Tag Archives: Frankfurt Motor Show
All-Electric Porsche Taycan Teases Interior Ahead of Official Launch
The 2020 Porsche Taycan will make its official debut during the Frankfurt Motor Show, but the luxury carmaker already gave us a glimpse of its stunning interior.
The Taycan will be the brand’s first all-electric vehicle when it goes on sale in 2020. It will compete directly with the Tesla Model S. In this series of images, the German automaker gave us a glimpse of its elegant and much-talked-about interior, which the dashboard dominates.
This will be the first vehicle—even among its luxury-car contemporaries—to have a fully integrated Apple Music into its infotainment system. Because of this, its infotainment system will host a range of features and functions never before seen on other vehicles. The car’s voice control function was reconfigured to allow drivers to search for songs, albums, and playlists on their Apple Music accounts. Think Siri, but now you’re using Porsche’s technology.
All Taycans will have a free six-month subscription to Apple Music and also a complimentary three-year roaming internet connection. Buyers will get access to Apple Music playlists that are specially curated by Porsche for Taycan owners. To get more of this music experience, the Taycan is fitted with high-quality Burmester surround sound system as an option.
Earlier prototypes showed the Taycan will have a freestanding digital instrument display and a large infotainment screen, which is similar to the 10.1-inch display used on Audi cars. The same features should be found on the production-ready version of the car. Once Porsche decides to release a less restrictive set of images, we can expect to find a small toggle-style gear selector and a second touchscreen display for the center console. This will likely be used for the climate control system.
Although Porsche hasn’t given the exact specifications of the Taycan, the range-topping electric variants should come with two electric motors that will produce over 600 horsepower. Its lithium-ion battery aims to give 310 miles on a single charge.
Are You Ready For The New BMW M8 This September?
The all-new BMW M8 Performance coupe, with its 600+ horsepower and twin-turbocharged V8 engine, is scheduled to make its grand debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Are you ready for it?
The new M8 Performance coupe is at the tail end of its development program. It has been testing its power output at the Estoril circuit in Portugal and BMW has even made available a list of performance enhancements that it plans to fit into the new M8.
BMW plans to launch its flagship M car, which looks to be the most powerful road car the German automaker has ever produced, together with the latest M3 sports saloon and the new M135i hot hatchback.
The new M8 is powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the BMW M5. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as the company’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which will reportedly be rear-biased (similar to the M5). There will be two power outputs available—the base model can generate 600 horsepower while the Competition variant will make 625 horses.
The M8 coupe will be joined later on by a convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe. These were all hinted upon us by the M6 Gran Coupe concept back at the 2018 Geneva auto show.
Aside from the power output, the M8 will also get a reduced curb weight, a wider track, a lower center of gravity, increased body and chassis rigidity, and revised steering and suspension setup.
There’s still no word on how fast the new M8 will get to 62 mph from a standstill, as well as the car’s top speed. However, BMW did say that the car’s combined fuel economy rating will be in the 26 mpg region. CO2 emissions are expected to be somewhere between 243 and 246 g/km.
New 296-HP 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan R Is Coming Soon
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan R is scheduled to be revealed later this year. This means the German company is constantly testing the car to prepare it for the release. Spy shots of the Tiguan R revealed a new performance SUV that used the same platform found in the recently-launched Cupra Ateca.
According to reports, the new Tiguan R will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 296 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque on the Ateca. That power will go through a seven-speed DSG to an all-wheel-drive configuration that allows the car to go 62 miles in around six seconds.
The test mule has the same R-Line version of the SUV, which means it will sport the model line’s front bumper, rear valance, and large rear spoiler. The only difference will lie on the twin-exit exhaust tips. Volkswagen may want to make the Tiguan R sportier before its big reveal but that’s all up in the air for now.
Other features that are to be expected are adaptive suspension, updated performance brakes, a choice of alloy wheels, and a sophisticated traction control system.
The cabin should also be similar to a Tiguan R-Line with a pair of leather-trimmed sports seats, a sports steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch infotainment screen, and a premium audio system all coming as standard. Extras would be a tow-bar and three-zone climate control.
The Tiguan R is in line with Volkswagen’s plan to expand its SUV lineup. This new Tiguan R will follow the T-Roc R, a mini-performance SUV with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The T-Roc R and the Tiguan R also have similar interior specifications.
We expect the Tiguan R’s debut before or during the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Thunder Power Unwraps Electric SUV at Frankfurt Motor Show
Hong Kong-based electric car company Thunder Power came to the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show not only to update us about its Zagato-designed sedan EV, but also to unveil a new one—an electric SUV.
Willem Sham, the CEO of Thunder Power, revealed the Thunder Power SUV, which was designed in-house in Milan, Italy and uses the brand’s modular platform. It has an electric powertrain fitted, so the car can maximize its interior space and still maintain a low center of gravity.
To reduce drag time, the automaker said it tweaked the car’s aerodynamics. The company, however, is still tight-lipped about what the electric SUV has in store for us once it reached production.
