Trend New Carscop 2012: September 2011

Ford to Launch New Mustang Customizer Website

With the possible exception of audio and more recently, infotainment systems, the Mustang has never really been on the forefront of technological breakthroughs.

It only just received 6-speed transmissions while up until early 2010, the base model was fitted with a 4.0-liter lump delivering an embarrassing 210HP. And let's not forget that it still features a solid rear axle, a throwback in today's era of independent setups.

But when it comes to marketing gimmicks, Ford always manages to stay in front of the crowd. Now, the Detroit automaker is getting ready to launch a nifty customizer website for the 2012 Mustang.

Even though the brand-new Focus ST was just launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the hot hatch which will also be available as a Wagon in Europe, already has a racing sibling: the Focus ST-R that also made its world premiere in Germany. Read more »

SCOOP: New Audi RS4 Avant Flexes its Muscles on the Nürburgring

While Audi's executive officers were showcasing the Ingolstadt-based firm's latest conceptual and production models such as the S6, S7, S8 and the Urban studies, the company's engineers were hard at work trying out a prototype of the upcoming RS4 series in Avant form.

The wider front and rear tracks hiding under blistered wheel arches along with the massive brakes, large alloy wheels and the typical RS-style twin oval tail pipes leave no doubt that this is the upcoming RS4 Avant model.

We are not sure if we should call this mod cool or way over the top, but the glowing rims on the Bangle-era BMW 7-Series saloon certainly captured our attention, which was probably why the owner of the vehicle put them on in the first place.

You can check them out for yourself in the short video clip right after the jump.

Infiniti is relying on its partnership with Red Bull Racing and the blessings of reigning Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel to promote a sportier image for the brand

At this week's 64 International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the Japanese automaker put the spotlight on a one-off Infiniti FX50 designed in conjunction with Vettel. The special crossover features a host of aerodynamic, styling and mechanical improvements, all designed with Vettel's input.

There are concepts you know beforehand, no matter how marvelous they look, that are never going to roll their wheels on the road, but there others that are essentially production ready with minimal disguise previewed just months before the actual launch. The Fiesta ST Concept displayed at Ford’s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show definitely belongs to the second category.

Ford states that “the possibility of a Fiesta ST joining the Focus ST would bring Ford performance to drivers in to major segments.” Come on, stop pretending: the Fiesta ST is ready to enter production tomorrow morning, if needed. We've even spied it testing at the Nordschleife.

In what has become something of a joke for those closely following the Fiat Group's plans to re-introduce Alfa Romeo to the States, the Milanese firm's CEO Harald Wester told journalists in Frankfurt that the company has once again pushed back the U.S. presentation of several key models.

Wester also said that Alfa Romeo has canceled plans to build a mid-sized SUV at Chrysler Group's factory in Ohio. Read more »

IAA 2011: Opel Envisions an Affordable Urban Commuter with the RAK e Concept

Not to be outdone by its German counterparts, Opel displayed its vision for a low-cost urban commuter with the two-seater RAK e concept car. According to GM's German subsidiary, the study has "production potential".

The battery-operated vehicle with the exposed wheels is based on a steel space-frame structure beneath a skin of conventional synthetic material.

The reason why Opel avoided the use of exotic materials is to keep the RAK e as affordable as possible. Nevertheless, Opel managed to keep the weight down to just 380kg (837 lbs) or about 80kg (176 lbs) less than VW's NILS concept.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is abuzz this week with a variety of small pure electric concept cars. Volkswagen's contribution to the segment is a single-seater urban study named NILS, which the company claims has been "very realistically conceptualized".

"[The] NILS is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone has projected it back from the year 2030 to the world of today," says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management and Head of Development for the Volkswagen Brand.

We were hoping to see a replacement for the Gallardo supercar in Frankfurt but instead, Lamborghini showed us yet another limited edition version of its entry-level model.

Billed as the most extreme Gallardo ever, the new LP 570-4 Super Trofeo is loosely based on the race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo and will be produced in a limited run of 150 units.

