Frankfurt 2011
First Look(s): Lotus Exige S, Exige R-GT, Elise S
Lotus continues to make waves on the auto show circuit, unveiling three versions of the Elise to the Frankfurt crowds. The first model is the S version of a Winding Road favorite, the Exige. Power now comes from a 3.5-liter V-6, which generates an impressive 345 horsepower. That hefty piece of metal does add some weight, with the new car weighing in at 2380 pounds. Acceleration should still be brisk, though, as the weight-to-power ratio remains at a very respectable 6.89 pounds per horsepower. Other enhancements include a new front splitter and rear spoiler for added aerodynamics.
First Look: 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale
For most people, the Lamborghini Gallardo, in its various iterations, is quite extreme. V-10 power and all-wheel drive make for a rather exciting supercar. There are anomalies among these people though, who don’t think the standard version is quite enough. So for them, the 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale might be a better vehicle choice.
Frankfurt 2011: 2012 Subaru XV
With our first drive of the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza just around the corner, it makes sense that we are seeing the next derivative of the new Impreza platform. Called the XV, it’s basically a lifted, slightly more rugged version of the upcoming Impreza.
Frankfurt 2011: Frankfurt Auto Show Wrap-Up
As quickly as it began, the first media day of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is over. This year’s show featured no shortage of concept cars, including one designed by a racecar driver. As for production metal, there seemed to be something for everyone: exotics, hybrids, station wagons, SUVs, GTs, and sports cars were all well represented at this years show.
Frankfurt 2011: Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel
Working in conjunction with the driver of Kinky Kiley, Infiniti has built a seriously quick FX. Starting with a standard FX50S Premium, Infiniti bumped the power of the 5.0-liter V-8 up from 385 to 414 thanks to a freer-flowing exhaust and revised ECU. The transmission features a longer final gear ratio, allowing it to hit a top speed of 186 miles per hour (as opposed to the electronically limited 155 of a standard FX50). The FX SV also features extensive use of carbon fiber, which served to cut 101 pounds of body fat. Finally, the suspension has been lowered three-quarters of an inch to increase aerodynamic efficiency and handling.
First Look: 2013 Lexus GS450h
Lexus has taken the wraps off the next-generation GS, with the unveiling of the GS450h. Based rather heavily on the LF-Gh Concept from last year’s New York Auto Show, the GS450h features an exterior that’s best described as an evolution of the current GS.
Frankfurt 2011: Kia GT Concept
Kia has just unveiled a seriously good looking concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. Called simply GT, it’s a significant departure from anything we’ve seen from the South Korean manufacturer before.
Frankfurt 2011: Ford Fiesta ST Concept
Yes, it is a concept, but come on, it looks pretty much production ready. There is none of the concept car bling. Wheels are seventeen-inch alloys, not twenty-inch forged magnesium pieces that cost a small fortune. It has mirrors, not cameras. Even the body kit looks decidedly subdued. No, if there was a definition for “thinly veiled production car, ” this would be it.
Frankfurt 2011: Audi A2 Concept
Unlike the low-slung Audi e-tron concept cars, the A2 Concept takes the idea of pure-electric mobility, and drops it in a body that is just under 150 inches long, 66 inches wide, and only 58 inches tall. Despite the compact space, Audi still claims the A2 will comfortably seat four, all while running on electrons.
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