Frankfurt » Australian Car Advice

Mazda Furai Concept - 2008 Detroit Auto Show

January 14th, 2008 4 Comments

Mazda Furai Concept - 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Mazda’s Furai concept went on display at the Detroit Motor Show, definitely the best looking Mazda to date.

Ferrari Stand Sydney Motor Show

October 11th, 2007 4 Comments

Ferrari Stand Sydney Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz’s Extravagant Exhibition at IAA

September 13th, 2007 1 Comment

Boasting perhaps the most extravagant exhibition at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz featured a line-up of no less than 19 newcomers - featuring eight BLUETEC models, seven hybrids from five model series, the same number of record holders for low CO2 emissions and the innovative F 700 research vehicle.

F 700

The breathtaking F 700 with its innovative DIESOTTO and hybrid drive consumes just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a CO2 emission level of just 127 grams per kilometre and on a par with that achieved by today’s diesel-powered compact models.

The F 700 has the distinction of achieving the lowest petrol consumption ever recorded for a large saloon in the history of the motor car.

“Our new research vehicle proves that it is possible to combine safety, comfort and effortlessly superior performance with the very lowest fuel consumption and emission levels”

Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG.

Mercedes-Benz’s astonishing and innovative premieres continue with the S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid. Featuring a world first combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology to create the most efficient and environmentally compatible premium cars ever built.

At the heart of the S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid is a four-cylinder engine and hybrid module which develop a combined output of 165 kW and a maximum torque of 560 Nm, an astonishing figure normally associated with large V8 petrol engines yet still maintains fuel consumption of just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.

S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid

With such impressive credentials, the S 300 BLUETEC Hybrid has the potential to meet the world’s most rigorous emissions standards - such as EU6 or BIN5 across all 50 US states.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has announced that 2010 will see the start of series production of the B-Class F-Cell model featuring a new-generation fuel-cell drive.

Honda’s Euro Focus at Frankfurt

September 13th, 2007 2 Comments

The Honda Accord Tourer Concept, whilst still only that - a concept - is a strong indication of what the next generation Accord Euro range will look like.

With the new European Accord due for its UK release by mid-2008, Honda’s presence at the Motor Show in Frankfurt was largely based on promoting their focus on the European market.

When the new European Accord debuts it will be one of the first cars to offer an entirely Euro 5-compliant engine line-up.

Two petrol engines of 2.0 and 2.4-litre capacities and a 2.2-litre diesel engine mirror those in the current European Accord range, but power output will be boosted and emissions and fuel economy significantly improved.

Whilst the Accord Tourer Concept was created merely to test the waters, the production Accord Euro as it is known in Australia will debut at the 2008 Motor Show in Geneva in both saloon and tourer form.

Details of the Australian specification Accord Euro range will be announced closer to the launch date, expected to be in mid to late 2008.

Honda also showcased their ground-breaking ‘greener’ technologies, focusing on their petrol-electric hybrid models.

The Small Hybrid Sports Concept, developed at Honda R&D Europe’s design studio based in Offenbach , Germany , explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact, but still deliver the exciting drive that is expected of a compact sports car.

Honda’s most revolutionary design is the Honda FCX Concept - demonstrating their committment to alternatively fueled vehicles, the FCX utilises the latest in fuel cell technology and is a driveable example of Honda’s efforts to create a car with zero-emissions (except water that is).

A production version of the FCX Concept will go on sale in the US and Japan next year.

CarAdvice From Frankfurt Motor Show Day 2

September 13th, 2007 1 Comment

Day Two at the IAA Motorshow in Frankfurt uncovered many more treats.

Mercedes Benz launched the SLR McLaren, C Class wagon, and F700 Concept Limousine to the world in an enormous exhibition hall dedicated to Mercedes products. Major construction was undertaken to create a huge multi-storey complex within the hall to showcase all of the products from the Mercedes Benz line up.

Radar lock was acquired on the Lamborghini Reventon whose sharp finish in matte gave it stealth fighter looks. A very limited number of these vehicles will be hand crafted by Lamborghini technicians thereby making this a very rare and sought after supercar.

Lamborghini Reventon Frankfurt Motor Show

Suzuki unveiled the stunning Kizashi Concept car in amongst their small car and big motorcycle lineup.

Suzuki Kizashi Concept Frankfurt Motor Show

Volkswagen raised expectations with their Up! Concept vehicle and world première of the Tiguan.

Mazda launched its new Mazda6 and at first glance it closely resembles the previous model with subtle updates to headlight design and bump outs in the front wheel arches.

The Frankfurt Motorshow is not just about world premier launches of new vehicles. It also features many OEM suppliers and aftermarket tuners. A visit to some of the OEM suppliers provides an insight into the up and coming technologies and the companies behind each automotive brand.

Aftermarket tuners are a plenty in Germany, but not what we’re used to in Australia. Instead of “doing up” sub $100K cars, these German artisans rework high end sports cars, supercars and even luxury cars to better suit the well financed customer. Some companies of note were Brabus (Merc tuners), Masonry (Aston Martin, Rolls Royce) and AC Schnitzer (BMW).

Tucked away in the back corner of the aftermarket hall was an example of the all-conquering Pagani Zonda F. Similar to the car in the CarAdvice Pagani competition, this car is about as hot and exotic you can get but the F denotes a Zonda constructed of a lot of carbon fibre. And by a lot, I mean the whole car. Check out the gallery, this thing is a work of art.

Thanks everyone for the praise, I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing what lies in the automotive future as much as I have. It’s been a pleasure bringing Frankfurt a little closer to humble Australia and who knows where I’ll be next to bring you more automotive news.

To see a full gallery listing of the Frankfurt Motor Show, click here.

Shaun Lay