Electric cars seem like a perfect means of transportation in the city, thanks to their zero emissions. The problem is that they are usually priced out of the reach of most customers. Smart claims that its third-generation ForTwo Electric displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show is not only Eco-friendly, but will also be available at a "customer-friendly" price. Read more »

Color Me Bronze: Toyota's FT-86 II Concept Hits the Frankfurt Stage with a New Color

Toyota seems ready to knock down the Chevrolet Camaro's record number of motorshow appearances before it finally entered production with its FT-86 sports coupe.

More than three years after Toyota and Subaru announced plans to co-develop a rear-wheel drive coupe, and almost two years after Toyota first showed a concept of the FT-86, the Japanese company is still displaying prototypes of its long-awaited sports car.

If anything else, and with a few exceptions such as the Ypsilon supermini, the aging Musa and the Delta compact hatchback, Lancia's range is beginning to look eerily similar to that of the Chrysler brand.

At this week's 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the Italian company displayed its entire lineup including the Thema sedan, Flavia Cabrio and the Voyager MPV, which are rebadged versions of the Chrysler 300, 200 Convertible and Town & Country respectively.

Although five-door versions of most B-segment cars are more popular in most markets, in order to satisfy those customers that don’t need the practicality of the two extra doors and prefer a more dynamic look, Kia launched a three-door version of its new Rio at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Read more »

2012 Toyota Avensis Facelift Uncovered at the Frankfurt Motor Show [Updated Gallery]

Following a sneak preview of the updated Avensis, today Toyota went ahead and officially revealed its Opel Insignia-rival at the Frankfurt Motor Show . The facelift brings cosmetic changes both on the outside and the cabin.

While overall dimensions remain the same as the previous model, the mid-size sedan and the estate (Tourer) version benefit from a fresh face with a redesigned grille that has a chrome upper “lip” and new, narrower headlights that incorporate daytime running lights. At the rear, both body styles gain redesigned tail lamps.

At the 64th International Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault lifted the veils off the fourth concept car to demonstrate the brand's new styling DNA, the Frendzy minivan that doubles as both a passenger car and a commercial van. Read more »

IAA 2011: Mercedes-Benz Looks Two Generations Ahead With F 125! Gullwing Concept

Birthdays are special occasions – even more so if it's your 125th. For most people, reaching such an age is unlikely, but for Mercedes-Benz it is a fact this year and to celebrate the event, the German automaker unveiled a gullwing concept named -not too imaginatively- F 125! at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The F 125! is a plug-in hybrid that demonstrates Mercedes’ vision for a large luxury coupe of the not-so-far future. The company claims that while its previous research vehicles have “looked ahead” by one model generation or approximately seven to eight years, the F 125! concept “looks” much further, by more than two generations, beyond 2025.

Making their world premiere alongside the series production Up! in Frankfurt, are six new concept versions of Volkswagen's new city car. We've already shown the you the Buggy Up! that harks back to the 1960's model, so we'll concentrate on the five other Up! studies.

First up! (pun intended), is the sportiest prototype of the bunch, aptly named GT Up!. Volkswagen says a possible production version of the GT could be fitted with a small displacement engine delivering 100-horsepower or 25HP more than the most powerful Up! available at launch.

It’s been more than two years since we first laid eyes on Aston Martin's stunning One-77 supercar, but we're still enamored with its striking looks. At this year's edition of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the British automaker brought along an example of the One-77 finished in funky brown color. Read more »

IAA 2011: Skoda MissionL Concept Previews New Compact Sedan [Updated Gallery]

Czech car manufacturer and member of the VW Group, Skoda, is on a…mission at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to preview its upcoming compact sedan model with a close to production ready concept car named MissionL.

The production model will be positioned between the smaller Fabia and the larger Octavia challenging the likes of the Focus sedan in Europe, Russia, China, and India. Skoda said the as-of-yet unnamed compact sedan will launch in India by the end of 2011 and the rest of the world in the beginning of next year.

Many consider the i3 and i8 to be the most impressive models on BMW’s stand because they are showcasing the company’s environmentally-friendly future.

Petrol heads, on the other hand, may find another BMW far more interesting. The all-new M5 may have been surfing the web since June, but the 64th IAA in Frankfurt marks its first public debut.