On the outside, the electric SUV is attractive enough, minus the grille’s design. The interior is comfortable and there’s ample space on the cargo area, thanks to rear doors that open rearward. It also has a panoramic roof and a large digital screen that stretches across the dashboard.
But before the unveiling of the electric SUV, Thunder Power updated its audience that the designing and the possible production of the sedan is going well. In fact, a production-spec prototype was onstage with camouflage that resembles a topographic map. The sedan is reportedly undergoing testing for battery performance.
Sham revealed that the sedan EV will have a driving range of up to 650 kilometers on the NEDC cycle. He also announced a Launch Edition Coupe with only 488 examples available. The coupe will produce 654 horsepower on its electric powertrain. It will be paired with a four-wheel-drive system and uses a torque vectoring system.
The overall design of the Launch Edition Coupe will depend on the customer’s taste, but it will have an engraved plaque of the car’s serial number. The coupe will enter production soon, but deliveries will begin on the second quarter of 2019.
3 Key Features of the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is a midsize member in the Land Cruiser range, just got updated. It’s a far cry from the massive Toyota Land Cruiser that is being sold in other markets. For this year, as shown Tuesday during the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Land Cruiser Prado is made more refined.
Promising to bring safer tech features, the Land Cruiser Prado that made its debut at Frankfurt also received a modernized exterior and cabin.
1. Exterior
For a sharper and more modern look, the Land Cruiser Prado’s grille and headlights have been revised with the headlights’ main beams being repositioned to avoid damage from obstacles presented by off-road driving conditions. The hood and front fenders also received some treatment as they have been reprofiled to aid visibility.
The lower corners of the front and rear bumpers are now angled upwards to improve off-road maneuverability. The redesigned rear also has new lamp clusters.
2. Interior
The cabin of the Land Cruiser Prado is definitely more refined and upscale than previous generations of the Land Cruiser, thanks to the upgrade on the instrument cluster, the switchgear, and the center stack. The seats are covered in a luxurious cream-colored leather that goes well with the steering wheel wrapped in black and tan. The interior definitely spells luxury and comfort.
3. Drivetrain
The powertrains available for the Land Cruiser Prado will depend on the market you are coming from. It will be offered in either turbocharged inline-4 or V-6 engines. The inline-4 can be paired together with gasoline or diesel while the V-6 engines will be matched with gasoline only. Buyers can choose between a manual or an automatic transmission.
The safety features are the ones the Land Cruiser Prado is boasting about. The technology includes autonomous features (depending on the market), collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitor.
Expect the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to start its deliveries this November.
3 Amazing Features of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
As if Porsche hasn’t done enough on its Cayenne, it now launched the 2019 Cayenne Turbo at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is definitely more powerful, sportier, and more aggressive. With a V-8 engine, the Turbo version of the Cayenne will surely give every competitor a run for its money.
1. Minimal Exterior Difference
So far, we haven’t seen a lot of difference between the base model, the S, and the Turbo. The three have the same headlights and general fascia, though Turbo’s side intakes and grill are larger. The Turbo has no fog lights up front and the radiator grille is more open compared to the other two models.
At the rear, the only differences are the rear diffuser and the square exhaust outlets. Topping off the Turbo’s more aggressive styling are 21-inch wheels.
2. Luxurious Interior
When you enter the Turbo, it almost feels likes the base model and the S model, albeit the instrument cluster in front of the driver has a single analogue gauge in the center with a seven-inch digital display on either side. On the right, you can find a 12.3-inch infotainment and navigation display.
Standard equipment that went along with the cool setup of the instrument cluster are a 710-watt Bose sound system, 18-way sport seats, heated seats in the front and rear, heated steering wheel, and integrated headrests.
3. Lightweight but Powerful
Under the hood, as mentioned above, you’ll find a new 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 30 horsepower and 14 pound-feet of torque from the outgoing V-8. The engine is paired with Porsche’s new eight-speed automatic transmission with traction management and all-wheel drive.
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds or 3.7 seconds if you have the Sport Chrono package. What makes this even more amazing is the fact that it comes with a new lightweight chassis that shaved off a few pounds compared to the previous generation.
The Cayenne Turbo promises a very smooth drive, thanks to the new three-chamber air suspension, active suspension management, and active shock absorber.
4 Things To Know About The Honda Urban EV Concept Retro Design
The Honda City garnered a cult following because it was cute and functional. Can we fault Honda for wanting to maximize the potential of the City? At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda unveiled a new concept called the Honda Urban EV. It is basically a City, but fitted with a retro design that we all adore.
1. City with Retro Touches
Think of the City, but with more compact dimensions, round headlights, rectangular grille, and a hood decal reminiscent of City’s previous generations. To complete the look, there’s also an upright tail with square taillights. Overall, the car looks every bit the compact sedan Honda has been updating every year, but with funkier exteriors and interiors.
The suicide doors all the more emphasize the concept’s retro design. The driver and passengers will enter through it and sit on a pair of benches. At their front is perhaps one of the largest displays ever to be fitted on a car. They should be able to view conventional information that shows infotainment details and everything related to the car’s all-electric powertrain.
