© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Coming to America
One of the largest and most significant auto shows in the world, the biennial Frankfurt Motor Show plays host to dozens of new car debuts amid hundreds of display vehicles scattered throughout the Frankfurt Exhibition Center. Of course not all vehicles revealed will make it to the U.S., so let’s take a quick look at the most significant cars expected to eventually roll on American roads.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo’s new high-performance sedan is the next model slated for the U.S. market, following Alfa’s U.S. return last year with the 4C Coupe and this year with the 4C Spider. Highly anticipated by Alfa Romeo faithful, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a serious sport sedan powered by a 510-horsepower turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Giulia features carbon ceramic brakes, an adjustable carbon fiber front splitter and a rear differential with torque vectoring technology. To achieve a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Giulia Quadrifoglio uses carbon fiber for the hood, roof, driveshaft and front seat frames. It’s not clear when the Alfa Giulia will arrive in the U.S., but enthusiasts hope it will be next year. Pricing for the European model that goes on sale in Italy this fall starts at about 79,000 euros.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi A4
Revealed in Frankfurt, the newest version of Audi’s popular A4 sedan is expected to arrive for the U.S. market next year as a 2017 model. Described by Audi as more powerful, more efficient and more intelligent, the new A4 design is also more aerodynamic with a low 0.23 drag coefficient.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi A4
Although specifications and equipment for the U.S. version have not been released yet, we know the European model is both larger and lighter, with weight reduced up to 260 pounds depending on the engine.
© Mike Meredith
Audi S4
Audi launched the new S4 (the performance version of the Audi A4) at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by a 354-horsepower turbocharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the S4 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds.
© Mike Meredith
Audi S4
Power for the S4 gets delivered through Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system that delivers 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle in normal driving conditions, and can transfer up to 70 percent to the front and 85 percent to the rear as conditions dictate. Wheel-selective torque control makes handling more precise, agile and stable by braking the inside wheels on a curve before they slip.
© Mike Meredith
Audi S8 Plus
In Frankfurt this year Audi debuted the S8 Plus, a more powerful and higher performance version of the S8 sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine that produces 605 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the S8 Plus will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds with top speed limited to 155 mph (however, options can increase it to 189 mph).
© Mike Meredith
Audi S8 Plus
Power for the S8 Plus gets delivered through an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with a sport differential. The adaptive air suspension sport and dynamic steering have both been tuned specifically for the S8 Plus, and 21-inch wheels are standard for the German market. A Dynamic Package increases the top speed to 189 mph and includes carbon-fiber reinforced ceramic brakes with anthracite gray calipers and a sport exhaust.
© Mike Meredith
Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley of SUVs, the Bentayga debuted in Frankfurt with a combination of luxury, off-road performance and everyday usability not previously seen from Bentley. Motivated by a new 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, the Bentayga will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 187 mph.
© Mike Meredith
Bentley Bentayga
The Bentayga interior features the highest level of handcrafted luxury and precision, meticulously finished in metal, wood and leather. According to Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, “Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.”
© Mike Meredith
BMW 3 Series
A new 3 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show with a revised exterior design, a more refined interior, chassis updates and new available equipment. The most popular model in BMW’s lineup, the 3 Series has sold more than 14 million to date.
© Mike Meredith
BMW 3 Series
The new model has a revised front end, including new air intakes that emphasize the width of the car. The sensor for the optional Active Cruise Control is now integrated into the air intake. The new headlights have revised LED daytime running lights, and full LED headlights are available. Inside, new materials and additional accents abound, and a sliding cover now conceals the cupholders.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW 7 Series
BMW presented the world premiere of its next-generation flagship 7 Series sedan at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a new exterior design and features to improve dynamics, efficiency, comfort and safety. The use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic reduces weight by 286 pounds over the previous model.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW 7 Series
The new model has an Executive Drive Pro active chassis system, Driving Experience Control with Adaptive mode enhances the driving experience, and BMW Laserlight doubles the range of the headlights. Inside, new amenities include an Executive Lounge feature with massage function, illuminated Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof, and iDrive can now be controlled by the touchscreen and with gesture control for the Infotainment system.
