The Frankfurt motor show will be open to the press on the 13th and 14th of September and BMWBLOG will be there, naturally. After all, who can resist the allure of a couple of days in Germany surrounded by great cars and good people coupled with good sausage and beer. The Frankfurt Messe (convention center) encompasses quite a large tract of land and multiple buildings not far from the Hauptbahnhof in Frankfurt. BMW has one of the halls, the newest – Hall 11, to itself. And they plan to put on quite a show as we saw from the i3 & i8 concept reveal at the end of July. There’s a track built into the facility for goodness sake (though probably not for much more than running demonstrations or a decent footrace). BMW will show off the new M5, the new 1er, the i3 and i8 concept cars, as well as variants of the new 5er, ConnectedDrive, the new engine lineup and accessories. BMWBLOG has also secured several interviews with BMW management which we’ll share with you. The short version of BMW’s press release for the auto show ran to 72 pages, and hidden in it was a gem of diesel proportions. The 525d. Powered by a turbo-charged diesel 2L four cylinder, the 525d goes from 0-100 kmh in 7 seconds (for the sedan) and returns 49 MPG (converting 4.8 liters/100 km into MPG – this is not an EPA estimate). That is hitting the sweet spot of performance and frugality. Oh, this is the car you order with the eight speed automatic, it returns the best fuel economy and fits the purpose of this car like a glove. Of course, this isn’t the Frankfurt BMW Motor Show and there’ll be a lot of interesting concepts and production ready vehicles there. BMWBLOG will scour the stands for neat vehicles. Expect Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes Benz to be there in force with great products and then there are some little known but intriguing marques like Artega. Oh and don’t forget Skoda, a brand that one crusty old technology editor holds in high regard. And then there’s this, the Citroen Tubick concept; well, on second thought . . . (Photo from the French Carissime site: http://www.carissime.com ) Read more from the original source:  Preview of the 64th IAA – The Frankfurt Motor Show

The Frankfurt motor show will be open to the press on the 13th and 14th of September and BMWBLOG will be there, naturally. After all, who can resist the allure of a couple of days in Germany surrounded by great cars and good people coupled with good sausage and beer. The Frankfurt Messe (convention center) encompasses quite a large tract of land and multiple buildings not far from the Hauptbahnhof in Frankfurt. BMW has one of the halls, the newest – Hall 11, to itself. And they plan to put on quite a show as we saw from the i3 & i8 concept reveal at the end of July. There’s a track built into the facility for goodness sake (though probably not for much more than running demonstrations or a decent footrace). BMW will show off the new M5, the new 1er, the i3 and i8 concept cars, as well as variants of the new 5er, ConnectedDrive, the new engine lineup and accessories. BMWBLOG has also secured several interviews with BMW management which we’ll share with you. The short version of BMW’s press release for the auto show ran to 72 pages, and hidden in it was a gem of diesel proportions. The 525d. Powered by a turbo-charged diesel 2L four cylinder, the 525d goes from 0-100 kmh in 7 seconds (for the sedan) and returns 49 MPG (converting 4.8 liters/100 km into MPG – this is not an EPA estimate). That is hitting the sweet spot of performance and frugality. Oh, this is the car you order with the eight speed automatic, it returns the best fuel economy and fits the purpose of this car like a glove. Of course, this isn’t the Frankfurt BMW Motor Show and there’ll be a lot of interesting concepts and production ready vehicles there. BMWBLOG will scour the stands for neat vehicles. Expect Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes Benz to be there in force with great products and then there are some little known but intriguing marques like Artega. Oh and don’t forget Skoda, a brand that one crusty old technology editor holds in high regard. And then there’s this, the Citroen Tubick concept; well, on second thought . . . (Photo from the French Carissime site: http://www.carissime.com ) Excerpt from:  Preview of the 64th IAA – The Frankfurt Motor Show

