A Line-up Of New Models At Volkswagen Group Night
As an appetizer for the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen Group Night drew auto journalists to the Fraport Arena, where they had a date with executives from the twelve brands that make up the Volkswagen Group, which would be taking the wraps off a number of new models.
Porsche
The German manufacturer surprised everyone by revealing an all-electric sports car concept: the Mission E, which can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds, and has a range approaching 500 kilometres. Thanks to its new Porsche Turbo Charging technology, which runs on 800 volts, an 80% charge takes just 15 minutes. The Mission E has four doors and seating for four, and develops the equivalent of 600 horsepower with its two synchronized permanent-magnet electric motors, similar to those fitted to the 919 hybrid that won this year’s 24 Hours race at Le Mans. In addition to powering the car, they recover energy when the driver brakes. The battery is installed beneath the floor of the car, for a very low centre of gravity, and the bodywork is a combination of aluminum, steel and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic parts somewhat reminiscent of the 918 Spyder. A star is born, you might say.
Audi
Audi unveiled its new fifth-generation A4, which has some of the looks of the recently launched A3 and rests on the MQB platform to support a roomier interior. With a sleeker shape and wider use of lightweight materials, the new A4 promises better fuel economy, and stakes its claim to being the most aerodynamic vehicle in its segment. It should reach these shores in the first quarter of 2016 as a 2017 model, with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged Miller-cycle four combining better fuel economy and a broader torque plateau from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm. With 252 horsepower and 273 lbs.-ft., the A4 is no slouch. The Car Guide will be testing it in Europe next week, and we’ll be able to give you a full report and driving impressions on a model designed to compete with its perpetual rivals: the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class and the latest Cadillac ATS.
Still with Audi, the e-tron quattro concept is an all-electric SUV that represents Audi’s response to the new Tesla Model X. It should be in showrooms as a 2018 model, and its engineers predict a range exceeding 500 kilometres for a vehicle with the outstanding drag coefficient of just 0.25. With three electric motors, one for the front axle and two for the rear, the e-tron quattro concept draws power from a lithium-ion battery under the floor of the passenger compartment, between the two axles. In all likelihood, this concept announces the imminent arrival of a new conventionally powered Q6, bridging the gap between the current Q5 and Q7.
Bentley Bentayga
A 600-horsepower SUV for something north of $300,000: this is what the British carmaker is planning to offer those for whom too much is barely enough. Bentley wants to offer the most powerful SUV in the segment when it goes on sale early in 2016. With a claimed 4.1 seconds in the 0 to 100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 301 km/h, the Bentayga is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine matched to an 8 speed automatic transmission endowed with the muscle to cope with the astronomical torque from its monster engine: a claimed 663 lbs.-ft. from 1,250 to 4,500 rpm. Consistent in every way with the Bentley approach to things, the Bentayga boasts a supremely comfortable interior with minute attention to the tiniest detail, and a choice of 15 colours for the acres of fine leather and as many carpet choices—not to mention such must-have accessories as a refrigerator or the Mulliner Hamper Set with the finest china and crystal glassware. Customers can also indulge in such options as a Mulliner Tourbillon clock (designed by Breitling specifically for the Bentayga) which is available in white or pink gold, and boasts eight diamonds. Potential purchasers will need to set aside time to browse through the remarkably extensive catalogue of optional equipment and accessories.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The second-generation VW Tiguan, based on the latest Golf platform, has less angular styling than its predecessor, and a front grille that incorporates the headlight assemblies. It is longer, wider and lower than the previous Tiguan, with a wheelbase stretched by three inches, which should result in more generous passenger space. It will be available in selected markets in 2016, with a wide range of engine choices: four gasoline and four diesel, depending on the country. VW’s 4Motion AWD will be available, as well as an R-type version. Volkswagen also showed a Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid with a 1.4-litre engine and an electric motor producing a combined 215 horsepower.
Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder
After the coupe, it’s the Spyder’s turn to make its entrance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Mechanically identical to the coupe, the Spyder has a 510-horsepower, 5.2-litre V10 engine.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo
Bugatti’s Vision Gran Turismo is designed to thrill fans with pointers to the new design language that will distinguish its future offerings. Gorgeous from any angle, the Vision Gran Turismo is perfectly consistent with the Bugatti design philosophy that combines art, form and technology. The W16 engine and AWD will impress any enthusiast.
The above is only the beginning of our detailed coverage of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show which, as always, goes the extra mile in every way. It’s got 230,000 square metres of space and 210 world premieres presented by more than 1,000 exhibitors from 39 countries.