In my first
report on the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show I wanted to concentrate on the new cars and the concept models that had been unveiled. I'll have a more in-depth look
at all the other cars and stands in a different post.
I'll start
with the Ford stand that had several new cars and of course the EVOS Concept
above.
Ford
presented their new Focus ST. The front wheels are powered by a two litre,four cylinder engine with 250bhp and 360Nm.
This five door ST model
will be made available for the global market in 2012.
Ford also
had this Wagon version specifically for the European market. The wagon or the
estate as it is also called is still very popular on our shores. I really
think that Ford made the right choice in making this version and I'm sure it
will be a great seller.
The Wagon
is powered by the same two litre engine and is mated to the same six speed gearbox.
The main
attraction on the Ford stand was this EVOS Concept. The new
front grille, thin headlamps and overall form gives you a clue to the future
global design language, Kinetic 2.0 which Ford is aiming for. If you step away
from the ‘concept' side of things with the huge doors, you then see
elements of the next Mondeo.
Ford
describes it as a four seat fastback concept. The four doors open in a spectacular way.
Last but
not least Ford brought this Fiesta ST. It will be powered by a 1.6 liter
Ecoboost engine giving it 180bhp and 240Nm.
Honda
debuted their new Civic that looked a lot better than the first version. I especially
like the front end.
But at the
rear it becomes a bit fuzzy with a bunch
of different lines. When you look closely under the rear light you even see a
small tacky piece of plastic. I'm not even sure what it is doing there but the
car had it on both sides.
The
interior looked pretty solid, although I found it hard to push the buttons on
the radio and the climate control because the gearknob was in the way.
This is the
Subaru XV that they have dubbed a crossover. This version had a diesel engine
under its hood, perfect for the European market.
I absolutely
love the new design strategy that Citroën has taken. I will have a closer look
at all the other models in another post, but I'll start with the Citroën Tubik
that is one of the most talked about concepts at the show.
The
interior looks amazing with the modular seating.
The Tubik
is influenced by the old Citroen Type H (aka The Tub) vans of the 50s. I think
that Citroën is one those companies that has the balls to put this into production,
albeit in a watered down version.
While
walking around the Fisker Surf it reminded me a bit of the Ferrari FF. I really
liked the overall look of the car.
The rear
needs some getting used to but I really think it works.
This Alfa
Romeo 4C was accompanied by a lovely model that approached me after I took this
shot because she loved my t-shirt I was wearing. She couldn't give me any informatio on
the car though.
Andy told
me that he thought it looked gorgeous in silver, just like it did in the red, but
does look quite heavy in this rear ¾ view.
Maserati is
jumping on the bandwagon with this Kubang concept.
It clearly looks
like a Maserati from every angle but it is just not my type of car. Luckily
Maserati also brought their Gran Turismo.
One of the
first fruits of new management at Group Lotus, the Evora GTE showcases the new
front end from the Lotus concepts shown at the Paris show last year.
The rear
features a huge spoiler and carbon diffuser.
The Suzuki
Swift has been very popular for many years in Europe so it is only logical for
Suzuki to present this new Sport version.
People in
North America will feel left out because they don't get this car.
Aston
Martin brought their Zagato that looked exactly like the race car version that
raced the 24hrs at Nürburgring. I think they cleaned that version and just put
it up for display.
The car
still looks amazing and I guess it won't take long before it goes into
production.
I'll be
back shortly with part two.
-Jeroen Willemsen