The McLaren MP4-12C went into production this year, after a long development program that set some of the world’s top exotics in its sights. If there was one criticism we’ve heard lobbed at the car, it has been that its styling is perhaps too sedate for its price tag. We like the MP4-12C’s smooth lines, but for those who want a bit more drama British tuner Merdad has taken to modifying the MP4-12C. The result is the Merdad Mehron GT. What easy way can you make a super car look more dramatic? Why by adding more scoops, of course! The Mehron GT’s front fascia is completely redesigned, with intakes that are now larger and split between each side of the vehicle. The front bumper drops down closer to the tarmac for a more substantial, lowered (the suspension likely gets lowered as well) look. The body kit protrudes out from the front fenders on the sides, creating a lip for air inlets next to each headlight. If you opt for them, the hood also receives strakes leading to small intakes, of dubious functional value. Moving to the side, the split vents for engine air are replaced with Merdad opting instead for a deep new one. The rear end gets a redesigned bumper as well, with expansive use of carbon fiber elements. Merdad didn’t give us a press release, so there are no more details available than exterior changes at the moment. That means engine specifications will have to wait. It is possible (but unlikely) there will just be a body kit available for interested customers. It all depends whether or not Merdad is planning to offer the changes as aftermarket modifications to existing McLaren vehicles or the Mehron GT as a turn-key unit. More details are set to arrive at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Let us know what you think of the Mehron GT in the comments; do Merdad’s changes to the MP4-12C help enhance its look? Related posts: Edo-Tuned Ferrari Enzo XX Evolution gets 840 HP Three Mazda2 Concepts Unveiled at LA Auto Show Subaru Exiga 2.0GT Tuned by STI Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read more from the original source: Merdad Releases Tuned MP4-12C

Like it or not, a Maserati SUV is coming, and it will be based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The current Grand Cherokee is a far different animal than it was in the past; it is more refined thanks to a unibody platform. It also has shown the capability for significant performance upgrades with the SRT-8. While that basis might make purists choke, it is part of Fiat’s plan to significantly expand Maserati’s lineup and global presence. That means taking sales from around 5,000 a year globally to 50,000 units. That plan includes the SUV, as well as a mid-size sedan slotting below the Quattroporte to compete with cars like the BMW M5. It marks a shift in focus downmarket for Maserati, which historically was more at the exotic level. Maserati is scheduled to show a concept version of its SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Prior to this unveiling, a new image has appeared in Automotive News Frankfurt Motor Show catalogue. Is is the real thing? Some are saying it is a photoshop, others that it is indeed the actual vehicle coming to Frankfurt. Usually Automotive News is a reputable source, but they didn’t say anything about whether it was an artists rendering or a leaked image of the actual product. We say it’s computer generated image. It doesn’t appear to be based off the Grand Cherokee’s platform. In addition to thinking its a fake, we’re sure hoping it’s one as well. The Maserati SUV has the potential to be a good seller, given the success of other models like Porsche’s Cayenne. Looking like that though? Not so much. The design of this SUV throws out any semblance of attractiveness. Yikes. Hopefully Maserati’s designers have better sense than that. There is only one way to find out though and that is to wait until next week. Related posts: Maserati SUV Concept Coming to Frankfurt Grand Cherokee-Based SUV Coming to Maserati 2011 Maserati GranCabrio Unveiled Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts More:  Image Of Maserati SUV Surfaces, Enthusiasts Everywhere Hope It’s a Fake

Back in July, we reported on a story about two rear-wheel drive concept cars coming from Kia . The first would debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the second at the North American International Auto Show. It appears that story, via What Car? is correct. New images of a rear-wheel drive Kia sedan have leaked on the internet, courtesy of Car & Driver . Thanks to the image leaks, we know the car’s name too: GT. Hyundai and Kia are under one roof, and while both have made extremely impressive gains in sales and in product development, Kia hasn’t followed Hyundai down the RWD path. Not yet, that is. The Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Equus sedan are as-of-yet the only cars in Hyundai’s platform to be RWD. The first concept set to debut is a four-door sedan – Kia aims to gauge public reaction for a production model (referred to as “K7″ or “K9″ in the media) to follow. Hyundai’s styling is dubbed fluidic sculpture. Kia’s new models tack an entirely opposite tack than Hyundai, with edgy lines and highly modern surfaces the order of the day. The Optima demonstrates this very well. The looks finds its best home yet on the GT Concept. We really like it, because the GT manages to look unique, without elements copied wholesale from other cars. The greenhouse is distinct, and there’s a lack of a B-pillar thanks to suicide doors. Overall, there is something just right about the proportions. If there was an area we’re not as keen on it would have to be the front end; it is quite busy. The question is how much of the GT Concept is able to translate to production. The interior definitely isn’t at this stage. The GT Concept is a reaction concept, showing Kia testing the waters of a high-end sedan and a further evolution of its design language. “I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: We are ready to fast forward to an all-new chapter,” says the Kia’s head of design Peter Schreyer. Kia aims to tackle the performance side, and this car is suitably more aggressive-looking than its Hyundai counterparts. Reports say it will slot in between the Genesis and Equus when it arrives. Couldn’t they have thought of a more inspired name for a concept though? Related posts: Kia Unveils...

