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2015 Volkswagen e-Up! shows EV commitment at Frankfurt this season

We finally have some shots from the show floor of the Frankfurt Motor Show of the Volkswagen e-Up!, one of two new electric vehicles from the German automaker. The e-Up! comes equipped with a 18.7 kWh lithium ion battery and 60 kW electric motor (81 hp) with 155 lb-ft of torque, a combination that gives the little five-door hatchback a range of 99 miles.
Along with the e-Golf, it represents the first foray by Volkswagen into high-volume EV production. According to VW, the e-Up! takes the honors of being the most efficient EV, consuming just 11.7 kW of electricity per 62 miles. It's definitely not the quickest form of electrified transportation, crawling from 0-62 miles per hour in 12.4 seconds, or the fastest, with a top speed of 81 mph, but that's besides the point.
With three drive modes, Normal, Eco and Eco+, one can tailor the EV to use progressively less energy per mile. Eco and Eco+ ramp down the electric motor's power and other functions, such as air-conditioning, to extend mileage. Drivers also will have a choice of four regenerative braking levels, D1, D2, D3 and B, the first of which offers the least amount of power recovery and the last of which recuperates the most. Of course, the slowing effect of the electric motor (similar to engine braking) increases as regeneration levels increase from D1 to B, which not only will recover more energy, but also will change how the car drives.

Hamann Nervudo is an angrier Aventador

Hamann Motorsport made a big splash at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with a modified Lamborghini Aventador. The metallic orange monster has been rechristened the Hamann Nervudo, and packs an extra 60 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a few tweaks to the ECU. The other big mechanical change is an optional exhaust, which we're told exists solely to spit fire. Doesn't the Aventador do that already?
The big changes that transform the Aventador to the Nervudo, though, are on the surface. Hamann has made some significant aerodynamic adaptations, starting with a massive rear wing and a reformatted diffuser, with the latter made of unpainted carbon fiber.
Up front a two-piece, carbon-fiber spoiler creates a more aggressive fascia, although the overall effect is somewhat lessened, as Hamann has fitted what can only be described as flared nostrils to the Nervudo's front end. While we aren't crazy about the nose, the new side skirt and engine vents are both nice touches, particularly the scoop on the roof. Not surprisingly, the body enhancements are all available in carbon fiber. A set of multi-spoke whees from the Hamann Professional collection has been chosen to replace the stock Lamborghini items, with 21-inch hoops out back and 20-inchers in front shod in the requisite, ultra-sticky Pirelli tires.

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet cleans up the Messe [w/video]

If we're being honest, the outgoing Audi A3 Cabriolet never really flicked our Bic. That was just fine, of course, because Audi never brought it to North America. This new model, however, might have a different future.
And while Audi has yet to officially decide on this car's North American future, this Frankfurt Motor Show debut clearly has a better sense of proportion and aggression to it, and we're excited about its powertrain solutions, too. For the European market, Audi is promising TFSI gasoline engines in either 1.4- or 1.8-liters, along with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, all being available in front- and all-wheel drive. Audi has also confirmed its first-ever S3 Quattro Cabriolet, which figures to combine a quick 18-second top drop and its hard-hatted sibling's even quicker 296-hp 2.0-liter turbo.
Even though Audi has been better about bringing its high-performance models to North America and has a new emphasis on growing its A3 business in our territories (including a US-minded sedan bodystyle), we would still be a bit surprised to see an S3 Cabriolet popping its entry-level top in dealers in a couple years' time. Having said that, we do think this A3 Cabriolet is almost a lock. Be sure to take a good, long look at our gallery, video and the official press release below.

