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Electrics to exotics spark interest at Frankfurt
publication date: Sep 16, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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The new Vauxhall Astra received its global debut at
the Frankfurt Motor Show with the promise of aggressive pricing,
exceptional quality, and levels of equipment and technology seldom seen
in the compact class.
The entry level Exclusiv 1.4i (87PS)
enters the market at £15,675, a mere £270 more than the outgoing
equivalent model, yet now offers as standard air conditioning,
electronic stability control, 16-inch wheels and an MP3-format radio/CD
player with aux-in.
Further up the range, the SRi 1.4i Turbo, with
its new-to-range engine, is just £10 more than the current, un-blown
SRi 1.8-litre petrol, yet retains its 140PS output, reduces CO2
emissions by 18 per cent and Benefit in Kind tax by seven bands.
Equipment levels rise too, with an electronic parking brake, centre
armrest and active head restraints all standard.
The lead-in
diesel-powered model’s price has also barely budged. Compared with the
current Life 1.7 CDTi 100PS, the new and more powerful Exclusiv 1.7
CDTi 110PS drops a VED band, thanks to a 11g/km reduction in CO2, has
even more standard equipment, yet costs just £15 more at £18,015.
Helping
reduce the cost of Astra ownership still further has resulted in lower
insurance group ratings. For example, an Exclusiv 1.4i (100PS) drops
from a 5E/10E rating for the old model to a 3E/9E for the equivalent
car in the new range. Similarly, an outgoing SE 1.6-litre (115PS)
slides from 7E/13E (current) to 4E/12E (new), and an SRi 1.7 CDTi
(125PS) from 12E/21E (current) to 5E/15E (new).
For 46 years,
Ellesmere Port has been the manufacturing home of every compact class
Vauxhall sold in the UK, and is now set to become the launch factory
for not only the sixth generation of Astra, but also all Opel versions
sold across Europe.
The new Astra is the tenth generation of compact
car to be built at Ellesmere. It opened its lines to the original
Vauxhall Viva HA in 1963, and went on to produce a further two Viva
models, the Chevette and then each successive Astra in five door and
Astravan form.
Vauxhall dealers’ order books are now open for the new Astra, with the first cars reaching showrooms in December. |
An all-new, two-model Ford C-MAX range makes its global debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
For the first time, Ford's MAV customers will have the
choice of a five-seat C-MAX or the new seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which
features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide
outstanding space and flexibility.
It is introducing the seven seater
to launch a model in the US in two years time.The all-new Ford
C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the
compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort, safety and
sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful, yet
highly fuel-efficient, low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines. |  |
The new
C-MAX models are also the first products to be launched from Ford's
new, global C-segment vehicle platform, and are previewed at Frankfurt
in pre-production form prior to their European sales launch in late
2010.
Additionally, Ford is confirming that the Grand C-MAX model
will be introduced in North America in late 2011, joining the new
Fiesta, the Transit Connect commercial van and the next-generation Ford
Focus as one of six European-designed models promised by the company
under its "One Ford" strategy. | | | |
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A stunning new take on the much lauded Audi R8 opens to the public – quite literally – at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The
new R8 Spyder with fully automatic lightweight fabric hood brings added
wind-in-hair intensity to the already extreme driving experience
delivered by the lightweight aluminium, mid-engine and quattro-equipped
super car. Based on the 525PS, 5.2-litre FSI model, but featuring a
bespoke body incorporating additional weight-saving carbon fibre
composite panels, the new open-air R8 will be available to order in the
UK from November in six-speed manual and six-speed R tronic automated
manual forms priced at £111,955 OTR and £117,155 OTR respectively. UK
deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2010.
Audi also presented at the show its ideas for a high performance electric sports car (below).
The
e-tron has a purely electric drive system. Four motors - two each at
the front and rear axles - drive the wheels, making the concept car a
true quattro.
Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03
lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 -
62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph)
in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy
content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248
kilometres.
The performance figures are by no means the only
evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy. The design makes it
clear that the e-tron belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and
the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric
vehicle. The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an
optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.
