A Frankfurt Motor Show isn’t complete without an appearance of sort from one of the kings of super cars, Bugatti. Thankfully the boys from Molsheim didn’t disappoint, after showing up and displaying the super-duper rare Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu special edition, to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary.

Bugatti has had a history of producing one-off special editions of their celebrated super car, the Veyron and the Sang Bleu is the latest example. Just like all other special-edition Veyrons out in the world, the Sang Bleu has been locked and loaded with one of the most powerful performance engines in the world. The car is powered by a mighty quad-turbocharged W16 engine with a maximum output of 746 kW (1001 HP) and 1 250 N.m of torque. In terms of speed, the Sang Bleu’s speedometer will climb to an eye-watering 407 km/h.

As far as the exterior goes, the Sang Bleu features a shimmering royal blue and chrome silver paint job, with matching two-tone white and royal blue wheels, making the Sang Bleu stand out from the other, more ‘common’ Veyron’s out on the streets.

And if standing out is what turns you on, then you’ll be pleased to learn that the Veyron Sang Bleu is so limited that only one was ever built. The one you’re seeing at Frankfurt is the only one of its kind on the planet and unfortunately for those who’re reaching for their wallets – the car has already been sold for a staggering USD2.7 million!

Adapted from TopSpeed

Wiesmann has officially taken the wraps off their exclusive MF5 Roadster at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Weismann MF5 roadster is powered by a 5,0-litre V10 from a BMW M5, mounted in the front midship position for better weight distribution. The Weismann MF5′s 378 kW and 520 N.m of torque are channeled to the ground through a BMW sourced SMG sequential 7 speed gearbox. The MF5 is capable of sprinting fom zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 307 km/h.

With such great power comes great responsability, so the MF5’s safety system includes: an integrated side impact protection beam, ABS, DSC, a safety steering column that is adjustable in both height and length, BMW’s security system including an electronic engine immobilizer, 3 point harness, hydraulically assisted power steering and the oh-so-important driver and passenger airbags.

Only 55 units of the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster will be built, each with a price tag of GBP189 500.

Adapted from DieselStataion

Peugeot has taken the wraps off one of its more unconventional concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing the pint-sized BB1 electric vehicle concept.

Although sharing a similar footprint to the diminutive smart fortwo, the 2.5 metre long BB1 is capable of carrying four people within its tiny frame. An unusually-shaped (and almost vertical) windscreen maximises interior space, the rising roofline providing sufficient headroom for backseat passengers.

Two rear-hinged doors with small wind-down glass sections are another quirky key feature. Controls are also unusual with the driver foregoing the conventional wheel and pedal arrangement in favour of a scooter-like handlebar and twist throttle.

Built atop a tube-framed chassis and clothed in carbon-fibre body panels, the BB1 is extremely light. Kerb weight is just 600 kg – a featherweight by modern standards.

The BB1 is all-electric, and power is stored in two lithium-ion battery packs that can be charged from a wall outlet and topped up by a solar panel array on the car’s roof. Two electric motors drive the rear wheels and produce a combined maximum output of 20 kW and 640 N.m. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds and top speed is just 90km/h. Peugeot claims a maximum range on a full charge of 120 km, making the BB1 best suited to urban commutes rather than long-distance suburban hops – if it were ever to go into production, that is.

Don’t expect to see the BB1 in Peugeot showrooms any time soon. Of course, we may yet see the concept’s clever interior packaging finding its way into a future city car offering from the French manufacturer.

Adapted from TheMotorReport

Say hello to the VW Scirocco R, which has just been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. If you thought that the standard Scirocco was just a bit soft, this is the Volkswagen Scirocco for you.

Unlike previous VW R models, the Scirocco is two- not four-wheel drive. It has four, not six cylinders but fear not, there’s plenty to rejoice about. The looks, for example.

The Scirocco is already pretty aggressive but the R’s gaping front intakes – incorporating LED daytime running lights – lowered ride height, new 18-inch rims (19’s are optional) gloss black rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes and tinted rear lights certainly add a bit of muscle.

Then there’s the performance. The 2,0-litre turbocharged engine has been uprated to 195 kW – up from the 147 kW of the standard 2,0-litre TSI. This means it now sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds (6.4 seconds with the DSG gearbox) and its top speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h.

