that brought us the Beetle, but the Volkswagen CC was voted the most beautiful luxury sedan in the world. And with good reason: the Passat-based four-door coupe is one of the sveltest designs on the market. And it just got a bit more enticing with the debut of the new R-line version at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Unfortunately the R-line package, like the S-line offered by sister-company Audi, is purely cosmetic, so don't go looking for any giant V8s or turbochargers under the hood. But it does give the sleek sedan an aggressive edge to it, which is no mean feat for the world's prettiest luxury sedan. See for yourself in the photo gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Saab 9-5

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: all-new 2010 Saab 9-5

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Saab's entering a new era. After twenty years under the General Motors umbrella, the Swedish automaker has been sold to the supercar-maker Koenigsegg. And this is its first new product.

The result of several years of development, the new 9-5 shares many mechanical components with other GM products, but will be assembled entirely in-house at Saab's own factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. And the design is uniquely Saab, drawing from the company's background in aviation. Turbocharged engines include a 220-horsepower 2-liter four and a 160hp diesel, available with Saab's proprietary XWD torque-shifting four-wheel-drive system. Whether it will help Saab sink or swim in today's competitive premium auto market remains to be seen, but you can have an early look in the photo gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Saab 9-5

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

The Ultimate Driving Machine. That's the tag which BMW has ascribed to itself. And while the Bavarian automaker offers several sporty models, it lacks what industry insiders refer to as a "halo vehicle". That is, one model that sums up with the brand stands for. But they're said to be working on a new supercar – to rival the likes of the Audi R8 and Mercedes SLS AMG – and this could hint at the direction they could take it.

Called the Vision EfficientDynamics, we initially brought you details of the concept car a couple of weeks ago in the ramp-up to the Frankfurt Auto Show, where BMW finally took the wraps off the enticing new concept. But while its competitors continue building bigger and more powerful performance machines, BMW's concept takes a different approach. The engine is a tiny 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo-diesel, coupled to an electric motor for hybrid propulsion. Lightweight construction helps the Vision get up to sixty in just 4.8 seconds while returning 62.6 miles per gallon on the European cycle, figures which, combined, its rivals can only dream of. And so can we, but in the meantime we've got photos from the concept's debut in Frankfurt. Just click on the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

The heat is on among the world's automakers to produce hybrid vehicles. And since they're all the rage among the trendy crowd, it should come as no surprise that luxury brands are getting in on the action in a big way. Foremost among them is Lexus, which has made hybrid drivetrains its cause-du-jour, offering gasoline-electric versions of many of its luxury sedans, in addition to the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid, the HS250h. As promised, Lexus rolled in to Frankfurt with a new concept called the LF-Ch.

Hinting both at a competitor for the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 while previewing its design direction for upcoming models, the LF-Ch drew mixed reviews at the show. Viewed from some angles, the concept car had some interesting lines, but it looked bloated from others. We'll let you make up your own mind: just click on the thumbnail images below to enlarge in our high-resolution photo gallery.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch concept

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Porsche 911 Turbo, GT3 RS and Sport Classic

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Porsche has made a veritable science out of spinning off various variants from its iconic 911 range. The rear-engine sportscar can be ordered with two-wheel-drive or four; coupe, cabrio or targa; naturally-aspirated or turbo; and just about every permutation and combination thereof, to say nothing of special editions and the performance-oriented GT models. Since revising the entire range, Porsche has released new Turbo, Turbo Cabriolet, GT3 RS and Sport Classic models, all in the ramp-up to the Frankfurt Auto Show where the new models made their debut, and we were on hand to see them up close.

