The two main themes of this year’s Frankfurt motor show (IAA) will be eMobility and Connectivity, according to Matthias Wissman, President of the VDA, the German Association of the Automotive Industry. The 2013 IAA will also offer a glimpse into the beginnings of autonomous driving, described by Wissman as a “fascinating prospect for motorists.”
Wissman said eMobility is “no longer a vision, e-cars are now appearing on the road,” and that in the near future, “cars will become mobile, communication platforms,” able to relieve drivers from some aspects of driving and allow people to be online in their cars all the time. Many of the connected car features will improve safety with increasingly sophisticated driver assist systems. Cars will be able to “see further”, warning drivers of un-seen obstacles and observing traffic approaching from all sides.
Although officially unveiled in Beijing, London and New York a few weeks ago, this is the first show at which the production version of the BMW i3 has been shown. The e-up!, e-Golf, and smart FourJoy are heading up the other key Frankfurt EV releases.
This year’s IAA begins just days before a general election, and draws to a close on the day of the election itself, Sunday 22 September. As previously reported on Automotive World, the IAA is likely to form the backdrop of campaigning in a country in which the automotive industry plays such a key role. Energy policy and industrial policy both feature as important campaign issues this year, and the automotive industry, of course, lies at the heart of both.
An Automotive World report, published at the start of this year (Germany’s new vehicle market: prospects to 2017), forecast Germany’s LV market to fall in 2013 to 3.26 million units, before rising from 2014 through to 2016 as GDP growth recovers.
In the first half of 2013, the German light vehicle market saw January to June registrations down 8.1%. In June, new car registrations declined by 4.7%. Despite a slight decline in Germany’s car market in August also, Wissmann remains hopeful that it is going to remain stable in 2013. He attributes the August decline in part to one work day less. The VDA expects the global passenger car market to expand by 3% in 2013 to more than 71 million units. However, Matthias Wissmann noted that “behind this overall welcome development, the developments on important markets are drifting ever further apart.”
As Hyundai launches the all-new i10, Allan Rushforth has reportedly delayed the brand’s previous target of a 5% market share by 2015, pushing it back to 2020. When a brand like Hyundai starts delaying such a significant target, the difficulties facing the European automotive industry become clearly underlined. But it depends who you talk to. Ford of Europe’s head of sales and marketing, Roelant de Waard, said “The worst is over” after improved July sales in France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
As usual, Automotive World will report on the key stories from the 2013 IAA, bringing you top-level interviews with the industry’s leading senior executives.
It’s a fascinating time for observing the industry’s top managers. The recent departure of Carlos Tavares from Renault was reportedly down to his desire to move up in the world, but his belief that Carlos Ghosn was going nowhere. Ford’s Mulally and VW’s Piech are both also officially going nowhere, following reports and subsequent denials about their status at the top of their respective companies.
Renault-Nissan’s Carlos Ghosn and Daimler’s Dieter Zetsche will host their usual joint press conference to outline the latest developments in the partnership between their two companies. We expect to hear more from BMW and PSA about the future of their engine partnership, the future of which has been the subject of reports and denial. Hopefully, PSA and another of its partners, GM, will provide more details on the status of their alliance. Unfortunately, we are unlikely to hear anything from the Chief Executive of Fiat and Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne, who has reportedly cancelled his appearances at the show.
This article will be updated throughout the two press days of the 2013 Frankfurt motor show to include key launches and developments.
Some of the key launches at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show include:
BMW GROUP
BMW
i3
The BMW i3 is the company’s first electric vehicle and expected to be one of the stand out debuts from the show. Its motor develops output of 125 kW/170 hp powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. It weighs only 1,195kg and has a range of 130-160km (80-100 miles). However, if the two-cylinder range extender combustion engine is specified, this can be increased to 300km (180 miles). It goes on sale in November 2013, with a price tag of around €35,000. A fleet of i3s have been ferrying journalists around the IAA.
i8
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with pop-up doors and wing-like rear spoilers. A 170bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels works with a turbocharged 1.5-litre 223bhp three-cylinder which drives the rear wheels. In pure electric mode, the range is 35km (22 miles). The i8 features many innovative driver assistance systems, including active brake assist, congestion assist and precondition assist. It is expected to go on sale in the UK in 2014.
4 Series Coupe
The 4 series coupe is powered by three turbo-charged engine options and three more forced-induction units. This aims to provide the 4 series with a broader appeal than its predecessor, the 3 series coupe. The car will have the choice of a rear or four-wheel drive across certain models. Inside the car, the dashboard, instrument binnacle and centre console are the same as the 3 Series saloon.