2014 Nissan X-Trail is the Rogue's identical twin [w/video]

Up until now, the Rogue and X-Trail were two different compact crossovers that competed in the same segment for Nissan, except one was sold only in the US and the other Europe. So why, Nissan asked, aren't they exactly the same? Thus, with today's reveal of the redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue, our team on the ground at the Frankfurt Motor Show also met its new identical twin, the 2014 Nissan X-Trail.
Unlike the Rogue, the former X-Trail was a boxy thing that put on the airs of an SUV, so this new look is likely a larger departure for Europeans than it is for us 'Yanks. From what we can tell comparing their press releases, these two crossovers are practically identical save for the badge on their rear liftgates, both now offering an optional third row of seating and a slew of infotainment and active and passive safety features.
The one thing that may differ between the two are the engines on offer. While we know the Rogue has a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, Nissan's remaining mum on what will motivate the X-Trail. The prior model offered both gas- and diesel-powered models, which we feel safe in assuming will continue (perhaps opening the door for a diesel-powered Rogue in the US some day). Nissan says we'll know more closer to the X-Trail's on-sale date, which is stated simply as being "next year," whereas the Tennessee-built Rogue will be going on sale in the US this fall.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf is ready to battle the Nissan Leaf

Volkswagen has never been one to put all its eggs in one basket, be it brands, models, bodystyles or powertrain technologies. Germany's largest automaker is a major player in both gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, but it has also dabbled in hybrid powertrains more recently, and it's cranking up its pure-electric campaign as we speak. A key part of that initiative is the new e-Golf that has just rolled out on VW's show stand here at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The e-Golf is powered by an 113-horsepower motor that generates 199 pound-feet of torque with juice supplied by its 24.2-kWh battery. VW board member Christian Klingler tells Autoblog that the hatchback is slated to come to select North American markets in early 2015, but declined to confirm whether the car will be available for purchase or a lease-only scheme.
Either way, when it arrives, the electric Golf should bring with it VW's first set of LED headlamps and blue-line trim through its headlamps and grille. More importantly, it will also whir into dealerships with a 0-62 mph time of 12.4 seconds, a top speed of 87 mph and a 118-mile range. It will also feature two different driving modes and no less than four regenerative braking modes. For more information, scroll down to view the official press release.

2015 Audi A8 rises to meet the challenge [w/video]

It's turnover time in the extra large premium sedan segment. With Mercedes having stuffed HAL 9000 in its new S-Class, other luxury marques are quickly updating their own super sleds to keep up with this persistent march of technology. While far from a full redesign, the Audi A8 has changed enough for 2015 in terms of styling, powertrains and new technology to keep it in the conversation.
For starters, the A8's exterior design has been redone, with the most noticeable changes happening up front. The trademark 'gaping maw' grille is a little less gaping, while the headlights now feature a straight lower edge of LEDs, excising the old model's droopy-eyed look. Speaking of headlights, Audi now offers optional Matrix LEDs, the latest in headlight tech, with 25 individual elements per side that can be turned on or off and dimmed as the situation demands. The rear of the A8 has also been resculpted and looks very much inspired by the derrière of the A7, with a single chrome strip connecting the new LED taillights.
The A8's full suite of powertrains has also been upgraded, with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 now producing 310 horsepower (up 20 according to Audi, though down 23 compared to the US-spec 2013 model). The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 is now rated at 435 hp, a solid 20-horse increase that lowers the car's 0-62 time to just 4.5 seconds. That's within spitting distance of the 520-hp S8's time of 4.1 seconds. That aforementioned super sport sedan's engine remains unchanged, as does the 6.3-liter 12-cylinder powerplant in the A8 L W12, but Audi's two diesel engines have both improved, with the 3.0-liter V6 producing an extra eight horsepower (256 total) and the 4.2-liter V8 gaining an extra 34 hp (385 hp) to go along with its more-than-adequate, though unchanged, 626.93 foot-pounds of torque.

Lexus LF-NX Concept takes aim at the small crossover herd [w/video]

Lexus is drawing crowds with its sharply styled LF-NX Concept, a car that previews a competitor for the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLK (also debuting at Frankfurt) and Audi Q3. We previewed the LF-NX last week, but we've since gotten a bit of in-person time with the compact crossover on the Frankfurt show floor.
There's a lot of show-car tinsel here, but the makings of a production model are fairly visible. That trademark Lexus face, with the separate headlight and running light arrays and an even more extreme version of the "spindle" grille, is present and accounted for. The styling is sliced and carved, like the Lexus IS, although it's difficult to tell if the production model will be quite so extreme in its looks. We'll bet yes.
Take a look above for the full set of live images from Frankfurt, then scroll down for video and some of the stock images from the original, online unveiling. Finally, click over for our complete coverage of the LF-NX from its debut, last week.

