Recurring themes in the line-up of launches at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show (IAA) include light-weighting, as OEMs prepare for life beyond Euro VI, connectivity and powertrain electrification. The new Audi A4, BMW X1, BMW 7 series and Opel Astra are just some of the models using advanced material technology including advanced high strength steel and carbon fibre reinforced plastic to help shed kilos.
Meanwhile, few have resisted the opportunity to bring along an SUV. Maserati will debut its first ever model in the segment with the Levante, whilst Borgward has re-emerged with its first model in over half a century – the BX7, a premium SUV for China. Kia’s all-new Sportage and the Jaguar F-Pace reflect a general move by OEMs towards sportier crossover models, whilst the Bentley Bentayga’s rumoured price-tag of over €200,000 (US$230,000) suggests that little has been compromised in the company’s pursuit of “the world’s most luxurious SUV.”
This article will be updated throughout the show’s two press days to include key launches and developments.
Some of the most significant new model launches at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show include the following:
BMW GROUP
BMW X1
BMW’s crossover is an all-wheel drive based on a front-wheel drive platform, designed to compete with various OEMs’ offerings in the compact SUV category. The second generation sees additional luggage space, reduced fuel consumption and a weight loss of 135kg. One gasoline and three diesel options will be available. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
BMW 7 Series
The all new 7 Series hopes to escape the shadow of the Mercedes S-Class. The style remains largely unchanged, but use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic combined with steel and aluminium in the body sees a weight reduction of 130kg. It’s gadget-heavy, featuring a new system that highlights pedestrians with a beam of light when it is dark outside. It will also take advantage of BMW’s hybrid tech, with a new 740e model offering 134mpg. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Rolls-Royce’s top-down version of its Wraith coupe will go on sale in first quarter of 2016, with the company hoping to appeal to a younger, tech-savvy market. It shares the same soft-top roof as the Phantom Drophead Coupé, whilst taking design cues from the Ghost sedan. Although 80% of the sheet metal is unique to the Dawn, the car is likely to share the Wraith’s mechanical spec, with a 624bhp, twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 engine. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
BORGWARD
BX7
In what might be the most surprising appearance at this year’s IAA, German marque Borgward will release its first model in over half a century. The premium SUV is due to go on sale in 2016, and will likely compete with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The company confirmed in its March 2014 conference that a plug-in hybrid option would also be available.
DAIMLER
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Making an official debut at Frankfurt is the second generation C-Class coupe, which promises to be the sportiest C-Class ever made. Weight reductions will mean improvements in acceleration, handling and economy. Optional extras will include the Distronic Plus system, which enables autonomous steering to remain in lane. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
The latest member of the S-Class line-up draws heavily on its mainstay sister model, the S-Class Coupe, using a modified version of the S-Class platform, and keeping the same front-end design. A new windscreen supports the large roof, which can be dropped and raised in under 20 seconds at speed of up to 37mph (60kph).
Smart fortwo cabrio
Based on the design of a standard smart fortwo, the cabrio has a neat trick – you can work it’s ‘tritop’ fabric roof like a conventional sunroof, but you can also fold it into the tailgate, allowing for removal of the rail roofs which transforms the car into a convertible. Reinforced A-pillars and added steelwork beneath the skin ensure stiffness remains adequate. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
Ferrari 488 Spider
The 488 Spider is Ferrari’s most powerful mid-engined model to date, with a 660bhp V8 that can send it from 0 to 62mph (0-100kph) in three seconds. Use of aluminium in the chassis and body sees some weight-saving, and the electric glass rear wind stop can be lowered, even with the roof in place, for those who want to enjoy that iconic roar. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Maserati Levante Maserati’s first ever SUV follows from the earlier Kubang concept. The Levante’s Ghibli-like body will sit on a modified Jeep Cherokee chassis. Twin-turbo V6 and a top-spec V8 engine will power the gasoline models. Production is expected to begin in Turin, Italy, in 2016.