© Mike Meredith
BMW X1
The second generation of BMW’s smallest Sport Activity Vehicle, the X1 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show with a new body design that follows the other X models. The new X1 is taller than the previous model with more interior volume and a raised seating position for both front- and rear-seat passengers.
© Mike Meredith
BMW X1
The new X1 interior features a driver-focused cockpit and the iDrive operating system with a 6.5-inch freestanding display. New options include full LED headlights, Dynamic Damper Control, BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus systems.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari 488 Spider
With its world premiere in Frankfurt, Ferrari’s new 488 Spider is the open-top version of the 488 GTB that debuted last spring in Geneva. Since the debut of the 308 GTB in the 1970s, Ferrari has offered a V8-powered, mid-engine, 2-seat sports car and an open-top version since the targa-top 308 GTS. The 488 GTB and 488 Spider continue that tradition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine that produces 660 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque combined with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari 488 Spider
The Spider’s power-retractable hardtop operates in 14 seconds, with two panels stowed behind the seats. The electric glass rear window can be placed in three different positions with the top up or down. The 488 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 3 seconds and reaches 124 mph in 8.7 seconds with a top speed over 200 mph. Driving dynamics are enhanced by F1-Trac traction control, E-Diff 3 electronic differential, SSC2 side slip angle control and Magnetorheological suspension control.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Infiniti Q30
The Q30 made its world debut in Frankfurt — the first compact car from Infiniti and a new type of vehicle that the company refers to as an active compact. A compact hatchback design, Infiniti designed the Q30 to appeal to a premium car buyer looking for a different type of package. True to the design cues from the original concept in 2013, the Q30 takes Infiniti’s signature design cues and evolves them into new shapes, while the elevated stance creates a coupelike silhouette.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Infiniti Q30
For the U.S. market the Q30 will be offered in base, Premium and Sport trim levels, and all three will be powered by a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace is an all-new medium luxury SUV and the first SUV in the Jaguar lineup, with an exterior design inspired by the Jaguar C-X17 concept. Built on a strong and stiff lightweight aluminum architecture, the F-Pace features double-wishbone and integral link suspension with chassis technologies derived from the F-TYPE, including Torque Vectoring, Active Dynamics and Configurable Dynamics.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Jaguar F-Pace
Two engines will be offered for the U.S. market when F-Pace launches next spring: a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a 380-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 — both combined with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Later in 2016 a clean Ingenium diesel engine will be added for the U.S. market, producing 180 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder
In Germany Lamborghini revealed the Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder, the new version of the Huracan with a lightweight soft-top for open-air driving. Powered by the same 610-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine as the coupe, the Huracan Spyder will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder
Power for the Spyder is delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a new electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive system. The cloth top opens in 17 seconds, and with the top stowed two fins start behind the seats and run toward the rear of the car to continue the roofline, maintaining the sleek shape and optimizing airflow through the engine compartment.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Mercedes-Benz debuted the new C-Class Coupe, which joins the model lineup alongside the C-Class Sedan that was new for 2015. The sleek new coupe has an aggressive front fascia, a long hood and a sloped fastback roofline that ends at an integrated spoiler in the rear decklid. The new coupe is longer, wider, has a longer wheelbase than the previous model and offers more interior room.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Mercedes premiered the most extreme version of the new coupe as well: a C63 AMG Coupe, powered by the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing 476 horsepower (or 510 horsepower for the C63 S Coupe) with AMG Ride Control, AMG Dynamic Select transmission modes and a limited-slip differential.
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
The first open-top 4-seat S-Class since 1971, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet features all the technology of other S-Class models, as well as a complete system for top-down warmth and wind control. The design is sleek and elegant for one of the most exclusive S-Class models ever, with a coupelike profile when the soft-top is closed. The top can be lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 35 mph.