2015 BMW i8 offers you a fast ride to the future for $135,700* [w/video]

BMW's long-form teasing and rollout of its incredibly cool i8 has put us in a unique position to report from its world debut here in Frankfurt. Typically, an auto show debut marks just the start of the information dump about a new vehicle. The i8, however, is a car that we've already driven and reviewed, so perhaps the biggest news from the show floor is the official price of the thing, as well as getting to see it live and in person, of course.
Arriving in US showrooms in the spring of 2014, the i8 performance plug-in hybrid will carry a price tag of $135,700 (*not including $925 for destination and handling charges). That kind of cash puts the i8 near the very top of the BMW range (slotting just under the top-trim 7-Series models), and will buy a massive amount of new technology.
The four-seat i8 has the look of a true supercar, and its new-tech drivetrain will offer up the performance of a stirring sports car, at least. A TwinPower Turbo, three-cylinder, 1.5-liter engine will make 231 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque that's gets sent to the rear wheels, while a 96-kilowatt electric motor doles out 131 hp and 184 lb-ft of maximum torque to the fronts. Total system output of 362 hp and 420 lb-ft allows the i8 to sprint to 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds with all-wheels-driven handling, and it still returns an astonishing 94 miles per gallon US.

Opel Monza Concept soars into Frankfurt [w/video]

Opel has a handful of debuts hitting the stage at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, but the most significant is the sleek Monza Concept. Reviving the Monza name, Opel says this concept will inspire future models for the brand, but between the styling, technology and powertrain, it isn't clear which of these will make it to production. We're hoping for all of the above.
From a styling standpoint, the Monza Concept blends the look of a coupe and shooting brake. The front end of the car is defined by its LED headlights, the low grille and its long hood. In profile, Opel's signature hockey stick body crease is obvious, but this is also the cut line for the large gullwing doors, which when open make the Monza look like it is ready to take flight.
The doors also provide a wide opening through which to view the cabin's 2+2 seating configuration. The crown jewel of the interior - and perhaps the whole car - is the instrument panel. Spanning the entire dash is an LED projection display for the car's infotainment system.

2014 Chevy Camaro Convertible brings 'Murica to the Messe

You might find it strange for Chevy to use its Frankfurt Motor Show stage to debut the droptop version of its very America-centric Camaro Convertible, but it's actually not that out of place. Remember when Chevy took the wraps off of its new C7 Corvette Stingray droptop, it did so in Geneva. Besides, it's nice to see a bit of 'Murican muscle storming the very Euro-centric stage.
You won't be surprised to learn that the 2014 Camaro Convertible gets all of the same upgrades as the refreshed hardtop variant, including updates to the front and rear fascias, as well as upgraded tech with Chevy MyLink inside. The new (optional) Recaro chairs, however, are not offered on the droptop.
Have a look at the refreshed Camaro Convertible in the gallery above, and click below for GM's presser.

Audi Sport Quattro Concept speaks softly, carries a 700-hp stick

As promised, Audi has unveiled its Sport Quattro Concept here at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which takes inspiration from the 2010 Paris Motor Show debut known simply as the Quattro Concept. Both cars clearly seek to draw upon the company's legendary 1980 Ur-Quattro and its closely related Sport Quattro short-wheelbase rally special, yet this concept car looks more production-minded than the 2010 starlet.
Despite its more conservative duds, this handsome and muscular coupe actually packs significantly more power than the 2010 Paris showcar. In fact, it musters 700 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, versus the Quattro Concept's more historically appropriate 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo with 408 hp and 354 lb-ft. We're not going to complain about a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 plus an electric motor, nor will we grouse about its 3.7-second 0-62 mph dash, 190-mph top speed or 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers on the Euro cycle (roughly 94 miles per gallon US).
Stubborn rumors abound that Audi will offer a limited-edition version of this four-place coupe for sale, but for now, the company isn't talking. If such a model is offered, it's expected to cost significantly more than the R8 supercar, which might be a tough sell considering that vehicle's similar performance and more voluptuous - if less practical - shape.