We already knew the standard chassis could handle more power but just to make sure, VW has lowered and stiffened the suspension, added an ‘XDS’ electronic limited slip differential – to help get all the power onto the road – and a set of huge 345 mm brakes to slow it all down again.

The only problem is that it’s going to cost around GBP26 000 when sales start in September and that’s more expensive than the outstandingly vicious Focus RS.

Adapted from Sky

Audi has boosted its green credentials at the Frankfurt Motor Show by unveiling an electric-only version of its iconic R8 supercar. Dubbed the e-tron, this futuristic coupe looks set to give its petrol-powered grandfather a run for its money, and bring real innovation to the world of electric cars. The e-tron is battling for the limelight with BMW’s hybrid Vision EfficientDynamics concept at Frankfurt – and proves that whatever the blue propeller can do, Audi can, too.

Under the reskinned body lie four electric motors – two on each axle. Together, these give an output of 230 kW, as well as an incredible 4 500 N.m of torque. The result is a four-wheel-drive performance car capable of zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 200 km/h – with zero tailpipe emissions.

The e-tron’s low-slung proportions are immediately recognisable. Yet the R8 styling cues get a futuristic slant, with a smoother grille, cut-out LED lights and aerodynamic wheels. Inside, Audi’s usual layout has made way for space-age minimalism. In front of the driver is a clean, uncluttered dash, which extends into the door panels. As there’s no need for a transmission tunnel, the designers have created a slim and compact centre console. Mounted on this is a dial that controls all the cabin’s major functions, through a large screen in front of the driver.

Under the skin, a blend of an aluminium spaceframe and plastic body panels ensures the e-tron is relatively light, at 1 600 kg’s. By placing the 470 kg lithium-ion battery pack where the petrol engine would usually be, Audi has managed to provide the new model with the handling of a mid-engined supercar. Plus, in corners, extra power can be sent to the wheel that needs it most. The weight is distributed 42/58, front to rear, and the 4WD is biased to the back – so the e-tron should be every bit as agile as the regular R8.

It’s even aware of its surroundings. The on-board computer can receive data about upcoming corners and gradients, and can sense traffic light sequences, so it sets the car up to maximise efficiency. Once the battery runs out of charge, though, owners will be able to plug their model into a domestic electrical socket.

While the e-tron isn’t likely to appear in showrooms for some time, expect parts of its technology will grace Audi cars in the next few years.

Adapted from AutoExpress

ABT Sportsline is arguably the world’s largest tuner of Volkswagen branded vehicles, so it is no surprise that ABT have wasted no time in releasing a tuned version of the latest VW Polo. According to ABT, their tuning skills applied to the new Volkswagen Polo hatchback creates “a small sports car that makes man’s heart beat faster, of course ladies will also love it.”

The exterior of the ABT Polo is enhanced with a number of accesories, including a carbon fibre rear spoiler, rear apron insert and a new twin-exhaust system that exits in the centre of the diffuser. Large 18-inch ABT Sportsline wheels emphasize the already sporty vision of the Polo. A set of decals have been added to the ABT Polo, which distinguish it from its standard siblings.

In the performace department, the ABT tuners are offering an ‘extra kick’ to all turbo engines. Power of the 55 kW 1,6-litre turbo-diesel is upped to 66 kW, and after ABT treatment the 66 kW turbo-diesel engine produces 81 kW. The range-topping 77 kW diesel engine is increased to a sporty 96 kW. The extremely economical 1.2 TSI is also tuned to produce 96 kW, an increase of 19 kW over the standard cars 77 kW. The fuel consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions remain unchanged, although for most ABT customers fuel consumption is probably the last thing on their minds – we haven’t heard any objections to ABT’s 17 l/100km, R8 5.2 FSI yet!

Adding to the dynamics of the ABT Polo, is an optional set of lowering springs, which lower the centre of gravity and improving the handling characteristics.

The Porsche tuning specialist, TechArt, has unveiled its styling program for the new Porsche Panamera sports saloon at the 2009 IAA, or as we’ve all come to know it, the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The German firm’s program for the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo models, which will be available from this December, includes a bodykit, new alloy wheels and interior components. For those that want more, TechArt is planning to introduce additional customisation options as well as performance upgrades for all Panamera models in the beginning of 2010.