Quite a few automakers are exploring the future of urban cars, with quirky, tiny cars that can virtually fit on a sidewalk. As global urbanization continues and dense metropolises overseas gain affluence and want to buy cars, companies from General Motors to Volkswagen see an opportunity. And often, it takes on a curious shape. At the Frankfurt motor show later this month, Volkswagen is planning on showing its latest urban mobility concept, the single-seat electric Nils. The Nils is just 120 inches long, about a foot longer than a Smart ForTwo, and it weighs just half a ton with an all-aluminum body, making it almost 800 pounds lighter than the Smart. With that kind of weight savings, the car can make do with a much smaller motor and battery pack than other electrics: a 34-hp electric motor powered by a 5.3 kWh battery. The small battery can be recharged in a maximum of two hours. The Nils has gullwing doors on both sides, as well as a small trunk with space for a couple of backpacks above the rear-mounted motor. The dashboard has no conventional gauges or switches, but instead uses two LCD screens (one a touch-screen) for all instruments and controls. With wheels mounted on individual pods like a Formula 1 race car or Edison2 X Prize winner , Volkswagen claims the Nils will meet all worldwide safety standards. Given that most commuters are traveling solo anyway (even in Germany, apparently), cars like the Nils attempt to answer the question: Why do our vehicles need to weigh 200 times the weight of the cargo (namely, us) that they’re designed to transport. Proposals for ultra-efficient, lightweight vehicles have ranged from the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle, to glorified two-seat Segways . It remains to be seen if Volkswagen’s latest concept will be any better received, let alone make it into production. View post: 2011 Frankfurt motor show: Volkswagen redefines urban car with single-seat electric Nils concept

Before the Mercedes-Benz 2010 DTM AMG Mercedes C-coupe will be placed at the halls of Frankfurt Motor Show for the world to see, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will ceremoniously unveil it. On September 13 at 12, the two Mercedes Petronas drivers will do the ceremony, this can be downloaded from www.news2use.tv . MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will unveil the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé for the 2012 season during the Frankfurt International Motor Show, at 12.00 CET on Tuesday 13 September 2011. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG, and Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, will also be present on the Mercedes-Benz stand in the IAA’s Festival Hall, Frankfurt. Now available for download: Mercedes-Benz DTM driver Gary Paffett offers a tantalizing glimpse of the new DTM car in a sneak preview video, and explains the key differences between the 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé and the current DTM AMG Mercedes C-Class. Download the video in English (with or without German subtitles) at: www.news2use.tv Press information and photos will be available on 13.09.2011 at 12.00 CET by visiting media.daimler.com. The first video clips of the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé will be available for download at the same time from: www.news2use.tv. Michael Schumacher: “The IAA, the world’s most important show for the automotive industry, is the perfect setting for the première of our new 2012 DTM car.” Nico Rosberg: “I can’t wait to see how the new DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé has turned out, which is why I’m so pleased to be there as we show it off to the world for the first time. It’s going to be a moment to remember.” Gary Paffett: “I was at the film and photo shoot for the new AMG Mercedes C-Coupé recently and was seriously impressed by my ‘company car’ for next season. I can’t wait to begin testing very soon.” Norbert Haug: “This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupé, will mark the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012. I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.” Source: Daimler AG Originally...

Filed under: Latest News This racy looking thing could actually be whirring past your inner city luxury apartment soon, if Vauxhall is telling the truth. The zero emissions electric city slicker will be Vauxhall’s star at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the company reckons it “has production potential.” Granted, that doesn’t mean much if you think about it – a hoverboard ‘has production potential’ – but there’s nothing wrong with a little corporate showboating. Let’s hope Vauxhall is being serious though, because we already want one. The as-yet-unnamed city car has a 60-mile range on its battery pack and can hit 75mph, “making even the odd motorway trip feasible.” It has a tandem layout, putting one passenger behind the driver, and it weighs about one third of a normal city car. Vauxhall says that if it makes production it will be “low cost” so as to appeal to teenage drivers. Get saving, kids.   Read the original here: New Vauxhall ‘could revolutionise urban transport’ Read more:  New Vauxhall ‘could revolutionise urban transport’

