Thanks to cnet Car Tech we can take a closer look at Audi’s developing Multi Media Interface (MMI) systems on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
In a large saloon like the new S8, for example, there’s plenty of room on the centre console to fit all the gadgets that control the car’s on board systems; navigation, stereo, climate control and the like. But can we expect the same level of control in a much smaller car, like the urban concept or A2?
With Porsche having already released images and details about the new 991 911 we bring you a selection of videos from the car’s world premiere in Frankfurt.
Jacky Ickx and Walter Röhrl might be on the Porsche payroll, but you still get the sense they mean what they say. Michael Mauer, Head of Porsche Design Department is definitely on the books at Stuttgart, but his analysis of the new 911 is very much worth watching.
Australian readers and buyers will get a look at the new 911 in March next year.
Lotus has just revealed the Evora GTE at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by a 3.5 litre supercharged V6 producing 444PS (330kW) it’s the most powerful road going Lotus ever made.
It weighs 1276kg and while performance numbers haven’t been announced yet, it clearly won’t be slow. But will it be quick enough to match the likes of the Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C that it no doubt wants to mix with?
The Evora GTE was originally conceived as a limited edition for the Asian market the car will now go into full series production. You get the feeling Dany Bahar, Group Lotus CEO, wasn’t going to miss out on the chance to cash in.
“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach,” he said.
“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”
UPDATE 15 September: Below is a brief comment on local availability on a few cars in the Lotus range, including the Evora GTE.
“The Evora S IPS, Elise SPS and the revised Elise S will arrive in Australia in the middle of 2012,†said Edward Rowe, Public Relations Manager for Lotus in Australia. “As the newly appointed Australian importer of Lotus, Ateco is very keen that the Lotus Evora GTE and Exige S should join the Australian range, but there are a number of homologation issues that need to be resolved before a date is able to set for an Australian launch of these two exciting new models. We are working with Lotus to ensure that this work is done as quickly as possible.â€
Lotus has arrived at Frankfurt with a new Exige S. They’re not quite making the same splash they did in Paris last year, but check the raw performance numbers: 1080kg and 350PS (260kW). Nice!
The power is provided by the same supercharged 3.5 litre V6 found in the Evora S; placed right behind your ears it’s sure to sound as fast as it goes.
You’ll be at the 100km/h speed limit in around 3.8 seconds and the old ton (100mph) will take you just 7.9 seconds. Maximum torque of 400Nm is achieved at 4500rpm on the way to a 7000rpm redline. Perhaps a little peaky for a supercharged engine, but sure to be quick enough all the same.
Mind, with a tiny 40 litre fuel tank quick sprints are about all you’ll be able to achieve in this car. Forget long haul highway blasts.
Dany Bahar, Group Lotus CEO, also reckons you’ll need to be on your toes to handle this “mind blowing drive experience”.
“Anyone who has ever driven an Exige will tell you that it’s not for the faint-hearted,” he said. ” The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver the ultimate Lotus experience. Quite simply you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.”
The new Volkswagen up! is a city-based runabout designed to be cheap and easy to run. But if you want a bit more go with your urban iCar then Volkswagen has given us the racy the GT up!
Volkswagen says it’s been inspired by the GTI. It has a restyled exterior and a “dynamic” anthracite coloured interior.
With a projected peak power figure of 100PS and a kerbweight of 900kg it’s pretty close to the spec of the original Mk1 GTI too.
Volkswagen has arrived at the Frankfurt Motor Show with a sense of fun and freedom with this buggy up! concept. Based on the new up! platform the buggy up! pays tribute to the movement started in California back in the 1960s.
A use of lightweight high strength steels and clever materials ensure this is a buggy that’s right on trend and a true 21st century creation.
The best party trick for the buggy up! is its waterproof interior. There’s plenty of drainage to ensure flooding is no problem, but it’s the neoprene coated seats also mean you can jump straight in after a swim in the ocean.
Mercedes is the second manufacturer to show off their 2012 DTM car in Frankfurt after Audi revealed the A5 DTM. The official name of the three-pointed star racecar is the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé.