The Panamera’s looks are accentuated by the new Aerokit 1 (yes, a more aggressively styled kit is on its way) that includes a front spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper with diffuser, roof spoiler, decorative strips for the air outlets on the front fenders and the headlamps and a rear wing. According to the tuner, the kit has been optimized to increase downforce at high speeds.

The Turbo model can be equipped with a pair of LED daytime running lights, while all models get a set of new dual oval stainless steel tailpipes. Buyers can also choose between 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.

For the interior, TechArt’s program comprises a unique two-colour leather finishing in teak and black, with matching decorative stitching and a roof liner in the same coloured Alcantara. A new sport steering wheel along with instrument dials in individual colours and special decorative elements for the center console, dashboard, and doors options are also available.

Adapted from CarScoop

When sunlight hits the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita , it sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fibre weave of the bodywork.

Trevita is an abbreviation in Swedish and translates into – three whites. The Koenigsegg visible carbon weave bodywork is renowned around the globe for its workmanship and finish. However, so far it has only been possible to utilize the classic black carbon fibres.

By utilising a new and unique method, Koenigsegg has managed to coat fibres with a diamond finish. The process was fully developed at Koenigsegg headquarters in Ängelholm Sweden, where the fibre treatment is conducted carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing.

Koenigsegg will only produce three Trevitas in total, hence the name. This makes the Trevita one of the most rare versions in the Koenigsegg family of cars.

To refresh your memory, the Koenigsegg CCXR is powered by a twin-supercharged 4,7-litre V8, which pushes out 593 kW and 920 N.m of torque. The CCXR weighs just 1280 kg’s, launches from zero to 100 km/h in a mind-blowing 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 395 km/h.

It’s finally here! Aston Martin has at last unveiled the production version of its brand-new four-door sports car, the Rapide, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking virtually identical to the Rapide concept, which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the production model blends sexy styling with five-door practicality. Exterior highlights include bi-xenon headlamps (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), clear LED taillights, hidden door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels outfitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Inside, the hatchback boasts a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, walnut trim, and iridium silver accents. Other features include a rear center console, automatic climate control, individual seating for four (with heat), organic electroluminescent (OEL) instrument displays, and LED interior lighting. In the tech department, the Rapide has a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 1000 Watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with iPod and USB connections. While the Rapide only has a 301-litre luggage capacity, it can be expanded to 750-litres by touching a button that lowers the rear seats.

Power comes from Aston Martin’s 6,0-litre V12 engine which produces 350 kW and 600 N.m of torque. Backed up by a six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission (with steering column-mounted magnesium paddles), the Rapide accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.3 before hitting an estimated top speed of 303 km/h.

Measuring 5 019 mm long and 1 360 mm high, the Rapide uses a modified version of Aston Martin’s aluminum V/H platform. With an independent double wishbone suspension (with coil springs, anti-roll bars and monotube adaptive dampers), the car should offer a premium ride quality while remaining sporty.

According to CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.” He continued, “With (the) Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment.”

Adapted from WorldCarFans

Joining the Coupe Concept at Mini’s Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the Roadster Concept, a two-seater speedster with a steeply raked windscreen and a more aggressive stance than your ‘everyday’ four-seater MINI Convertible. Admittedly though, an untrained eye may have to look twice to make sure that it’s a ‘different’ model. Compared to the coupe, the loss of the controversially styled aluminum top adds some styling points to the Roadster but other than a few other minor cosmetic details, the two models are identical.

The Roadster model gets a lightweight canvas top that opens and closes manually along with the necessary roll bars that are located behind the two seats.

Like the Coupe Concept, the Roadster is based on a faintly modified version of the MINI hatch platform. The two-seater topless Mini measures 3 714 mm in length, 1 683 mm in width and 1 356 mm in height, while boot capacity remains the same as that of the coupe at 250 litres.

Under the bonnet, whereas the Coupe is matched to the same turbocharged 1,6-litre, 155 kW, 279 N.m four-cylinder engine used in the Cooper S John Cooper Works model, the Roadster settles with the less potent 128 kW 1,6-litre turbo found in the Cooper S.

Both the Coupe and Roadster models have already been confirmed for series production by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of the BMW Group, and are expected to go on sale sometime in 2011. Together with the forthcoming Crossman SUV, the trio of new models will double the firm’s portfolio in the next three years.