Concept Active Tourer Outdoor
This is the latest iteration of BMW’s Compact Active Tourer (CAT) which will be part of the company’s compact class, based on the UKL architecture. It will join vehicles such as all the MINI models and Family Activity Sports Tourer (FAST). The car is expected to be introduced in 2014 or 2015.
Concept5 X5 eDrive
The BMW eDrive technology allows speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), a maximum range of 30 kilometres (19 miles) on electric power alone and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp). The concept study’s BMW eDrive system consists of a four-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor which is also the work of the BMW Group. The 70 kW/95 hp motor sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It is the second plug-in hybrid vehicle to feature BMW eDrive.
DAIMLER
Mercedes
Concept S-Class Coupé
The new Mercedes luxury Coupé will share most of its technology, engine range and underpinnings with the S-Class sedan, but have a completely different body and sleeker lines. It has been proposed that engine options will likely include a turbocharged V8 and V12 units. This is proving a big hit at the show, but it won’t be until Geneva that a production model will be shown. Prices are set to start at around £75,000 when it arrives in the UK mid next year. A spokesperson on Twitter said the S-Class coupé will form part of an 11-car line-up for 2014.
GLA – production form
Mercedes-Benz promotional material says the GLA reinterprets the compact SUV segment in style. The company claims its mission is to provide an affordable entry point into Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
S500 plug-in hybrid
The third hybrid model of the new S-Class sets new benchmarks with regard to efficiency as well as drive-system and climate comfort. With 69 g CO2 per kilometre (3 litres/100 km) the S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury saloons. The 80-kW electric drive with externally rechargeable battery makes emission-free driving for about 30 km possible. It is combined with the new 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine. The market launch will be next year.
S63 AMG
The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine – the most powerful member of the BlueDIRECT engine family, with an output of 430 kW(585 hp) and torque of 900 Nm – delivers effortlessly superior performance. Thanks to systematic lightweight construction based on the “AMG Lightweight Performance” philosophy, the S 63 AMG is up to 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. A combination of an efficient drive system and reduced weight results in an NEDC combined fuel consumption of 10.1 to 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres (237 to 242 g/km CO2). The new S 63 AMG is also available with the performance-oriented AMG all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC as an option.
CLA 45 AMG Racing Series
The company is planning to expand its motorsport line-up. Based on the CLA 45 AMG, the production version will be eligible for several four-cylinder race series. Because of this, engine output and transmission systems could vary. The standard front-wheel drive setup can be replaced by an all-wheel arrangement.
Smart
FourJoy concept
This four-seat, open-door concept from Smart is the closest indication of the next ForFour model. The model is 137.4 inches long, 77.8 wide and 58.8 tall. This makes it 29 inches longer, 16 inches wider and a little lower than the existing Smart ForTwo, and shorter, wider and a similar height to other small cars like the Ford Fiesta. The powertrain will feature a 17.6 kWh battery pack and 55 kW electric motor.
FIAT AUTO
Ferrari
458 Monte Carlo
Ferrari has built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever (605 cv) with an extraordinary specific power output of 135 cv/l, the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine. Thanks to an equally exceptional weight/power ratio of just 2.13 kg/cv, the 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.0″ (0-200 km/h in 9.1″).
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford
S-MAX concept
Ford says the S MAX Concept employs leading-edge Ford features and technologies to provide customers with new levels of connectivity and well-being as well as safety, convenience, and driving appeal. The Ford SYNC system sits at the heart of the vehicle’s advanced connectivity features. Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch delivers wireless internet access for passengers, supported by a tablet docking station.
Ford Vignale
Presented in four-door saloon body style, and also as a wagon, the all-new Mondeo Vignale Concept combines traditional coach-building with contemporary design and material. Smart technologies include front and rear Park Assist with Rear View Camera. The interior features leather armrests for door interiors, and seating with “Vignale” detailing and soft-touch leather that extends to the steering wheel, instrument panel, centre console, door top-rolls and centre armrest.
GEELY
Volvo
Concept coupe
The new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). After more than a year of rising expectations, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.
GENERAL MOTORS
Opel/Vauxhall
Insignia Country Tourer
Opel is set to add a rugged SUV-inspired all-purpose estate to its New Insignia range later this year. Known as the Insignia Country Tourer, it is based on the Sports Tourer model, but with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and tougher styling,
Monza concept
Opel/Vauxhall’s ground-breaking Monza Concept is the first car to feature cutting-edge LED projection infotainment and an evolution of the Ampera’s revolutionary powertrain. A variety of sustainable powertrains based on increasing electrification of the automobile are available.
