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Every other September the global automotive industry decends on the German city of Frankfurt, for what is the largest motor show in Europe. There are always a host of debuts at the event, giving a clear direction as to where the industry is heading in the next decade.
This year, however, there are some question marks over the show, with notable absences from Nissan, Peugeot, Fiat, Volvo and even electric standard-bearer Tesla.
Yet despite the no-shows, there remains a great deal of new metal on show, and we highlight some of the newcomers heading for UK showrooms over the coming months from the new generation Dacia Duster and all-new Kia Stonic to the £2m Mercedes-AMG Project One supercar as well as key concepts which hint at what dealers could be selling in coming years.
Mercedes-AMG Project One
Without doubt the star of the Frankfurt Motor Show is the Mercedes-AMG Project One – a 1000bhp hypercar that uses technology taken directly from the Mercedes Formula One racing team, and which was driven onto the stage at its launch by world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Project One employs an all-wheel-drive powertrain developed from the F1 race car’s unit. It combines a mid-mounted 1.6-litre V6 turbo petrol engine with four electric motors, which makes it capable of 124mph in only six seconds. Only 275 Project Ones will be made, each at a price of more than £2m and all have already been reserved.
Bentley Continental GT
Bentley revealed the third generation Continental GT that relaunched the brand under Volkswagen ownership in 2003 and there are hopes the new model – designed, engineered and built in Britain – could outsell the highly successful Bentayga SUV.
The latest GT boasts a new engine, transmission, chassis and suspension. The 635bhp W12 engine will be joined later by further powertrains including a plug-in hybrid. Notable in the redesigned interior, meanwhile is a three-sided rotating central section, alternatively revealing the same wood veneer as the fascia, three analogue dials and a 12.3in touchscreen infotainment system.
Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc compact SUV is being described as the start of a new era for the brand, which intends to completely renew its model range by 2020 and offer 80 electric models by 2025.
The T-Roc, which will go head to head with Nissan’s Qashqai, will go on sale before the end of 2017 in both front and all-wheel-drive versions, with a five-way engine choice, and will be the first VW SUV offered in a range of two-tone exterior finishes.
Meanwhile the ID Crozz, a concept at the show, is a four-door electric coupe crossover said to be close to production and expected on sale in 2020 as the second model in VW’s new electric sub brand line-up.
Suzuki Swift Sport
The performance Sport model has always been a popular element of the Suzuki Swift range and the latest version is likely to continue the trend, being both lighter and more potent than its predecessor. The weight has been cut by 80kg – the car now tipping the scales at only 975kg.
While the new 140bhp 1.4-litre engine, the first turbo unit offered in the Swift Sport, adds only two horsepower it increases torque by 70Nm. When Suzuki releases performance figures prior to the car’s showroom debut in mid-2018 they are expected to be significantly improved over its predecessor.
BMW i Vision Dynamics/X7 concepts
Two concepts debuting on the Frankfurt stand of BMW both preview important future production models. The i Vision Dynamics is a four-door gran coupe model that is expected to launch in 2021 as the i5 – sitting between the i3 compact and i8 sports cars in BMW’s electric sub brand. The concept boasts a 4.0-second 0-62mph time and a range of 373 miles.
The Concept X7 iPerformance is set to go into production in late 2018 as the X7, a range-topping SUV to rival the likes of Range Rover. While production models will likely feature a full line-up of petrol and diesel engines, the show car is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Mercedes-Benz EQA
As BMW looks to expand its electric i range, Mercedes-Benz plans to rival it – the EQA concept unveiled at Frankfurt will reach production in 2020, taking on the BMW i3. It will be the second EQ model, joining the larger EQC in showrooms.
The EQA employs an all-wheel-drive powertrain using two motors, one on each axle. Scaleable battery architecture will enable it to be rated up to 272hp and a range of 250 miles. The innovative new platform can be modified to suit all the planned range of Mercedes-Benz electric cars, and enables them to be built on the same production lines as traditional cars.
Honda Urban EV Concept
Honda is also firmly stating its electric ambitions at Frankfurt with both a plug-in hybrid version of the CR-V SUV and the retro-styled Urban EV concept.
The four-seater Urban EV is set to go into production within two years, CEO Takahiro Hachigo suggesting that the concept is pretty close to the finished car. It is very compact, measuring some 100mm shorter than the Jazz supermini and fitted with rear-hinged doors. What is not revealed yet is the car’s performance or range.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai is debuting three cars at Frankfurt, the most significant being the Kona compact SUV. It will go on sale as a rival to mass-selling crossovers such as the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur and is expected to become one of the biggest volume sellers for dealers.
Also on the Hyundai stand are two new versions of the i30. The i30 Fastback is a five-door coupe, while the i30 N is inspired by the brand’s racing car built to the TCR International category touring car regulations. With a 2-litre turbo engine of 250hp – which can be uprated to 275hp – it provides Hyundai with a true hot hatch model.
Kia Stonic
As Hyundai targets major volume with its Kona, one of the car’s prime rivals in the compact SUV market will be the Stonic of sister brand Kia. Described as the most colourful Kia yet due to its range of two-tone exterior finishes, the Stonic will arrive in UK showrooms in the next few weeks.
Precise powertrain details are yet to be announced but are expected to include petrol units in 84bhp 1.25-litre, 100bhp 1.4 and 120bhp 1.0 turbo form, and a 110bhp 1.6 diesel.
Kia is also debuting the Proceed concept at the show. As well as previewing a potential new shooting brake version of the Cee’d that might replace the current three-door model, the concept also showcases a new and more muscular styling treatment likely to feature across the next Cee’d range.
Dacia Duster
Renault dealers have enjoyed a great deal of success with the Dacia budget brand and will be hoping to continue that volume with an all-new version of the Duster SUV, unveiled at the Frankfurt show.
The new Duster is a case of evolution rather than revolution – its predecessor has sold more than a million since its launch in 2010. The new model retains the same platform, but moves the windscreen 100mm further forward and rakes it at a steeper angle to improve interior space. Other changes include a completely redesigned interior and equipment upgrades.
Ferrari Portofino
It would not be a proper motor show without a new Ferrari, and Frankfurt sees the debut of the Portofino. Replacing the California T, the V8 GT model is a 2+2 convertible with a folding hard top and intended to be the new entry model to Ferrari ownership.
The 600bhp engine is 40bhp more powerful than in the California and will take the Portofino through 124mph in 10.8 seconds.. Other notable elements include a complete redesign of the retractable hard top, which now opens or closes in 14 seconds, and a new design of housing that allows three cases to be carried in the boot with the roof up, two with it down.
