The enormity that is the Frankfurt Motor Show, or IAA, is hard to grasp. There is so much that happens there in just a few days, and to help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together our Frankfurt highlights.
It is arguably the most important on the calendar for the motoring industry, and the stats reflect that:
– Held in 12 buildings
– Covers over 250 000 square metres, or 35 professional soccer fields
– Over 1000 exhibitors
– Over 1 million visitors
– Hosts 12 000 journalists from 100 countries
This year was no exception, and the world’s motoring public has been treated to some exciting and important new cars. As the press days give way to the public days, here’s a summary of our coverage of this year’s Frankfurt show, in no particular order.
2014 Nissan X-Trail Revealed
Nissan’s popular “small” 4×4 has been overhauled completely and now sports a more luxurious look and interior. Full info and gallery at the link.
2014 Hyundai i10 Launched
The popular compact Korean has been updated completely for 2014, and looks to cement its place in the budget arena. New looks make it more mature, while luxury features from more expensive models will filter down.
Mercedes Benzs Striking New S Class Coupe Concept
Following the launch of the rather impressive S-Class, Mercedes has unveiled plans for the S Class Coupe. We can only hope the production version, scheduled for 2015, looks something like this.
2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet completes the A3 family
Audi are building some seriously pretty cars lately, and the A3 is no exception. One of our favourite premium hatches now comes in convertible form. The first A3 had it’s problems, which Audi has tried to resolve with the latest model.
Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept Surprise Debut
Sometimes car makers just need to get a fantasy out in the open. A turbodiesel V10 4×4 supercar? Why not. In an age of internet leaks, Audi somehow managed to keep this one under wraps right up until the show.
Jaguar C-X17 Concept
Jaguar is wading into the SUV arena in a bid to go mainstream. Ahead of launching a 3-Series/C-Class rival, the brand launched this, a handsome new SUV with all the Jaguar styling cues you’d expect.
BMW i8 Production Spec
After years of teasing, BMW finally release the production spec version of its hybrid supercar, the i8. It looks dramatic, has retained its winged doors and promises exceptional fuel consumption and performance. We can’t wait to see them on the roads.
The New Porsche 918 Spyder
Porsche’s take on the burgeoning era of performance hybrids, the 918, has proved that it as good as it looks, by claiming the Nurburgring production car lap time. But just look at that price tag…Even so, the 918 is an important car, and we explain why.
Volvo Concept Coupe
It’s being touted as a homage to the classic P1800, but Chinese-owned Volvo is most likely showing how it plans to take on the premium segment in China. Either way, it’s an exciting car from a historically sober manufacturer.
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Coming to South Africa
In a country like South Africa, cars like the Land Cruiser Prado offer almost everything the outdoors-minded motorist might want. The 2014 model promises to be even better. We’ve got a full gallery and all info at the link.