It’s powered by a 4.0 litre V8 and is good for around 500hp/500Nm. At just 1050kg and with a trick 6-speed gearbox it’d sure be a hoot to drive.
Mercedes proudly boast they are the most successful DTM manufacturer in the category’s 27 year history. They’ve notched up 84 race wins from 156 starts and have earned a total of five drivers’ championships.
Sadly they’ve only given us three pics of the DTM C-Coupé to date. If we find any more we’ll be sure to add them here.
Audi has followed suit from its 2012 S5 range and given the RS5 a bit of a spruce up as well. Mostly the changes are cosmetic, so that means the 331kW 4.2 litre V8 and quattro running gear remains.
The stylish new headlights are the most obvious changes, but revisions have also been made to the bonnet and grille among other things. Inside you now get a flat bottom steering wheel—finally—and a lot of red bits. Hmm, not so sure about those.
We’re not sure when we can expect to see the 2012 Audi RS5 in Australia, but our guess is late in the first quarter of next year.
Lots of great pics after the break. And perhaps this is the best way to sample the RS5, in photos as the reality hasn’t quite lived up to the hype if the reviews are anything to go by.
After confirming plans to enter the WRC in 2013 back in May, Volkswagen has presented a Polo R WRC prototype at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Polo R WRC will feature a 300hp/350Nm 1.6 litre TSI engine in compliance with the new engine regulations that have enticed the auto giant into the sport.
“In February we started designing the vehicle concept for the Polo R WRC. Now we’re already in a position to present the first ready-to-run vehicle that will subsequently be used in extensive tests – an important step in our preparations for the WRC entry in 2013,†says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “I’m pleased about our team having managed to get this car off the ground in such a short time. And I’m very proud about the opportunity to present it to the public on the occasion of the IAA in Frankfurt.â€
Couldn’t make it to the Lamborghini presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show overnight? Neither could we, but here’s the next best thing with video of CEO Stefan Winkelmann telling us all about his new toy: the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale. Helps if you can speak German, though.
Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann has just confirmed at the Frankfurt Motor Show the company will be building a very limited run of Sesto Elemento models. Only 20 will be made and you’ll need a hefty €1.5 million to get your hands on one.
Speaking at the Lamborghini presentation overnight Winkelmann said, “The Sesto Elemento is a vehicle in the making, yes we will build it.
“Besides a few very small details it will look identical to the concept car. It will be priced at €1.5 milion and be purely for track use, although if a customer wanted to homologate it for the road I don’t see that being a problem.”
We first saw the Sesto Elemento at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and its specs are pure fantasy. It’s expected to weigh 999kg, and will be powered by the same 419kW 5.2 litre V10 found in the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale.
[Source: Auto Express]
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale; it’s the most extreme Gallardo ever, according to Lamborghini and, with that long name, it’s a sub-editor’s nightmare. It’ll be a boy racer’s dream, of course, and the rear wing lifted straight from the racing version seals the deal.
Really, who can say no to the car’s dashing good looks and 5.2 litre V10 complete with 570hp (419kW) powering all four wheels? Not us. If you want one, you’d better be quick—only 150 Super Trofeo Stradales will be made—it’s the final swansong for the evergreen Gallardo.
The car weighs in at 1340kg, the same as previous Superleggerra models and a bit more than originally reported. It’s still 70kg lighter than a regular Gallardo and has only 2.35kg to shift for every horsepower on offer. A 100km/h dash takes just 3.4 seconds and you’ll need only 10.4 seconds to make it to 200km/h. Keep that foot planted and you’ll soon reach the 320km/h v-max.
In honour of Italy’s racing heritage the Super Trofeo Stradale is available in the special Rosso Mars paint you see in these pictures. Other colour options are Grigio Telesto (dark grey) and Bianco Monocerus (white). If you’re ready to part with even more cash you can keep the shiny black roof.
There’s more pics and more detail from Lamborghini after the break. Start saving!