Frankfurt 2013
PH gets in the mood for the Frankfurt show with a one-stop hub for all the news and stories
We'll be covering all the stories that matter to PHers both from the show floor and back home and here we list all the main contenders by brand; any not present so far will be added as we go along, together with links to existing stories and new ones as they appear. So stay tuned for updates as we go and let the great biennial sausage waggling contest begin!
Last updated: Tuesday September 10, 1330h (Aston Martin and BMW)
Aston Martin
'Q by Aston Martin' is the latest product at Frankfurt, offering even further bespoke customisation. The cars? V12 Vantage S and Vanquish Volante, nice but familiar. Bring on the AMG influence...
Audi
You can be sure Audi will be gunning for top honours in the local who's got the biggest/most impressive/expensive/elaborate/populated stand award. On it we'll be looking out for the 700hp plug-in hybrid Sport Quattro Concept, blink and you'll miss it A8 facelift and a celebration of it being 20 years since it used the show to debut its Aluminium Space Frame technology, first used in the A8 and then carried into the A2, TT and R8. Unveiled at the pre-show VW group event, the Nanuk Quattro Conceptrevives the ItalDesign Parcour concept, albeit Audi branded, diesel powered and now with four-wheel steering.
Bentley
A first chance to see the new 528hp Continental GT V8 S, as announced before the show.
BMW
Lots of hybrid action on the BMW stand, with the global production debuts of the i3 and i8, as well as the plug-in X5 eDrive. It has covered lifestyle customers with the latest Concept Active Tourer, important customers with the X5 Security Plus and even the humble PHer with a revised M550d.
Bugatti
Another show, another special edition Veyron, this time based on the Grand Sport Vitesse and celebrating the son of founder Ettore with the Jean Bugatti Legend Edition. Flogging a dead horse? This is the second of six such historically themed Veyrons...
Cadillac
European debuts for the Elmiraj concept and new CTS are part of Cadillac's plan for "elevating and expanding its portfolio as part of a long-term mission to reclaim its place within the highest levels of the global premium market." Which is a bold one, especially on the home turf of Mercedes, BMW and Audi...
Caterham
The new entry-level Suzuki powered Seven 165 makes Caterham ownership more attainable than before, with emissions compatibility also opening up more global markets.
Ducati
New 899 Panigale aims to bring a new audience to Ducati's flagship sports bike.
Ferrari
This may be the Germans' home show but Ferrari can't resist a chance to make a bit of noise, the 605hp 458 Speciale proving in typical style you can still have a screaming normally aspirated V8 in a modern day supercar. And stripes.
Ford
A new S-Max concept and the preview of the new 'posh Ford' Vignale brand via the
Vignale Mondeo Concept are among the attractions for Ford's Frankfurt display.
Jaguar
Jaguar's concerted effort to drop the old man image continues with the C-X17 crossoverconcept and the flexible aluminium architecture that underpins it. Following leaks, teases and more the full story is now here.
Lamborghini
In typical style Lamborghini can't let Ferrari launch a new model without some sort of faster/louder/harder riposte, personified in this instance by the Gallardo Squadro Corse. Basically a farewell to the Gallardo, it's stripped of 70kg, given a really big wing and intended to see the 'baby' Lambo out with a bang. Full story here.
Lexus
Lexus says its LF-NX has a 'distinctive, sculpted exterior' which is about the most polite description you'll be hearing of this utter fright pig crossover concept. Don't look at any pictures of it if you're easily spooked.
Maserati
And the prize for the most ostentatiously overblown name goes to ... the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition. Debuting at Frankfurt, it's basically a lifestyled Quattroporte with aluminium pigmented paint features "that simulates the fluidity and purity of metal", or so it promises.
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes stand is so big it takes over an entire hall of its own. PH-worthy exhibits therein will include the S63 based on the all-new S-Class and an interesting customer touring car concept based on the CLA45 AMG and intended to be adaptable to one-make and touring car series.
Opel
Yes, we know we're meant to call it a Vauxhall. But the Monza always was an Opel to us and, as we're in Germany, it seems only appropriate. A proper concept with gullwing doors and everything it'll bring a bit of glamour to Opel's stand to divert from the Insignias and Adams.
Peugeot
If the RCZ R suggests a flicker of returning performance mojo at Peugeot, the 308 Rconcept at Frankfurt is another welcome step in the right direction.
Porsche
Porsche has thrown down the ‘ring gauntlet to its hybrid hypercar rivals by announcing a 6:57 lap time for a 918 Spyder with the Weissach Package. Almost as amazing is the news that the 50 Years Edition 911 isn’t as tragically naff as first thought.
Renault
Likely to be a fairly quiet show for Renault. Whilst Peugeot will draw some attention with the 308 R, its Megane 265 rival is only receiving a minor cosmetic refresh.
Toyota
Something interesting on Toyota's stand? Actually yes, in the unexpected shape of the 400hp+ Yaris Hybrid R. Consider it added to the PH show itinerary in the quest to find out more...
Volvo
For some reason Volvo is previewing its new XC90 with a coupe concept that's something to do with sleeping lions. Or so the new design boss tells us.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen's stand alone accounts for 9,000 square metres of the Frankfurt display and will contain 53 different cars. One that we're interested in is the Golf R, ready to take on the next door Audi S3 and some BMW 1 Series variant we may have mentioned here once or twice on PH in recent times.
[Sources: Wikipedia commons]
Nothing at all From BMW this year???
Can someone from PH find out about the VW Up! GT? There was a rumour it's been cancelled, which would be a great shame. If you can poke Ulrich Hackenberg personally on behalf of me that would be appreciated.
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