The Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 showcases the latest models in production
The eyes and ears of the motoring world have been turning their attention to Germany, with the Frankfurt Motor Show giving a glimpse into what the biggest names in the industry have to offer in the future. Recognised as the largest motor show in the world, it has been a mainstay in the city since 1951 and has grown to occupy 12 buildings. Held every two years, it runs in collaboration with the commercial vehicle show in Hannover, which is held during even-numbered years.
With many of the biggest names in the business featuring at the event, here are some of the finest models which have been getting fans and critics alike immensely excited.
We begin with a check up on Porsche, with the German engineering giant bringing their new flagship model to show off on its home turf. That model is the Porsche 918 Spyder, featuring as a production-ready model after being in the design phase for quite some time. It is set to feature superb power with a just-as-impressive level of efficiency, something previously unheard of by connoisseurs of models by the luxury car maker. Although it develops a staggering 875bhp, it boasts better eco-friendly credentials than a Toyota Auris Hybrid.
Range Rover is to prove that they have been particularly busy in recent years, unveiling hybrid variations of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport to the world. Models which are sure to cement the firm’s status as the king of off-road exploring, they have also made huge leaps and bounds along the avenue of eco-friendly motoring, with the hybrid versions incorporating the same 3.0L SDV6 diesel engine but with the inclusion of a 35Kw electric motor, which is part of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s the start of a revolution for the firm, with the electric motor generating 170Nm of torque from zero rpm!
Ferrari brought the wow factor with the unveiling of the 458 Speciale, a model which is sure to secure the status and pedigree of the prancing horse for years to come. It looks set to be a model to appeal to fans of true supercars, with the overall weight reduced and the power developed from the V8 flirting around 600bhp. Reaching 62mph from standstill in just 3.0 seconds, plus a 0-124mph in a phenomenal 9.1 seconds, the 458 Speciale will offer fun, adrenaline and exhilaration in abundance.
Bentley was another company keen to use the show as a platform to show off their new creation, revealing the beautiful Continental GT V8 S in both a coupe and convertible model. A twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 under the bonnet produces 521bhp and 502lb-ft of torque, and its seamless drive comes courtesy of ZF-sourced automatic eight-speed automatic transmission. This punchy cocktail of power and precision produces astonishing results in the coupe, with a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 192mph. The convertible on the other hand is no slouch either; it is just 0.2 seconds slower from stationary to 60 and just 1mph slower than its coupe cousin.
One of the most intriguing concepts of the year comes from Audi, with the German engineering boffins blending a supercar with an SUV to create the Nanuk. Perhaps offering an indication into what the future Audi R8 supercar could look like, it packs a 5.0L V10 diesel engine that can develop 540bhp and can go from stationary to 60mph in just 3.8 seconds. The drive is distributed across all four wheels thanks to a twin-clutch transmission, aiming to offer a sublime drive both on and off the road.
The unveiling of many new models always offers huge excitement for the motoring industry, offering a window into what the finest companies in the world are set to offer their customers in the not-so distant future. Reports are sure to come flooding in thick and fast during the show, lasts between 12th-22nd September.