After we featured the biggies from Frankfurt like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen, it's time to see what some other automakers showed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here goes:
- 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir: This is not the production MiTo GTA hot-hatch, but it's actually close. This Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir may look like any MiTo, but Alfa say this will set the foundation of small turbocharged compact hatchbacks. So, what this is MiTo good at? The Quadrifoglio Verde basically gives the MiTo a sporty outfit, which is a pack of 17" satin titanium-finished wheels, darkened headlights and mirrors, sporty interior with bucket seats, and Alfa's latest DNA suspension controls. On the technical side, the 1.4 MultiAir engine, which in essence, is a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, that makes 170 hp. Alfa Romeo showrooms will be recieving MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde editions soon. - 2010 Aston Martin Rapide: It's finally, in its final production form - the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. As Aston have promised, the 2010 Rapide looks like the concept we saw back in 2006. So, is still looks like a 4-door DB9, which is actually a good thing. This Rapide is not just a looker though; it's a full-on sports-sedan. Therefore, it packs a hand-built 470 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque 6.0L V12, and it has a 750 liters of luggage space when the seats are folded. While the driver has a 6-speed Touchtronic transmission tp play with, the rear-seats are offered with indiviual tv screens. In essence, this is a pure Aston supercar, that will easily handle a family roadtrip; just like that new Porsche Panamera. First deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin's 125 dealership network. - 2011 Bentley Mulsanne: It's the all-new Grand Bentley, or at least that's what we knew it. Among Bentley's exciting line-up, where does this Mulsanne fit? Well, for starters, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is the replacement for the beloved Arnage. What's more, Bentley say that this Mulsanne is a classic revival of the 1930 Bentley 8-Liter. Most notable design cue are the quad LED headlights that echo the classic 8-Liter, and the whole style showcases some Bentley heritage, with newly modern design. Same theory goes to the interior as well. Because, where the dashboard features the classic glossy wood, it also has a 14-speaker audio system, and other high-tech luxury equipment. Under that long hood, sits the grand-old 6¾L V8 engine, which was originally used in the 1968 Rolls Royce Phantom. However, with new modern twin-turbochargers, and a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne gets 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque; and all that power is going to the rear-wheels only. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will hit showrooms in mid 2010, with prices start at around $300,000. -2010 Brabus E V12: For anyone who haven't heard of Brabus, they are those crazy German tuning company, specialized for cranking-up Mercedes', and can tune-up a C-Class up to 730 hp! This time around, Brabus got their hands on the new E-Class, and look what they have done to it: full aerodynamic bodykit, with a rear-spoiler and Speed Spads rocker panel for the rear-wheels, matte-black paint on every exterior panel, lowered suspension, and oh, a twin-turbocharged 6.3L V12. Numbers don't get better than this - 800 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque; with an electronic torque-limiter, there's still 811 lb-ft of torque to play with. Acceleration too, is way beyond any production super sedan, and even hyper-cars! 60 mph comes in 3.7 seconds, 125 mph in just 9.9 seconds, and 186 mph comes at 23.9 seconds. Top speed? That's 230 mph! However, Brabus say that for tire safety reasons, it's better not to go any faster than 217 mph on public roads. So yes, Brabus are some crazy German auto-tuning company! It's probably you'll never see an E V12, simply because it will be limited to only 10 units, with pricing going for 498,000 Euros. - 2009 Bugatti Galibier Concept: We saw the teasers, heard the rumors, and even got some speculation renders; but non prepare this: the highly-anticipated 4-door Bugatti Galibier Concept. Though it says that it's a concept, the production version is come very soon, with the same platform, and same engine. Key features to the design, are the chrome door and front-fender panels, and 8 exhaust pipes out back. Inside, it offers 4 seats, with total luxury, wood-inserted dashboard and center console, and a LCD navigation system. The platform features all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size. The engine originally comes from the legendary Veryon, so an 8.0L W16 engine; but, instead of turbocharging, the Galibier Concept gets a two stage supercharger. No officials numbers yet, but Bugatti said that this will be the fastest production 4-door sedan in the automotive world, with a top sped of 217 mph. - 2011 Citroen DS3: Joining the retro compact superminis from the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, is