Adapted from CarScoop

Ferrari unveiled the brand new 458 Italia at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday. The 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a mid-to-rear mounted engine is a milestone in Maranello’s manufacture of high-performance sports cars. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s technological innovations inspired directly from the race track, and Michael Schumacher’s contribution right from the early stages of the project, speaks for a vehicle ready to fulfil the expectations and ambitions of even the most passionate clients.

With its newly developed 4,499 cc V8 engine, which produces 425 kW at 9000 rpm, the F1 dual-clutch gearbox and a 1 380 kg dry weight, the Ferrari 458 Italia boasts an extraordinary weightpower ratio of 2,42 kg. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is dealt with in less than 3.4 seconds and the maximum speed is around 325 km/h.

Ferrari took care of 458 Italia’s superb vehicle dynamics by reaching an ideal weight balance for a mid-to-rear engined sports car – 58 per cent rear, 42 per cent front. The evolved electronic control systems also guarantees the vehicle optimal performance in all driving conditions. The new suspension and the more direct steering ratio, ensures the car is extremely responsive whilst maintaining superior ride comfort. Ferrari 458 Italia produces only 307 g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption of just 13.3 l/100 km (combined cycle).

Adapted from AutomobilesReview

Kumho is one of the leading tyre manufacturers and at this years Frankfurt Motor Show they have announced their new laser etching technology process. It is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns.

Mass production tread patterns can be a compromise – part functional and part aesthetic. In the future, Kumho plans to design its treads in two stages. The functional requirement, free of compromise, will be moulded in the normal way. Any additional attributes or design features will then be etched onto the surface as required.

Said Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho’s Birmingham-based European Technical Centre: “The new laser technology will allow us far more freedom at the design stage and the ability to experiment with any number of patterns and surface finishes. In the future, the process could also provide production tyres with a variety of short-term gains – such as special surfaces for use in motorsport or driving on low friction surfaces etc.”

Adapted from AutomobilesReview

The Lotus Evora may be the most luxurious Lotus to emerge from the British firm in recent years, but it still makes for a good race car – a fact proven by the new Type 124 Evora endurance racer.

According to Lotus, few major changes were necessary to create the Type 124. The race model uses the stock Evora chassis, and retains a high percentage of the production car’s suspension. Lotus reportedly changed only the dampers and anti-roll bars, which are now four-way adjustable units.

As with all race cars, the stock brakes and tyres are replaced with parts honed for track duty. The Evora Type 124 uses AP Racing 6-piston calipers in both front and back, and rides on Pirelli racing slicks.

In order to make the car completely FIA compliant, Lotus added a full roll cage, a fire extinguisher system, and a six-point restraint harness. Thanks to stripping virtually everything else from the interior and using a number of carbon fibre body panels, the Type 124 weighs 200 kg’s less than the stock car (approximately 1197 kg’s). pounds).

The engine is still a Toyota-sourced 3,5-litre V6, but power has increased. Lotus says in Type 124, the six-cylinder can produce as much as 298 kW. Lotus replaced the standard six-speed sequential gearbox with a normal six-speed manual transmission.

The Evora Type 124 will make its debut at the 2010 ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, and will continue competing at various endurance races throughout 2011 as part of a factory supported program.

Adapted from Automobile

Bentley is resurrecting the Mulsanne name for its latest super-luxury saloon which will cost an astonishing GBP250 000. For that you get hand built quality and one of the most exclusive cars around – rivalling even the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The design echoes Bentley models of the past but underneath this is a thoroughly modern sports saloon with an advanced adpative air suspension system and a new Drive Dynamics Control system, which alters the suspension and steering for either sport or comfort settings.

A lightweight 6,75-litre V8 with 376 kW and immense torque of 1020 N.m,  available low down in the rev range,  ensures the Mulsanne has the performance expected from a Bentley, while an eight-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard and features steering-wheel mounted shifters.

The interior is dominated by traditional wood and leather, while buyers are also able to choose from an almost unlimited number of finishes and colours, allowing pretty much endless combinations. Pure wool, deep-pile carpets add to the sense of luxury.

The hand-built Bentley also features a state-of-the-art audio system with the world’s most powerful in-car amplifier and 20 custom-made speakers. The multmedia system includes sat nav and a 40GB hard drive for music.

