Frankfurt Motor Show: Exciting cars and concepts
The prime German auto show organised this week is a biennial exhibition. Despite the questions looming large over the future of the IAA, this month's show contained some new zero-emissions, electric vehicles.
A successor to the 4 Series Coupe, which was facelifted in 2017, BMW Concept 4 offers a preview of a possible future BMW 4-series. It has a plus-sized version of BMW's trademark "kidney grill." Its headlights are the slimmest in BMW history.
The new AI:Trail combines serious off-road capabilities with autonomous functions. Each wheel has its own independent electric motor with the combined output an impressive 425 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. At 4,015mm long it’s shorter than a Q2, but it’s wider and taller than Audi’s compact crossover and features far more interior space thanks to its all-electric underpinnings.
Honda E is meant for next-generation urban mobility. The small electric car is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform and it comes equipped with Honda Personal Assistant technology that uses artificial intelligence to create contextual engagement with users. It only goes 200 to 220 kilometers, or 124 to 136 miles, on a full charge. It will be up for sale in Europe next year.
The Hyundai 45 EV Concept celebrates the founding of the Hyundai Motor Company 45 years ago. It has the typical EV characteristics- long wheelbase and short overhangs, and the flat floor- which gives it the space of a C-segment car on a more compact hatchback overall length, and to create an interior that is more like a living space or a beautiful lounge.
Sián FKP 37 is the first hybrid supercar from the Italian brand. But it cannot drive under electric power only. The car's V12 engine does most of the work. Its supercapacitor, which it has instead of a traditional battery, adds 10% more power. Powering the model is a 6.5-litre NA V12 engine paired to a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain.
The new Defender retains the classic off-roader's straight-sided proportions but with a futuristic look and modern technology. It also features dash-mounted gearshifter and has Configurable Terrain Response, which manages throttle and gearbox sensitivities. In the cabin, it is equipped with the company’s next generation infotainment system called Pivi Pro.
The Vision EQS has electric motors at the front and rear axles with the battery is integrated into the vehicle floor. The show car supports the driver with highly-automated driving at Level 3 and assuming a charging performance of 350 kW, it recharges the battery to 80% in considerably less than 20 minutes.
The Porsche Taycan uses two electric motors to make a whopping 750 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is said to get the Taycan to 60 mph in about 2.6 seconds. The Porsche Taycan is not on sale just yet.
Mercedes-Benz’s newest concept car is essentially a modern-day reboot of the original Mercedes, the “35 PS” from 1901. The driving display is meant to only display the information needed at a certain point in time or specific driving situation, allowing the driver to take in relevant information and still concentrate fully on the road at all times.
The ID.3 is first of many EVs based on the modular MEB platform to arrive in the future. Its production begins in November this year. The zero-emission vehicle takes the shape of a traditional five-door hatchback with an autonomous range of up to 550 kilometers (342 miles) depending on the battery option.
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