Happenings

Cars To Watch At The Frankfurt Motor Show

BY Burnpavement

The world’s largest automotive fair will be featuring some of the most desirable and important cars to expect in 2012. Here is a glimpse into the future.

The ninth generation Honda Civic hatchback for Europe will be unveiled at the show. Honda claims that it will offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage, along with a peace of mind with low running costs through Honda’s famed and unparalleled reliability.

Mazda Motor Corporation will premiere the CX-5 compact crossover SUV. The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough Skyactiv Technology and the new design theme, ‘KODO — Soul of Motion’. The new engine powering the CX-5 has a record-breaking compression ratio of 14:1 and designed for efficiency.

Subaru will be showing its production XV crossover and claims that the production model will remain true to the concept we saw earlier this year. The company says that it will bring the famous AWD system and engineering expertise to those who are also looking for the flexibility and lifestyle statement of crossovers.

Suzuki will be bringing the new Swift Sport. It has a specially developed six-speed manual transmission and offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design. With 134 hp and 160 NM of torques... hot hatch lovers rejoice!

Hyundai will be showing its next-generation i30 that is designed to give the car a bold stance. Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe has hopes that the new i30 will play significant role in developing our brand image in Europe.

The Chevrolet Miray: Propelled by two front-mounted, battery-powered 15-kW electric motors for quick acceleration and zero emissions in urban driving, it is a fresh look at what a sports cars of the future might be. It's made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and carbon fibre and features a 1.5 litre turbo-charged four-banger at the back. If only every hybrid looks this good!

The Jaguar C-X16 production concept will make its global debut at the show. Designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK, the concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology. If you ask us, this looks to be the blueprint of the XE, or something like it.

The Vauxhall (Opel) Astra GTC will have its world debut. The GTC has three engines choice: A 120 or 140 hp, 1.4-litre engine that features start/stop technology and a six-speed automatic gearbox, as well as a 1.6-litre turbo which produces 180 hp and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 212 km/h. Sadly, there is no mention of the VXR variant.

That's not all!
VW will be bringing their Beetle R, Audi will be showcasing its new RS models, Porsche will be unveiling their brand new 911 and Lamborghini will be introducing their third model! We will update this article with the news as soon as we get them!