GENERAL MOTORS
Opel/Vauxhall Astra
The all-new Astra offers weight savings of up to 200kg against the current model and is smaller in size. It will also be the first all-new model featuring the OnStar system, a safety feature that will alert emergency services if an airbag is used, and provides an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
HYUNDAI MOTOR
Kia Sportage
Competition in the mid-size SUV class remains fierce. To hold its own against the Nissan Qashqai, the fourth-generation Sportage has adopted a more dynamic look, much like Kia’s 2015 cee’d did. A bolder grille, a chrome exhaust and sportier headlights should all appeal to customers, as the brand as a whole moves in a more premium direction. Kia’s UK President, Paul Philpott, has hinted that although pricing will only be revealed closer to the model’s launch, it will reflect the increased levels of in-car technology.
NISSAN
Infiniti Q30 Premium Active Compact
Two years on from the Q30 Concept unveiling, Infiniti’s new Q30 Premium Active Compact receives its global debut at the IAA. The company’s first entry in the compact car segment sees the product offensive continue, with different options for customers including the brand’s first diesel offering. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Nissan NP300 Navara
Nissan’s new pick-up is designed for the European market, delivering rugged, sporty looks and bringing new technologies to the sector such as Around View Monitor, LED headlamps and Forward Emergency Braking. So confident is Nissan in its new entry that it’s offering a five-year or 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty.
RENAULT GROUP
Renault Megane
The battle for C-segment family car dominance will remain as fraught as ever with the arrival of Renault’s fourth-generation Megane. A higher quality interior will address complaints about the current model, whilst an exterior facelift sees it take inspiration from the Clio and Espace models. The model is expected to go on sale early 2016. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
SUZUKI
Suzuki Baleno
Following on from the iK-2 Concept seen at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki’s new mid-sized hatchback introduces some of the company’s new fuel-efficiency and weight-reduction technologies. These include the new 1.0-litre BOOSTJET direct-injection turbo gasoline engine, designed to boost efficiency and performance. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
TATA MOTORS
Jaguar F-Pace
After a surprise appearance at the 2015 Tour de France, Jaguar’s all-new F-Pace made a spectacular first impression in Frankfurt with a world-record breaking, 19 metre tall loop-the-loop. The brand’s first ever SUV looks set to distance itself from the rugged utilitarianism that sister brand Land Rover offers, with Jaguar describing it as a “performance crossover”. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
TOYOTA
Toyota Prius
The fourth-generation Prius gives the model a serious makeover, with sharp angles and a sleek rear-end. Technical details are lacking for now, but the company’s Toyota New Global Architecture platform will improve handling and agility. A compact nickel-metal hydride battery pack should see quicker charging times. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Audi A4
The use of lightweight materials means that, depending on the engine, the fifth-generation Audi A4 will be up to 120kg lighter than the outgoing model, and up to 21% more fuel efficient. Optional extras include the Audi virtual cockpit, a digital information device on a 12.3-inch LCD screen. Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger worked on the model before leaving for Italdesign.
Bentley Bentayga
“The fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world” – how’s that for a statement of intent? The Bentayga departs with the EXP 9 F concept unveiled at Geneva in 2012, and will be available as a plug in hybrid, along with W12 and V8 versions. The battery can power the vehicle for up to 30 miles (48km) in preparation for inner-city zero-emissions restrictions. The rumoured price tag is over €200,000 (US$223,000). LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen Tiguan
Many were expecting a preview concept, but Volkswagen surprised Frankfurt with the unveiling of the new Tiguan’s production model. Variants on offer will include a standard five-seater available late 2015, a longer seven-seater due in 2016, and finally a coupé model due in 2017. The new standard model will also offer more space.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The production version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is expected to go into production in 2016, the 40th anniversary of the GTI nameplate
CONCEPT CARS CATEGORY
DAIMLER
Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA
The Mercedes-Benz concept shows off the company’s future tech. It’s a four-door coupe which, either at the touch of a button or when it reaches 50mph (80kph), transforms into an “aerodynamic world champion” via eight extending segments on the back of the vehicle that increase its length by up to 390mm.
GENERAL MOTORS
Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Surf Concept
The Vivaro Surf is a lifestyle concept for surfers, snowboarders, longboarders and cyclists. Its spacious cargo hold and special roof brackets, along with its bold copper paint job, make it a vehicle squarely aimed at extreme sports fans. A good reception may see the close-to-production model released as a limited edition.