The Turbo coupe and Turbo Cabriolet pack a 3.8-liter engine with direct injection and variable turbochargers to offer up 500 horsepower at all four wheels. The GT3 RS is one of the most extreme variants in the 911 catalog, the GT3 RS drives 450 horsepower to the rear wheels in a track-oriented package with neon-colored wings and graphics, while the exclusive Sport Classic produces 403hp in a retro package. Even the largest Porsche dealers aren't likely to stock all three, so have a look in our high-resolution photo galleries below to see them each from all the angles.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Turbo

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

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Bugatti Unveils Galibier Concept Sedan at Exclusive Owners Event

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Bugatti Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of speculation, Bugatti has finally pulled the wraps off its new four-door supercar concept just ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. Up to this point, we've been referring to the French über-sedan as the Bordeaux, but it seems the actual car's moniker will be Galibier – the name of a difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France.

Powering the Galibier concept will be a version of Bugatti's ridiculously powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant. Unlike the mill propelling the Veyron to ludicrous speed, this version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may or may not allow the automaker to squeeze a few more ponies out of the engine... not that it needs it, of course. Plus, when swilling as much alcohol as the Galibier would be likely to ingest, it's hard to think of a car like this as eco-friendly.

One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.

Current reports peg the Galibier's top speed at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour), which, while slower than the Veyron's epic terminal velocity, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Check out our gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Bugatti Galibier Concept

[Source: Net Car Show]

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Lamborghini Reventón Roadster Images Leak Ahead of Frankfurt

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like it'll be an all-out supercar showdown next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In addition to the McLaren MP4-12C and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – not to mention the Ferrari 458 Italia – Lamborghini will reportedly be showing off the roadster version of its million-plus dollar Reventón.

Sporting the same stealth fighter-inspired angular bodywork as the standard Reventón that was unveiled two years ago at the same auto show, the new topless Lambo will reportedly make use of its all-wheel drive system to help the run to 60 in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is expected to be well over 200 miles per hour, as you'd expect from an Italian supercar with a mid-mounted 650-horsepower V12 powerplant.

Stay tuned for live shots and official details as the festivities in Frankfurt draw ever closer, but in the meantime, be sure to check out our gallery of images below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: WCF]

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Lexus Teases new LF-Ch Concept Hybrid Premium Hatchback for Franfurt Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

Lexus is leading right out of the gate in the luxury hybrid market, but it's not about to rest on its green laurels. The Japanese luxury brand is set to unveil the new LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt show next month, and has given us a couple of glimpses at the form it will take.

Unlike most of its line-up, which appears rather staid and conservative by comparisson, the LF-Ch has an aggressive look that could find its way into future Lexus models across the range. The show car is targeted at the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3 in the premium hatchback segment, but packs a hybrid drivetrain. We hear that a production version is destined for the European market, but we can only hope Lexus decides to bring it over to this side of the ocean, as well.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch concept preview

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Mercedes-Benz to Unveil Vision S 500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept in Frankfurt

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to World Car Fans, there's a new hybrid S-Class concept from Mercedes-Benz that's slated for its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Unlike the previously-announced mild hybrid version of the S 400, the new Vision S 500 will reportedly come equipped with a plug and will be capable of powering itself solely on electric power for considerable distances.

At the heart of the concept will be a lithium ion battery pack that will store 10 kWh of power, which we hear will allow for an electric-only range of over 18 miles (30 kilometers). That power storage unit will send its electrons to a 60-horsepower (44 kW) electric motor that's mated up to an unknown gasoline-fed V6. Together, the twin power sources will reportedly push the big Benz to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.

Naturally, fuel economy and emissions are of paramount concern with a machine such as this, and the S 500 PHEV won't disappoint. We're not sure what standard was used to come up with the 73.5 (3.2L per 100 km) mpg figure, but it appears to compare rather favorably with other competing luxury hybrids.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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Mercedes' latest Flagship Supercar SLS AMG Appears Online Ahead of Frankfurt Debut

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It's been a long time in the making, but the first details and images of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG have finally emerged in advance of its scheduled debut next week at the Frankfurt auto show.

Slotting in above the SL63 AMG Black Series and effectively replacing the SLR supercar which Daimler made in conjunction with its Formula One racing partner McLaren, the new SLS AMG sits at the pinnacle of the Silver Star's performance range. The gull-winged supercar packs the company's signature 6.3-liter V8 engine offering up 563 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, giving the 3500-lb supercar an anticipated 3.7-second sprint to 60 with a top speed just under 200 miles per hour. Available carbon-ceramic discs keep all that speed in check, packed into a retro design evocative of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL.