Last month at Laguna Seca, California, BMW introduced to the US public the all-new 2012 BMW M5. The super sporty and classy sedan will have its world public debut next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, followed by a market launch in the United States in Spring of 2012. Brian Watts, BMW M Head of Sales, was present at the event and took the time to talk to journalists about the F10 M5 and the technology that stands behind one of the most exciting M cars. Watts spends some time with Automotive Rhythms to go over some of the technical specs and improvements over previous generations. With the new super sporty sedan, BMW has moved on from from naturally aspirated engines to a TwinPower turbocharged V8. The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold that guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle. The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The high-rev unit should rocket the M5 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control. BMW offers a 7-speed DCT and manual transmission in the new M5. The M5 is limited to a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package. Video: BMW M5 on track at Laguna Seca View original post here:  Brian Watts, Head of M Sales, talks about the new 2012 BMW M5

One of the most anticipated launches of the Frankfurt Motor Show is here: Jaguar’s C-X16 Concept. Jaguar has been focusing on performance a lot lately; the XKR-S turns up the heat to be Jaguar’s fastest model and the C-X175 is a super car concept that is headed for production. A model that been rumored about for a long time….years in fact, is a new Jaguar sportscar slotting in below the XK. It has been speculated about in both front and mid-engined form, but the car’s primary competitor was always the Porsche Boxster (and now Cayman). While sales for the aforementioned Boxster and Cayman are quite low, we’re still glad to see Jaguar making an effort. Clearly Ratan Tata’s desire for more sports cars at Jaguar is resulting in some action. Let’s take a look at the C-X16 Concept. Jaguar’s head designer Ian Callum has found a design theme that works for Jaguar and is sticking with it. The C-X16 follows a similar pattern to recent Jaguar products, eschewing retro design hints for a modern approach. More curves a la the C-X175 concept would have been nice, but what we’re seeing here is a design that is clearly production ready. It has classic good looks with a long hood and muscular stance; even better looking than the XK we’d say. The interior is we love too; the C-X16 has a minimalist, focused design that wouldn’t be out of place in an exotic. Power comes from a supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder making 376 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque. Nice figures for a car of this size right? There’s more though, as the C-X16 features hybrid system that delivers efficiency while being thoroughly enthusiast-focused. An electric motor works in concert with the car’s eight-speed transmission to provide an extra boost of power. The big feature is a “Push to Pass” button on the steering wheel, that when activated, boosts power output by an impressive 92 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to this and lightweight aluminum construction, 0-62 mph arrives in just 4.4 seconds. Handling is also aided by the setup, which yields a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Jaguar says the C-X16 is the most responsive and compact Jaguar in a generation; the smallest car produced by the company since 1954....

Fisker Automotive—which just recently began shipping the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan to customers—has released a rendering on the company’s Flickr page of a hatchback concept car that the company is calling the Surf. Fisker says the Surf will be an EV with a range-extending combustion engine, like the Karma, and promises to release more specifics when the car is revealed at the Frankfurt auto show. In profile, the sketched Surf looks a lot like a Hyundai Veloster wearing the swoopy, pumped-out fenders of a Karma. We will bring you more details when they become available. Continued here: Fisker Releases Teaser of Frankfurt-Bound Surf Hatchback See the rest here:  Fisker Releases Teaser of Frankfurt-Bound Surf Hatchback

There is another Daimler vehicle we can anticipate at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but this time it is not a four-wheel drive. After a cooperation agreement was signed between Ducati and Daimler in November 2010, everyone were kind of expecting a vehicle to be produced as a fruit of this agreement. Just months after, here it is, the Special Edition Ducati Diavel AMG. The matte black, AMG inspired two-wheel with carbon fiber grilles, five spoke wheels, sport exhaust system, aluminum trim and Alcantara seat, will be officially showcased at the Frankfurt event starting September 15. Official press release from Ducati.com : Ducati and Mercedes AMG have proudly announced that the first public showing of the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany from 15-25 September. The 2012 flagship model of the Diavel family is a tribute to the AMG luxury-sport brand and is intended for passionate connoisseurs of technology, engineering detail and exclusive style. Based upon the Diavel Carbon, the Diavel AMG Special Edition features AMG’s signature 5-spoke wheel styling, carbon fibre lateral radiator grills with aluminium trim, AMG-style sport exhaust system with engraved end-caps and AMG-style horizontally ribbed seat upholstery. The model’s incredible attention to performance detail also ensures that every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand and authenticated with the name of the engine technician engraved on the left-side engine casing. Further underlining the model’s exclusivity, each motorcycle will have a numbered plaque on the fuel tank. The award-winning Ducati Diavel has had massive first-year success for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, its bold design merging the worlds of power and style with absolute precision to set a new industry standard for the segment. Hand-built – as with all Ducati motorcycles – the exclusive new Diavel AMG Special Edition is dressed in matte black carbon fibre bodywork with AMG’s very own “Diamond White Bright” stripe and frame colour contrasted with black wheels. The special edition wheels, seat and exhaust end-caps are all AMG branded while “AMG” is also laser-engraved into the air-duct panels either side...