this DS3. It channels some of the iconic cues of the '60s DS, and also offers a wide range of paint colors. DS3 is offered with diesel and petrol engines, but top-spec DS3 comes with a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder, with 150 hp. The new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010. - 2009 Citroen REVOLTe Concept: This is another Citroen that also aims on retro styling, and modern technology. This REVOLTe Concept is heavily inspired by the iconic 1979 Citroen 2CV, which is sort of the first real eco-friendly car. So coming to the exterior design, the whole shape is reminiscent to the 2CV, but in a very modern design (sort of like the new Dodge Challenger). Like the original 2CV, the REVOLTe Concept is being showcased as a pure enviromental compact-city car. So it's got a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which basically can be setup on normal hybrid-drive, or run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode. No info yet on whether the REVOLTe Concept comes to production, but we might see something close in the near future. - 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia: This will be the replacement to thebeloved F430. It's got an all-new design, a new platform, a new engine, and a new transmission. Powered by a new direct-injection 4.5L V8, which produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft, the 458 Italia will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and will go towards 202 mph. The new 458 is also supported with a new 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. Ferrari F1 also got a new setup for the E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS systems. Coming to your near-by Ferrari dealer in 2010, as 2011 model year. - 2009 Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari: This Fiat 500 may seem like a compact city car, but it's in fact a super hatchback. This Ferrari-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth gets Ferrari kit inside and out, like 4 exhaust pipes with Ferrari Scuderia strips, and a Ferrari F1-style racing seats with a paddle-shift transmission. Even power is uprated from the 500 Abarth; so now, the turbocharged 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder makes 180 hp. 60 mph should come in less than 7 seconds. For anyone who wants a cheap feel of a Ferrari, this 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari will be in showrooms soon. - 2011 Ford C-MAX: While this may look like somewhat near to the Ford iosis MAX Concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it is in-fact, the production version and new Ford C-Max. This 7-seater minivan is actually based on a stretched wheel-base of the new Ford Focus. Although this C-Max offers hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality, it still looks very sporty. In fact, the sporty-looks are supported with an all-new 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With turbocharging and direct-injection, Ford claim that this 1.6 will offer V6 power, with 4-cylinder economy. The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010, and will be the first C-Max to be sold worldwide. - 2011 Hyundai ix35: While this ix35 is actually the replacement of the old Tucson, it's an entirly new vehicle. Compared to its predecessor, the new ix35 looks much more upscale inside-and-out. Hyundai are also trying to make some sort of trademark design; therefore, the ix35 looks like the Veracruz's smaller brother. Concerning powertrains, ix35 comes in a 166 hp 2.0L engine, or a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4 with 170 hp. Standard equipment start with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Hyundai revealed that the 2011 ix35 will be manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. 2011 Hyundai ix35 will be available in dealerships beginning of 2010, with prices start at around $22,000. - 2009 Hyundai ix-Metro Concept: Hyundai's new Global Design Team have created a concept study, which like all new concepts, is a showcase to enviromently-friendly compacts. Hyundai say that the ix-Metro offers all the practicality, robustness and versatility of a CUV in a stylishly sophisticated package. However, with a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, this gets outstanding fuel-mileage, and yet the whole cars weighs 950 kilograms, so it can be nippy as well. To benefit most space out of this small comapct, the GDT have adopted a conventional 'suicide door' configuration. ix-Metro is just a concept study, and it's to be kept as a study; so, no production here. - 2010 Kia Sorento: This is how Kia is tackling with modern 7-seater SUVs, the new 2010 Sorento. In the looks department, Kia has went for a simple conservative look for the Sorento. So there aren't any fens or bulges sticking out of the body, which is a good thing. Kia has also went great lengths into making this new Sorento into a much better cross-over than the out-going Sorento. So now, the new Sorento is actually based on the highly-priased Hyundai Veracruz. Getting to the powertrain, engines vary from 194 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, to a high-output 3.5L V6 with 277 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is already on sale in its home market, and Kia plans to sell 140,000 units from 2010. - 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster: It's a convertible Lamborghini Reventon. The Reventon coupe is considered as one of the most expensive and exclusive supercars. Well, the Reventon Roadster is even more expensive, and more exclusive. The Reventon Roadster keeps the same looks as the coupe variant, and which also keeps the same structural rigidity and all-wheel-drive system. Reventon Roadster is actually powered by a 670 hp 6.5L V12 out of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. 