Inside Lane
Inside Lane
Issue 44
Frankfurt Motor Show 2013
Welcome to the Frankfurt motor show of 2013 where we have been treated to a feast of fantastic concepts, radical production ready cars and a handful of surprises. This years has been the biggest German show ever and this issue we are to bring you the biggest stories from the show stands. You’re still here? Turn the page to find out what the likes of Audi, Bugatti, Jaguar and more have in store.
An unyielding benchmark for family saloons and estates everywhere, the Ford Mondeo can truly claim to be the car of the masses. Conceived from a solid, nononsense platform of dependability, practicality and affordability, its success and all-
Mondeo Goes UpMarket
round popularity has made it one of the most iconic cars of the last 20 years. So much so, you could argue that the Mondeo isn’t just a car; it is the car.
From 2015, Ford have announced the fifth generation Mondeo will be offered with a more premium package. Due to be extended to further models, the new Ford Vignale range will answer the increasing demand for more high-end Ford products. Kicking off with the Mondeo Vignale saloon and estate in early 2015, these higher spec models will feature unique design elements, high quality craftsmanship, and advanced technologies, presumably taking the fight to the more established luxury car manufacturers such as Mercedes, Jaguar and Lexus. For example, the Mondeo Vignale Concept presented by Ford features such perks as 20 inch Vignale alloy wheels, chrome door handles and mirror caps, exclusive dark brown coachwork, quilted trim, adaptive LED headlamps and a leather smothered interior. Ford’s in-car connectivity system integrating smartphones and delivering wi-fi capability is also thrown in to the premium mix.
Volvo are very much leading the way when it comes to the motor cars technological advancement. Already with a reputation for pioneering new safety features, the future of the company is one that is very exciting. The new Volvo Concept Coupe shown at the Frankfurt motor show is the embodiment of a modern day Volvo wrapped in a sleek coupe package. The Concept Coupe could be seen as a re-imagining of the classic P1800 with its coupe body style and clean design. Its design language foreshadows that of future models including the up and coming XC90. Inside the cabin you are surrounded by the latest tech and bathed in blue LED lighting. The console is dominated by a large touch screen that plugs directly into a system that that will actively steer the car to avoid accidents. This concept is superseded by a 2.0 litre turbo and supercharged
Ghosts of the Past...
It has to be said that some Vauxhalls do not lead their class aesthetically as their focus is more on good value utilitarian transportation. Two things that will be prominent in the brands future are smaller engines and a new design language. Bringing back a nameplate from the past and pairing it with these future aspirations reveals the Vauxhall Monza Concept. It is quite something to look at isn’t it? Arguably one of the prettiest cars to wear a Vauxhall badge, this highly styled low slung concept features details that will feature on future models. The wide premium grill and sculpted body lines define the shape, but do not expect to see those gullwing doors in a showroom anytime soon. Inside is a vast cabin seating four, that thanks to those aforementioned doors, is not obstructed by a b-pillar. Its engine is a 1.0 SIDI turbo unit that is an evolution of that found in the Ampera.
Stylistic Statement
Nip and Tuck
Talk about a trend setter! The Range Rover Evoque has
automatic option. The new box with more cogs than most is
become a common sight in well to do urban areas of the UK
there primarily to save fuel and reduce emissions. A 9.5%
with its compact size, modern design and prestigious badge
reduction in CO2 can be seen along with with an 11.4%
being key selling points. Now the baby Range Rover is to
increase in economy. Externally the Evoque’s changes are
receive a nip and tuck as it undergoes a refresh that also sees
small but include a new set of alloy wheels and detail changes
the introduction of a 9-speed gearbox.
for the badging.
A 9-speed gearbox? Is that really necessary? Fear not, you shall not be forever clicking through gears as this is an
It’s fair to say Lexus know a thing or two about making SUVs, particularly at the premium end of the spectrum. The original
“What are you looking at?”