© Mike Meredith
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
Inside the new S-Class Cab, technological creature comforts include an enhanced automatic wind protection system called AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests and heated front and rear seats. The intelligent climate control is fully automatic and the driver does not need to choose a different mode when the top is open or closed. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet is powered by the 585-horsepower AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive; it will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
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MINI Clubman
The largest model of the MINI lineup at 10.9 inches longer and 2.9 inches wider than the MINI Hardtop 4 Door, the new Clubman is considerably larger than its predecessor with 17.5 cubic feet of cargo volume and up to 47.9 cubic feet of volume with the rear seat folded. Power is provided by either a 134-horsepower TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine for the MINI Clubman or a 189-horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine in the MINI Clubman S.
© Mike Meredith
MINI Clubman
New features for the Clubman include an electric parking brake, power seat adjustment, a Comfort Access option for no-touch opening of the rear split doors, available LED headlights, available MINI Driving Modes and optional Dynamic Damper Control.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche 911
Porsche displayed the newest version of the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with updated design elements including new headlights with four-point daytime running lights, integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear decklid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights with the characteristic 4-point brake lights. One of the biggest changes is the addition of a new generation of twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engines that provide a 20 horsepower increase over the previous models.
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Porsche 911
The 911 Carrera now has 370 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, and the 911 Carrera S has 420 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque with peak torque available from 1700 to 5000 rpm. The new engines are also more efficient; a 7-speed manual transmission is standard. The revised Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard, which lowers the ride height. New shock absorbers improve the ride but also improve body control during hard driving.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
Inspired by the rare 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn is in keeping with the current Rolls-Royce lineup but don’t think of it as merely a convertible Wraith — 80 percent of the body parts are unique to the new model. The goal was to carry four persons in opulent luxury without compromise, and engineers were able to keep the interior sound level down to the same level as the Wraith when the soft-top is in position. The operation of the top, which will lower in 20 seconds at up to 30 mph, is almost completely silent.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rolls-Royce Dawn
A 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine resides under the long hood, producing 563 horsepower and an amazing 575 lb-ft of torque at just 1500 rpm. That’s enough to move this 5,600-pound automobile to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Doors are rear-hinged for easier entry and exit — a signature design element for Rolls-Royce and the Dawn; other signature elements include the marque’s legendary grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament; 21-inch polished wheels fit perfectly with the vehicle’s overall proportions.
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smart fortwo cabrio
The smart fortwo cabrio will join the redesigned fortwo coupe in the U.S. market during the summer of 2016. The soft-top offers three different configurations, with the roof fully closed like a coupe, open partway like a large sliding sunroof, or completely open like a cabriolet. The soft-top can be fully opened in 12 seconds at any vehicle speed.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
smart fortwo cabrio
The new fortwo cabrio adopts the design of the coupe, but with a narrower B-pillar. Powered by the same 89-horsepower 3-cylinder engine as the coupe, the cabrio is offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a twinamic dual-clutch unit.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Toyota Prius
Following its world premiere in Las Vegas on September 8, the fourth-generation 2016 Toyota Prius was on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show exhibiting new exterior styling intended to be more expressive. Built on a new platform, the 2016 Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the previous model, with a new double-wishbone rear suspension to improve driving dynamics.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Toyota Prius
The 2016 Prius features smaller, lighter hybrid system components and higher density batteries. Improved thermal efficiency for the internal combustion engine provides a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. An even more efficient Eco version will arrive later.
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Volkswagen Tiguan
In Germany Volkswagen debuted a new Tiguan for the European market. Although an arrival date has not been officially confirmed for the U.S., with compact SUV sales on the rise we expect to see a revised Tiguan rolling on American soil within the next couple years. As the first Volkswagen SUV built on a new modular transverse matrix architecture, the Tiguan is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor.
© Mike Meredith
Volkswagen Tiguan
The new Tiguan is also lighter, with more fuel-efficient engine options and a sportier design. Standard equipment includes Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, active hood, Lane Assist and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The first generation Tiguan launched in 2007 and more than 2.64 million have been sold worldwide.