Adapted from Parkers

VW has unveiled the Volkswagen Scirocco, Golf 6 and Passat CC R-Line product range in Frankfurt. Volkswagen Golf 6 R-Line comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, sport chassis, side skirts, new bumpers, a roof spoiler and a diffuser. The interior of the Volkswagen Golf 6 R-Line features a leather steering wheel, stainless steel pedal caps and foot support, R-Line door tread plates and sport seats.

The Volkswagen Scirocco R-Line package features the same elements included in the Golf R-Line kit.

The Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line package includes 18 inch rims, a front spoiler and side skirts, door tread plates, sport seats and a climate control system.

Press Release (Click to expand)

Adapted from ZCars

With the Veyron’s production cycle ending in 2012, Bugatti will have a slot to fill in their high dollar über performance segment (which is, of course, their only segment). They’re currently gauging interest of the four door category with the unveiling of this, the Galibier 16C concept. With Saab like headlights, side profile reminiscent of the new Aston Martin Rapide and a rear-end with hints of Porsche Panamera, it looks pretty good.

Power will come from the same 16 cylinder engine as the Veyron, only this time around it will be equipped with twin superchargers instead of four turbochargers. The body panels will be a combination of carbon fibre and aluminum to keep weight down, and will be styled after the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique from the early 30’s. This means that you can now haul four people over 320 km/h instead of just two – simply marvelous.

Adapted from 0-60Mag

Volkswagen has premiered its youngest offspring of the Polo family at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The agile three-door shares the new styling cues as seen on Tiguan and Golf for a more consistant family look.

The new Polo will be available with a choice of six engines, ranging from 44 to 77 kW, and in three model grades (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline) which include the new Polo BlueMotion which will also be available as a five-door.

The world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class, Polo BlueMotion develops 55 kW from its turbo-diesel engine while managing 3.3 litres per 100km and 87 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Although on display at Frankfurt the Polo BlueMotion will not go on sale until midway through 2010.

Volkswagen is also offering the Polo with an automatic seven- speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) for the first time.

The model’s entry-level version will now be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with standard ESC.

Engine selections across the range include three diesel and three petrol units as follows:

• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (44kW) petrol
• 1.2-litre four-cylinder (51kW) petrol
• 1.4-litre four-cylinder (62kW) petrol
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (55kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.6-litre four-cylinder (66kW) turbo-diesel
• 1.2-litre four cylinder (77kW) turbo-petrol

Key dimensions of the Volkswagen Polo:

• Overall Length: 3 970 mm
• Overall Width: 1 682 mm
• Overall Height: 1 485 mm
• Cargo Capacity: 280/952 litres

No dates for the South African  market introduction have been confirmed yet.

Adapted from CarAdvice

Renault has officially launched its new Mégane Renaultsport 250 which will continue the legacy of blistering front-drive performance hatches from the French carmaker.

The new model is powered by an extensively revised 2,0-litre turbocharged engine which boasts peak power of 184 kW and 340 N.m from 3 000 rpm coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to its twin-scroll turbo, the Renaultsport 2,0-litre turbocharged engine is exceptionally responsive and particularly flexible at low revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from 1 900 rpm.

The Mégane Renaultsport 250 will be available with the choice of two chassis settings when it makes its sales debut: a sport chassis for everyday driving enjoyment and a Cup chassis for more exhilarating performance, especially on track.

Adapting the styling cues of the new Mégane Coupe, its front bumper incorporates a blade echoing the low-slung noses of a Formula 1 car, along with extended wheel arches, side sill, rear diffuser, extended tailgate spoiler and centrally-positioned exhaust tailpipe.

Inside, the new Mégane Renaultsport 250 is easier to live with thanks to features such as height adjustable front seats with additional lateral support or optional Recaros, height and reach adjustable sports steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers and a new fascia design.

Together with the raft of standard equipment available on the standard Mégane, the Renaultsport 250 boasts two specific features aimed at heightening the driver’s enjoyment delivered by the vehicle’s performance.

A Renaultsport Dynamic Management system allows the ESC to be enabled in one of three modes: ‘On’ (the default mode), ‘Sport’ (for less intrusive ESC action) and ‘Off’ (total disengagement). A Renaultsport Monitor, taking its inspiration from motor sport, provides information about real-time engine performance, gearchange warning, throttle pedal mapping, lateral acceleration, 0 – 100 km/h acceleration and lap times.

Adapted from CarAdvice