We've been treated to some bold concepts and big reveals like the Porsche 918 Spyder and BMW i8 at this year's Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (aka Frankfurt Motor Show). Now after dashing through downpours and dodging crowds in the multiple halls at Messe Frankfurt, it's time to round-off our coverage of this automotive hardware spectacular with a look at some of our other favorites from the around show floor.
While this is essentially a photo tour of the show, some of the vehicles in our gallery deserve an extra mention.
Brabus B63S 700 6x6
The already beastly Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 got a little more aggressive at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Tuning shop Brabus added carbon fiber and chrome body work to the six-wheeler's exterior and fiery red Mastik leather/Alcantara trim inside. More importantly, it juiced the Biturbo V8 engine up more than 150 horses with a kit that includes beefier dual turbos, high-performance metal catalsts and stainless steel sport exhaust. The 700-hp B63S runs to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds ... not bad for a 4-ton apocalypse rover.
Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept
Ford previewed a move upmarket with the Mondeo Vignale Concept. The concept revives the old Vignale coachbuilder badge for what Ford calls a ''unique upscale product and ownership experience'' for the European market, where it doesn't sell Lincoln-brand models.
"Vignale will offer the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe from a product and from an ownership experience perspective," says Stephen Odell, Ford’s president of Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept showcases the features that customers tell us they want in terms of styling and quality, advanced technology and exclusivity."
Ford plans to launch the Vignale by 2015, and the Mondeo Vignale Concept provides a look at what buyers can expect. It is shown as both a four-door saloon and wagon, featuring quilted trim, chrome highlights, and the Ford Sync with MyFord Touch connectivity system.
Spark-Renault SRT_01E
Renault plans to enter next year's FIA Formula E Championship. On its way toward that goal, it debuted the Spark-Renault SRT_01E electric racer before the world in Frankfurt. The electric one-seater's rear wheels draw power from a 270-hp electric motor. Regulations call for limiting that full output to "push to pass" overtaking during races, maintaining a regular maximum of 180 hp.
“We were enthusiastic about this project right from the start because it gave us a chance to explore new paths," says François Champod, motorsport technical director at Renault Sport Technologies and Formula E coordinator. "No-one had ever designed an electric single-seater with this kind of performance, manufactured in short production runs and developed according to a tight deadline. We factored in a number of constraints, including mass, safety and thermics. Harnessing the complementary skills of the consortium members, the Spark-Renault SRT_01E is an excellent synthesis of current knowledge. We are sure that it will prove to be a stand-out single-seater in motorsport history.”
The SRT_01E will get to prove itself starting in September 2014.
Head on to the gallery to check out the rest of our favorites from the show.
