Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus has introduced 2010 GS 450h at 2009 Frankfurt Motor show. The 2010 model comes with minor styling updates, new colours, revised Pre-Crash Safety system and other innovative navigation and audio packages.

The GS 450h has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine working side by side with the Lexus Hybrid System. Full system power is 254kW (345hp) from which an average fuel consumption figure of 35.8mpg is achieved. C02 emissions are 186g/km.

Safety has been improved with the updated Pre-Crash Safety system. The new system uses the pre-crash brake technology. Both front seats are fitted with new inflator-operated active headrests, activated by a signal from the ECU in the event of a rear-end impact. While a rear impact happens, the inflator integrated in the headrests slides a piston that unlocks a mechanism and projects the headrest forwards and upwards, reducing the risk of serious injuries.

The exterior changes include new front grille, hybrid-blue rear lamp clusters modified to incorporate larger, transparent outer lenses, and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels for the SE-L. The range of 11 exterior colours are available including Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.

Inside, the 2010 Lexus GS 450h features a new hybrid-blue backlit stop/start button and grey bird's eye maple wood grain trim, and a satellite navigation system with a 40GB hard drive among others. The Lexus GS 450h range is fitted with two new audio systems, a 10-speaker Lexus premium package and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System giving 5.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs.

Both systems are now DAB ready and provide USB and audio jack plug connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth with an audio streaming function, and will also provide a “sound library” function, using the navigation system’s HDD to transfer and store music files from CD up to 10GB capacity.

Prices will be released closer to the launch date.

VW Polo 3-door revealed ahead of Frankfurt Show

The VW Polo 3-door will be debuted at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Before that, Volkswagen has officially revealed some details. Positioned to compete against the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, the VW Polo 3-door is based on the standard 5-door hatchback, but with a much sportier style.

Just as the 5-door Polo, the VW Polo 3-door has the same body dimensions, a length of 3,970 mm, width of 1,682 mm and height of 1,485 mm. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to 952 liters).

At launch, the 3-door Polo will be available with three level trim variants - Trendline, Comfortline, Highline. Base Trendline models offer standard ESP, daytime running lights, electric front windows, central locking, and tinted windows. Moving up to the Comfortline adds body-colored exterior accents, chrome trim, air conditioning, faux aluminum interior details, and a split folding rear seat. At the top of the range, the Highline model features additional chrome trim, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function display, and height-adjustable sport seats.

A range of engines will be offered, including three diesel and three petrol engines. The petrol engines have outputs of 44 kW (60HP), 51 kW (70 HP), and 63 kW (85 HP), VW said that it is also readying a turbocharged direct-injection TSI unit with 105HP. The diesels will be rated at 55 kW (75 HP), 66 kW (90 HP) and 77 kW (105 HP).

Furthermore, there will also be a 75HP 1.2-liter TDI of the Polo BlueMotion which will be introduced in Frankfurt with sales set to begin at the beginning of 2010. According to VW, the Bluemotion model will be the world's most fuel-efficient car in its class with a fuel consumption of 3.3 lt / 100km or 71.3mpg US equivalent to 87 g/km CO2.

The Polo three-door is built at Volkswagen's Pamplona production facility in Spain. European sales are expected to begin in October (UK in early 2010), with prices starting at €12,150 (in Germany).

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car

Based on the 911 GT3 RS, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be shown at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2010 GT3 Cup is the first GT3 Cup features the 44-millimetre (1.73") wider body at the rear, allowing for larger wheels and a widened track. The wheels are set of new 18x9-inch (front) and 18x9.5-inch three-piece alloys suited for all-out racing duty. A 15mm (0.6") lower front spoiler lip providing more downforce on the front axle, and a larger rear wing (for additional downforce on the rear axle) are also included.

The car has been stripped out to keep its weight down to just 1200kg. Lightweight features include 18-inch alloy wheels, carbonfibre bodywork and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes which weigh 20kg less than the standard brakes.

Under the hood, the Cup shares the same engine with the 911 GT3 RS, a horizontally-opposed 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 450 bhp (331 kW) at 8,500 rpm. It also fits a sequential six-speed manual gearbox for quick-shifting performance. Though performance figures haven’t been released, the GT3 Cup should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph).

Other special equipments include a special racing exhaust system, a fully controlled catalytic convertor and a fully adjustable suspension. The streeting wheel and data display offer a total of six user-customizable switches.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be available exclusively in Carrara White, the first delivery begins this October with prices starting at €149,850(about $213,000).

2010 Saab 9-5 reveal ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show launch

The highly anticipated Saab’s new flagship vehicle - 2010 Saab 9-5 will be launched at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Selling is set to start in 2010.