The e-tron is
able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric
motors to the wheels as required.
| | This so-called torque vectoring
allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and
precision when cornering.Audi has taken a new and in some cases
revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules. A heat pump is
used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior. The drive system,
the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative
thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the
car's range without compromising its high level of interior comfort.
Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is
referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the
optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience. |  |
 | | The elegant Aston Martin Rapide is the marque’s first production four-door sports car.
A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space
for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or
indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on
any occasion, anytime, anywhere.
Rapide’s rear environment has
been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a
part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides.
Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed
individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning
system.
Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage
compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear
cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create
a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres
to 750 litres. At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative
engine providing effortless power and torque. |
Rapide features a
hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW)
with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak
torque at 5000 rpm.
A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2
automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to
change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted
magnesium paddles. |
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The Ferrari 458 Italia, that debuts today at the IAA
Frankfurt Motor Show, is an 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a
mid-rear mounted engine, and represents a genuine break with the past
in terms of Maranello’s previous high-performance sports cars.
Designed
to fulfil the expectations and ambitions of our most passionate
clients, the 458 Italia continues the Ferrari tradition of putting the
thrill into driving as a result of track-derived technological
innovations.
Maranello’s racing experience can be felt not only in
terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional
level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic
relationship between driver and car.
Thanks to a new 4,499 cc V8
engine, which punches out 570 CV, the F1 dual-clutch gearbox and a
1,380 kg dry weight, the 458 Italia boasts an extraordinary weightpower
ratio of 2.42 kg (a power-weight ratio of 413 CV per ton). This means
it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds and hits a maximum
speed of over 325 km/h.
The 458 Italia delivers superb vehicle
dynamics with an ideal weight balance for a midrear engined sports car
– 58 per cent rear, 42 per cent front. Evolved electronic control
systems also help guarantee maximum performance in all driving
conditions.
Its new suspension set-up, featuring twin wishbones
with L arms at the front and a multilink set-up the rear, is tuned for
ultimate road-holding and superlative handling. This, together with a
more direct steering ratio, ensures the car is extremely responsive
whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.
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As the climax of its centenary celebration ceremonies,
Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with
the Bugatti 16 C Galibier concept, intended to be the most exclusive,
elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world in Molsheim.
At
the historic site where Ettore Bugatti once laid the cornerstone of his
company, Bugatti’s current president, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen
emphasised that the Galibier is one of several concept studies with
which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.
The
Galibier’s design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the
comfort and elegance of a modern four-door saloon. The basic
architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35,
which was already revived in the Veyron, and reinterprets it. With the
typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the
clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous
with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car
transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.
Beneath the
bonnet, which folds back from both sides, there resides a 16-cylinder,
8-litre engine with twostage supercharging.
What makes this engine
special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can optional
be run on ethanol. Four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes
and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a
saloon of this size.
The interior reflects the elemental design of
the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two
centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers
constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance.
Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable
Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Galibier, which may be worn on the
wrist thanks to a cleverly designed leather strap.
“Galibier” is not
just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour
de France but, in its time, was a version of the four door Type 57
unequalled in sportiness and elegance. |
The GranCabrio, the first
four-seater convertible in the history of Maserati, makes its
international début at the Frankfurt International Auto Show.
The
GranCabrio – the third prong of the Trident – completes Maserati’s
product line-up that now consists of three different families of
models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio – sedan, coupe and
convertible. |  | | It continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition
in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the
history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder,
the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli
Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Spyder. |
 | The stunning New Mégane Renaultsport 250 will go on sale later this year.
From
launch, the Mégane Renaultsport 250 will be available with a choice of
two chassis settings: a sport chassis for everyday driving enjoyment
and a Cup chassis for even more exhilarating performance, particularly
on track.
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is powered by an extensively
revised 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which now boasts a power output
of 250hp and 340Nm of torque is
available from as low down as 3,000rpm. | Renault generated quite a buzz at the opening of this
year’s Frankfurt motor show, with the unveiling of an unprecedented
four electric vehicle concepts, as well as releasing further details on
the future infrastructure and technology behind them.
