THE UPCOMING INTERNATIONALE Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) – or the Frankfurt Motor Show as it is more commonly known – will see a huge variety of new models and futuristic concept cars being rolled out by some of Europe’s biggest car makers.
Running from 12-24 September, it is one of the largest shows of its type and it is a showcase for the leading car brands to set out their stalls for the coming year. With the push towards increased numbers of electric vehicles juxtaposed with some incredible high-performance hypercars, the Frankfurt Motor Show has it all.
Here’s our look at some of the highlights.
1. Ferrari Portofino
The new Ferrari Portofino replaces the California T. The 2+2 coupe-convertible uses a 600hp derivative of the familiar 3.9-litre V8 front-mounted engine and has a top speed of 320km/h and can sprint from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.5 seconds. It has a claimed combined fuel consumption of 10.5 litres/100km and Co2 emissions of 245g/km.
Ferrari is adding its third-generation electronic rear differential (E-Diff3), as well as electric power steering, which the company claims helps to deliver a more responsive feel. Tweaks to the adaptive damping system are said to reduce body roll in corners without compromising on comfort.
It is based on a new, all-aluminium platform and despite being much stiffer than the California T, Ferrari says the Portofino has a significant weight saving over its predecessor’s 1,729kg kerb weight.
Ferrari will formally unveil the 2018 Portofino at the Frankfurt show.
2. Kia Concept
Kia will unveil this (as yet unnamed) slinky-looking concept at the German show. It has been designed in Kia’s Frankfurt design centre and it previews what the next-gen Kia c’eed will look like.
And if this sketch is anything to go by, the new c’eed is going to look mega. Kia really has stepped up its game when it comes to styling especially when you look at its Stinger model which is now in production in very similar form to the concept. This bodes well for the next c’eed.
3. Mercedes-AMG Project One
Mercedes-AMG is the performance division of the German car maker and has a long history of creating highly tuned versions based on standard production cars.
However, the company is delving into the exclusive world of hypercars with its much-anticipated Project One. The car has been in development for some time yet has remained largely shrouded in secrecy. It is powered by a similar engine and hybrid system to that which powers the works Formula One car.
This road-going hypercar will be built in very small numbers, with all production slots believed to be already spoken for. All we know for now is that it will have in excess of 1,000hp and is sure to have some extreme aerodynamics to help in achieving its claimed top speed of more than 350km/h.
4. Smart Vision EQ ForTwo
We’re used to seeing the pint-sized Smart ForTwo buzzing around the city streets, but the company will bring its vision of the future to Frankfurt with its latest concept.
Based on the conventional ForTwo, this futuristic concept is electrically powered and seats two but is fully autonomous. Looking more like some kind of transport pod than a conventional car, it can be tailored to suit the mood of its occupants with a variety of head-up displays and lighting.
The exterior also features a screen in place of the traditional front grille. This is capable of displaying any kind of information to the outside world – for example your name for when the car is approaching to pick you up. Just like a tiny personal bus.
5. Skoda Vision E
Skoda’s first all-electric concept car gets its European debut at the Frankfurt show. Already seen at the Shanghai auto show, Skoda is claiming the Vision E SUV offers a massive driving range of 500km, using the latest battery technology from within the Volkswagen Group.
The Vision E previews an all-electric coupe-crossover that the Czech car maker will launch in 2020. Skoda is also stating that the production version will be designed to have Level 3 autonomy on board. Exciting stuff, indeed.
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