60 mph comes up after 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205 mph. Each Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes), which less than 20 units will be made, and sold for "Lamborghini friends and collectors." Deliveries will begin October 2009. - 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Lexus is trying to aim their new products to younger-aged buyers, to improve badge-image. So while this may be a concept for now, it will come to production plant in a few years. This Lexus LF-Ch Concept hatchback is a showcase, to what Lexus is planning to make a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. The Lexus LF-Ch Concept features a full-on hybrid system, so that it can run on fully EV mode for some time. Despite being a hybrid, Lexus claim that the LF-Ch Concept has a sporty driving characteristics. To determine on whether the LF-Ch would go into production, Lexus is running online serveys, to see if people are having a good impression on this the new Lexus hatch. - 2011 Maserati GranCabrio: The GranCabrio is the convertible GranTurismo. So it means that it shares the same looks as the GranTurismo, and also the same drive-train. The tractable roof is cloth, and will operate within few seconds. GranCabrio is a little heavier than GranTurismo, because Maserati had to had strengthen beams. However, GranCabrio is only offered with a 440 hp 4.7L V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GranCabrio will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and crack 184 mph. All that, plus, the beautiful Italian V8 exhaust note is directly channeled through the cabin. Maserati also claims that this is the largest 4-seater production convertible. - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept: This is a concept study, that Mazda say will consider in the future if fans and customers are interested. This MX-5 Superlight Concept is a speedster MX-5 Miata. So no roof, no windshield, no driver aids; plus, a total curb weight of only 940 kilograms. The MX-5 Superlight Concept tries to import those old days of the '40s - '50s Formula-One cars, but with hints of newly modern MX-5 cues. Power comes from a 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder, with 126 hp. While that might not sound as much, this is just a pure racing automobile. So it may not be super fast, but it's certainly a fun job. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C: This is a moment we have all been waiting for; an all-new McLaren. However, even McLaren say, that this MP4-12C won't be as legandary as their 240 mph F1, and won't be even a successor. The MP4-12C is in fact, a daily-driver McLaren supercar. So McLaren are getting in the mix, with a modest-looking British supercar. The interior too, is very tpical with quite supercar material, like carbon-fiber on the door instruments, center console, and dashboard, with a navigation system. Power comes with a McLaren-built twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8, packing 600 hp and driven through the rear-wheels via a McLaren 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch transmission (SSG). The brakes and chassis on the MP4-12C have been designed with the McLaren Formula-One team, and even shares some parts with the Formula-One car. Nonetheless, to make this McLaren a drivable supercar, the new engine is consided the most fuel-efficient engine ever. As it produces 600 hp, and actually has the lowest CO2 emission among competitors. Competition comes from Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. - 2009 Mini Coupe Concept: While Mini say that this a concept, this Mini Coupe Concept is actually a production-capable car, and will see production next year. The Mini Coupe Concept is loosly based on a Mini Cooper hatchback, but in a new roof style, and the emulation of the rear-seats, to make this Coupe Concept a 2-seater. