2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show highlights
Mercedes-Benz
Setting the pace was Mercedes-Benz with five world premieres. These included the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, F125 emission-free research car, the SLK 250 CDI and SLK 55 AMG roadsters, and the new SLS AMG Roadster.
The technological highlights of the SLS AMG Roadster read like an A-B-C of modern sports car engineering: the combination of an aluminium space frame body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with a peak output of 420kW and 650Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement, and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones is guaranteed to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster - while ensuring outstanding driving dynamics and roadster motoring pleasure.
SLK 55 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 with cylinder shutoff system combines highest performance with lowest consumption. With a maximum output of 310kW and maximum toque of 540Nm, the SLK 55 AMG surpasses all direct competitors. Its fuel consumption is some 30 percent lower than the previous model's. The AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake and 3-stage ESP plus the AMG high-performance braking system ensure very dynamic handling.
C63 AMG Coupe Black Series
Equally electrifying is the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, which promises unadulterated performance. It embodies the new AMG brand claim Driving Performance like no other AMG model. With a maximum output of 380kW and a maximum torque of 620Nm, the new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The AMG 6.3-litre-V8 engine impresses with its hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and responsiveness, and ensures high-calibre performance - the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato
The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato debuted in Frankfurt, along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show.
Hand assembled in England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful 'handcrafted' aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company's acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 380 kW and 570Nm of torque.
Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at $501,300 and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in 2012.
Porsche 911 Carrera
Porsche unveiled the new 911, a completely new generation of the iconic coupe that has been acclaimed as one of the world's benchmark sports cars since its launch in 1963.
The 911 retains the distinctive Porsche silhouette and compact footprint, although it has a 200mm longer wheelbase, greater interior space, and shorter front and rear overhangs. The sporting stance is emphasised by the lower roofline, and a wider front track increases on-road presence while raising the renowned chassis dynamics.
The 911 has an all-new, lightweight aluminium-steel composite body that delivers considerable weight savings and greater rigidity. It is underpinned by new chassis technology including Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The system reduces body roll when cornering, with the result that the tyres are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and thus able to transmit higher lateral forces. Consequently, maximum cornering speeds are increased, and even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.
The rear-mounted, flat six-cylinder engine is an equally symbolic component of the 911 identity, with the 911 Carrera powered by a new 3.4-litre engine and the Carrera S a 3.8-litre unit. Both engines offer sharper performance than their predecessors, with even quicker times achieved by pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack.
Jaguar C-X16
One of the showstoppers was Jaguar's vision of a 21st century sports car - the C-X16. The Concept revives the E-Type, taking the traditional front-engined, rear-wheel drive formula that Jaguar defined over the decades and reinventing it in a performance-oriented hybrid drivetrain with 50:50 weight distribution.
As well as 'saving the planet', the C-X16 looks simply stunning with bold seductive lines, front wing crease and sweeping roofline. Inside the driver-focused two-seater cabin is trimmed in dramatic red leather. It is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 280kW and 450Nm of torque. It is supplemented by a high-performance hybrid system that boosts output by 70kW and 235Nm.
Top speed is 300 km/h; it makes 0-100 in 4.4 seconds and 80-120 km/h in 2.1 seconds.
Other features include an eight-speed gearbox with Quickshift changes, and innovative dual function rotary controls.
Audi R8 GT Spyder
Audi's R8 GT Spyder open-top flagship version of the high performance sports car develops 412kW and accelerates from 0-100kmh in 3.8 seconds to reach a top speed of 317kmh.
One year ago, Audi unveiled the R8 GT in coupe form as the new flagship model of the R8 model line. Now the open-top version of the high-performance sports car is being launched, with production capped at 333 units.
It is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 and is fitted with an automated six-speed R tronic transmission with two fully automatic modes. In the additional manual mode, the driver can shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel or by flicking the joystick.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a strong rear-wheel bias, granted by the axle load distribution. If the situation calls for it, the system sends additional torque to the front axle. In tandem with the limited slip differential at the rear, it provides an added measure of traction, stability and cornering speed, giving it a strong lead over the rear-wheel-drive competition.
Alfa Romeo Concept
The Alfa 4C Concept is a two seat, rear-wheel drive coupe with a centrally mounted 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, and ALFA TCT twin dry clutch transmission.
Peugeot HX1
Peugeot continues its strong product offensive that started last year, deploying its diesel-electric hybrid technology on the 508 RXH and unveiling the radical HX1 concept car.
Illustrating the cross-platform, modular versatility of HYbrid4 technology, the 508 RXH is, after the 3008HYbrid4, the second Peugeot model to receive the diesel-electric hybrid power plant.
Making its worldwide debut, the HX1 is a multi-purpose car able to seat six in a vehicle with unconventional styling. The HX1 can change its aerodynamic profile to suit its environment, driving conditions and the requirements of its occupants due to its many 'mobile' aerodynamic parts that were designed with speed in mind. Its four reverse-opening doors provide access to the interior of HX1.
With a combined power output of 223kW from the 2.2-litre HDi engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor integrated into the rear axle, its diesel-electric hybrid powertrain provides the functionality of HYbrid4 technology such as four-wheel drive and the 'zero emissions' mode with the increased capability to go 18.6 miles in this mode, due to its 'plug in' function. The HX1 is therefore able to obtain an astonishingly low combined fuel consumption figure of 31.2km/L with impressive CO2 emissions of just 83 g/km.
