Big reveals at the Frankfurt Auto Show
The big news at Volkswagen was the world premiere of the next-generation Tiguan, which is longer, wider, and a bit shorter, but with more cargo space (145 litres) than the current model. Built on Volkswagen’s new MQB (modern transverse matrix) SUV platform, the Tiguan is due out in Europe next spring. We’ll only get the long-wheelbase version in Canada, and must wait until early 2017.
The new Bentley Bentayga is an ultra-luxury SUV that’s cashing in on the global demand for crossovers and sport utilities. Its twin-turbo 6.0 L W12 engine produces 600 bhp and 900 Nm of torque for a top speed of 301 km/h, making it the world’s fastest and most powerful SUV — just because it can. Eight drive modes tune handling for any condition, and it can even come with a picnic set with fine china and champagne flutes.
Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius was officially revealed last week in Las Vegas, but this was the first opportunity for most to see it in the metal. It’s built on a new platform and is supposed to be more fun, and its new longer, wider and lower design is meant to look like a runner in the starting blocks. There’s no word yet on its all-important fuel consumption, but Toyota claims it’s improved, of course.
Following last year’s release of its coupe sibling, Lamborghini took the wraps off the Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 mated to a 7speed dual-clutch gearbox that drives all four wheels, the Huracan Spyder is (surprise!) incredibly fast. The V10 produces 610 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque that can propel the car from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and from 0-200 km/h in 10.2 seconds. Availability is pegged for next spring in Europe, with other markets to follow.
Infiniti is going big on going small these days, starting with its first compact car, the Q30. In Canada we’ll get just one configuration: a 2.0L, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, seven-speed dualclutch automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The latter is to differentiate it from the QX30 compact crossover to be unveiled at the L.A. auto show in November, which will be equipped with AWD in Canada. Both arrive in spring to early summer of next year.
Alfa Romeo released more details about the four-door Giulia sport sedan unveiled in June this year, and due for North America next year. Its starting price in Germany will be 72,000 ($107,000). A sporty, lightweight edition with a carbon-fibre roof will be the first on offer, however, with an entry price of 90,000. Set to take on the Audi RS4 and BMW M3, the car is in pre-production and the company is taking orders.
Don’t laugh at the new Thunder Power all-electric sedan. It may sound goofy, but the Taiwanese maker of power tools is trying to get into the car business with a distinctive Tesla fighter. It claims 430 hp and a range of more than 500 km, and the whole project is overseen by a former technician from Bugatti. An optimistic spokesman says it will “probably” come to Canada one day, but don’t hold your breath.
Porsche’s battery-powered concept supercar, the Mission E, is a four door, four-seat sports car that produces 600 hp and boasts a 500 km driving range. The charge time to 80-per-cent capacity, according to Porsche, is just 15 minutes thanks to the use of an 800-volt drive system — technology from the company’s Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid. Equipped with all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering, the Mission E can rocket to 100 km from rest in under 3.5 seconds.
Rolls-Royce woke up the show with the Dawn, its new four-seater, superluxury convertible. It’s powered by the standard Rolls-Royce 6.6L V12 that produces 564 horsepower. Prices have not yet been revealed, but it’s likely to be around $400,000 and the company is already taking orders.
Borgward is not a name familiar to many Canadians, but the nearly 100-year-old German carmaker has revitalized itself and revealed its first production car, the BX7 SUV. The car will be produced in China, but don’t expect to see it come to Canada.
The annual World Car of the Year nominees were announced in Frankfurt, leading to their awards at the New York auto show next spring. Cars have to be sold on at least two continents to be considered by more than 70 jurors, including Toronto Star Wheels’ Mark Richardson, and 18 vehicles are in the running for the top prize.