It's available in any color you want, as long as it's silver: the catalog includes two shades of grey, silver and red for the truly extroverted, with a price tag in the neighborhood of $250,000. Tune in next week to see what it looks like from the floor of the Frankfurt show.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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Officially, official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost [w/VIDEO]

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Rolls-Royce Ghost - click above for a high res image gallery

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost serves to demonstrate that everything is relative. While the Ghost is less large and massive then the Phantom, at 17.7 feet long it is by no means small. In spite a slightly smaller displacement at 6.6-liters, the Ghost's all-new V12 engine takes advantage of the latest technology that it afforded to it by being part of the BMW family to produce far more power than the Phantom. Two turbochargers and direct fuel injection allow the new engine to produce 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque.

A look inside tells that unlike the Phantom this is a car meant to appeal as much to the driver as the rear seat passengers. The more supportive front seats and thicker rimmed steering wheel imply a driver might actually want to take advantage of the 4.7 second 0-60 acceleration.

But this is of course a Rolls so rear seat occupants are still coddled in a lounge style seat with power closing coach doors. Within the doors themselves, the Ghost retains the umbrellas found in the Phantom so that no one ever has to get wet. The Ghost is expected to be priced between €200,000 and €300,000 before taxes when it goes on sale.

The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

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Continue reading “Officially, official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost [w/VIDEO]”

Lexus to Show Refreshed LS and GS Hybrid Sedans in Frankfurt

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

2010 Lexus LS 600h L – Click above for high-res image gallery

By far, the biggest news from Lexus at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show will be the unveiling of the LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept. That doesn't mean Toyota's luxury brand doesn't have more to bring to the show later this month, though, and among those vehicles will be updated versions of the LS and GS Hybrid sedans.

There aren't any major changes to either of these machines that we know of, so this is mostly just a styling refresh. Up front, both hybrids will get a new grille that closely mimics the pattern that was debuted on the HS 250h earlier this year. That means horizontal bars will take the lead with a large Lexus emblem surrounded in a faint blue hue.

Other changes will include new color options, side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and updated audio and navigation systems inside. See both refreshed machines in our gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt Preview: Lexus LS and GS Hybrids

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Mini Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Coupé Concept

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Today is the Mini's 50th birthday. Half a century ago, the original Mini was unveiled, and to mark the occasion, BMW, the company responsible for its revival as a premium brand, has unveiled the Mini Coupé Concept. Based on the iconic hatchback, the Mini Coupé Concept cuts a strikingly slick silhouette with room for two inside. At the moment it's purely a show car, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show next month, but word on the street is that they could put it into production. The Coupé Concept is also likely to spawn a convertible Roadster version, with a swept-back windshield and a more sporty attitude than the existing Mini Convertible.

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Dial 911: Porsche Unveils Hardcore New GT3 RS

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Looking for the ultimate performance Porsche? You're likely to run into some divergent opinions on exactly which model that is. Most would agree that it lies in the 911 range, not the Cayenne sport-utility or Panamera sedan, but the iconic sportscar has more varieties than the Bugatti Veyron has special editions. Some would point to the latest all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo, others would go with the similarly turbocharged but rear-drive GT2, while others still prefer the basic purity of the naturally-aspirated GT3. But now Porsche has taken the wraps off the most hardcore, bare-bones version: the GT3 RS.

To unburden the newly revised 450-horsepower 3.8-liter Flat-Six engine, Porsche has taken out as much weight as it can, right down to the titanium exhaust system and lightweight lithium-ion battery. The German automaker has also fitted a revised PASM active suspension system and even variable engine mountings to make the 911 GT3 RS the most direct driving machine in its range, and given it the look-at-me graphics to let everyone know what it is. It'll set you back $132,800 after its official debut next month at the Frankfurt auto show.

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