At launch, the 2010 Saab 9-5 will be available with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel — producing 118kW(160 hp) — a 220 horsepower 2.0L turbo gas motor and a range-topping a 2.8-litre V6 petrol producing 221kW (300hp) and peak torque of 400Nm. Models fitted with the 2.8L will also come equipped with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system.

Soon after the launch a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 132kW (180hp) and a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine will be added. Mated with all these engines are 6-speed transmissions.

In terms of styling, the car takes some inspiration from the Aero X concept car with its low-slung stance, muscular build, uncluttered lines and curvaceous shapes. The 9-5 will gain some extra weight, height and length over the current model. The wheelbase is also being increased by 14 cm to make the car a large one indeed. It should fit in nicely within its competition cluster which consists of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac CTS and Volvo S80.

The new 9-5 is claimed to be the most technically advanced car that Saab has ever made. It offers an array of high-tech features including an aircraft-inspired head-up information display, keyless entry and starting - the ignition is still located between the front seats, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, an adaptive chassis with real-time damping control, SAAB's XWD with eLSD, parking assistance and all-wheel-drive.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Åke Jonsson, SAAB Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."

Other options include a heads-up display for the driver, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system which is accessed through an 8-inch touch screen for the rear passengers, a 10GB harddrive for music storage.

2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition headed to Frankfurt Motor Show, sales for Europe only

BMW has announced that its new 2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition will be debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. And then go on sale in Europe in January 2010. Pricing should also be similar to the 320d SE, which starts at 26,680 pounds sterling ($44,000).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine generating 120 kW/163 hp and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. All that power helps the car sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.2 seconds while the top speed is limited at 225 km/h or 140 mph.

As for the economy data, the 320d easily overcomes the 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h. With an impressive fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle, it’s regarded as the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW’s current model range.

As the name ‘EfficientDynamics’ speaking, the vehicle strictly accords with BMW's EfficientDynamics program. A range of technologies serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions are included, such as: regenerative brakes, Auto Start/Stop for the engine, the gearshift point indicator which tells the driver in good time when to shift gears in the interest of optimum efficiency and the EPS Electronic Power Steering to obtain the maximum efficiency.

Engineers also fitted a dual-mass flywheel and Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber mounts to the engine to quell vibrations and a lowered suspension to improve performance as well as efficiency.

The car also comes with the new Aero wheel rims in turbine wheel design , shown also on the brand new 2010 Bmw X6 Hybrid, which improve the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard.

When it goes on sale in Germany, Italy, France and Spain, the engine and the entire car will get even higher standard of efficiency, optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum will be included.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon official details revealed

Mercedes has officially unveiled their new 2010 E-Class ‘Estate’ Wagon with full details and images, which will make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

Just have a look at the pics, the new E-Class Wagon features dynamic styling with taut surfaces and striking character lines. With a load capacity of up to 1,950 liters, which is even more than some luxury SUVs, the E-Class Estate (length/width/ height: 4,895/1,854/1,471 mm) sets the standard in its class. Furthermore, the new wagon boasts an automatic "easy-pack" tailgate, a "quickfold" rear seat (which can be lowered from the cargo compartment), and seating for up to seven people.

The new E-Class Wagon also highlights safety equipments. Lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes and tire wear are expected to contribute to .driver assistance. Besides, Pre-Safe braking (automatic braking in emergencies), nine airbags, four belt tensioners, available rear seat airbags, and optional self-adaptive belt force limiters for the rear seats will also available.

Customers will get a range of engine options, including three diesel and two petrol engines. The top model in the diesel range is the six-cylinder E350 CDI Blue-EFFICIENCY with an output of 170 kW/231 hp, which uses 0.5L per 100km less fuel than the previous E320 CDI. The other two diesel models are the 125 kW (168 hp) E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the 150 kW (201 hp) E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Petrol models include the 215 kW (288 hp) E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and the 285 kW (382 hp) E 500.

Further more, in early 2010, the 100 kW (134 hp) E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, 170 kW (228 hp) E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, 135 kW (181 hp) E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, 150 kW (201 hp) E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, and the 200 kW (268 hp) E 350 4MATIC will also join the lineup.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate wagon is set to go on sale in Europe by the end of the year with a variety of E-Class estate models. However, the E-Class wagon will be available in just one model in North American in June of 2010 - The E350 4Matic, an all-wheel-drive model powered by Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept teased ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

Few days ago, we just reported that Mazda has announced a special edition 20th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 for the Japanese market. However, that’s not enough for celebrating 20 years of the successful MX-5/ Miata brand. Thus Mazda decides to reveal the Superlight concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as part of the celebration.