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 211 hp, through a 6-speed manual and a front-wheel-drive chassis. The Mini Coupe is set to be a rival to the base Audi TT. - 2011 Peugeot RCZ: When Peugeot showcased the 308 RC Z Concept back in 2007, it wasn't taken so seriously. However now, it's here, in-full production, and it doesn't seem altered from that concept we all liked. The new RCZ coupe lives-up strong as a coupe, as it features aggressive face, wide wheel-arches, and the famous bubble roof. Peugeot mostly used the word "passion" when designing this car from inside-and-out. Even the interior looks so supercar-like, as the feeling inside is tight and only has 2-seats. However, all these impressions are not so with the drivetrain. Peugeot say that while this looks wonderful, it shouldn't be spoiled with a dangerous engine or a hard-edge driving characteristics. So, the RCZ is actually powered by a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 200 hp, and transferring power to an all-wheel-drive chassis. Therefore, it can be easily be driven like any car on the road, and yet look one of the most exclusive. RCZ should be in European markets in mid 2010. - 2009 Renault Fluence ZE Concept: This is not is just any Renault Fluence. This Fluence may have the concept name for now, but it is expected that the new ZE Concept will follow the Fluence's range of petrol and diesel engines soon. So what is the ZE really? You guessed it; an all-electric drive version! Renault chose the Fluence platform, as it's their benchmark mid-size sedan. Therefore, it gets all the family business done, and yet features the electric moveability. For the electric-drive, Renault have used the commonly-used Lithium-ion battery-pack, which produces 95 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Driving-range is allowed for 100 miles, and recharging takes roughly 4 hours, but 80% of the battery is recharged within 20 minutes only. If Renault can really transfer this technology onto the real Fluennce, and with a resnoable price, we think it can be a hit. - 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost: The production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX, here it is, in a new Ghost name. This "baby-Rolls" is set to be more afforable than a Phantom, but yet offer pure Rolls-Royce elegance. While it's still looks like a Rolls, the Ghost is in fact, based on the new BMW 7-Series. So the Ghost might be even sporty! Nevertheless, it's powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12, developing 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. Orders have already been taken, with prices range between 200,000 and 300,000 euros. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin hood.
- 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: While this is an all-new Saab, it's in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab. The 9-5's exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. Beneath that body, lives GM's Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. Engines vary from diesel and petrol, though the 2010 9-5 is best with the new twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic and Haldex all-wheel drive system.
- 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: For all who live in the Middle East, know that there are two versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser; there's the original Land Cruiser, and the slightly-smaller Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado has remained since 2002 unchanged, so this 2010 is getting Toyota's latest make-up in design, and drive-trains. As usual, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force for the exterior. A reshaped front fascia and new tail-lights, make the Prado look very close to the Land Cruiser. This third-generation Toyota Prado will get Toyota's new engines. Base model should get a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, and up-scale model will get a more powerful 4.0L V6. In the Middle East, the Pardo is already on sale, with prices going around 130,000 Saudi Riyals ($34,930 U.S.D).
That's all what Frankfurt has showed us. The Motor Show was great! We would like to appologize lastly for our somewhat late coverage; we had a lot of technical issues. Lastly, down below, is a full-on picture gallery of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, provided by NetCarShow.com
The German motor show at Frankfurt has opened its doors, and oh joy, there's a lot of exciting new reveals to come. Here's the first package, which come from Audi.
- 2009 Audi e-tron Concept: This is the surprise of Frankfurt. It's the e-tron Concept, that shows what Audi can do when it messes around with battery-powered electric motors. So Audi based the electric platform onto the body of an R8, but with some few changes; new headlights, new false grille, and the disappearance of any side and rear gills; plus, there are no exhaust-pipes, because it's 100% electric. Where in the production R8, there's the choice of a V8 or a V10 sitting in the middle, the e-tron Concept has two electric-motors in-place. At the front, where the production R8 has some free luggage space, e-tron Concept has yet another pair of electric-motors, making total of 4 electric-motors in the e-tron Concept. e-tron Concept Quattro all-wheel-drive, as the rear-electric-motors drive the rear-axle, and front-electric-motors drive front-axle. The result: 313 hp, and wait-for-it, 3,319 lb-ft of torque!! That's right, even combining three Bugatti Veyrons won't even match the torque of this e-tron Concept. So it accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and from 40 - 75 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Audi say that e-tron has a driving-range of roughly 250 kilometers, and recharging would take 2.5 hours. So in the end, this still a concept, and probably to stay.