2015 Civic Type R will make 'at least' 276 hp from 2.0L turbo [w/video]

Honda may not actually be showing off the production form of its upcoming Euro-only 2015 Civic Type R at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, but it did take advantage of the focused media attention to make a pretty cool announcement. In addition to dropping a really hot video of the new Type R testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Honda Europe president, Manabu Nishimae, gifted us with some juicy details about the coming hot hatch.
Nishimae confirmed rumors that this Type R would make use of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, while telling us that the mill would be good for an output of "at least 280 PS." A raw conversion from PS (metric horsepower) to standard horsepower gives us a figure of about 276 hp, or very near the rumored figure of 300 galloping, front-wheeled ponies.
The company will need each ounce of output from its new 2.0-liter engine if it is to meet its stated performance target: making the Civic Type R the fastest front-wheel-drive production car around the 'Ring. Apparently this last session of testing, with World Touring Car Championship driver Gabriele Tarquini at the wheel, has already gotten Honda close to the lap record. Scroll down to read Honda's brief press release about the upcoming Type R, and, more importantly, to listen to the car as it's throttled around the track.

Mercedes Concept S-Class Coupe is two-door indulgence [w/videos]

Back in July, we drove the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and called it the segment's "new standard bearer" thanks to its heady mix of technologies and sybaritic accoutrements. And while we came away from the new S-Class thinking the new generation had visually improved on its predecessor, we were still left wanting a more dynamic styling statement. That statement has arrived here at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of the stunning Concept S-Class Coupe.
Quick studies will note that this showcar's name presages a move away from the company's short-lived CL-Class designation, with the planned production coupe scheduled to once again sell under the S-Class moniker. That's good by us, as is the styling of this coupe, which offers a CLA-style nose on a larger canvas, yet its front end has more presence thanks to its longer dash-to-axle ratio and intricate grillework. As is the tradition with other big Mercedes-Benz coupes, the Concept S-Class has a pillar-free greenhouse to lend the cabin an airy feel, and the rear end reminds us of the SLS AMG gullwing coupe, albeit a bit more nondescript.

Nissan Rogue redesigned with three rows for 2014

Nissan has been on a roll lately, redesigning its core model line with all-new versions of the Altima, Pathfinder, Sentra and Versa Note released this year. But the Japanese automaker wouldn't leave out the Rogue, its second-best-selling model in the US.
Like the Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi Outlander and Ford Explorer, the second-generation Nissan Rogue has gained an optional third row of seats for seven-passenger capability. Along with the middle and rear rows, the front passenger seat can also be folded flat for the benefit of cargo capacity, and the cabin has been redesigned for an airier look and feel.
Despite the added space inside, the new Rogue is only marginally larger than the model it replaces, with a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase offset by shorter overhangs front and rear. A lower drag coefficient ought to help reduce wind noise and improve fuel consumption as well.

Infiniti Q30 Concept might be the cleverest Q model yet

When we first got official word of the Infiniti Q30 Concept, the Japanese automaker said that the crossover's "harmonious contrasts and dissymmetric philosophy" would "make an emotional connection with customers spontaneously." Now, we might not be heads of design studios or directors of marketing departments, but we're pretty sure we can translate that to: "The production Q30 will compete with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class."
In all seriousness (if we can say that of a concept car painted a sort of rose metallic), the Q30 concept looks fetching here in Frankfurt; its rather convoluted and flowing bodywork just carried off successfully because of its grownup hatchback proportions and, frankly, huge wheels. The Q30 could seemingly slot into the current, attractive Infiniti range of production cars and not look amiss (though we'd prefer a color palette that looks a little less like Grandma's sitting room sofa).
Look above for our live images of the Infiniti Q30 Concept from the show floor in Frankfurt, below for stock pictures of the thing, or scroll down to re-read the breathless press release.