The MX-5 Superlight was designed by Mazda's in-house team in Germany. Right now we haven’t got many details on the concept. Just as the name suggests, the Superlight Concept will feature the using of a number of weight-saving measures, then get an improvement of driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Additionally, interior sketches reveal a racing seat, further hinting at the performance potential of the car. Other unique cosmetic and structural changes include the lack of A-pillars, as well as the smooth front and rear decks presumably used to help control airflow around the car.

Under the hood, the concept will likely be used the standard MX-5's range-topping 2.0L gasoline engine. But it’s not confirmed yet.

However, claimed as a "pure show car", whether the MX-5 Superlight Concept will come to production is still unknown.

Peugeot 308-based RC Z sports coupe teaser released

The midsize Peugeot 308 is one of the most flexible vehicles in the French automaker’s lineup, spawning numerous variants such as the regular three and five-door hatchbacks, SW wagon, as well as the stylish CC convertible. However, there is at least one more 308 variant in the works and it’s destined to be the most exciting of them all.

That’s the Peugeot 308 RC Z sports coupe, which is the production version of 2007’s 308 RC Z concept. The RC Z is unique in a number of ways. It is the first Peugeot not to use the zero or double zero numbering system in its name. The car would be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Peugeot has said that the car will be sold as an exclusive model that will give discerning enthusiasts great driving enjoyment. The nearly undisguised photos show the car will bear a fair resemblance in proportion to the Audi TT, though no observer is likely to confuse the two. Heavily flared fenders, a longer rear deck line and Peugeot's chunky front-end design - still slightly obscured here - will make the 308 RC Z stand out from the crowd.

As for the power, not much is yet known. However, it’s rumored that the RC Z will share the standard range of engines available in the 308 and also comes with a new 250hp (184kW) motor. With figures like that, the car will definitely have to focus on nimble handling to meet its performance targets.

Volvo announces 2010 XC60 R-Design

VOLVO has introduced its sporty R-Design variant of the ever-popular XC60 crossover, --- 2010 Volvo XC60 R-Design SUV. Set to go on sale shortly after its debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the XC60 R-Design gets an enhancement of the looks further and also a better driving experience.

The R-Design chassis is stiffer and the dampers have been revalved to firm up the ride. Furthermore, the steering ratio has been tightened up to improve steering response and help drivers feel more connected to the road.

The XC60 R-Design is targeting the young and the restless. "The R-Design model boosts the XC60's already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design." says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles. "These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars."

From the outside, it's easy to recognize the typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim mouldings and trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke 'Cratus' aluminum wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18in but there's also the option of a 20in set. Another new feature is that the lower section of the car is now colour-matched to the rest of the body instead of the matte black design of the standard model.

For the interior Volvo has continued to make it stylish while sporty, adding aluminum inserts in the steering wheel, door mouldings and the stylized center stack. The standard pedals have also been replaced with aluminum units, while the seats have been covered with a new dual-tone leather design. Finally, the sports steering wheel has been trimmed with perforated leather and features an engraved R-Design emblem sitting center.

The price is not revealed yet.

2010 Opel Astra Revealed: Debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Sales Start this Fall

Opel has reveal the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra with high-res photos and a few key details. The car will make its official world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, before arriving in European showrooms by the end of the year.

The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. Depending on the market, the new Astra will go on sale in Europe this fall. And whether the Astra will make it across the Atlantic and arrive in one form or another in U.S. showrooms due to the instability in GM's current situation and of course, the pending sale of the American automaker's stake in the Opel / Vauxhall brands.

This is the sixth generation of the Astra, which comes almost 30 years after the launch of the original, and its styling was led by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for Opel’s award-winning Insignia. Clearly influenced by the Insignia, the new Astra has spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel, benefiting performance, economy and overall refinement.

Beneath the car’s pretty sheet metal is a 4.4 metre-length body and an updated GM Delta platform with a 71 millimetre-longer wheelbase. Wider tracks front and rear feature, as does a new rear axle design, which not only improves stability and agility but improves ride and comfort as well. Enhancing ride quality further is the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

The highlight of the new Astra’s powertrain line-up is the introduction of an all-new, 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol unit, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW), and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). All engines are Euro 5 compliant.

Opel is also expected to launch a new two-mode hybrid version although it won’t arrive until the end of 2010. Opel's own brand difficulties, including a partial sell-off of GM's interest, could slow development down, however.

The Astra is based around the latest version of GM’s Delta FWD compact platform and will once again be available in coupe, three and five-door hatchbacks and wagon, as well as a sedan in select markets. Since the Delta platform is shared with the Chevrolet Cruze, which will be built at GM’s Lordstown Ohio plant, there’s the possibility that an Astra under one of GM's other brand banners, such as Buick - could also be manufactured in North America to keep costs low. There’s yet to be any official confirmation, however.