Lexus RX of the 1998 vintage was one of the world’s first fully fledged luxury SUVs and 15 years down the line the market for these mobile hotel lobbies has become a major chunk of the motoring industry pie. The latest incarnation is the understated and underrated RX 450h, an SUV that showcases Lexus’s class leading hybrid technology in a subtle and discreet package. However, in preparation for the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, the Japanese firm has conjured up something that is a little more of an assault on the senses. Aimed at exploring the potential for a future addition the line-up, the new Lexus LF-NX is a mid-size hybrid crossover concept. In terms of appearance, think along the lines of smaller RX that has just realised it has lost its winning lottery ticket. This is a very, very angry looking machine. The numerous lines and angles are typified by the manic glare of the front headlamps, positioned at the end of a thin but deep furrow stretching back beyond the wing mirrors. The entire front end is dominated by Lexus’s signature new generation spindle grille, already previewed on the LF-LC concept. The sharp tick-shaped design of the daytime running lights beneath the front headlamps is taken from the new Lexus IS and accentuates the car’s aggressive persona. Further back the theme continues with dramatically raking wheel arches and the chiselled rear headlamps and tailgate.
Inside, the LF-NX also differs sharply from the luxurious feel of previous Lexus SUVs. The yellow and black leather upholstery and high-tech dashboard and centre console give as strong a hint as any that this crossover is not geared towards the softly-softly approach. Power comes from a new variation of Lexus’s full hybrid system, tuned for SUV performance. The LF-NX concept is due to be unveiled to the world on 10 September at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.
Daddy’s Home!!!
The Audi Quattro is a very important car in the history of automobiles. Bringing all wheel drive to the masses and then using it to transform the world of rallying, this machine is quite the landmark. A symbol of 80’s cool, Audi first introduced a modern-day interpretation of the Quattro in concept form in 2010, but today that concept comes another step closer to reality. The rebirth of the Quattro is something fans, and myself, have been crying out for and now our calls are answered in the Audi Sport Quattro. The menacing looking car may still be a concept, but what you see here is a model not too far from a production variant that will sit even above the R8 supercar. How so? Well I think it has something to do with 690BHP being produced by its twin-turbo 4.0 litre engine and an electric motor. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8 speed transmission. Packing 590lb ft of torque the new Quattro will dart from 0-62MPH in 3.7 seconds. Not only does it impress in terms of speed but other performance benchmarks such as economy. 113MPG is possible, not to mention the capability of running for 30 miles on pure electric power. Not bad for a 190MPH supercar.
Kia Niro
The Nissan Juke really started something with its funky jacked up hatchback. Though its bold styling was not to everyones taste, it does turn heads are for those looking for a small high riding car with a bit of attitude, it was an attractive niche. As always, when something proves popular others join in the fun and now it is Kia’s turn. Though not slated for production, this Kia Niro Concept will help shape the companies future design direction in terms of a crossover. Featuring swan doors and chunky tyres, the Niro does look rather unique. Said to be design with European tastes in mind, the bold appearance continues a succession of very stylish cars from Kia. The car shall make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.
Putting the Green in Green Laning With strict Euro emission laws lurking in the not too distant future, car manufacturers are having to do everything they can to reduce the CO2 output across their range. Even brands such as Range Rover must comply and hence we see the announcement of production hybrids for the first time in the companies history. From 10th of September you can walk into your local dealership and place an order for either a Sport hybrid or a full fat Range Rover hybrid. Utilising a TDV6 diesel as well as an electric motor, the new cars output 335BHP and 516lb ft of torque. Despite the added weight of a battery pack, these cars will out accelerate their standard models.
Foza Ferrari
458 Speciale
The Ferrari 458 is a very special car.
stallion. That honour is left to the Ferrari 458
making it the most powerful V8 engine the
Arguably one of the best handling supercars
Speciale.