Audi Nanuk Concept likes Parcour, puts four rings on it

Without a doubt, one of the coolest (and weirdest) debuts from this year's Geneva Motor Show had to be the Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour concept. And ever since the off-road performance coupe with Lamborgini guts made its debut, we've sort of been smitten with it. We figured this neat two-door would be a one-and-done show car, but to our delight, the folks at Italdesign worked with Audi to create this, the Nanuk Quattro Concept, which makes its debut here at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Unlike the original Parcour, the Nanuk ditches the high-revving Lambo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter diesel V10. That's a beast of an engine, and with 544 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque on hand, it means the 4,189-pound, all-wheel-drive Audi can scoot to 62 miles per hour in under four seconds. Of course, being a diesel, it's surprisingly efficient, and we're told the Nanuk can achieve up to 30 miles per gallon.
As much as we sort of hate the term, the Audi Nanuk is a proper coupe-crossover if we've ever seen one, and utilizes the automaker's next-generation adaptive air suspension (the Parcour had a different pushrod arrangement) that offers a range of almost three inches of height adjustment. There's also an integral steering setup, meaning the rear wheels can turn up to nine degrees in the opposite direction of the front rollers, improving maneuverability.

Volvo Concept Coupe is a long-legged Swedish GT [w/video]

They may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the marque, but Volvo has a long and surprisingly lustrous lineage of coupes in its stable, from the P1800 to the 142 to the Bertone 262C to the 780 Bertone and the recently departed C70. Few of those two-doors have stood the test of time the way the voluptuous P1800 has, a fact the company's designers are apparently keenly aware of. It is that exact model that Volvo says they've drawn upon for this new Concept Coupe, and while the showcar bears little resemblance to the smaller P1800 that inspired it, both cars have a visual grace and presence that has often eluded the brand's grasp.
While not completely ripping up the design language established by the 2001 S60 in 2000, the Coupe Concept is arguably the most radical design statement we've seen from Volvo in well over a decade. Gone is the tone set by the drop-shoulder hood, and in its place is a more flowing, organic look, with the generous proportions of a grand tourer. The concept is a particularly nice piece of work, from its new T-shaped daytime running lamps to its pronounced rear fenders that subtly echo those of the P1800. Interestingly, Volvo informs that the first production model to benefit from this new aesthetic will be the next-generation XC90 crossover - and judging by the teasers we recently saw, this language looks like it'll translate nicely to the CUV's larger shape.
The Concept Coupe is powered by a through-the-road plug-in hybrid architecture composed of a twincharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powering the front wheels and an electric motor servicing the rears. All-in, Volvo says the system is good for 400 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

Porsche 918 Spyder debuts with new N"urburgring lap record [w/video]

It's been a long time in the making, but Porsche has finally revealed the final production version of its long-awaited 918 Spyder here at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And yet that's not even the big news surrounding the hybrid hypercar.
No, the big news is that, while Porsche was preparing taking the wraps off the car here in Frankfurt, elsewhere in Germany a team was setting a blistering lap time at the Nürburgring. And not just any blistering lap time, but a new world record.
Porsche claims that, on the morning of September 4, a team of three drivers (including former rally champ Walter Röhrl and Porsche test drivers Timo Kluck and Marc Lieb) broke the Nordschleife lap record, Lieb finally setting the best time at 6:57 at an average of 111 miles per hour.

Jaguar C-X17 rides high into Frankfurt

After enviously watching its competitors rake in piles of crossover-shaped dollars for years, Jaguar is poised to get into the game with a production model based on this C-X17 concept. While the British brand hasn't officially confirmed it will sell a utility vehicle - indeed, brand fans and industry watchers have wondered whether the Leaping Cat even need to get into the game considering its corporate cousins at Land Rover - we would be dumbfounded if it didn't happen in short order.
We've always been concerned that Jaguar's styling language wouldn't translate well to a high-riding shape, but here at its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, the C-X17 comes off as quite handsome (if predictable) in the metal. The same couldn't always be said of Jag's styling DNA, but newer models beginning with the XF and the XJ have introduced design elements like a larger, more vertical grille that suit the C-X17's form factor exceedingly well. Even the rear end successfully borrows its taillamp design from the glorious new F-Type Roadster.
Underneath the concept's two-box shape is a new aluminum unibody that Jag says it is poised to employ on its next-generation models, including the long-expected midsize sedan coming to North America in 2016. Jaguar has long been a leader in aluminum chassis development even as it has struggled to take weight out of some of its vehicles (the F-Type, for instance, isn't exactly lightweight). Thus far, Jaguar isn't talking powertrains other than to say it will employ a new generation of gas and diesel engines.