All
Renault’s concept cars on show in Germany preview its electric vehicle
range which will be released from 2011 and cater for a wide variety of
different customers and uses. | | | |
The new Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop will be exempt from the annual VED road tax.
Emitting
only 99 g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2), the new C30 1.6D DRIVe with
Start/Stop falls below the 100 g/km carbon dioxide threshold and into
VED Band A. The latest version of the Volvo C30 DRIVe is also capable
of up to 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and can cover up to 857 miles
on a single tank. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, the
new model will be available to order in the UK from October 2009. |  |
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Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand.
Its new flagship will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.
The
clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and
its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage.
With styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a
muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a
bold and expressive design language.
The array of high-tech
features on offer includes: an aircraft-inspired head-up information
display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive
cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping
control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic
parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading
all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up is the
broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab’s rightsizing
engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the
development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a
choice of three fuels - petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with
diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km. |  |
Kia’s all-new, uniquely spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV makes its global debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Called
‘Venga’, the new model will be manufactured in Europe, and will go on
sale across Europe later this year – backed by two warranties: Kia’s
unique ‘7-Years (drivetrain) / 5-Years (whole car) / 150,000 km’
warranty, plus a 10-Year anti-corrosion warranty. Designed, engineered and made in Europe, the
4,068 mm long Venga has an unusually long wheelbase (2,615 mm) – and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space. |  | Skilful packaging ensures that the Venga redefines its
MPV category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger
C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.
Every engine
in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching
Start/Stop (ISG) technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission
standards. Start/Stop (ISG) equipped models will have a CO2 rating from
just 117 g/km (1.4-litre U2 engine).
Venga will be marketed
exclusively in Europe where consumers will be offered a choice of two
1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines, generating between
75 and 128 ps. Every version of Venga will be equipped with a sliding
60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a
spacious cargo bay and some versions will have an enormous sunroof. |
 | With its BB1 concept car, Peugeot has pushed back the
conventions and boundaries of current automobile manufacturing to
create a totally new solution to the current and future needs of urban
mobility.
Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5
metres long, the BB1 concept car is a full electric vehicle that
reinvents the automobile in every way: architecture, style, interior
design, interior space, connectivity – while all the time respecting
the environment. It seats four and has a 75 miles range. |
 | The most powerful and fastest-accelerating Golf ever
produced – the Golf R – has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show
and hits UK showrooms in December.
Developed by Volkswagen
Individual, the special projects wing of Volkswagen, and following on
from the Mk IV and Mk V Golf R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with a
2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine developing 270 PS and four-wheel
drive. Not only is the new engine 35 kg lighter and 20 PS more
powerful than the 3.2-litre V6 found in the outgoing Golf R32, it’s
also more efficient. |
Economy rises from a combined 26.4 mpg to 33.2 mpg
while CO2 emissions fall from 257 g/km to 199 g/km. Despite the gains
in efficiency the Golf R is faster and sharper than ever – the new car
can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Equipped with a
six-speed DSG gearbox, this figure falls to 5.5 seconds while top speed
is limited to 155 mph.
| Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new zero-emissions vehicle – the E-Up! concept.
Powered
by an electric motor capable of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS
constant) and 154 lbs ft of torque channelling drive through the front
wheels, the E-Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds with a top speed of 84 mph.
The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a
theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public
charging stations 80 per cent of the vehicle’s battery capacity can be
made available within an hour. Using a 230-volt domestic system would
require a charging time of around five hours. The Frankfurt Motor Show also marks the debut of the
revolutionary Volkswagen L1 Concept – a diesel-electric hybrid
vehicle constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre weighing 380
kg and capable of returning 189 mpg on the combined cycle while
emitting just 39 g/km of CO2. |  |
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At this year ’s Frankfurt International Motor
Show, Mazda celebrates the heritage of the MX-5 roadster with a special
show car, the MX-5 Superlight.
Created by Mazda’s
European design team, it takes Mazda’s lightweight strategy
to a new level that is pure fun to drive yet extremely fuel-efficient.
Also on the stand is the new, upgraded CX-7, Mazda’s Sports Crossover
that is now available with a 2.2 L Turbo Diesel – the first Japanese
passenger car with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. | | | |
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