- 2010 Audi A5 Sportback:It's a new flavor added to the line-up of the A5, which already comes in Coupe and Cabriolet versions. The A5 Sportback adds practicality into the mix of sportiness. So it still looks like a stylish A5 Coupe, but with added extra doors, the rear-seats are now easy to access. The trunk also has been enlarged, yet it also offers Quattro all-wheel-drive. Power varies from a 2.0L TDI turbocharged diesel, till a 265 hp 3.2L FSI petrol V6. The A5 Sportback is currently available in European showrooms.
- 2011 Audi S5 Sportback: This is the S-Line version of the A5 Sportback above. The S5 Sportback adds the usual S-Line accessories, like an extended body-kit, 19-inch wheels, a sportier grille, 4 sporty exhausts, bucket seats, "S5" badges all around the exterior and interior, and of course, a 333 hp supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6. Connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic automatic, and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the S5 Sportback will launch to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and 155 mph top speed. Nonetheless, this engine will manage 25 mpg fuel-economy, which Audi claim the S5 Sportback as "the best in this power out-put category." Sales start in 2010, with pricing start at 57,900 euros.
- 2011 Audi R8 Spyder: This is the long-awaited convertible version of the daily-driver supercar we all adore - the beautiful R8. Now available with a tractable cloth soft-top, the R8 Spyder maintains all the structual-rigidity of the R8 coupe; but, some weight had been added with the strengthen beams. However, unlike the R8 coupe, which is offered in V8 and V10 forms, the R8 Spyder is currently "only" available with the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10, packing 525 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. With Quattro all-wheel-drive as standard, the R8 Spyder will crack 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, onwards to 195 mph. No plans yet for a V8-powered R8 Spyder; but with this V10, the driver's ears will melt from the direct exhaust of the V10 engine. In essence, the R8 Spyder offers all the supercar punch of the R8 coupe, plus all the feature comforts, but with the top down. Audi showrooms will have the R8 Spyder in sale in first-quarter of 2010, with pricing start at 156,400 euros.
Although the Audi A5 Sportback didn't yet make its live debut, the S-Line version is already here, to spice it up against the performance-oriented competitors. This 2010 S5 Sportback will make its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales starting in spring 2010, coupled with a price-tag of 57,900 euros ($82,761 USD). Audi do it best with their S-Line models, as they promise to pack a lot of performance, with only settle changes compared to its less-powerful siblings. Powertrain:
Concerning the powertrain, the Audi S5 Sportback similarly underscores its superiority: a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard equipment. Upon request, Audi will also include a sport differential, that variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. Power comes from Audi's latest 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6, now packing 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Although it's actually heavier than either the S5 Coupe or S5 Cabriolet, this S5 Sportback still sprints to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and reaches a limited 155 mph top speed. Plus, this engine will manage 25 mpg fuel-economy, claiming the S5 Sportback as "the best in this power-output category." Design:
So how does the S5 Sportback differs from the standard A5 Sportback? Well, first look for the 4 exhaust pipes outback, then extended body-kit, and then of course the classic Audi S-Line trademark cues, like the 18-inch wheels, and S-Line grill, with S5 badges. Inside, sport-bucket seats with two-tone color leather are added, coupled with S5 badgeds around the cabin.
We love spy-shot packages, specially when the two cars from the same company seem to look production-ready, and without any camouflages. Today, we got two future Audi sportscars, that we'll showing-up in dealerships very soon.