MAZDA
Mazda Koeru
Mazda responds to increased crossover popularity with the unveiling of the new five-door Koeru concept. It is expected to seat seven, pitting it against models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Kia Sorento. Mazda will hope to lay the foundations for a model that can perform better than the CX-7, which despite decent reviews performed poorly in certain key markets. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
NISSAN
Nissan Gripz Concept
Nissan’s new crossover concept was a shadowy customer right up until its unveiling. The sleek, radical looks are inspired by an unlikely combination of the rugged, adventurous spirit of desert rally cars and sharp signature look of road-race cycling. The company says it’s a younger person’s car – practical enough to drive in the week, but something capable of delivering an adventure on the weekend. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN
Citroen Cactus M Concept
Opel/Vauxhall isn’t the only OEM targeting surfers this year. Inspired by the Mehari, the open-body Cactus M Concept appears to be built almost exclusively for leisure, with raised wheels, bright colours, and built in steps to help you hop in the back. It can also turn into a tent round the back, offering what Citroen calls “extreme freedom”.
DS 4 Crossback Concept
The DS rebrand continues with a future-facing version of the Crossback featuring liberal use of an unusual material choice – granite. Thin strips of the stuff can be found on the wheels, door mirror housings, roof bars and front end of the car. The concept is also the first to make use of “parametric design techniques” which, when coupled with 3D printing, will reportedly enable designers to create new shapes on models.
Peugeot Fractal Concept
Designed in partnership with internationally acclaimed music producer Amon Tobin, Peugeot’s ‘urban coupé’ has a big focus on sound, with a next-generation audio system. The OEM has also worked with Subpac, manufacturers of portable sub-bass systems, to build ‘tactile bass technology’ into the seats. Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, a single charge will reportedly give the vehicle a 280-mile (450km) range. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
RENAULT GROUP
Renault Alaskan Concept
Renault’s pick-up concept will arrive in Frankfurt ahead of the global launch of its production model in 2016. A full LED-lighting system, polished metal finishes and dynamic styling lend it a unique signature look. Renault is targeting drivers in need of something fully versatile, claiming the Alaskan will suit leisure, business and everyday use purposes. Expect Renault to make full use of Nissan’s pick-up expertise and existing portfolio in order to bring this vehicle to market. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Audi e-tron quattro
Tipped by some to be a true game-changer, Audi’s concept hints at its plans for the EV market, and could mean real trouble for Tesla. Crucial to its development has been the placement of its large lithium-ion battery between the concept car’s axles and below the passenger compartment, providing a low centre of gravity while balancing the ride. A production start date of 2018 has been suggested.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept
Someone at Bugatti’s been playing a lot of video games. According to the company, the Vision Gran Turismo Concept’s over-the-top design and extreme styling gives us a glimpse of “the new form and design language developed by the brand to celebrate the next chapter in its history, following the end of the Veyron era.” Engineers claim the vehicle could reach speeds in excess of 250mph (400kmh) along four sections of the Le Mans track.
Porsche Mission E Concept
Appearing alongside the new Porsche 911 Carrera, the Mission E is an all-wheel drive electric sports car with a reported range of 310 miles (500km) off a single charge. The 800-volt drive system powers a pair of 600hp motors which can bring the car up to 60mph (100kmph) in 3.5 seconds. The doubled voltage also shortens charging times, with Porsche reporting the vehicle can be 80% charged in 15 minutes. Production is not likely before the end of 2018 at the earliest.
SEAT Leon Cross Sport Show Car
SEAT has stayed quiet about its high-riding, three-door hot-hatch, saying only that the vehicle was built with the “urban lifestyle of our young spirited customers” in mind. Offer details confirmed include four-wheel drive as standard. A positive reaction could see a relatively quick launch. SEAT is one of the VW group brands lining up to launch a compact SUV.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan PanAmericana Concept
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has brought a limited edition Multivan to IAA 2015 – one you can put your motorcycle in. The niche concept features electric-assisted loading and unloading, along with the necessary interior mounting hooks. Meanwhile, streaks of red and black along the side and some fins on the grille lend the van’s rugged exterior some distinctive detail.
