Auto show gives car fanatics look into the future

FRANKFURT, GERMANY » From frighteningly fast hypercars to new electric SUVs, the Frankfurt auto show is a major event for car lovers wanting to get a glimpse of the future.

Though overshadowed by scandals over diesel engine emissions, big manufacturers like BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler took advantage of the show to un veil the new models they will sell in coming years as well as prototypes that are not meant for sale but showcase technological advances.

In the high-end luxury market, Daimler had Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton drive in on stage on the new Mercedes-Benz-AMG Project ONE, a two-seat hy- brid with over 1,000 horsepower and a top speed of 350 kph (217 mph), while Rolls-Royce showed off the eighth generation of the Phantom.

Among the cars people can more easily afford were compact SUVs like the Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Stonic, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Seat Arona.

With governments planning to phase out sales of gas and diesel engines, electric carswere also a big focus throughout the show. Daimler’s EQ fortwo compact vehicle drew looks for its sleek design, as did BMW’s i Vision Dynamics, a four-door concept car that could rival Tesla in the luxury electric auto market.

The show is open to the public from Sept. 16 through Sept. 24.

MICHAEL PROBST — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Models present the Smart vision EQ fortwo at a presentation of Mercedes-Benz on the first media day of the International Frankfurt Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, which runs through Sept. 24, 2017. From frighteningly fast...

UWE ANSPACH — DPA VIA AP Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton arrives in a Mercedes-AMG Project One car during a press presentation at the Mercedes-Benz stand on the first media day of the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. From frighteningly...

MARTIN MEISSNER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS An Audi Aicon concept car is unveiled on the stand of Volkswagen during the first media day of the International Frankfurt Motor Show IAA.

MARTIN MEISSNER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BMW i vision dynamics is presented at a BMWevent during the first media day of the International Frankfurt Motor Show IAA.