First-up, a familiar face. It's the long-awaited Audi RS5. It's been a year at the spy shots section, but we expect it'll pretty soon move towards the unveiled section. Because what we have here, is a production-ready RS5, with all the added kit, and even the engine. This cool-looking matte black RS5 with its extended body-kit, RS5 bespoke wheels, and a mesh grille, was spotted doing some test-runs in the twisty roads in the Alps. Sources aren't yet sure from the engine, but it's either the 4.2L FSI V8, or the 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6. On either engines, RS5 is expected to have 400+ hp, and Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard.
Well, here, is another R8. The Audi R8 now has many flavors, the standard V8, Lamborghini-sourced V10, Spyder version, and R8 LMS GT3 racecar. Nonetheless, here's a R8 that makes any car enthusiasts interested. This R8 V10 has a fixed rear-spoiler, and mildly revised ground effects. However, what makes this R8 V10 so special that Audi went for extensive weight loss in this R8. So this R8 V10 is more track-focused, and it loses some Audi luxuries like the leather seats, stereo, and even air-conditioning. Yes, this is an Audi R8 V10 Sport, spotted at the Nurburgring doing some test-runs, and it seems finished. However, rumors that this R8 V10 Sport will get some inspiration from the latest 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, and actually lose the traditional Quattro all-wheel-drive, for a more purist rear-drive-only chassis. If this truly happens, then this will in fact be the first rear-drive Audi for a very, very long time. We'll hopefully find an answer soon.
On a UAE newspaper, Audi seem to accidently got to advertise the all-new R8 Spyder too soon. The ad is pretty funny, showing how this R8 can be so practical without a roof, but yet still can be a true supercar. According to many sources and spy shots, the R8 Spyder will likely have a cloth-top, rather than the newly modern metal-folding-top.
Like the R8 hard-top, Audi is fitting the same engine line-up on the Spyder. Base engine a 4.2L FSI V8, with 420 hp, and a lamborghini-sourced 525 hp 5.2L FSI V10 as an option. Both engines can be fitted to an open-gate 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard equipment.
Look for the 2010 Audi R8 Spyder at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
It's finally here. After all the spy shots and rumors, Audi have released details on the all-new 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, as a part of the 100th anniversary celebration for Audi. The A5 Sportback will roll into Audi dealerships in September and will join the Coupe and Cabriolet as the third member of the A5 family. Design:
The German firm claims that new member of the A5 family "combines the best of various vehicle genres such as the emotion and elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon." The A5 Sportback actually has a smooth roofline combined with the added doors and the rear-hatch, to give the A5 Sportback a very sporty yet supple design. Personally, this is better-looking than the other five-door sport hatch like BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, and Porsche Panamera. Overall, a pretty successful design. Interior:
Interior wise, the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback get a classic Audi interior; lots of space, and pure Germany interior quality. Even though the Sportback is 1.42 in lower than the A4 Sedan, the German automaker claim that the four-seater model A5, offers comparable headroom and legroom space with the more conventionally styled A4. The A5 Sportback also support lots of luggage out back; 480 liters when rear-seats are up, and 980 liters when rear-seats are folded down. Powertrain:
Currently, the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback is offered with three petrol engines, in FSI codename, and three diesel, in TDI codename. Fuel economy estimates range from 32 mpg to 45 mpg. Starting first with:
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI: Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder, 180 hp, front-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual transmission. Price starts at $47,387.
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Tronic: Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder, 211 hp, 0-60 mph takes 6.6 seconds, Quattro all-wheel-drive and S-Tronic 7-speed automated-manual transmission. Price starts at $59,357.
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 3.2 FSI Quattro S-Tronic: Naturally-aspirated 3.2L V6, 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph takes 6.6 seconds, Quattro all-wheel-drive and S-Tronic 7-speed automated-manual transmission. Price starts at $66,187.
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI: Turbo-diesel 2.0L 4-cylinder, 170 hp, front-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual transmission. Price starts at $50,767.
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 2.7 TDI: Turbo-diesel 2.7L V6, 190 hp, front-wheel-drive and 6-speed manual transmission. Price starts at $55,344.
