Tuesday 13th September 2011

VW Heartens The Eco-Weary

Performance pivotal to key Frankfurt debuts on preview night

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Polo WRC, Super-Trof-Strad & A5 DTM

When you're on home turf you've got to do something special: when you're the Volkswagen Group and it's the Frankfurt motor show, you've got to do something huge...

VW's pre-show shenanigans involved turning the Ballsportehalle on the outskirts of the city into a massive stage last night, a venue to which 2500 of the world's media pitched up. Then again, there was lots to say by a group that now comprises Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, Bentley and Scania. And while we all supposed to take away messages about 'sustainability' and 'eco' engineering, the cars that really made an impact were the quick ones.

New 911 finally starts on stage...

Which isn't to dismiss the cute VW up! city car or the all-electric Audi A2 concept, it's just that from a PHer's perspective, the fact that Lamborghini confirmed limited production - 20 only - of the lightweight (999kg) 570bhp Sesto Elemento, and announced the - 150 only - Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, was slightly more exciting news.

A WRC version of the VW Polo was also cause for celebration, along with Audi's A5 DTM warrior for 2012; improved steering for the RS5 provoked a smile, too. And it was encouraging to learn that the new Bentley GTC's twin turbo W12 engine enjoys a power hike to 567bhp and a plumping up of the torque curve so that it hits 516lb ft.

All the fun of the fair!

As is the German way, there was plenty of preposterous razzamatazz, including an incendiary display for the Super Trofeo Stradale, and a spoof James Bond sequence for the new 911, including acrobats, lasers and a car rising through the floor.

But to prove that the Germans aren't complete masters of the world, though, it took six or seven goes to start the 911 to drive it out of its smoke-filled container: the Polo R WRC was similarly reluctant to start, while the SEAT IBL concept didn't drive far enough back off the stage and was clobbered by the closing shutter door on the backdrop, knocking off a large chunk of the rear bodywork...

[TKH]

Just love the Sesto Elemento worth going to a Motorshow for

And look how different the 911 is hardly recognise is

[fwaggie]

I bet a few people are going to get a rollocking for those mistakes!

They should have had a few tins of "Start Ya bd" lying around.

[thewheelman]

Only 20 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento models to be made!? So, one for the collectors to store away & never drive in anger. Shame. Love the side profile, the front not so much, but 999kg & 570bhp......yes please!

[ZOLLAR]

I really hope someone who buys one drives it loads

[PaulK]

Another styling success for the 911 design team

[steveo3002]

still havent fixed the smoking when started probs then

[Flat_Steve]

The SEAT IBL Concept that they mangled:

[nickfrog]

Flat_Steve said:

The SEAT IBL Concept that they mangled:

Is that pre or post mangle ?

[Johnboy Mac]

Flat_Steve said:

The SEAT IBL Concept that they mangled:

Good looking car and not a hint of VW/Audi. Presume it's a Passat/A4/A6 in drag. Still I think from the photo it's rather nice.

[Fetchez la vache]

and another.

Rather good if a bit Honda & Lexusey..

Dear VW. Please give me a Sesto Elemento. I promise to drive it loads to make up for those that won't.

Pretty please with a cherry on top...

[Ved]

PaulK said:

Another styling success for the 911 design team

If they changed it, it wouldn't be a 911 and wouldn't sell as well.

There is sound reasoning behind keeping it similar and I really don't get what the problem is. It's the same subtle evolution like the Esprit had but over a longer period of time. It's not a Fiesta that needs to change every 5 years.

[Guvernator]

Ved said:

PaulK said:

Another styling success for the 911 design team

If they changed it, it wouldn't be a 911 and wouldn't sell as well.

There is sound reasoning behind keeping it similar and I really don't get what the problem is. It's the same subtle evolution like the Esprit had but over a longer period of time. It's not a Fiesta that needs to change every 5 years.

I think most peoples objection with it is that Porsche don't seem to be able to do anything else. All their products look like the 911. The Cayman\Boxster is a 911 front with an uglier rear-end, the Cayenne is a 911 on stillts and the Panemera is a stretched 911. I can understand wanting to keep the family resemblance and design cues but Porsche take this way too far and I say this as an avid Porsche fan. I love Porsche engineering, I just wish they'd use all that brilliant expertise to try something a little different style wise and take a few risks. The new 918 is a step in the right direction.

[KardioKate]

Fetchez la vache said:

and another.

Rather good if a bit Honda & Lexusey..

Dear VW. Please give me a Sesto Elemento. I promise to drive it loads to make up for those that won't.

Pretty please with a cherry on top...

Stuff VW, that should be a big Alfa.

[bobberz]

That A5 DTM almost looks like an R/C car in that picture! Too bad DTM gets no coverage here in the US.