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO
Hyundai
i10
The all-new i10 uses the same platform as the Kia Picanto, sitting slightly lower than the previous model and with a wider track and slightly longer wheelbase. It is fitted with a 1.25-litre, four-cylinder Kappa engine and has a five-speed manual gearbox. The i10’s estimated fuel economy is 69mpg and it has a top speed of around 108mph (174kph). As with 95% of Hyundai cars sold in Europe, New Generation i10 has been designed and developed at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany. New Generation i10 will become the first A-segment Hyundai to also be built in the region. The car is set to enter production in September, New Generation i10 will be made at Hyundai’s factory in Ízmit, Turkey.
Kia
Niro
Kia’s new small concept car is certainly a B-segment contender. Kia has no set plans for a production model right now, but the IAA is being used a gauge of public opinion and the possible demand.
MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
Mazda
M3
The new model’s standard equipment redefines the word ‘generous’ for a car in the C-segment class. Mazda’s brand new connectivity concept takes occupants online. Building on existing email, text and navigation features, the system safely brings an array of free mobile online content into the vehicle, including Facebook and Twitter audio feeds as well as Aha, with tens of thousands of cloud-based stations, from radio to audio books and more. The all-new Mazda3 won’t go on sale in the UK until January 2014.
NISSAN
Infiniti
Q30 concept
The Q30 concept is Infiniti’s entry into the compact SUV segment, with the concept hinting at a 2015 launch. The company has said the production will be very close to the design study. Infiniti’s forthcoming compact premium entry will be the first Infiniti model Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti’s Director of Performance, will influence from its inception.
X-trail
Nissan has released details of a ‘world premiere of new production model’, suggesting the ‘surprise unveil will be one of the stars’ of the IAA. The new X-Trail will move on Nissan’s new modular CMF chassis, offering front and four-wheel drive and a selection of engines for each region.
PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN
Citroen
Grand C4 Picasso
The new C4 Picasso is 140kg lighter than the previous model, due to the new platform which uses a composite rear floor, aluminium and high-strength steel. The New Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso will soon be available with a new BlueHDi engine. This new powerplant is Euro 6-compliant and features selective catalytic reduction (SCR), an effective way of minimising NOx while reducing CO2 emissions.
C4 Cactus
The Cactus concept presents a vision for the future of Citroen’s C-line, with stand out features including 100% digital driver interface, protective ‘Airbumps’ and natural materials throughout. A Hybrid Air drivetrain offers 94+ mpg fuel economy. The C4 Cactus will be revealed in early 2014.
Peugeot
308
The 308 is built around the all-new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) architecture, which allows the car to be the lightest model in its segment. The body is 140kg lighter than the outgoing model and with an overall length of 4.25 metres, it’s also the most compact. Advanced driving aids include Blind Spot Monitoring, Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert System and Emergency Collision Braking System. Available at launch will be five petrol and HDi diesel engine. The highlight for environmentally aware drivers will be the 1.6-litre HDi 92, which has CO2 emissions of just 93g/km. The 308 R won’t be seen for a while, but it has been said it may have the RCZ’s 270hp motor.
RCZ-R
A boosted performance version of the iconic RCZ Sports Coupé. From the beginning of 2014, it will be the most powerful production model in the history of the Marque.
RENAULT GROUP
Initiale Paris
Renault unveils the first of its Initiale Paris-badged concept vehicles. The new concept “embodies its vision of Premium motoring” and is a strong hint towards the next-generation Espace, which will probably emerge next year. Renault engine-makers took a dCi 130 engine and enhanced it to bring drivers torque peaking at 400 Nm across a broad operating range. The engine builds on Renault fundamentals in powertrain technology and explores new paths for making the brand’s power plants even more efficient in the future. Overall, the concept engine emits 40 g/km less CO2 and burns 25% less fuel than an equivalent-performance diesel. It won’t be coming to the UK due to the sales of MPVs.
SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
Suzuki
iV-4 compact crossover concept
Suzuki’s introduction of the compact SUV concept iV-4 is an indication of the direction which will be taken with the future model to be added to the company’s renowned SUV line-up. Developed with a theme – “Grab your field” –, the concept model embodies the basic ruggedness of an SUV. The iV-4 is Suzuki’s new concept for a personal compact SUV. The reveal shows a vehicle somewhat bigger than expected. The production version is due in 2015. Customers will be able to personalise the car through different exterior colour, texture and equipment combinations.
