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Green Cars, Compact Crossovers Abound at Frankfurt Show
This year's Frankfurt auto show is all about "green" cars and compact crossovers.
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This year's Frankfurt auto show is all about "green" cars and compact crossovers.
Media previews last week included the rollout of the $845,000 Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sports car, BMW's i3 electric car and i8 hybrid two-door and Mercedes-Benz's S500 Plug-in Hybrid.
Porsche's 918 Spyder is propelled by a 4.6-liter V-8 engine and twin electric motors to produce 887 hp, yet delivers an estimated fuel economy of 71 mpg on the European test cycle. The supercar hits the street late this year.
BMW's i8 hybrid goes on sale by mid 2014. Its powertrain combines an electric motor with a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine to make 362 hp and up to 94 mpg. The i3 battery-powered hatchback compact arrives in Europe in November and in the U.S., China and Japan by mid 2014.
The Mercedes S500 Plug-In Hybrid produces 440 hp from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and an electric motor, while posting 70 mpg. The 2015 model will be available late next year.
Carmakers are showing several green concepts at Frankfurt this week. Among them: Audi's Sport Quattro plug-in hybrid coupe; Opel's Monza, which features a version of the Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt range-extending powertrain; and the Volvo Concept Coupe with a 400-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain based on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
European carmakers also are signaling a big push into the compact crossover segment. Jaguar's C-X17 concept, which appears likely to go into production, showcases the brand's new aluminum architecture for small cars. The vehicle also signals an end to the unit of Tata Motors' long tradition of focusing only on sports cars and luxury sedans, while leaving the SUVs and crossover to its Land Rover sister brand.
Compact crossover concepts also on display include the Lexus LF-NX, the Infiniti Q30, and the Kia Niro. The Mercedes GLA, which makes its world debut at the Frankfurt show, is the only production model ready to join the field currently occupied by the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Buick Encore. The GLA goes on sale early next year.