Joining the regular version of the all-new B-Class in its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a concept model of Mercedes-Benz's small MPV. The Concept B-Class E-Cell PLUS is an advanced extended-range plug-in hybrid that combines an electric drive with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

The electric drive generates a peak power output of 100 kW (136HP) and a continuous output of 70 kW (95HP), while the gasoline unit delivers 67-horsepower (50 kW).

We've already given you the full scoop on the all-new Astra GTC, but in Frankfurt, Opel held the world premiere of its latest C-segment model that blurs the line between three-door hatchbacks and coupes.

Based on the five-door Astra, the low-slung GTC sports a unique body shell as well as different platform dimensions as it has a 10mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (+40mm up front and +30mm at the rear).

While the Fiat Group has more or less cut ("neutered" would probably be a more appropriate word…) Lancia from its past, a dedicated fan of the Italian brand with a lot of money to spend, decided to resurrect one the most famous sports cars of all time.

We are talking of course about German businessman Michael Stoschek and his one-off New Stratos that made its first public appearance at a major automotive event in Frankfurt.

The new SsangYong XIV-1 Concept is undoubtedly that, a concept study, but according to the South Korean manufacturer, it also provides a very good indication of an upcoming crossover model described as a "premium B-segment CUV".

From certain angles, the exterior design of the XIV-1 does bear a resemblance to the Range Rover Evoque, especially up front with the clam shell design of the hood and the wheel arch lines (see here).

It may have an unsexy name, but Seat's latest creation, the IBL concept, is anything but lackluster when it comes to its styling.

The sharp looking study is a Ford Mondeo-sized sports saloon created to show off the latest evolution of Seat's design DNA, and while the Spanish brand says it does not pre-empt a specific model, its styling philosophy will be applied to the firm's future portfolio.

Peugeot wants to bring some sexiness to the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment with its new HX1 concept study that made its world premiere at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt this week.

According to the French automaker, the sleek looking concept is built on an MPV architecture with a unique body as it measures just 1,373 tall, but is 1,990mm wide and 4,954mm long.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is renowned for its concept models and automakers didn't disappoint at this year's event. One of the most impressive studies is the new Ford EVOS that displays the Blue Oval's first truly global design language, while also opening the discussion for a compact size sport model.

While we still don't have a name for Ford's new design direction, we do know it replaces the Kinetic DNA and that key styling elements found on the EVOS concept will be applied to forthcoming Blue Oval vehicles including the next generation of the Focus.

While the i3 is an everyday city car - albeit a very sophisticated one at that, the second member of BMW’s new i series that made its way to Frankfurt is an altogether different concept. Derived from the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics study, the futuristic-looking i8 will enter production in 2013. Read more »

IAA 2011: Renault Unleashes Facelifted Twingo Including the RS, Gordini and Maboussin Special

French carmaker Renault showed up in Frankfurt with its renewed Twingo series that received a midlife makeover for the new model year.

Aside from the standard model, Renault also premiered the Twingo RenaultSport (or RS for short) 133 in both regular and Gordini outfits as well as a new limited production version created and named after the Place Vendôme-based jeweler, Mauboussin.

BMW chose the Frankfurt Motor Show to tease its upcoming pure-electric model, the five-door i3 city car with a concept study of the same name.

The concept, formerly known as the Megacity, features a 170 HP electric motor placed over the rear axle that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.

It generates 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque and drives the rear wheels, providing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of under 8.0 seconds while its top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h (93 mph).

Making its world premiere in close-to-production form is the Eterniti Hemera, which the newly formed London-based company refers to as the "world's first Super-SUV".

A close look at the Hemera reveals that the vehicle is more or less a heavily modified (or tuned, take your pick) Porsche Cayenne SUV, which itself is based on the VW Touareg.

Eterniti claims that all body panels on the Hemera are new and made of carbon composite materials, while the company added that is also working on bespoke LED headlamps and lenses that will make it on the final production model.

Taking center stage at Chevrolet's Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the new Malibu sedan that celebrates its European debut after its world premiere at concurrent shows in the U.S. and China earlier this year.