Base 2014 Chevy Malibu to get same fuel economy as Eco model

In a move to spur sales of the Malibu, Chevrolet apparently is betting against its own Malibu Eco mild-hybrid by improving the base model's fuel efficiency in addition to updating the styling and interior, Automotive News reports. That's right, for 2014 the standard Malibu matches the Eco's 29 miles per gallon (for combined city/highway driving) through the use of stop-start technology and Intake Valve Lift Control on the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as a revamped transmission. In other news, the Eco's highway fuel efficiency fell one mpg to 36.
These developments beg us to ask two questions: Why would one buy the eAssist-equipped Malibu Eco, which is more expensive by about $2,300 and more complex than the base model, when it offers no fuel economy advantage? Do improvements to General Motors' internal combustion engines make its eAssist mild-hybrid system a moot point? They're questions General Motors must carefully consider as it plans to spread the system to much of its vehicle lineup. Pam Fletcher, executive chief engineer for electrified vehicles, says GM is improving eAssist, according to Automotive News, and it will "place it strategically where it makes sense and where the customer benefit is there."
But as it stands, the Malibu beats fuel economy figures of the base 2014 Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry, as well as the base 2013 Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata (EPA hasn't tested 2014 Optimas and Sonatas yet) - no electric motor needed.

Brabus B63S 6x6 sixes up the Messe

We didn't think things could get any more bonkers when Mercedes-Benz released the G63 AMG 6x6. But that's before we landed in Frankfurt and saw what Brabus has done with the beast.
The Benz tuner par excellence has applied its B63S performance package to increase the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8's output from 536 horsepower up to 690 and from 561 pound-feet of torque to 708. Driving through all six - count 'em, six - wheels, that's enough to propel the four-ton colossus from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 7.4 seconds, which is mighty quick for what essentially amounts to a six-wheeled tank. Brabus kept the 37-inch off-road tires in place, however, limiting top speed to 100 mph.
Aside from the bigger turbos, gold-sheathed intake, high-performance catalysts, 2.9-inch downpipes and stainless steel variable exhaust system and remapped ECU which Brabus fitted to raise the engine's output, it also installed a new front spoiler, carbon-fiber hood scoop, LED and Xenon lighting and a black and red leather and Alcantara interior. You can delve into the full details in the press release below, but what you really need to see are the live images in the gallery above, along with the stock photos in the additional gallery below.

2014 Porsche Panamera Diesel is something to torque about

Porsche has been in the business of slaying sacred cows for the better part of a decade, from venturing into the SUV space with the Cayenne to the four-door realm with its Panamera hatchback. And if those vehicles didn't leave brand purists apoplectic enough, Porsche has been adding diesel and hybrid power to its portfolio, thought to this point, neither alt-fuel motivator has made its way into the brand's sports car lineup.
Today's Frankfurt Motor Show effectively marks the second-generation of diesel power in the Panamera, and this updated 3.0-liter V6 features 300 horsepower (50 ponies more than last year) and a whopping 479 pound-feet of torque, available from 2,500 rpm. That power is achieved with a new higher-pressure, water-cooled turbo and redesigned engine internals that include a new crankshaft and pistons. The newfound increase is said to raise top speed to 161 miles per hour from 152, and drop the car's 0-62 mph time from 6.8 seconds down to 6.0. It also figures to be a better handler, with a new torque-vectoring rear differential borrowed from its gas-powered brethren and a reworked transmission for crisper shifts. The suspension has also been retuned, along with the updated 2014 visuals first revealed at April's Shanghai Motor Show.
No word yet on the North American sales prospects of this diesel Panamera, but we imagine that depends in part on how well the Cayenne diesel is selling.

Hamann M6 Gran Coupe is all flared and shiny

Oh, Hamann. After rolling out the ridiculously pink Mystère at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the tuning company has worked its mirror-finishing magic on the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, debuting this, the aptly named "Mirror" at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It sure is shiny, and a full 40 millimeters wider than the standard M6 GC.
Hamann says that the, um, "tailor-made suit" exterior treatment is made up of a new front bumper spoiler with large air intakes, side skirts, a new rear spoiler, and wing extensions out back. And the end result is... well, let's just call it noticeable. The special BMW rides on unique 21-inch wheels and sits a full 25 millimeters closer to the ground, as well.
As far as we can tell, Hamann hasn't upgraded the M6's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 at all, though there's a new sport exhaust system that "depending on the application area, either noisily announce its presence or purr sportily." Sounds like it's as loud as its newfound appearance.

