Car News
SsangYong XIV 1
SsangYong has pulled the wraps of their SsangYong XIV 1 concept today in Frankfurt, and according to them, the car represents their vision of the next generation compact crossover.
Derived from the the phrase “eXciting user Interface Vehicle”, the XIV 1 combines the characteristics of a robust SUV with affordable running costs and with various features that are meant to maximise the drivers interaction.
2012 Lotus Exige S unveiled in Frankfurt
The main highlight at the Lotus stand this year in Frankfurt is the 2012 Exige S. The British automaker says this is their “ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar” due to its dramatic design and staggering power to weight ratio.
The 2012 Lotus Exige S weights 1,080 Kg, which means it is 145 kilos ‘fatter’ than the previous version, but it also features a 130 HP increase, as its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 is capable of delivering 350 horses.
The car is available with two interior packages (Premium and Premium Sport), with the first one concentrating on comfort and style while the second focuses on optimising the cockpit for the ultimate driver experience.
2012 Honda Civic Hatch in Detail
Yesterday the Japanese car maker was only presenting us with the first photos that unveiled the new generation 2012 Honda Civic Hatch. Today they are providing in depth details with the mechanical aspects of this European bound model.
Starting with powertrain options the 2012 Honda Civic Hatch will be offered with two petrol units (with a capacity of 1.4 and 1.8-litres) and a 2.2-litre diesel, all of which come linked to a six-speed manual transmission, ECO Assist, advanced fuelling control technology and Idle Stop (start-stop).
The 1.8-litre engine can be equipped with a specially designed 5-speed automatic transmission as well, and all models are also featuring the Hill Start Assist system as standard.
Infiniti Teases 2014 Compact Zero Emissions Luxury Sedan
Even though the highlight of Infiniti’s stand this year in Frankfurt is represented by the FX Sebastian Vettel version, the Japanese brand has also use the occasion and announced a future compact luxury sedan with a zero emissions powertrain.
This future model is expected to hit the market in 2014, and Infiniti has also provided a teaser sketch that shows something that could fall into the four-door coupe category.
Volkswagen Beetle R Concept
Even though it mostly attracts female buyers, Volkswagen is trying to present the new Beetle as a sports car through the new Beetle R Concept introduced today at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt.
The Volkswagen Beetle R Concept is fitted with a series of elements appropriate to the ‘R’ lettering, such as 20 inch wheels, sportier looking bumpers which are wider and feature larger air intake at the front, dual chrome tailpipes plus an interior that is enhanced with Nappa leather and a pair of sport seats.
2011 IAA: Land Rover Defender DC100
Earlier today we promised to publish the new official photos with the Defender DC100, the new concept introduced in Frankfurt today by Land Rover along the DC100 Sport.
These models hint at what the 2015 Land Rover Defender will look like, with the concept versions being powered by 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines featuring hybrid and plug-in capabilities. The Defender DC100 is also about presenting new advanced systems and testing advanced materials inspired from the aerospace industries.
2012 Audi A5 DTM Racer
Mercedes are not the only ones who presented they new DTM competitor for 2012. Audi have also unveiled their 2012 DTM Racer which is based on the facelift version Audi A5 and comes as a replacement for the current competitor that used a platform from the A4
The 2012 Audi A5 DTM uses a V8 engine rated at 455 horsepower along with a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a steel roll cage. The engine is mated with the same 6-speed sequential gearbox used in the previous season.
2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C Coupe
Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg have unveiled the 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C Coupe today in Frankfurt. The company’s new racer features a state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque and a roll cage made ​​of high-strength steel, plus each vehicle will come equipped with six energy-absorbing crash structures, which will offer additional protection to the front, rear and sides.
The 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C Coupe tips the scale at 1.050 Kg,measures 5,010 m in length, 1,950 m in width and 1,210 m in height and features a full tank with a capacity of 120 litres.
Mercedes B Class Concept E CELL PLUS
Another concept unveiled by Daimler in Frankfurt today is the Mercedes B Class E CELL PLUS, the company’s first electric vehicle with Range Extender.
The car uses combines the 50 kW produced by a 1.0-litre turbo engine with an electric motor delivering 100 kW and a lithium-ion battery. The battery enables the Mercedes B Class E CELL PLUS to travel for up to 100 Km in pure electric mode while the 1.0-litre range extender could take the car on a 600 Km journey.
Mercedes F 125 Concept
A stunning concept unveiled in Frankfurt today comes from Daimler who brought the Mercedes F 125 F-CELL Plug-in HYBRID, a car which according to them represents a “redefinition of automotive luxury”.
This fuel-cell electric plug-in hybrid uses a hydrogen storage technology, and four electric motors which provide a total of 308 horsepower (230 kW) thanks to which the F 125 accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 220 Km/h.
Most importantly however is the fact that the Mercedes F 125 Concept has a driving range of no less than 1,000 Km due to its floor tank which can store 7.5 kg of hydrogen, while when running on just electricity, the car can cover around 50 Km.