* 2010 Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI: Turbo-diesel 3.0L V6, 240 hp, Quattro all-wheel-drive and S-Tronic 7-speed automated-manual transmission. Price starts at $67,525.
Features:
All models are equipped with a recuperation system that recovers energy during braking and deceleration and stores it temporarily in the battery. All A5 Sportback models can also be equipped with a "S-line" sport package. S-line adds larger wheels, sportier front-side-rear sills, stiffer suspension setup, and a lower ride.
The Audi A5 Sportback will make its official public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show this September - orders are being taken now. Though, do expect a S5 Sportback version, equipped with a 333 hp supercharged 3.0L V6, from the S4 and S5 Cabriolet.
Audi has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, with a celebration ceremony worldwide. Celebration with Audi includes, a brief over 100 years of Audi, unveiling a new model, and a gift for Audi's original hometown - Ingolstadt, Germany. It was back in 1909, when Franz Fikentscher from Ingolstadt, first came-up with Auto Union. In 1948, Auto Union merged with Automobilwerk Zwickau. 1964 was the year that these companies have also merged with Volkswagen Group, and created the name "Audi" in 1968, along with the four-rings logo.
Joining the celebrations, is this giant metal Audi TT sculpture. The steel-frame construction is 10.2 meters long, 4.5 meters wide, 3.25 meters high, and weighs about 10 tons. The giant TT has actually been around for several years now, debuting in Berlin in 2006 and having been shown in Beijing, Munich, and Hong Kong since then. However, for this amazing celebration, Audi is giving this TT to the city of Ingolstadt, to become its famous landmark.“We’re delighted that this car has found a new home in this prominent and highly frequented traffic junction in Ingolstadt,” said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. “From now on, the sculpture will both adorn the center of the Audi roundabout and serve as a symbol of the company’s strong ties with the city and region.”
Among all the line-up that Audi has, Audi currently runs on massive 32 models on sale. Somehow, Audi has found a spot for its all-new 2010 A5 Sportback. The Sportback comes as a third variant in the A5 line-up, from the Coupe and Convertible. The new Sportback is set and ready for production and sale in September of this year, but originally inspired by the 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept, that was revealed at Detroit's Auto Show last January.
Apart from the teaser image that shows the rear-quarter panel of the Sportback, which Audi has provided, we earlier got spy shots of the A5 Sportback. It seems that the A5 Sportback sets to get the exact design of the A5 Coupe, but add the couple of doors at the back. This would allow for better for easier entry passenger, because the A5 already has great rear space for the rear passengers.
Like the rest of the A5 line-up, the A5 Sportback is actually based on a A4 platform. Compared to the A4 sedan, the A5 Sportback is 1.42 inches lower than the A4 Sedan while it also features shorter overhangs at the front and rear. So the size and style of the A5 Sportback should be quite comparable to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and Volkswagen Passat CC.
According to Audi, the A5 Sportback will be available with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. The two petrol engine line-up will consist of a 2.0L TFSI quattro making 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; and a 3.2L V6 adapted with Quattro AWD making an output of 265 hp. The diesel lineup will consist of a 2.0L TDI making 170 hp, connected with a start-stop system for improved fuel economy. Next will be a 2.7 TDI making 190 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful diesel choice will be a 3.0L TDI V6 packing 240 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, that is channeled to a Quattro AWD. Rumors still around that Audi's new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6, that produces 333 hp, could make an appearance in the S-Line trim.
Prices will start at €36,050 ($49,889 USD) for the 2.0 TDI version. More details and full pricing details will be announced in September.
It's reported that the new convertible R8 Spyder, like the beautiful coupe, will be avalible with two engine options. A standard 420 hp 4.2L FSI V8, and a lamborghini-sourced 525 hp 5.2L FSI V10. Both engines can be fitted to a open-gate 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard equipment.
To see spy shots and videos of the R8 Spyder, click here.