Mercedes Concept S-Class Coupe says 'see ya' to the CL-Class

There are no fancy names or overly conceptual styling gimmicks that leave any doubt as to what Mercedes just revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With the exception of a few minor alterations here and there, the Concept S-Class Coupe gives us a thinly veiled look at the long-awaited replacement for the CL-Class, the all-new S-Class Coupe.
As we would have expected, the styling of this coupe concept is far more aggressive than the new S-Class sedan that was introduced earlier this year. The front end has more of a CLA-Class appearance to it with the jutting grille and elongated headlights, while the profile of the concept has more of the traditional CL-Class styling we're used to seeing, like the softly arched roofline and, of course, pillarless side windows. The rear view of this concept might be its most exciting as it seems to play off the SLS AMG with its stubby decklid, horizontal taillights and broad rear haunches.
Just like the exterior, the concept's cabin also seems to be very production ready. Compared to the 2014 S-Class sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe reveals sportier, more fluidic styling. The 2+2 coupe keeps the dual 12.3-inch digital displays, ditches the two-spoke steering wheel and adds a lower touchscreen displaying a customizable quartet of world clocks.

Porsche 911 celebrates 50 years of iconic motoring

Back in 1963, Porsche debuted the very first 911 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And over the last 50 years, that coupe has grown to become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. That in mind, you could easily chalk up this 50th Anniversary model as just one of the many special edition 911s that have graced our roads over the years, but dig a bit deeper and you'll see that this one is far more than just some unique paint and different wheels.
For starters, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition utilizes the wider Carrera 4/4S body, but retains its standard rear-wheel-drive configuration. Power comes from the Carrera S' 3.8-liter flat-six engine, but features a Powerkit upgrade that includes the Sport Chrono package and ups overall output to 400 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Hitting 60 miles per hour takes just 3.8 seconds if the car is fitted with Porsche's dual-clutch PDK gearbox, or 4.2 seconds if you choose the row-your-own seven-speed manual. Talk about going Over The Hill with a quickness.
Despite looking pretty tame, we're really hot on the appearance of this special 911, with its throwback flat gray paint job and new 20-inch wheels that look remarkably similar to the original Fuchs alloys of the 1963 model. Inside, you'll find green lettering on the instrument displays, white pointer needles and silver accents, and the leather seats have a fabric insert that's similar to the Pepita cloth from the original 911.

Infiniti Q30 Concept uncovered in Frankfurt

The curtain has officially been raised on the Infiniti Q30 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, an oft-teased five-door hatchback that will move the neo-luxury brand downmarket to compete with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Not only is Infiniti moving down market, it's targeting a younger audience, a field that it hasn't traditionally played in, that wants something different than a hum-drum luxury car. According to Infiniti's marketing director, Hugues Fabre, "Younger customers are coming into the premium segment with their own attitude toward premium-ness."
Infiniti's trademark styling elements are on full display here, from the radically kinked C-pillar and Q50-inspired headlights and grille, to the dramatic character lines on the profile. In the cabin, it looks like an extraterrestrial disco, with a lot of violet lighting, bronzed touchpoints and creamy leather. Ignore the concept car tinsel, though, and you'll see that Infiniti is dead serious when it says the Q30 foreshadows a production model.
We'll have plenty more of the Infiniti Q30, including live images from the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show floor, very soon. Until then, click over to our Frankfurt coverage page, scroll down for a full press release on the Q30, or click over to the high-res gallery.

