2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
Internal combustion engines still rule the road, but at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, electrics are getting ready for a more commanding role.
The show’s star was the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. This plug-in hybrid Hyper-Car concept combines a racing V6 with no less than 4 electric motors for over 1,000 horsepower.
More practical is the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA. A second member for their upcoming EQ electric sub-brand.
Or how about this Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL with ultra-compact hydrogen fuel-cell and battery technology.
Frankfurt was the world premiere for the BMW i Vision Dynamics. This four-door Gran Coupe, aimed at Tesla--has a 373-mile all-electric range.
For SUV fans, check out the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance. A three-row plug-in hybrid that seats 6 in high-tech luxury.
Even MINI’s iconic two-box design sees a brighter future with electric power.
Volkswagen I.D. electric sub-brand with include the I.D CROZZ crossover for 2020. Followed by the sure-to-be iconic I.D. Buzz microvan in 2022.
Audi is predicting electric autonomous driving with the Audi Aicon. Using artificial intelligence, but no steering wheel or pedals, it has the ability to drive itself nearly 500 miles on a single charge.
Audi’s all-new petrol and diesel powered A8 flagship already offers Level 3 automated driving, and a 48 Volt electrical system.
Porsche's 2019 Cayenne was unveiled just before the show, but a surprise Turbo version rolled onto the Frankfurt stage with 550-HP and a 0-60 of 3.7 seconds.
Jaguar announced their all-electric production car racing series, while over at Land Rover, the conventionally powered Discovery SUV gets the extreme SVX all-terrain treatment.
Not to be left out, Asian brands made Frankfurt news as well. Honda’s with its cute and tiny Urban EV Concept, and Toyota, with a hybrid concept of the C-HR crossover.
So clearly the way in which we drive is getting “amped up” in the not so distant future. And that’s it for this week’s Motor News.
2023 New York International Auto Show
May 3, 2023 The 2023 New York International Auto Show saw some exciting new vehicle reveals…
Jeep showed off their refreshed 2024 Wrangler, with a tweaked seven-slot grille, a larger infotainment screen, and two new models: the Sport S 4xe and Rubicon X. Subaru unveiled the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness, with more ground clearance, retuned components and all-terrain tires. And, Ram released range numbers for the 1500 REV all-electric pickup: up to 500 miles with the optional battery pack.
After the formal auto show, Volkswagen unveiled their all-new ID.7 electric sedan.
Built on VW’s MEB platform, its maximum range is estimated at 435 miles. Standard is a 15-inch infotainment system and augmented reality head-up display. It goes on sale here next year. Back to internal combustion, Acura debuted the 2024 Integra Type S. This performance liftback packs 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a little more than its Civic Type R cousin.
Buick revealed an all-new model, the Envista. Replacing the Encore, this sub-compact utility has a sportier design outside and a bigger screen inside. Available this summer, the Envista will start at under $24,000.
On a sad note, land-speed record icon Craig Breedlove has passed away.
Breedlove was the first person to exceed 500, then 600 miles per hour, doing so in a series of vehicles, all named Spirit of America. He was 86. His legacy lives on.
And that’s it for this week’s Motor News.