Italian firm has ever made. 0-62MPH is
on sale today, the 458 Italia with its mid-
completed in 3.0 seconds and 0-124MPH in
mounted V8 is both beauty and the beast.
Following in the footsteps of the 360
a very impressive 9.1 seconds. The Speciale
However, as accomplished as that car is we
Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia, the
has had a lot of aerodynamic changes over
have always known that it wasn’t to be the
458 Speciale is an even more focused
the original 458 with wings and active aero
ultimate incarnation of Ferrari’s mid-engine
performance tool than the base model. Its
flaps increasing the cars downforce enabling
4.5 litre V8 engine now produces 597BHP
it to pull 1.33g’s through corners.
Fuel Sipper
If you are an endurance racing fan you will know all about Peugeots exit from the series. The team that took on Audi and won were literally at the airport to go racing when Peugeot big-wigs pulled the plug on the program in an effort to save money in troubled times for the manufacturer. That left Peugeot with a fully developed racing car loaded with cutting edge technology that no longer had a purpose. Some of it found its way into the impressive Onyx concept car, however, the real world feasibility of such a machine was next to zero. So how do Peugeot make the most out of all the R&D data the defunct 908 racer gathered? The answer is the 208 Hybrid FE.
Utilising the engineers from the racing program Peugeot have created a plausible road car that produces some biblical figures. This 208 can achieve 141.2MPG and emit less than 50g/km of CO2! That is a real milestone in terms of efficiency and it is possible through the use of the racers hybrid system and a reworked 68BHP 1.0 litre engine. You might think that with that little engine this car will bit a tad on the weedy side, but you would be wrong.
0-62MPH is completed in 8 seconds which almost halves the 14 seconds of the standard car. Aerodynamics are key to the FE’s efficiency with a redesigned rear end and a completely flat floor. Bespoke tyres, suspension, transmission, extensive uses of carbon fibre and a narrower rear track all play a part in this concept.
An A+
The current trend for car manufacturers at the moment is to take their hatchbacks and use them as the basis for a new crossover. Mercedes-Benz want to grab a slice of a market where BMW with their X3 and Audi with the Q3 have been making some good money. The new Mercedes GLA aims to do just that with bold looks and the allure of that three pointed star on the grill. First seen as a concept car a few months ago, the GLA sit upon the same platform as the current AClass. In appearance the car makes a very bold stylistic statement to its competitors with heavily sculpted lines and bonnet bulges. Inside the cabin is well trimmed as in all Mercedes products offering a premium environment for passengers to spend their time. The engine lineup is divided by what choice is made in the drivetrain department. If you were to opt for the front wheel drive variant you can choose from a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine with 154BHP or a 1.8 litre turbodiesel with 134BHP. However, go for the all-wheel-drive model and you may have either a 168BHP 2.1 litre turbodiesel or a 208BHP 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol. Gearboxes are again divided by drivetrain with the front drive car getting a six speed manual and the 4X4 a 7 speed dual clutch affair. The most economical model is the GLA200 CDI (2.1 diesel) that can achieve 65.7MPG.
Hybridisation of high volume cars is becoming more and more common as pairing an electric motor to a conventional combustion engine is a good way to improve efficiency. BMW are really focusing on the green market of late with their i range, but they haven’t forgotten about their remaining fleet. Based upon the new BMW X5, this is the eDrive Concept. BMW’s X5 eDrive Concept is a plug-in hybrid that claims an impressive 74.3MPG. A battery that is stored in the boot floor can run the eDrive for 19 miles at up to 75MPH on pure electricity. BMW say that this concept can get from 0-62MPH in under 7 seconds as well as emit less than 90g/km of CO2.
