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Frankfurt Motor Show: The latest

Frankfurt Motor Show: The latest  - News image

11 September 2007

by Stuart Milne

Click here for our exclusive Frankfurt slide show

Click here for our exclusive Frankfurt slide show

Click here for our third exclusive Frankfurt slide show

10:00 (11:00 German time)

Europe's biggest motor show opened its doors this morning – and Auto Trader is here.

We'll be bringing you all the latest from the Frankfurt motor show throughout the day.

Flanked by some steel 'n' glass skyscrapers, the Messe Frankfurt has been transformed into a homage to all things car.

And I've only been here an hour, but already I've been shocked by the number of debuts this year.

The first stand I stumbled on was Porsche, with its 911 Turbo Cabriolet and GT2 supercar – its first 200mph 911 – all breaking cover.

Honda had a bundle of concepts, including the Accord Tourer 'Concept'. Expect the estate to go on sale soon with minimal cosmetic changes.

On to Mitsubishi to check out another 'concept'; this time the CX which will become Mitsi's new compact SUV.

Mini had a Clubman nailed to a wall, and it looks good. They'll have one on terra firma later though. Its new track-only Cooper Works Challenge (pictured) looks the business, and we'd expect an aftermarket company to be offering the mean bodykit some time soon.

Lastly I wandered over to see the Italian quartet of Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa and Fiat. Ferrari will pull the wraps off the lightweight F430 Scuderia later, so I'll be back.

But Fiat had my car of the show so far – the stunning Grande Punto Abarth SS which is shaping up to be a rally-inspired hot hatch.

Oh, and the 500, what a gorgeous piece of design.

Make sure you check back throughout the day for more from the show.

12:00 (13:00 German time)

Nearly been around the whole show and it’s only lunchtime. But there’s plenty to crack on with this afternoon.

There are still loads of cars with their covers on, waiting for the press call to get the world’s media into a frenzy – like the Ford Kuga, Verve concept and 2008 Focus; the Jaguar XF (the most important car in the company’s history) and a sexy Kia.

Yes, you did read that right, and with the sleek pro_cee’d two door hatch on display, its clear they can build good looking cars.

Back to the here and now, I’ve been checking out all sorts, including a load of new cars from BMW – which have a massive hall to themselves.

The 1-Series coupe looks amazing and this spiritual successor to the classic 1970’s 2002 model will be a hit with UK buyers. It looks as though the pokey 123d on display emits just 138g/km of CO2.

Also on the BMW stand was the X6 – another concept which is likely to make production. Think of a coupe-like X3 and you’ll get the idea. But the real crowd puller was the new M3 – sensational, sexy and stunning. Can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

No motor show would be complete without some sexy Astons, and with the N400 version of the V8 vantage and a hot new version of the DB9, Frankfurt was no exception.

The star of Renault’s stand was the concept coupe version of the attractive new Laguna. Meanwhile, Nissan’s Mixim concept is pure space-age excellence, with its crash helmet-inspired styling plus centrally-mounted steering wheel and computer screens.

The all-new Mazda 6 has had its world premiere – and looks very nice too – and a bonkers concept from Suzuki has rounded up my morning perfectly.

16:00 (17:00 German time)

The crazy thing about Frankfurt is when you think you've seen it all, you turn a corner and there's another jaw-dropper.

That happened a couple of hours ago when I was barging through the crowd waiting for the launch of the Volkswagen Tiguan (looks good, by the way) and fell upon the scariest supercar yet.

Called the Reventon, Lamborghini has managed to put wheels and a badge in a stealth bomber. It looks sensational, and has hints of Lambos past, like the Countach.

I'd also love to see the gorgeous Camaro convertible, Peugeot 308 RC Z, Citroen C-Airscape, Kia Kee coupe and Opel GT on UK roads.

I've been salivating over some cars which we will be getting, including the M3-rivalling Lexus IS-F and Merc C63 AMG.

But I've been left slightly disappointed by the new Subaru Impreza. It's never been a pretty car, but its rough diamond looks suited the car's rugged appeal. The new model is better looking, but lacks character. Maybe it's better on the road - we'll find out next week when we drive it.

A trio of craziness on the Ford stand, with the Verve concept pointing to the look of the Fiesta replacement at the end of next year. Name is still to be decided. The Kuga is Ford's new crossover SUV and looks pretty smart, while the 2008 Focus has been Mondeo-ised with new headlights and a new interior.

And a final mention should go to a couple of concepts from the opposite ends of the spectrum - the Citroen C-Cactus (a mad-faced hatchback reminiscent of a nostril-flared Kenneth Williams) and an uber-luxury Merc, the F700 which represents the future of luxury motoring, apparently.

See you next time.

Click here for our exclusive Frankfurt slide show

Auto Trader links

Frankfurt Motor Show: Crazy Concepts

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Geneva Motor Show 2007
Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part one
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Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part four
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Geneva slide shows
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Detroit Motor Show 2007
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Paris Motor Show 2006
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Paris slide shows
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New York Motor Show
New York Motor Show: the latest
New York Motor Show preview
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Slide show: New York Motor Show preview

 

British Motor Show 2006
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Other motor shows
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