2. Power Manager to Take Care of the Drivetrain
There is no word yet on the powertrain, but Honda has been vocal about the Power Manager, which debuted alongside the Urban EV concept. The new technology will be able to transfer energy between a vehicle, a home, and the broader energy grid. If you are familiar with Tesla’s Power Wall, wherein owners can store renewable energy and upload it to the grid, the Power Manager sounds a lot like it.
3. Modern Touches Can Be Found Too
Sure, the retro design will make the Urban EV Concept stand out, but there are modern touches, too. There’s a blue backlighting in the Honda grille badge, a programmable display screen between the headlights, and a display screen between the taillights that shows the charge status. Aside from those, there’s also the huge multi-spoke wheels.
4. Concept to Go Into Production
The Honda Urban EV Concept will not remain a concept. It will go into production for European markets in 2019. There is no word yet if this will cross the shore to the United States, but let’s hope that it will since the retro design is too cute for words.
Photo Source: CarBuzz
Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Tech Ready For Frankfurt Show
The creme de la creme of the auto industry will gather this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Together with the debut of new models and limited editions from Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and many others come Mazda ‘s new Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Technology.
Mazda plans to debut the new technology at the Frankfurt show but it already began testing the compression-ignition driveway on the road. Spy photos of the new Mazda3 were seen last week. But what separates these prototypes from all the others is the very obvious Skyactiv-X graphics.
The photos showed a pre-refresh Mazda3, but the “Skyactiv-X” script can clearly be seen sprawled along the doors. Towards the rear fender, there’s a large “5” sign on it, which could mean that there are more prototypes being tested out there.
Though we don’t have many information yet about the next-generation Mazda3, it is more than likely that it will mirror the current version since Skyactiv-X is set to debut along with the new Mazda3.
What’s interesting about the Skyactiv-X is that it utilizes a mixture of spark and compression ignition that will reduce carbon emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of the engine. There’s also a supercharger, which can increase the torque output.
The Japanese carmaker has yet to give details on how many cylinders this new engine will have, but the next-generation Mazda3 is looking at being powered by a four-cylinder. We know that Mazda is already planning to electrify its lineup in select regions, so it is not impossible to see a hybrid or all-electric version of the Mazda3 by 2019.
The Skyactiv-X engine tech will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, when more and new details about the next-generation Mazda3 will hopefully emerge.
Ford Ranger Black Edition To Make Its Debut At The Frankfurt Motor Show
Ford’s most popular truck, the Ranger, has been fitted with an all-black trimming and exterior features for a special limited version of the current model. Called the Black Edition, it is scheduled to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
The vehicle will only be available for European customers, though, so the US market would have to wait until 2019 to get their hands on the Ford Ranger Black Edition. To make it more exclusive, not everyone in Europe can drive the Black Edition. There will only be 2,500 units of this edition, so you better make sure you deposit a reservation if you’re interested in owning this.
According to Ford, the Ranger is Europe’s best-selling pickup truck.
Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Europe, said in a statement that Ranger customers want the vehicle’s “tough, go-anywhere capability, and its rugged good looks.” He added that the company has high hopes and expectations for the Ranger Black Edition, which is an “attractive new limited series.”
Based on the limited series trim, the all-black special edition is a de-chromed version of the current Ranger. Instead of chrome finishing, the pickup truck will have a black grille, alloy wheels, and sports bar. It is painted in Absolute Black.
Inside, the seats are covered in leather trim and there are heated door mirrors. Standard equipment of the Ranger Black Edition includes satellite navigation, front parking sensors, rearview camera, Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone electronic climate control.
European market can start placing their orders in their chosen dealers now. So yes, maybe Europe is a little bit luckier because they’ll have a chance on the Black Edition. But on the other hand, they don’t have the new Bronco yet, so maybe there is enough justice in the world.
Volkswagen Gives Light Updates To The 2018 Golf SV
It is supposed to make its official debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show next month, but Volkswagen has finally revealed some details on the “light updates” that the Golf SV is scheduled to receive.
The Golf range has been recently revised, so it’s only a matter of time before the Golf SV follows suit.
The exterior received subtle adjustments such as revised bumpers on the front and rear, a tweaked grille, and LED headlights on the top trims and LED taillights. If you are looking for a new color, you’ll be happy to know that a new Cranberry Red paint is now available. There is also a range of alloy wheels that you can choose from to complete the overall look of the Golf SV.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be comfortable with new fabrics and materials, as well as the new Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen displays featuring capacitive touch buttons on the side and new a whole new tech—gesture control and increased smartphone connectivity.
The new safety tech is also available for the Golf SV, and rightfully so because VW enthusiasts have been demanding for it. The safety technology currently in place in the Golf SV are the Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring. Prospective buyers can also expect to see the Traffic Jam Assist and an updated Park Assist System and Trailer Assist. The Traffic Jam Assist, in particular, is a low-speed adaptive cruise control that can work up to 37mph.
Volkswagen has yet to reveal details on its engine specifications, but earlier reports point to the possibility of the SV featuring three TSI petrols and two diesel engines. These would most likely be upgraded to improve efficiency.
Pricing and release date for the UK market will be released later this year.