Plug and Play
A BIG Cat
Car manufacturers in this financial climate need to ensure that their products are still selling in volume in order to survive. Though Jaguar car sales have been doing fantastically well, there is a market that competitors have crept into that could prove to be very lucrative. The luxury crossover is quickly becoming the iPod of the automotive world and everyone who is anyone wants to buy one. Bentley, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz are all trundling down that path and now Jaguar has decided to enter the fray. This is the Jaguar C-X17 concept and it makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show. Sitting on top of the yet to be revealed BMW 3 Series rival from Jag, the classy soft-roader takes many modern Jaguar design influences into a new segment. Its broad muscular stance is very Jaguar and so this C-X17 loses none of its brand identity. Inside it is your typical show of soft lighting and high quality leather upholstery whilst outside the body work keeps weight down with greater uses of aluminium. The C-X17 is powered by a V6 pinched from the F-Type, and just like the sports car it send all of that power to the rear wheels. Though a concept for now, make no mistake, Jaguar want to produce this car.
SHOCK and Awe Performance cars are not going anywhere. The green party may want them banished, the government them out of their cities and tax man their owners money, but supercars will not die out. They will simply evolve. Making the environmental changes work to its advantage, the hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder has been shown in its full production ready state at Frankfurt for the first time. Powered by a 4.8 litre V8 and two electric motors the total output for this new breed is 875BHP. Constructed predominately of carbon fibre, the 918 has just become the first road legal car to lap the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes. Clocking in at 6 minutes and 57 seconds it is a full 14 seconds faster than the previous record holder showing the performance benefit of its hybrid system. Couple all of these impressive figures with a 214MPH top speed and 0-62MPH time of just 2.8 seconds and all of a sudden that £657,400 price tag doesn’t seem all that steep.
If I were to describe to you a machine that had supercar
Looking at the Audi Nanuk concept you can clearly see that
performance, a mid-mounted engine and the ability to hit the
Parcour influence and this is because Audi partnered up with
rough stuff you might think I was describing a Group B rally
its makers to produce this beast. Powered by a 5.0 litre V10
car. You would be wrong. The more car news conscious of you
TDI, that is right it is diesel, the Nanuk can sprint from
might think I was talking about the bonkers ItalDesign Giugiaro
0-62MPH in just 3.8 seconds on almost any terrain. Packing
Parcour built as a thing of fantasy by its designer. On that
544BHP and 737lb ft of torque it has a top speed of 189MPH.
guess you would be getting much warmer, but still no cigar.
Now, that engine is the really interesting thing about this car as
No, this car that I speak of wears an Audi badge and is diesel!
Audi have ben making plans for a diesel R8 for years. Have we just had a sneak preview?
Nice Niche
The Bugatti Veyron is well on its way to signing off on the last few pages in its chapter of automotive history. As production of this biblical machine winds down Bugatti are releasing several special edition cars to commemorate important figures throughout the brands history. The Wimille edition that celebrated the Le Mans winner of the same name is to be joined by 5 further cars, the latest of which is the “Jean Bugatti.� Jean Bugatti, son of the companies founder, has been honoured with a special car that evokes one of his most famous designs, the Type 57 Atlantic. Finished in black carbon garnished with platinum grills this car exudes elegance. Based upon the record breaking Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the performance of the car remains unchanged meaning that it has 1,200BHP on tap. Just three “Jean Bugatti� editions shall be built.
Dear  Jean...
The Future?
It feels like we have been seeing the BMW i8 for years already but in truth we have never, until now, seen it out of camouflage. The finished car makes up the second model in BMW’s new i range that promoted future technologies and ecology. The i8 concepts have always looked like something from the future but the real question is just how much of that has been lost in the production model?
The answer is absolutely none. Still looking like Batman’s hire car, the i8 has been revealed in full at the Frankfurt motor show. Sporting a unique carbon fibre-reinforced plastic body, the sports car seats four and is powered by a combination of a 1.5 litre three cylinder engine as well as two electric motors. 113MPG is claimed with a combined range of 310 miles. That is pretty good considering that it will do 0-62MPH in 4.4 seconds and go onto a top speed of 155MPH. Total power output is 356BHP accompanied by 420lb ft of torque.