This is the first time that the Malibu will be offered in Europe as GM tries to take Chevrolet global.

After receiving positive feedback and ongoing interest from buyers, Lotus decided to expand the availability of its special edition Evora GTE road car instead of sticking to its original plan that called for a limited production run of 114 cars for the Chinese market.

The special edition is based on the Evora GTE racecar featuring the same 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine delivering 444-horses, up from the Evora S' 350-ponies.

Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus has a thing about building insanely fast cars. Now, half a decade after the presentation of what was then billed as the fastest saloon in the world, the limited run Brabus Rocket based on the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the German company returns to Frankfurt with a vengeance presenting a new ludicrous proposal.

The successor to the original Rocket is built around the second generation of the CLS sports saloon with power coming from a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz-sourced V12 bi-turbocharged engine.

A new version of the 500 city car was Abarth’s most important model at the 64th IAA. As you can probably tell from its name, the Abarth 695 Competizione is a hardcore version of the normal Abarth 500, and it also pays homage to the company’s race-tuned cars of the past. Read more »

Trend New Carscop 2012

Ford to Launch New Mustang Customizer Website

IAA 2011: Ford’s New Focus ST gets ST-R Racing Version

SCOOP: New Audi RS4 Avant Flexes its Muscles on the Nürburgring

Bring in the Light: BMW 7-Series with Glowing Rims

Live Photos and Video of the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition

Production-Ready 180HP Ford Fiesta ST Concept Unveiled in Frankfurt [Updated Gallery]

Another Month, Another Delay: Alfa Romeo Won't Come to the States Until 2013, Cancels SUV Plans

IAA 2011: Opel Envisions an Affordable Urban Commuter with the RAK e Concept

IAA 2011: Volkswagen's Single-Seater NILS EV Concept

IAA 2011: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale in the Flesh

IAA 2011: Third Generation of Smart’s Electric ForTwo set for 2012 Launch

Color Me Bronze: Toyota's FT-86 II Concept Hits the Frankfurt Stage with a New Color

IAA 2011: Lancia Displays its Stars and Stripes in Frankfurt

IAA 2011: Kia Enhances Rio's Presence in Europe with New Three-door Version

2012 Toyota Avensis Facelift Uncovered at the Frankfurt Motor Show [Updated Gallery]

Renault Rolls Out Pure-Electric Frendzy Minivan Concept in Frankfurt

IAA 2011: Mercedes-Benz Looks Two Generations Ahead With F 125! Gullwing Concept

IAA 2011: VW Unveils a Handful of Up! Concepts Including GT, EV and Crossover Variants

IAA 2011: Aston Martin One-77 Shows up in Frankfurt with a Different Hue Right Next to the Cygnet

IAA 2011: Skoda MissionL Concept Previews New Compact Sedan [Updated Gallery]

IAA 2011: New V8-Powered BMW M5 is More Powerful but Also More Frugal than V10 Predecessor

IAA 2011: Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS

IAA 2011: New Opel Astra GTC Takes the Stage in Frankfurt

IAA 2011: New Stratos Makes its Motorshow Debut in Frankfurt

IAA 2011: SsangYong XIV-1 Concept Foretells New Baby CUV

IAA 2011: Seat's Sharp Looking IBL Concept Sedan [Updated Gallery]

IAA 2011: Peugeot's Futuristic HX1 Minivan Concept for Six

IAA 2011: New Ford Evos Study Showcases Blue Oval's Global Design DNA

IAA 2011: BMW i8 Sports Concept Heading to Production in 2013

IAA 2011: Renault Unleashes Facelifted Twingo Including the RS, Gordini and Maboussin Special

IAA 2011: BMW i3 Study Previews New EV Premium City Car

IAA 2011: Eterniti Hemera Brings a Breath of Fresh Air to the Porsche Cayenne

IAA 2011: New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Receives its European Premiere

IAA 2011: New Lotus Evora GTE Limited Edition with 444-horses

IAA 2011: Brabus Presents the World's New Fastest Street-Legal Sedan, the CLS-Based Rocket 800

IAA 2011: Abarth Turns Fiat's 500 City Car into the 695 Competizione