Jaguar’s entry-level sports car closes in on production—and the company gets a new V-6. In the rankings of prolonged automotive rumors, Jaguar’s introduction of an entry-level sports car is bested only by Alfa Romeo’s alleged return to the U.S. . With the C-X16 concept debuting at the Frankfurt auto show , though, the British company is signaling that yes, a relatively affordable sports car is coming. In real life. Our spy shooters have caught prototypes of what we believe will be called the XE , but what we couldn’t see is beneath the skin. The two-seat concept shows off a new V-6, a hybrid system, and cutting-edge OLED displays—important tech that Jaguar needs if it’s going to redefine its stuffy, cigar-room image. Keep Reading: Jaguar C-X16 Concept – Auto Shows See the rest here: Jaguar’s C-X16 Concept Looks Great, But It’s What Underneath That Really Matters Originally posted here: Jaguar’s C-X16 Concept Looks Great, But It’s What Underneath That Really Matters

Okay y’all, her we go again: Abarth tuner of all things small and Fiat will be rolling out three new specials for the upcoming Frankfurt show. To get the un-anointed up to speed, Abarth is to Fiat, the way John Cooper is to Mini, AMG is to Mercedes or Sox & Martin were to Mopar. In other words, they are the official, unofficial company go fast guys. And Abarth, just like every other European automaker out there, is not going to let the Frankfurt Auto Show go by without something impressive to show. And, in the Turin tuners corner, there will be not one, but three new rides to gawk at. Abarth seems to think that their 695 Tributo Ferrari version of the everso cute (and in the case of the 695 Tributo Ferrari, everso fast) 500 wasn’t good enough, so they’re upping the performance game. And that right there is why I pay so much attention to Abarth: Fast is never fast enough for them. Anyway, even though the 695 Tributo Ferrari is the fastest 500 to date, they will be showing a further refined version dubbed the 695 Competizione. Motivated by the same 180-horsepower 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four found in the Tributo, the 695 Competizione also features a paddle-shift transmission (hot!), 17-inch alloys and Brembo brakes that are found in the Ferrari edition. The Competizione does ditches the Ferrari logos and bridges the gap to the track special Assetto Corsa, in a more streetable package. Number two of three Abarth Specials will be the 500 Cabrio Italia. This special 500 is being presented to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. This whole 150th anniversary thing is sort of like their Bicentennial, only much more puzzling since Italy has been around since Romulus and Remus … but getting into the details of Italian political “structure” would take a lot more room than I have at my disposal, or a lot more patience than any of you have. At any rate, the 150th anniversary is a big deal, so this special 500 gets a special blue paint job with a folding roof panel, a 160-horsepower turbo four with an overboost function and five-speed manual. No, I have no clear idea what an ” overboost function” is, but it sounds like fun, doesn’t it? And the final Abarth triplet for Frankfurt 2011 is the Punto...

Next week at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show BMW will introduce a performance version of the BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupe. A photo of the super sporty X6 M appears for the first time on in the German magazine Auto Zeitung. For starters, the BMW X6 M with Performance Parts features the CSL-like paint scheme on the sides, similar to the M3 Coupe decals kit available in the catalog. Other upgrades for the X6M include a carbon fiber lip for the already massive front spoiler, special M wheels and a carbon fiber trunk lid. There is no official word on whether the X6 M also receives power upgrades, but we expect seeing a new exhaust system and fitting parts that will increase the overall power output. More information next week live from Frankfurt Motor Show. [Source: BimmerToday ] See the rest here:  First Photo: BMW X6M with Performance Parts