VW e-Up! and e-Golf revealed with 99-mile and 118-mile ranges

Volkswagen unveiled two new electric models today, the e-Up! and e-Golf powered by lithium ion batteries and electric motors giving them ranges of 118 miles and 99 miles, respectively. The pair of VWs were designed in-house by the automaker, and critical components, including the motors, gearboxes and batteries, will be built in Germany at VW's Kassel components plant.
Let's start with the five-door hatchback e-Golf. It has a higher-capacity 24.2-kWh lithium ion battery mounted in the floor, and being the more upscale car, it also has a more powerful electric motor, rated at 199 pound-feet of torque from 0 rpm and 85 kW (114 horsepower). Accelerating from 0-62 miles per hour takes 10.4 seconds in the electrified seventh-generation Golf, according to VW, and top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph. As stated earlier, the powertrain gives the e-Golf a range of 118 miles, and VW is quick to point out that the car, helped by its low drag coefficient of 0.28, manages to use about 12.7 kWh of energy per 62 miles, depending on driving style.
The e-Up! is the smaller of the two EVs, a three-door hatchback with a higher drag coefficient of 0.31. The EV based on the up! is equipped with an 18.7-kWh lithium ion battery, also mounted in the floor, generating 155 lb-ft from 0 rpm and 60 kW (81 hp). With a top speed of 81 mph, a 0-62 mph time of 12.4 seconds and a range of 99 miles, there's only one measure of performance at which it beats the e-Golf, and it greatly matters in a vehicle trying to be ultra efficient: the e-Up! uses just 11.7 kWh per 61 miles, which VW says makes it the "efficiency world champion."

BMW i8 fully revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

It may be early in the morning here in the US, but in Germany, the first day of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is in full swing. BMW took advantage of the early start and showed off its long-awaited i8 plug-in hybrid sportscar, a two-plus-two, swan-wing-doored coupe, to the Frankfurt crowd.
We drove a BMW i8 prototype back in August, so many of the things we're reading today are clarifications on our initial suspicions or speculations. Underhood sits a 1.5-liter, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine. On its own, it churns out a respectable 231 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is then channeled to the rear wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. An electric motor, meanwhile, sends 131 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through a two-speed automatic to the front wheels.
With all-wheel drive at its disposal, the total system power sits at 362 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, and allows the i8 to scamper to 62 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. That excellent performance is offset by an estimated fuel economy figure of 94 miles per gallon, though, making this a fast and efficient vehicle. Charging is impressively fast on the i8, with a full charge coming from a 110-volt outlet in under four hours. A BMW Charging Station will trim the charge time down to 1.5 hours.

Ford C-Max sales hold steady despite fuel economy fracas

Despite the ballyhoo that accompanied Ford's lowering of the C-Max fuel economy figures, the Blue Oval is still seeing strong demand for the five-seat MPV, as Automotive News reports. Speaking to marketing boss Jim Farley, AN says that the controversy surrounding the C-Max's fuel economy figures won't force Ford to change its marketing strategy.
Ford lowered the fuel economy rating of the C-Max after public outcry and legal action by customers that were unable to reach the 47 miles per gallon promised by the window sticker. The new ratings were dropped about a month ago to 45 mpg on the freeway and 40 mpg in the city. Ford offered rebates for current C-Max owners, with $550 going to those that bought their car and $325 to lessees. The issue, says Ford, stemmed from testing standards that allowed the automaker to base the C-Max's fuel economy on the Fusion Hybrid, because they use identical powertrains. The C-Max's less aerodynamic shape wasn't taken into account, though.
Whether Ford's PR team handled the crises perfectly or people just aren't that bothered by a four-mpg drop in combined ratings, demand remains strong for the C-Max among consumers. Ford moved 3,000 units in August, which was a 12-percent jump over July sales. Meanwhile, consumer demand through third-party shopping websites remains strong as well, according to Autometrics, a data analysis company that spoke with Automotive News. While the long-term effects of the adjustments remain unknown, the C-Max appears to have fared well in the near term.

Mercedes, VW ending badge-engineered Sprinter deal in 2016

Back in January, we heard that Volkswagen and Daimler would not be renewing an agreement that provided VW with the fullsize Crafter van based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This agreement, which began in 2005, was only supposed to run until the end of 2016, and now Mercedes has confirmed the report stating that the partnership will terminate as planned.
While VW is looking past this deal to develop an in-house van with its truck and bus subsidiary MAN, Mercedes seems eager to end the partnership in order to focus on producing more Sprinters for its own brands (including Freightliner). In addition to the redesigned 2014 Sprinter, Mercedes says that sales of the van in Asia, South America and Russia continue to increase. Europe remains the Sprinter's strongest market holding an 18-percent share of the medium and large van markets in 2012.