TATA MOTORS
Jaguar
C-X17
The unveiling of the C-X17 SUV concept showcases the flexibility of the new modular aluminium architecture. It is the first ever 4×4 SUV from Jaguar. Possibly, depending on response, the new model could go on sale in 2016.
F-type
Close-to-production concept of the hardtop F-type. The vehicle will offer the same powertrains as the open-air version: two supercharged V-6 and one V-8 gasoline engine, with output ranging from 335 to 488 hp of the 5.0L V-8.
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Lexus
LF-NX concept
The LF-NX reinforces Lexus’s leadership in hybrid power in the premium market, being powered by a new variation of the Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid system, tuned for SUV performance. The powerfully sculpted styling reflects a further evolution of the L-finesse design language that influences the look of all today’s Lexus models.
Toyota
Yaris Hybrid-R Concept
In designing Yaris Hybrid-R, Toyota has created a supermini concept like no other. Based on a reworked three-door production model, Yaris Hybrid-R harnesses Toyota’s race-winning sports hybrid technology in a powertrain that develops more than 400bhp.
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Audi
A3 Cabriolet
The car is the fourth model in the all-new A3 range. It will have three engine options at launch, 1.4 TFSI 140PS with cylinder-on-demand, 1.8 TFSI 180PS, 2.0 TDI 150PS. It features high-end equipment and advanced options including Audi connect with 4G/LTE high-speed internet connectivity. The compact class open-top will become available for UK ordering in late October, and will reach its first customers in Europe in March 2014.
Quattro concept
Audi revealed the Quattro’s conceptual successor at the IAA. It is a plug-in hybrid offering 700PS of system power and 800Nm of system torque. The vehicle is powered by a 560PS V8 with cylinder-on-demand technology combined with 110kW electric motor. It can reach 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, has a top speed 189mph, delivers 113mpg and 59g/km according to applicable standard. Throughout the vehicle there is extensive use of aluminium and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer. It is expected to go on sale in limited numbers in autumn 2015.
Lamborghini
Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse
The new Gallardo Squadra Corse is very close to the race cars. Both share the same V10 engine, which is used in the racing version with no modifications. Likewise, the Squadra Corse has the same rear wing for greater aerodynamic load – achieving, under the best aerodynamic conditions, three times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, highspeed driving. It looks like this could be the last iteration of the Gallardo.
Porsche
918 Spyder
A high-performance hybrid, the 918 Spyder boasts 887 horsepower and almost silent propulsion of an electric vehicle. It offers an average standard fuel consumption of between 3.0 and 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres. It combines a combustion engine with an electric motor-based drive.
Skoda
Rapid Spaceback
“ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback is the first compact family hatchback in the history of ŠKODA, and another milestone in the brand’s history,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA head of development. “For the first time, we are present in the strongest segment of the European car market.” The engine range comprises of four petrol and two diesel units. The line-up will also include a GreenLine version with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.
VW
e-Golf and e-Up!
Both zero-emissions cars offer unlimited everyday practicality, each has four doors, and they are attractively equipped. Standard features: automatic climate control with parking heater and ventilation, radio-navigation system, windscreen heating, LED daytime running lights and, in the e-Golf, the Volkswagen brand’s first use of LED headlights. The two newcomers are also leaders in energy efficiency: the e-up! consumes just 11.7 kWh of electricity per 100 km – this makes it the new world champion in efficiency. The e-Golf, positioned two classes higher, attains an excellent value of 12.7 kWh. Given an electricity price of €0.258 per kWh (Germany, as of 31st July 2013), driving 100 km with the e-up! costs just €3.02, and with the e-Golf it is around €3.30. Volkswagen reportedly plans to price the e-Golf at €35,000 – the same price bracket as the BMW i3.
Golf R
The sports car is powered by a newly designed 300 PS TSI (221 kW), 30 PS stronger but up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than that in the previous model. The new model also transfers its turbocharged engine power to the road via a permanent all-wheel drive system. In this case, it is the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. The market launch of the most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R as a two and four-door car will take place in the fourth quarter of this year.
Caddy Bluemotion
Compared to the Caddy 1.6-litre TDI with BlueMotion Technology, the Caddy Bluemotion’s fuel consumption has been further reduced by 0.5 litres per 100 km. Compared to the Caddy without fuel-saving technology, it is a full 1.1 litres per 100 km better. The commercial version of the versatile urban delivery vehicle consumes just 4.5 litres per 100 km, which equates to 117 g/km of CO2. Values for the passenger-carrying version are 4.6 litres and 119 g/km. Thanks to its 60 litre fuel tank, the Caddy BlueMotion therefore has a theoretical range of over 1,300 km (over 800 miles).
